Community Stories
Apr 21, 2025

Rob Riedel Celebrates 15 Years with The Bank of Elk River

Rob Riedel proudly marks his 15th anniversary with The Bank of Elk River, a significant milestone that highlights his dedication and commitment to community banking.

Rob began his journey with The Bank of Elk River in April 2010, following a successful role as Branch Manager and Business Lender at Bremer Bank. His connection with Bill LaVigne, COO, through their work on the Zimmerman Chamber board of directors, led to Rob's recruitment as a Commercial Lender.

Reflecting on his time at the bank, Rob expresses his gratitude for his mentorship and support from influential figures such as the late Tom McNair and Tom Lund. He also maintains strong relationships with retired colleagues like Glen Hardin.

"The time has gone by so quickly," Rob shares. "When people come to The Bank of Elk River, they rarely leave. Our culture is amazing, focusing on building strong relationships with both employees and customers. Transitioning from corporate banking to a community-focused approach has been refreshing. The process allows faster response times and fosters a deeper connection with our clients. Our customers become friends, and that makes doing business a pleasure."

Over the past 15 years, Rob has developed excellent relationships with customers, many of whom he began working with at the start of his career at the bank. "I understand how they operate and what they need," he says, emphasizing the importance of knowing customer dynamics.

Rob takes pride in his relationship with his team and department, acknowledging that the strong support from his colleagues enabled him to transition into the Director of Commercial Lending role. "I'm excited about the bank's growth as we aim to reach a billion dollars in assets. We occupy a unique space between mid-sized and large banks, which gives us the efficiency to expand while maintaining a personal touch," he adds.

John Babcock, President, CEO, and Chairman of The Bank of Elk River, praises Rob's contributions: "Rob is a consummate professional. His greatest talent lies in his ability to connect with colleagues and customers. Watching him build rapport and understand our customers' business needs has been inspiring. His warm smile and genuine interest in others truly set him apart."

Rob's proactive and positive approach, combined with his deep expertise in credit, uniquely positions him to navigate the complexities of today's evolving business landscape effectively, ensuring continued success for The Bank of Elk River and its valued customers.