Austin Wiberg, business banker and assistant vice president, surprised himself when responding to a question about how long he’s worked at Minnesota Lakes Bank.
“It doesn’t seem like it, but as I think about it, this May it will have been seven years already,” said Austin. “As I reflect on my work here at Minnesota Lakes Bank, what I see is that my involvement in community activities has really helped me build relationships with a wide range of people. I’ve gotten to know the community on a deeper level.”
Austin has been very invested in the Northwest Tonka Lions Club; he currently serves as its vice president.
“We’ve been trying to grow the club and attract younger members willing to be active in the organization,” Austin said. “We get involved in a number of great projects in the area.”
Austin also volunteers with the Spirit of the Lakes Festival held mid-July in Mound. He’s proud to explain that in 2024, the festival was tied with the Minneapolis Aquatennial for hosting the state’s largest fireworks display.
“Engaging in these community activities has definitely led people to our bank and to my desk,” Austin continued. “I’ve even heard firsthand someone refer a prospective customer to me simply based on my acquaintance with him through one of these activities. I am a person who wants to volunteer anyway, but I know it has benefits for the bank, too.”
Austin’s community roles helped earn him recognition as the “best banker in the West Lakes Area” from the Laker-Pioneer, the area’s community newspaper.
“I’ve had more people comment on that recognition than I expected,” said Austin. “I didn’t seek the accolades, but they are certainly appreciated. The involvement I’ve had in the community reinforces my role in the bank.
“As I meet people in the community, my first thought isn’t to sell them on the bank I work for,” explained Austin. “I try to be myself and make a genuine connection with people. If your only agenda is to sell them something, most people sense it pretty quickly, and that often turns them off.”
When he’s not working or volunteering for a community activity, Austin enjoys running, a hobby he started during COVID. He takes pride in how he’s developed as a runner, and last summer entered the Timberman Triathlon for the first time. He and his cousin participated in the event held at Sugar Lake just south of Grand Rapids.
“This triathlon is the oldest in the state, and since our sister bank—Grand Rapids State Bank—is located there, I thought it would be cool to compete,” said Austin. “The swimming portion of the race comes easiest for me; I was a swimmer in high school. The running I’ve done helped a lot, and it was a really fun event. I even met a competitor who drove 48 straight hours from British Columbia to participate. It’s cool that the Grand Rapids event has that much reach.”
Austin also enjoys hiking, biking, swimming, snowboarding, fishing, snowmobiling, skating, and cooking. “I really enjoy being outdoors and remaining active,” he added.
Austin reflected on his professional experience and commented that he appreciates working for a bank that does some of the less-noticed things that keep customers satisfied.
“We’re one of the few banks that call to alert customers when they’ve over-drafted their accounts,” he said. “Usually, those situations are oversights that can be corrected quickly, and most of our customers genuinely appreciate the service. I think it’s important that we distinguish ourselves with services that matter to people.”