Business

“ I’ve been with Farmers State Bank for over 19 years and enjoy helping customers reach their financial goals. I give each of my customers personal attention, and I enjoy going to their place of business to truly understand the operation and go beyond the numbers. I am a relationship banker that understands for a banking relationship to be successful, communication needs to occur more than once a year. I know I’ve done a good job when I hear that I’ve made the loan process easy and worry free.
I am a native of the Bitterroot Valley and a 3rd generation Banker. I enjoy living in Hamilton with my wife and our three children. I am active in the community, volunteering for my children’s sports as a coach as well as participating in the Bitterroot Building Industry Association, Bitterroot Valley Kiwanis, and the Hamilton Downtown Association.

Please give me a call or stop in and we can discuss your commercial banking needs.”

“When I started in banking, someone told me I was like the, “Non-banker, banker”. It’s true; I think more like a business owner and less like a banker. Most of my career has been spent starting, owning and operating my own companies. I approach finance from the business owner’s perspective and apply sound financing principles that will help my clients.”

"One of the most important things to me at Farmers State Bank is that my clients know that I am here for the success of their business, not the other way around. In addition to nearly a decade in the banking industry and formal commercial banking training, I also have had a career that has gone well beyond the walls of a bank that gives me a very real perspective on the challenges that a business can face. 

My wife of nearly 20 years and my 3 teenage kids keep me on my toes. We enjoy all of what our beautiful slice of Montana has to offer - camping, boating, golfing, skiing, snowmobiling and all the incredible school and sports activities that come along with busy kids. 

Please call or email me with any questions. I look forward to helping you. " 

"I am Rich Bruner, VP and Commercial Loan Officer in the Hamilton Branch.  I am a native Montanan and have had the fortunate opportunity to spend my 30 plus years of banking in the most beautiful areas of Montana.  I recently joined FSB having come from a large regional bank and when asked what I like most, it is easy to answer.  I have come back to my roots, community banking, where my job is to find opportunities to help our business customers succeed so that our communities can prosper.  Farmers State Bank is about taking care of our customers in each and every community we serve. It is my hope that my personal values, reflect the values of Farmers State Bank.  I currently live in Florence with my wife and father in law and have 3 grown amazing kids that are constantly teaching me things they think I should know."

"With me, what you see is what you get. A banker with over 15 years of experience, I will provide options to achieve your goal. Raised in Elliston, Montana and educated at Montana State University. My wife and I raise and ride quarter horses. Genuine and confidential common sense service is what you can expect when working with me. I look forward to providing customer business tools to move you towards success."

"For the last 12 years, I have worked closely with many different businesses in multiple industries. I have a varied background and have seen business-to-business relationships from many different angles. This gives me a unique approach to financing. I don't look at just the numbers, all variables are considered during the financing process. I focus on providing excellent customer service and taking the extra step to help my customers. 

My wife, three children and myself really enjoy the year-round outdoor recreation opportunities that Western Montana offers. In the summer, you will find us on the river or the lake, and in the winter, we will be out enjoying the snow!

Give me a call, I'd enjoy the opportunity to get to know you and your business!" 

"Having grown up in the beautiful Flathead Valley, it is of paramount importance to me to see continued growth and sustainability here for my four children, so they might have a similar experience and thrive as our local economy continues to blossom.  

My whole career has been in banking, and as such I embrace the complicated and yet solid deals that many bankers might find difficult to put together.  I plan to be here the rest of my life which drives me to not just complete a credit request for a client, but to advise them in a direction that would see they and their business succeed.  I thrive on repeat clients and client referrals, and will always do what is best for my client. 

Call and schedule an appointment with me today, I would love to come and take a look at your project or discuss your future business expansion plans."

Stephanie joined Farmers State out of a desire to continue to provide excellent customer service to the smallest businesses in a bank where every customer is important. With a master’s in business administration from the University of Montana and twenty years of experience in the fields of banking, marketing and advertising, she’ll help you plan for the future of your business. Instead of looking for a way to say no to a loan request, she finds ways to improve or makes suggestions when funding isn’t possible. If you’ve felt like your request was too small or not important enough for the big banks in town, please give Steph a call. She’s happy to help.

“My customers appreciate my quick and responsive service. Contact me for help with your change in your business. I love Helena and want to continue to see it succeed. My work with non profits in town helps inform my approach to business lending.”

Growing up in the Bitterroot Valley I have a passion for the people and businesses that make our valley special. I am a Hamilton High Grad and I graduated from the University of Montana – Western with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration & Office Systems Technology. I have experience with a family run business that operated in the valley for 28+ years, so I understand the business and bank side. I started in banking on the ‘front line’ and understand the importance of your business from the first deposit to the close of a loan. I enjoy meeting customers at their establishments to give myself a true understanding of what they are all about. I believe that my purpose as lender is to listen, understand, and empower the individuals that I meet to help them achieve their goals.

My wife and I enjoy being outdoors in the Bitterroot and love the activity this valley provides. You will likely see me at a Bitterroot Valley Chamber event or on a baseball field in the spring and summer months.

Please give me a call or stop by to discuss your commercial banking needs.

“I am Justin Fries, VP and Commercial Loan Officer in the Kalispell Branch. I am a Montana native, originally from Billings and educated at Montana State University. I’ve been in the banking industry since 2006 and specifically in commercial lending for the past 12 years. I enjoy working with clients to build a solid, trustworthy relationship and help them succeed financially.

Please give me a call or email me so we can discuss your commercial lending needs.”