Carson Farmer specializes in Commercial and Agricultural banking.  He has been with Northwest Bank since graduating from the University of Iowa in 2017.  Since that time, he has grown his career through his Underwriting and Risk Management roles, assisting lenders with commercial relationships, and interpreting the numbers that go into major loan decisions.  Carson enjoys building and developing relationships with business owners as well as assisting entrepreneurs who are in the pursuit of their business ownership.  His background in credit, risk management, and finance helps Carson have valuable conversations with borrowers about their existing business needs as well as identify new opportunities to help them reach their financial goals.  Carson enjoys being active in the community through volunteering as a coach with Northwest Iowa Soccer Club and assistant coaching for Spencer High School.

Snyder is a 2019 graduate of Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing.  Prior to joining Northwest Bank, Collin was employed at Morningside University in Sioux City, IA where he was an admissions counselor. Collin recently relocated to West Des Moines and is eager to become involved in the community.

News about Collin:

2024 Iowa Mortgage Association Awards

Every banking relationship is different. My goal is to create a partnership that goes beyond purely financial needs and to show our commitment to you and our communities." - Connie

Offering expertise and personal attention, Connie Schmidt is dedicated to your unique financial needs.  Specialized services, competitive rates and relationship pricing, Connie is ready to help you with your financial goals.  Stop by to discover faster and differentiated banking through priority service and distinct privileges.   

As an active community banker, Curt currently serves as a Dickinson County Soil and Water Commissioner and previously served on the Dickinson County Extension Council. He has been a past 4-H leader for 13 years and was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame in 2002. Curt and his family reside on a 3rd generation farm outside of Superior and are active members of St. Mary’s parish  in Spirit Lake where he is a 4th degree Knights of Columbus. 

Dean specializes in business transfer and succession planning. With his knowledge of family dynamics and his expertise in credit and business, Dean can help develop a business succession plan that meets every personal, family, and financial need a business owner may have.

Dean finds fulfillment in advising nonprofit groups in the Spencer area. He provides prudent, unbiased investment management and financial guidance to help nonprofits advance their mission and goals by using his extensive community service and investment experience.
 
"I began my career in 1983 helping individuals and businesses achieve success by providing them financial guidance and assistance. Over the years, my experiences led me to leadership roles that enabled me to develop strong relationships through my interactions with people. As a financial expert, I'm honored that customers trust me to provide personalized planning to help meet their long-term financial goals.

Four important values that I feel are imperative in an advisor-client relationship are mutual trust, honesty, character and integrity. These characteristics are the core foundation of any good relationship.

Meet experienced mortgage originator, Dee Murman who takes pride in finding the mortgage solution best suited for each of her customers, therefore, affording each homeowner the opportunity to create equitable wealth.  You will find her friendly, professional approach to the sometimes-complex world of lending to be straightforward and simple.  She specializes in opening doors for those buying for the first time and those stepping up.  You can count on Dee to be available to assist long after your mortgage loan closes, as well. She is a member of the Fort Dodge Noon Rotary Club and active in the Trinity United Methodist Church in Fort Dodge. She, and husband Bruce, are parents to two grown children.

Dee's Recognitions:

• Awarded Lender Ambassador by Iowa Finance Authority (First Time Homebuyer Specialist)
• Awarded Best Loan Officer of the 2024 People's Choice Awards - The Messenger, Fort Dodge

With a career that spans over 25 years, Doug has wide range of banking and management experience that includes retail, business banking, agricultural and commercial lending, and treasury management. Doug is an Iowa native and was raised on a west central Iowa farm. He resides in Ames with his wife, Tina and their twin sons, Carson, and Caleb. He is a 1995 graduate of Iowa State University and a three-year football letter winner and member of the 1994 Academic All-Big 8 team. He is also a 2008 graduate of the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. Doug is active in and dedicated to the Ames and Story County community. He has served on the United Way of Story County Board of Directors, Gilbert Education Foundation board, Cyclone Gridiron Club board and was treasurer of ASSET. Many hours have also been spent coaching youth sports teams over the years. He also was an appointed commissioner for the Ames Planning and Zoning Commission.  Currently, Doug is on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club of Story County, Ames Economic Development Commission, and Ames Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Ames Noon Rotary Club and is a Paul Harris Fellow.

Eli is committed to helping clients navigate the mortgage process with confidence. With nearly 2 years at Northwest Bank, and previous experience as a real estate agent, Eli brings extensive knowledge of real estate and finance to the mortgage team. He is committed to delivering top-notch customer service and believes in building lasting relationships by offering personalized guidance. After graduating from college in 2021 with degrees in finance and economics, Eli and his wife became small business owners when they inherited Los Pueblos, a local Mexican restaurant in the heart of Arnolds Park. The restaurant has been in the family and served the local community for more than 20 years. Eli is an involved member of his church and loves spending time with his family.

