Banking and Finance
Wisconsin market president
U.S. Bank | Milwaukee
Tom Richtman has led U.S. Bank’s Wisconsin market as president since 2017 and is nearing 40 years with the company. Owned by Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp, the bank has enjoyed the largest market share among all banks in the Milwaukee region for over a decade. It holds about 37% of local deposits, according to the most recent FDIC report. Richtman leads company-wide efforts in Wisconsin and directs commercial banking activity in the greater Milwaukee area. Statewide, U.S. Bank has more than 5,000 employees. Richtman also serves on the board of Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconson-Madison; MBA, UW-Whitewater.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
"When I was 13, I sold peanuts at Lambeau Field and earned .03 commission per bag sold. I learned collaborative selling, as I joined with a friendly beer seller."
What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
"New York City to visit our children, and Canadian fishing lodges."
What’s your hobby/passion?
"Being in a 14-foot boat on Canadian waters."
What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
"Golden Mast Inn. I order an old-fashioned and the walleye."
What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)?
"I love '80s punk music, particularly Pearl Jam and The Ramones."
What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
"A 1970 Volkswagon Beetle. I drove it for three years with a hole in the floor."
If you could take a one-year sabbatical, what would you do?
"I would golf a lot and cross the ocean on the Queen Mary."
What advice would you give to a young professional?
"Be diligent, honest, and never be afraid to say, 'I don't know.'"
Is there a nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you? Please tell us about it.
"Alzheimer’s. My father passed away from this disease."
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
"I left my job as a hospital pharmacist in 1981. I found the job enjoyable, but not fulfilling enough to do it for a long time. There was little room for advancement. I went to business school for two years and joined the business community. I knew very little about banking but joined First Wisconsin National Bank of Milwaukee in 1983, which later became U.S. Bank."
What has you most excited about the future?
"Seeing what lies ahead for my children and the commitment to community I see all around us."
