Nate Wilner

SVP Commercial Banking

651-462-7612

Employee Since: 2003

The details:  Nate graduated from the University of MN Carlson School of Management.  He enjoys using his experience, knowledge and background to help his clients succeed.

Outside of work, Nate is an active member of the Forest Lake Area Rotary club.  In his free time, he enjoys cooking, grilling, fishing, EATING, traveling, sports (Been bleedin’ purple for many years – “Go Vikes!”), working on his house and family time.

Proudest moment at the bank:  Every time I get to help clients turn their business around and grow!

Early bird or night owl?   Night Owl.

Favorite book:  The Cliffs Notes version.  😊

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, it would be:  NOT Lutefisk.  No, thank you.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?  Traveling.  Anywhere and everywhere.

James Friend

NMLS ID #712638, VP Commercial Banking

651-462-7629

Employee Since: 2013

The details:  A U of M graduate, James began his Banking career in March 1983. Jim enjoys the community impact he can make working for a Community Bank.

Jim has been involved with the Community Scholarship Foundation since 1985, was Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce Chair 1999-2000, and serves on the Forest Lake FFA Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Something that recently made you smile:  My niece scoring her 1^st soccer goal!

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, it would be:  Alaskan baked halibut fish.

If you were a superhero, your superpower would be:  To fly.

Favorite MN restaurant:  Either Smack Shack or Murray’s.

Favorite MN sports team:  Minnesota Lynx!

Michelle Gillespie

AVP Retail Banking

651-462-7621

Employee Since: 1984

The details: Working with customers is easily the best part of my job.  I feel fortunate to be able to call many of our customers “friends,” even.  I’m surrounded by great staff who share the vision of exceeding customer expectations by providing personalized financial services.

I’m proud to be involved in our community – along with bank sponsored events, I also volunteer as a Meals-on-Wheels driver.

Outside of banking I like to spend time with my family & friends.  I also enjoy hiking – especially walks with my pups, gardening, road trips and vintage finds.

Favorite book:  “Marley & Me” by John Grogan.

Favorite quote or movie line:  “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain

Sam Severin

AVP Branch Manager

Employee Since: 2017

The details: Sam strives every day to exceed customer expectations by providing quality products customized to fit the needs of each situation.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters.  She admits there’s never a time as magical as when she’s camping with friends – great outdoors, shenanigans, what’s not to love?  Oh, and she likes her dog.  Sam might even be willing to admit that she loves her!

Favorite book:  The “Harry Potter” books by J. K. Rowling.

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, it would be:  Cheese Pizza!

Dream vacation destination:  Any island in the sun.  Catch me there next week!  😉

Mandy Henzlik

Universal Banker

Employee Since: 2017

The details:  I started here as a Teller and have enjoyed getting to know the community.  My favorite is hearing stories about your families & pets.  I always have time to see pet photos!

The bank has the best group of people I have ever worked with – everyone is willing to pull together to make sure we can accomplish whatever task is set before us!

Proudest moment at work::  Each time I successfully pull off a prank on our coworkers.  😊

Early bird or night owl?  After some coffee, I’m more of a mid-morning to afternoon person.

If you were a superhero, your superpower would be:  The power to heal others.

Favorite quote or movie line:  “Your heart is free. Have the courage to follow it.” – William Wallace / Braveheart

Dream vacation destination:  A cruise around the world. Oh! And we’d visit Cat Island (Ao Island) in Japan on that cruise…

Sam Knolls

AVP Universal Banker

Employee Since: 2016

The details:

Born and raised in Minnesota, I have been an avid soccer player for years.  I am so lucky – I get to marry by best friend, Chris.

When it comes to leisure time… if it’s outside, we probably do it!  We love the great outdoors, hiking, hunting, four-wheeling, fishing, and more.  We most especially enjoy the cabin life up north with family and friends.  My favorite holidays are Halloween and Christmas – coincidentally, two of the best days to be at the bank!  I enjoy reading when I have a spare moment, alongside drawing and photography.  My two dogs are my world; they give the best cuddles!