Eric Walhof, Regional President, has the responsibility of overseeing our Sioux Center, Le Mars, Spencer, Milford, Arnolds Park, Spirit Lake, and Estherville locations and their Market Leaders. His role supports the bank’s mission of providing progressive banking services to its customer base.  Eric combines his passion of mentoring customers and employees with building a solid loan portfolio.  With over 25 years of banking experience in agricultural, commercial banking and team management, Eric shares his expertise in all aspects of community banking. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Dordt College. He also serves on the Sioux Center Health Foundation, Sioux Center Planning and Zoning Committee, ATLAS of Sioux Center, he is a member of Kiwanis and is involved with several other community entities. Eric is deeply committed to strengthening the communities that Northwest Bank serves and to support our bankers as they grow their careers.

Gary Presnall brings over 20 years of experience to Northwest Bank and believes providing exceptional service to his customers is the key to building great relationships. Gary specializes in First Time Homebuyer, Conventional [VA, FHA & RD], as well as Construction Loans and enjoys being able to help find the right loan option for each customer. He is an active board member at The Refuge, a faith-based center for addiction, and is an evangelism leader at New City Church in Ankeny, Iowa. His customers have praised him for his consistent communication through every step of the loan process.

News about Gary:

2024 Iowa Mortgage Association Awards

2023 Iowa Mortgage Association Awards

2021 Hero of Hope Winner

James Shoquist was raised in southwest Wisconsin.  He joined the United States Air Force in 1999, serving honorably until 2005.  After his service in the Air Force, James earned a Bachelor's degree from University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2007.   Upon graduation he entered the financial services industry as a Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo.  In May 2014 James joined the Northwest Wealth Management team.

Focused on a high fiduciary standard and financial planning, James advises clients using an academic approach to provide the best odds of achieving their goals while managing risk.  He proactively sets the stage to continue the process of financial stability and goal making.  Whether you are in your wealth accumulation period or you are currently retired and looking to consolidate, James is eager to provide value to your family.

Ultimately, he will put your needs above all, focusing on your evolving financial plan, evidence-based investing and a customized service schedule that meets your needs.  Please contact James for a complimentary review of your financial picture.

Growing up in Orange City, Iowa, Jason holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Drake University. With five years previous experience from Edward Jones in investments as well as coaching college basketball and serving as an Athletic Director, Jason strives to work closely with his clients and help them reach their financial goals.

 Jason joined the Northwest Wealth Management team in October of 2012. Helping families and business owners to develop unique and customized strategies is Jason’s expertise. Jason, his wife Danyelle, and two children Jaxson and Brooklyn reside in Le Mars, Iowa.

Jill Thielen brings 26 years of financial services experience and expertise to Northwest Bank. Jill serves on the Board of the Faith Formation Council at St. Mary’s of Nazareth and is involved with the Johnston and West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. 

Kelly brings over 17 years of commercial lending and relationship management to Northwest Bank. He is confident that you as a business owner will like his consultative approach to commercial banking.  Allow him to invest time in your business to prove how his resources can benefit you.  Areas of specialty include working capital lines of credit, real estate loans and equipment facilities.

Kelly is a Small Business Association Facilitator, participation in Boots to Business, and a SCORE Mentor. He is a volunteer Hastings College Alumni Mentor, RMA member, Sons of the American Legion, Nebraska Bankers Association member and a member of the Association of Corporate Growth.

WHO I AM

Since 2011, I have been a Wealth Advisor for Northwest Wealth Management.  My background and temperament drive me to move people past the daily distractions and focus on what is real and lasting about wealth - in their own lives, in volatile markets and in our ever-changing world.  I guide individuals, families and institutions on how to:

• Understand - Heed the solid evidence, to see clearly through Wall Street's smokescreens.
• Manage - Wisely manage their emotions and behaviors that can knock them off-course. 
• Achieve - Identify, organize and optimize the disparate components in their financial affairs (such as wealth accumulation, preservation, transfer and charitable intent).

WHAT I DO

With each relationship, I strive to help individuals, families and institutions make meaningful connections between their money and their life.  What do you care about the most?  What concerns you?  What are you looking to achieve?  If credentials and experience are the bricks in a wealth advisory relationship, my genuine interest in clients' lives and goals is the mortar.

