Clark Froehlich, BankFirst President/CEO celebrated 36 years with BankFirst on July 1, 2022.

Norfolk, NE –Over his 35+ years in banking, Clark Froehlich, President and CEO, has built BankFirst into a financial powerhouse by creating a culture of innovation and trustworthiness. This strategy has resonated well with individuals seeking a more proactive bank – energized by smart technology and an engaging staff.

Froehlich – a Norfolk native, graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in 1986 and immediately began his career in banking. Under his leadership, BankFirst has grown from its humble beginnings, with one location in Norfolk and 30 million dollars in assets, to a strong financial leader – with locations in 10 communities and an asset size approaching the 1-billion-dollar mark. Clark continues to be on the technological cusp of the industry and keeps BankFirst on the front line of the future.

HAVING TO GET CREATIVE IN BANKING
Through his years, Froehlich has had to get innovative as the over-all banking environment has changed. BankFirst is big enough to provide the resources needed to efficiently meet the needs of the customer, but small enough to be able to adapt to the rapid changes in the industry.

With the implementation of DriveThru +PLUS ITMs (Interactive Teller Machines), BankFirst has been able to adjust and accommodate the busy lifestyle of the customer by offering a virtual customer service experience with extended hours. Clark states,

“When you speak to one of our LIVETellers at any of our 15 ITM locations, you are getting the same customer experience you would from a standard drive-up. Many don’t realize you get to speak to a real, live person – offering you the personalized service you need and expect from a bank teller. “

Let’s face it – the way people bank has changed, and many believe the sun is setting on the traditional banking model. COVID-19 forced banks to shut down and get creative with how to stay in front of customers. To remain competitive, banks must be willing to make strategic, fundamental changes to both their business and operation models. With that being said, BankFirst has made it a priority to not lose sight of the importance of face-to-face relationships.

“When a customer comes into any BankFirst location, we want to ensure you have our full attention – which is why we have taken a “concierge-style” approach to our customer service experience. Whether you need to make an appointment or have a last minute need – we want to be here for you. “

Banks cannot afford to waste any more time making changes that merely optimize existing practices. They must reimagine all processes – thinking on how to meet the customer where they are and how they need to bank.

REMAINING COMMITTED TO THE CUSTOMER
As BankFirst moves forward, technological advancements can’t cover all aspects of meeting the customer’s needs. Froehlich states, “customers need to know that we remain committed to having the right people, in the right positions, under the right conditions. They need to be able to trust that they are banking with a financial institution that is knowledgeable about their individual needs and knows how to advise them. That’s where we shine. Our experts are here to make even the most complex of transactions a positive banking experience that you can bank on for years to come.”