Proudest moment at the bank:  Each time I get to catch a “fraudster” and stop them from trying to get customer information.

If you were a superhero, your superpower would be:  Teleportation.

Dream vacation destination:  Anywhere in the Tennessee Smokey Mountains.

Question & Answer of Your Choosing:  What is your Favorite Season?  My favorite season is summer; hard to compete with fun in the sun and a steady 80 degrees!

Heather Zaruba

AVP Universal Banker

Employee Since: 1998

The details:  Born and raised about 10 minutes northeast of Wyoming, I started at the bank in August 1998.  Getting to work here I enjoy seeing the many aspects of bank operations and the multitude of ways in which we can help our customers.

My husband and I have two daughters and a loveable British Black Lab.  We enjoy watching our daughters play softball both home and away; they’re quite the talented athletes!  I also enjoy skiing, fishing, hunting, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Something that recently made you smile:  This makes me smile EVERY DAY – when I come home and my dog runs up, full of excitement and joy, to see me.

Early bird or night owl?  Early bird.

Favorite MN restaurant:  Lindey’s Steak House.

Favorite MN sports team:  Wild!

Dream vacation destination:  Fiji.  Who wouldn’t?!

Patty Johnson

Universal Banker

Employee Since: 2014

The details:  Patty has been working at the bank since 2014 and she absolutely adores the friendly and welcoming atmosphere!   She enjoys meeting all our customers and assisting with transactions and answering any questions she can.

Outside of work, Patty loves to swim, is an avid Star Trek fan, enjoys thoroughly spoiling her cat, and would someday like to go up in a rocket!

Early bird or night owl?  Both; I don’t sleep much.

If you were a superhero, your superpower would be:  I’d be the world’s fastest swimmer!  Michael Phelps, stand aside.  Aquaman?  You’ve been warned.

Favorite MN restaurant:  Red Ginger China Bistro

Bobbie Langer

Universal Banker

Employee Since: 2018

The details:  Born and raised in Minnesota, “Hometown Service” isn’t just a bunch of words to me!  My favorite aspects of working at the bank are the family atmosphere and the wonderful customers I get to work with.  I have been married for over 25 years, raised two children, and now have a grandbaby on the way!  Life is good.  Outside of work, I love to travel, read, shop, go to the family cabin, and hang with family and friends.

Proudest moment at the bank:  EVERY DAY is a proud moment for me at the bank! 

If you were a superhero, your superpower would be: To take stress away from everyone.  The world needs more of that!

Favorite MN restaurant:  Pittsburgh Blue.

Cheryl Immel

Universal Banker

Employee Since: 2019

The details:  This is the first time in my professional life that I have worked in banking (though I worked in accounting in my “former life”), and I have enjoyed every moment!  I was raised in Hugo and have spent the last 30 years in North Branch.  I am fortunate enough to have been married for over 30 years to my best friend, Chuck.  We have a wonderful son, daughter & son-in-law, and two grandsons!  Two of my favorite indoor activities are baking and reading.  I love my time outdoors just as much – including spending time up north with family, ATV riding, shooting sports, and fishing.  I LOVE working at a place where community, customer and staff are important!

Early bird or night owl?  Not really an early bird, and yet I can’t stay up past 10pm without paying for it the next day.  How is that fair?  😉

Favorite book:  I enjoy anything in the historical fiction genre!

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, it would be:  Ya know, I won’t make it through the day without a cup of coffee…so there you go!

Favorite quote or movie line:  “It’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.” – J.M. Laurence

Leah Zaruba

Universal Banker

With FSBW Since: 2022

The details: Leah has been at the bank since 2022. When Leah is not at work, she loves to spend time with her family and her dog, Avery. She is an avid ice fisherman, hunter, and an intense skier. She has also had a passion for softball since she was 9 years old, acquiring some hardware and accolades along the way.

