Local Cents by Pillar Bank

Banking is evolving faster than ever through technology, artificial intelligence, digital payments, and changing customer expectations. While many aspects of banking continue to transform, the importance of community banking remains as strong as ever.
In this episode, we're exploring what community banking could look like over the next decade. Kennedy and Hunter from Pillar Bank's NextGen Council share their insights on the future of our industry, the role of technology, and how community banks continue to serve customers in meaningful ways.

Tune in to this episode of the Local Cents Podcast featuring Sarah Meyer, Marketing Coordinator, and Kennedy Eslinger, Universal Teller II. Join us as we discuss how social media helps build meaningful connections with customers, share helpful financial tips, showcase Pillar Bank products and services, and highlight our involvement in the communities we serve.

Tune in to this episode of the Local Cents Podcast featuring Mike DeLong, Agricultural Lender at Pillar Bank. Learn more about managing the financial side of your agricultural operation and the importance of regularly reviewing your business plan.
 
Mike discusses the REM approach: Respond, Execute, and Monitor, and how these steps can help you evaluate expenses, improve capital management, and make informed decisions for the future of your operation.
 
Give it a listen and gain valuable insights to help strengthen your agricultural business.
 

Tune in to this episode of our Local Cents Podcast as Michele Bonse, Universal Banker, and Meagan Larson, Universal Teller, share what life is really like on the front lines of banking. Hear about the ins and outs, the challenges and rewards, and why a little caffeine is often essential to the job! ☕🎙️💙

Tune into this episode of Local Cents as members of the Next Gen Council share their perspectives on banking products and what appeals most to their generation. CEO Shane Bauer leads the conversation with Brooke, Kennedy, and Hunter as they discuss financial products, preferences, and trends shaping the future of banking.

This podcast is all about Tiger Teams! So, what are Tiger Teams? It’s a concept tied directly to our organization’s strategic plan. These teams “attack” challenges like a tiger, intentionally coming together to organize, rework, and rethink processes with efficiency and innovation in mind. The focus is on finding ways to strengthen how we operate, improve workflows, and continue growing as a business through collaboration and fresh ideas.

Listen to this podcast featuring VP/Commercial/Agricultural Loan Officer Mike DeLong as he talks about one of his favorite times of the year — June Dairy Month! Originally established in 1937 as National Milk Month, this long-standing tradition celebrates Wisconsin’s dairy industry and communities. Tune in to hear about the many dairy events happening throughout western Wisconsin and why this month means so much to the area.

What does it really mean to lead in your community?
In this episode of Local Cents, we sit down with Angela Kapp, Programs and Partnerships Director at the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce, along with Pillar Bank’s Lori (Leadership Chippewa Falls graduate) and Colin (current participant), to explore the impact of this long-standing leadership program.
Since its start in 1999, Leadership Chippewa Falls has developed more than 460 leaders across industries—equipping them with a deeper understanding of local issues, challenges, and opportunities.
Angela shares how the program has evolved, including new immersive experiences like community tours, while Lori and Colin offer firsthand perspectives on how the program shapes leaders both personally and professionally.
If you care about your community—and want to play a bigger role in its future—this conversation is for you.

What does it take to turn an idea into a growing local business?
In this episode of Local Cents, we sit down with young entrepreneur Custer’s Cones & Candy founder Hunter Custer and Pillar Bank’s Neil Mathwig to talk about what it really looks like to start—and scale—a business from the ground up.
Hunter launched the business at just 18 years old. Now, six years later, he’s expanded to multiple locations, added concession operations at local games, and is preparing to open another location—this time with plans to purchase the building.
From bootstrapping his first location to reinvesting profits for growth, Hunter shares the realities of entrepreneurship, the lessons learned along the way, and why having the right financial partner matters.
As Hunter puts it: “Working with good people we can depend on is so important.”
If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business—or taking it to the next level—this episode is packed with insight you won’t want to miss.

April is Financial Literacy Month, and banks across Wisconsin are stepping into classrooms to help kids build smart money habits early.
In this episode of Local Cents, Pillar Bank team members Erik and Dawn share how they bring financial lessons to life through the Teach Kids to Save program. One of their favorite ways to start the conversation is by reading the children’s book Money Monster, which helps students understand the difference between spending and saving in a fun, relatable way.
From story time to classroom discussions, and even bank tours where students get to see what they learned about, Erik and Dawn explain how these experiences spark curiosity and important conversations about money.
They also share lessons they wish they had learned earlier; the thoughtful questions kids ask; and why helping young people understand money is one of the most rewarding parts of serving our communities.