Austin Wiberg is the credit analyst at Minnesota Lakes Bank, a position he’s held since September 2018. He was hired in May 2018 as a teller/customer service representative.
“The credit analyst position was open when I was first hired. I figured that since I had earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in accounting from Bemidji State University,” said Austin, “I had sufficient background for the job. I was persistent and they gave me a chance to take on the new job a few months after I was hired, and I’m grateful.”
“Until I took this job, I didn’t realize how much community banks rely on the local business community for their survival, and vice versa,” he said. “We work with businesses to obtain lines of credit, loans, equipment financing; whatever they need.
“I’ve also really enjoyed learning how interconnected the business community is to everything else in the community,” Austin continued. “The health of the businesses affects the whole community, and the reverse is true, too: the community’s health affects every business. That’s really obvious now with the pandemic.”
Austin has also observed a wide variety of approaches to managing businesses. While there isn’t one correct approach, he knows that from the bank’s perspective, every business is important.
“At Minnesota Lakes Bank, we have businesses with a $5,000 line of credit and some with a $5,000,000 loan,” said Austin. “Every business gets our respect and attention.”
Austin reports to the Josh Gehlen, the bank’s chief credit officer. 90 percent of Austin’s work is with commercial accounts, but he also has some duties with retail customers, including ordering and reviewing appraisals for in-house home mortgage applications.
Austin grew up in Grand Rapids, and enjoys working for an organization with roots in northern Minnesota. He lives in Eden Prairie but appreciates traveling to work against the major flow of traffic and winding through the lake. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time being outdoors, fishing, tubing, or buzzing around on “the lake” with friends. Since he was a swimmer in high school, he had hoped to get involved with USA Swimming as a coach, but things fell through when the pandemic hit. COVID has also limited his other opportunities to get involved in community activities, but he’s hoping to join Rotary or the Jaycees when he’s able.
“I like working at Minnesota Lakes Bank,” Austin said. “I like the career opportunities I’ve been given, and every day is a learning opportunity. I truly appreciate this area for all its amenities and the small town feel Mound provides, all the while being a short drive from the city.”