An alternative to big-box banking

BY GAIL RAJALA HAYDEN

What does the word “‘bank” represent to you? Of late, to many it has meant heartache. To customers of Woodlands National Bank, however, it has meant a port in the storm.

You feel the security and safety the first time you walk into the Franklin Avenue branch of this first all-Indian owned bank. The lobby is cozy, just big enough for a few teller windows, and a place to sit and write out your deposits or withdrawals.

There is a small office where Naomi Saunier, the branch manager, is almost always available. Joanne Whiterabbit, who groomed Naomi to take her place, can often be found there, but now travels between all seven Woodlands locations as a troubleshooter extrordinare.

The Minneapolis location opened March 3, 2009. The first site opened in Onamia, where there are now two locations. Other sites opened in Cloquet, Sturgeon Lake, Zimmerman and Hinckley. The natural progression was to build branches where there were Native Americans. It wasn’t long before the personal way of doing business on a much smaller scale attracted non-Natives, as well. I was one of those people. The exhilaration I felt the first time I called and a human being answered instead of a recording made the extra driving I had to do worth it.

I had reason to believe this would be a good outfit. When they were forming, they hired Lew Anderson, at that time president of Citizens Independent Bank in Robbinsdale, to become the first president of the original Onamia location. I was working as a personal banker with Lew. I observed him give many loans to small businesses when other banks had turned them away. To ensure those would be good loans, he worked closely with his clients every step of the way to build better lives. He was loved, really loved, by his clients. When he left Citizens, I knew he would do his best to make this new enterprise uniquely caring about the customers it would serve.

I am a customer now of two years. I have received excellent advice, courteous service and empathy. I trust this bank. In addition to being a banker, 15 years ago I taught general principles of banking for the American Independent Bankers-Minnesota Bankers Association. In this entry level class, a lot of class time was given to the importance of gaining your customer’s trust. Woodlands has gained mine at a time when other banks have squandered the good faith placed in them. They have not gone the route of many banks when the laws were changed again allowing them to sell securities. They are bankers, not speculators.

Woodlands Bank is making a significant contribution to the Franklin Avenue corridor. By locating in the Ancient Traders Market, eschewing a drive-in window, they demonstrated that they understood the vision for the Ancient Traders Market, and the neighborhood’s desire for pedestrian-friendly commerce. I think this has served everyone well. I like getting out of my car. I have become familiar with the shops and the faces and relish forsaking the big malls.

If you are feeling bruised or bullied, neglected or underserved or you wonder if your bank has contributed to the broad landscape of broken dreams ... If you are not ready to risk tucking your dollars under your mattress, Woodlands National Bank represents a refreshing alternative.