Something that recently made you smile: Snow

Favorite MN Restaurant: Lindsey’s Steakhouse

Favorite MN sports team: Wild

Favorite quote or movie line: “You got it dude”

Alayna Olson

Universal Banker

Employee since: 2023

Alayna is someone who really likes being outdoors. If she’s not ice skating, skiing, waterskiing, hiking, running, or just enjoying nature, she is enjoying spending time with her friends, husband and family. Alayna has a passion for helping people, and making customers feel welcomed. Showing kindness towards others is very important to her because you never know the hardships someone is going through. Her likeability and warm personality has furthered her career within customer service. She exemplifies what the bank has stood for since its inception over 100 years ago; the knowledge and capability to make your banking experience a breeze. She looks forward to getting to know all of our wonderful customers!

Favorite Restaurant in MN: Keys Café.

Favorite quote or movie line: “ Life is not the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.”

Dream vacation destination: Hawaii or Italy.

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, it would be:  Pizza because there are so many toppings and kinds you can chose from.

Anna Zaruba

Universal Banker

651-462-7611

Anna joined the bank in July of 2024. She has been a great addition to the teller team. Anna graduated from Chisago Lakes High School in the spring of 2025. Anna is excited to become a Warrior at Winona State University and play softball. When Anna is not at work, she loves playing softball and hanging out with her friends and family and her dog, Avery.

Favorite quote or movie line “My name is Mater. Like ta-mater, but without the ‘ta’ “.

Dream Vacation Destination: The Maldives

If you had to eat one food, everyday for the rest of your life, it would be: FRUIT!!

Ally Mrozik

Universal Banker

Employee Since: 2025

The Details:

Ally joined the bank in June of 2025. She lightens the room with her smile each day and is always eager to help when needed. Ally is big on the small things, because life is too short to not enjoy it to the fullest. She appreciates being able to help people and loves to make a positive difference in the workplace and the environment around her. We all know that finances can be stress inducing, so Ally is here to help our customers as best as we can. When Ally is not at work, you can always find her embracing the outdoors and hanging out with her three older siblings. Ally is also proud to be called “auntie” by her eight nieces and nephews.

Something that recently made you smile: My silly dog, Cooper

Favorite Movie: Remember The Titans

Favorite quote or movie line: “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”

Deborah Piersiak

Universal Banker

Employee Since: June 2025

THE DETAILS: My life is all about faith and family. I was born in St. Paul but our family of 13 moved to a farm in Hudson, Wi. when I was 10. I graduated from Hudson HS and met my husband that fall. We got married 4 years later and moved back to MN so he could start his business. We quickly got involved in the children’s ministry helping the toddlers, then the junior high kids all while having 4 of our own.

I joined the banking world in 2004 as a teller and left it in 2013 as a loan officer, I love helping people!

It feels right to be back in banking and I’m excited to be a part of this banking family and to be a part of helping people again.

Our family has grown to 22 of us now, such a blessing of having 13 g-babies! I enjoy every one of them, when I am not with them, I enjoy time outdoors in my flower gardens, going for a walk with my King Charles Cavalier, Finnegan, or riding my bike, then there is always the fishing and camping which we all enjoy doing!

Dream Vacation Destination: Mediterranean Cruise

What are you happiest doing when you’re not at work: Enjoying a cup of coffee on my patio

What is your go-to Karaoke song: Bob Segar – Old Time Rock and Roll

Kristi Nelson

VP/Operations

651-462-7622

Employee Since: 1980

The details:
Kristi enjoys the variety of working at a community bank and feeling of community.  She and her husband, Troy, are lifelong residents of Stacy. They enjoy giving back to the community through their involvement with many community organizations throughout the years.

Proudest moment at the bank:  Every Halloween Celebration!  We take pride in being more than just a place you bank – we are THE PLACE you want to be, especially when we get to unleash our most festive selves.  😊 There is nothing like coming together to bring fun to a workplace and giving back to the community in the process.

If you were a superhero, your superpower would be:  Being 2 places at one time.  

Favorite MN restaurant:  The OG Rustic Inn.

Dream vacation:  Camping with Family, Pups & Friends!

Aline Gloeb

AVP Deposit Operations Specialist

Employee Since:  2008

The details:  Aline has been an employee at the bank for more than 13 years. Since Aline joined the team, she has taken a huge role in transforming the operations department. She is seen as a leader among her peers, and will never shy away from a new project to expand her knowledge and ability to better assist her peers and customers.

