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4 | I N S I G H T O N B U S I N E S S . C O M BANK FIRST Establishment of Bank First Bank First is a relationship-based community bank focused on providing innovative products and services that are value driven. Headquartered in Manitowoc, Wis., Bank First was founded on May 4, 1894, with a capitalization of $50,000. The bank was located on the southwest corner of North Eighth and York streets in downtown Manitowoc. A new home The bank achieved great financial success during its first 33 years in business, and by 1927 it outgrew its original location. On Aug. 20, 1927, Bank First moved from the southwest corner of North Eighth and York streets to just across the street on the first floor of the Hotel Manitowoc building at the northwest corner of North Eighth and York streets (known today as Dali's Café). The new bank building had a state-of-the art security system and a very elaborate interior. The entrance was constructed of three-quarter-inch- thick bronze. The nameplate of the bank was centered above the entrance with a monogram in the center. The elaborate bank entrance is still visible from Eighth Street to this day. New look In 1960, Bank First remodeled to stay in line with the changing times. Ceilings were lowered, air conditioning was installed, and fixtures were replaced with more modern furniture. Only the marble floor and the marble facings of the teller cages remained the same. At this time, banking equipment was also updated. Bank President Carl G. Nelson was quoted as saying, "A bank must be a pleasant place to come to and in which to do business. It must have modern accommodations and an aesthetic and psychological appeal as well." The next 25 years of Bank First's history saw physical as well as monetary growth. In 1971, Bank First acquired the assets of the Francis Creek bank. The bank soon needed additional space at its headquarters to support its growth and selected a new site in the 400 block of North Eighth Street in Manitowoc. The construction of the new bank with approximately 22,000 square feet of space began in August 1973 and was completed in September 1974. Strategic growth In 1983, Bank First's board of directors appointed Thomas Bare to the role of president and chief executive officer. During Bare's tenure, Bank First grew from $75 million in assets to $794 million in assets. Additionally, Bank First engaged in a number of strategic acquisitions and de novo offices, growing from two to 15 locations in northeastern Wisconsin. In 2001, under Bare's leadership, Bank First expanded its offerings by purchasing the Vincent Group, an independent insurance agency in Manitowoc. Bank First headquarters in Manitowoc, WI BANK FIRST 1 2 5 Y E A R S O F R E L AT I O N S H I P - B A S E D B A N K I N G