MY ROOTS

Professional - My financial career began in 2001 when I joined Edward Jones, ultimately becoming a partner at the firm.  I transitioned to Northwest Wealth Management in 2011, as a better fit for offering objective, evidence-based wealth advisory services grounded in a team approach to client care.

Education - I am a graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a proud, fourth-generation Iowan.

Personal - My wife and I participate in a number of community groups, including the Okoboji Foundation, the Dickinson County Conservation Foundation, Kiwanis, and the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce.  We also love all things aquatic, especially if it involves boating, swimming or (in the winter) skiing with our two young children.

A PARTING THOUGHT

A key feature in my home office is a "vision board" that I've filled with inspiring images.  The way I see it, if I know what I'm about and where I'm trying to go, I stand the best chance of getting there.  That's how I view my clients' financial objectives as well.  Clear vision is at the heart of sound wealth management.

Michael is a dedicated wealth advisor based in Sioux Center, where he is committed to helping clients build and manage their financial futures. A graduate of Spencer High School in 2019, he went on to attend Northwestern College, where he excelled both academically and athletically, playing college football and golf.

After college, Michael moved to Sioux Center, where he married his wife, Madison. Together, they are raising their son, Gibson, and enjoy creating lasting memories as a family.

With a passion for helping others achieve their financial goals, Michael brings a personal touch to wealth management, ensuring that each client feels valued and understood. His approach combines financial expertise with a genuine commitment to client relationships.

In his free time, Michael enjoys golfing, hunting, and spending quality time with family. He believes that a well-rounded life leads to better financial decision-making, and he is dedicated to guiding clients toward both financial success and personal fulfillment.

Nicole has 15 years of banking experience.  She has worked with Northwest Bank since April of 2012, starting out as a Personal Banker.  Gaining her Wealth Management license in 2013, she began adding value to her customers by offering wealth solutions as well.  Since then Nicole has served as a manager in the Arnolds Park branch and is currently working as the Bank President for the Arnolds Park and Milford locations.  Nicole’s role consists of developing and servicing commercial businesses with their banking needs and to support their business growth in addition to team development and coordinating bank involvement within the community.

Nicole graduated with honors from Buena Vista University in 2005 with a degree in Finance & Banking.  She grew up in southwest Minnesota and has lived in Spirit Lake since 2008 with her husband Tom, their son Davis and daughter Charlee.  Nicole is very dedicated to the Dickinson County’s Relay for Life organization as well as serving as President of the Spirit Lake Elementary School’s Partners in Education organization.  She is very dedicated to her customers and their well-being and looks forward to seeing them succeed in both their personal and professional lives.

Paul has an extensive background in Treasury Management at Northwest Bank.  He also has experience in commercial lending and can help your business with equipment loans, lines of credit and commercial real estate loans.  He is also a supporter of the community as the president of the board for Clay County Pheasants Forever, serves on the committee of Love Where You Live of Spencer, and is the president of Grace United Methodist Church Foundation Board. 

Ross is responsible for managing and developing relationships with local businesses in the Des Moines market. He is a graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Ross is an active member in the Des Moines community and is involved with Young Variety – The Children’s Charity as VP of Philanthropy, and the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and Ankeny Chamber of Commerce.

Sara holds both an undergraduate and master’s degree from Wayne State College. She began her career at the Spencer Family YMCA before transitioning to Northwest Bank’s Human Resources team. In 2017, she moved to the Omaha area, where she served as a Treasury Management Service Representative. With 8+ years of banking experience, Sara now supports business customers in commercial lending, treasury management, and banking services.

A 2023 graduate of Leadership Sarpy, Sara is also active in the community through the Chamber of Commerce. As a Loan Portfolio Manager, her goal is to help businesses grow and thrive with the support of Northwest Bank. She values building strong relationships with clients and believes the connection to your financial institution is invaluable. Sara is committed to being a compassionate, approachable financial partner, always ready to help find answers and solutions.

Zak was born and raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa.  He graduated from Saint Edmond High School and attended Central College in Pella, IA, where he played for the men’s basketball program while obtaining his degree in Business Management.  Spending time with family, golfing, and cycling are just a few things Zak enjoys on a regular basis.  Taking long weekends with his two daughters for new experiences is something he and his wife, Sharon, are passionate about.

As a Wealth Advisor, Zak is dedicated to helping clients meet their financial goals. He strives to fully understand and meet our clients’ unique needs as every situation is different. Zak does this through ongoing conversations, investment analysis, retirement planning, and asset management.

In the community, Zak volunteers his time to the youth, school, and church. He has also been active in the American Bankers Association’s Teach Children to Save Program where Zak teaches children the importance of saving and being responsible with money. He is also a member of the Iowa Central Community College Foundation Board.