Kylie Sampson

Application Support Administrator

Employee Since: 2022

The Details: Kylie graduated from Forest Lake Area High School followed by attending Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, MN graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree. This is her first job in the banking industry, and she has learned alot about community banking! Her position involves supporting and evolving all the technology needed for modern banking. 

On her own time, she likes to spend time with her husband, dog and two playful cats. They always make time for our family, and they try to get to the great outdoors every chance they can!  

 
If you were a superhero, your superpower would be: The ability to fly!  

Dream vacation destination: Anywhere in the mountains.  

If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be: TACOS!!!  

Early bird or night owl: Early bird  

Favorite quote or movie line: “Don’t judge a book by its cover”  

Mady Eng

Deposit Operations Specialist

(651) 462-7611

Employee Since: 2024

The Details: Before working for the bank, Mady was a customer who loved the environment and community outreach that the bank has been know for. Since she joined the team, she experienced firsthand just how amazing and tight knit the team is, which is something she admires greatly. Mady grew up in the Chisago Lakes area, and after graduating from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with her bachelor’s degree in HR Management, she decided to return home and start giving back to her community in a place that has like-minded goals and aspirations. Her specialty at FSBW is being a dispute analyst, working with the customers and finding solutions to their billing or transactional issues!

When not at work, Ally enjoys being outside and on the water with my family and boyfriend. And if not outside, you can find her curled up in a soft blanket watching her favorite shows or movies. Mady looks forward to getting to know our customers!

Favorite Restaurant: Cossetta’s

Favorite MN sports team: What are sports?

Early bird or night owl?: Early bird for sure!

If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, it would be: Tacos!

Meredith Polipnick

Loan Operations Admin NMLS ID#1697805

651-462-7647

Employee Since: 2003

The details:  Family is the center of Meredith’s life.  She has been married for over 30 years and is blessed with a daughter who loves track, working out, art, friends and college life.  Spending time with her family, gardening and traveling are some of Meredith’s favorite things to do when not at work.  Meredith loves weather-watching and storm-chasing – she received her B.S. Degree in Meteorology in 1998 and is a storm spotter for the National Weather Service.

For Meredith, one of the most important benefits of working for the bank is the bank’s determination to put family first.  They understand the importance and refuse to compromise on that ideal.

Proudest moment at the bank:  Receiving my MLO license!

Something that recently made you smile:  Watching my daughter play volleyball.

Favorite book: “The Twilight Saga” by Stephenie Meyer.

Favorite MN restaurant: Rodizio Grill.

Dream vacation destination:  Bora-Bora!

Clare Proulx

Loan Operations Specialist

Employee Since: June of 2015

The details:  Born and raised in Minnesota, I am a graduate of Cloquet High School.  I was a stay at home mom, blessed to be able to raise my three girls, and started working for 3.5 hours at Wyoming Elementary when my youngest was in 6^th grade.  Giving my time to better my community is second nature to me.  I volunteered at the school, Forest Lake Dance Team, Forest Lake Swim Team, and Dance Factory on many different committees throughout the years.

Eventually, I started working at the bank when my youngest graduated from high school – first as a Teller, and then moved back into the Loan department a few months later.  I’ve been there ever since, and am proud to support my team, our customers and the bank every day!

Something that recently made you smile:  My girls, always… AND a week in the mountains with my husband.

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, it would be:  Chicken Parmesan, with NO chunks of tomato, a side of french fries, and a hot fudge milk shake.  With an additional side of hot tamales and Swedish fish!  😊

If you were a superhero, your superpower would be: The same powers as Samantha from Bewitched!

Favorite quote or movie line:  “This cannot be a team of common men because common men go nowhere. You have to be uncommon.” – Herb Brooks (Miracle)

Question & Answer of Your Choosing:  What are your favorite movies?  Good Will Hunting, Miracle, Mama Mia (first & second one), Sweet Home Alabama and Footloose.