#United States #Minneapolis #Associated Bank #Franchise Banking #Shaun Coard

Associated Bank Launches New Franchise Banking Vertical

In a significant move to enhance its commercial offerings, Associated Banc-Corp has officially introduced a nationally focused Franchise Banking vertical. This development comes as part of the bank's strategic initiative to expand its portfolio, specifically targeting franchise owners and operators throughout the United States. The launch of this new division is seen as a pivotal step in bolstering Associated's core business growth, particularly in the Midwest while also venturing into complementary markets.

Leadership and Team Expansion

To spearhead this initiative, Shaun Coard has been appointed as the senior vice president and business segment leader for Franchise Banking. Coard brings a wealth of experience with over three decades in the financial sector, having previously led the Franchise Banking division at Bremer Bank, where she significantly boosted growth and established strong risk management practices. In her role at Associated, she will be reporting directly to John Utz, executive vice president and head of Specialized Industries.

Coard's expertise is expected to play a crucial role in the development of customized financial solutions aimed at franchise owners, further strengthening the bank’s status as a leader in the industry. She emphasized her enthusiasm about the opportunity at Associated, stating, “Joining Associated as it's growing not only in the Twin Cities but across the country was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.”

Alongside Coard, Associated Bank has also expanded its team by recruiting other professionals in the Franchise Banking sector, including:

• - Phil Davis: Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager
• - Jasmine Synstelien: Vice President and Relationship Manager
• - Kriston Jordan: Loan Administrator
• - Todd Matthies: Cash Automation Solutions Manager

This newly assembled team aims to fortify the bank’s efforts in offering tailored financial services that cater specifically to the nuanced needs of franchise operators.

Strategic Growth in Focus

The introduction of Franchise Banking serves as a vital addition to Associated's existing array of industry-specific financial solutions, which covers various sectors including power and utilities, mortgage warehousing, insurance, equipment finance, and government banking. These offerings enable the bank to provide integrated and specialized financial solutions designed to meet the demands of specific industries.

Utz commented on Coard's recruitment, stating, “Shaun is a recognized leader in Franchise Banking and the perfect executive to build and scale our Franchise Banking vertical.” He highlighted her track record in establishing disciplined credit frameworks and fostering robust brand and operator relationships as key factors that will drive the bank’s success in this newly launched division.

The Future Ahead

With a solid foundation set by Coard and her team, Associated Bank seems poised for remarkable growth in the Franchise Banking space. As the bank looks to enhance relationships with franchise owners and operators, it remains committed to providing prudent capital solutions and strategic guidance. The move signals a robust commitment to the franchise sector, aligning with the broader trend of specialized banking services tailored for distinct market demands.

As the bank expands its operations from its headquarters in Green Bay, Wisconsin, it continues to aim for a leadership position in the Midwest banking landscape, serving its customers with integrity and a dedication to long-term relationship building based on trust.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Associated Bank's launch of the Franchise Banking vertical marks a significant advance in its strategic growth journey. With an experienced leadership team at the helm, the bank is gearing up to offer expansive and specialized financial services to franchise owners nationwide, solidifying its role as a vital partner in the growth of this industry.

For more information about Associated Banc-Corp and its services, visit associatedbank.com.