Winning them over with higher service
By Mike McKenna
Tucked next to Pioneer Title on North Main Street in Ketchum, First Interstate Bank may look like any other bank. But the bank’s customers feel like they are anything but ordinary as soon as they walk in the door.
“We are very friendly and we know everyone by name,” said Alex Stoll, the Ketchum branch manager for First Interstate Bank.
Alex’s friendly smile and helpful spirit have made her a familiar face around town. Alex moved to the Wood River Valley from Wenatchee, Wash., in 2016 and has quickly become a valuable member of our community.
Alex is on the St. Luke’s Finance Committee; she is a member of The Chamber’s board of directors; and is the former president of the Ketchum/Sun Valley Chapter of Rotary International. Basically, ever since she moved here, Alex has always been there to lend a helping hand.
“I just love it here. Being in this small town, helping out where I can, being involved in the community, having a group of ladies to hike and ski with,” Alex said, “I love this place and it’s very rewarding to be able to help wherever I can.”
Alex also enjoys being able to help people as a banker. First Interstate Bank was able to assist over 40 local businesses with PPP loans during the height of the COVID crisis. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Alex and her small staff have grown the branch significantly. She said the key to their success is really pretty simple: offer great customer service.
Angie Burt is their senior banker. Anthony Pina handles consumer loans and new accounts, and Katty Mitma is a teller. They are bilingual and can help with the full menu of bank services First Interstate provides.
“I’m lucky to have this staff,” said Alex, who has over 30 years of banking experience. “I really enjoy hiring people and helping them get their careers going.”
Referrals from other clients have been a major driving force in the bank’s customer growth, Alex said, which is always a good sign that you’re doing something right.
“We win people over with higher levels of service,” Alex said.
The success the bank is having allows it to give back to the community. First Interstate Bank has recently made donations to support ARCH Community Housing, the Crisis Hotline, and they will sponsor this year’s 18th Annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. The staff also volunteers regularly for The Advocates.
“This a special place and we all need to do our part to keep it that way,” Alex said.
It’s easy to see why First Interstate Bank has found success with Alex at the helm. As soon as you meet her, you can tell she cares about our community and all of us locals who make it so special.
First Interstate Bank and Pioneer Title will host The Chamber’s first official post-COVID Business After Hours (BAH) on Thursday, July 22 from 5-7 p.m. at 491 North Main Street in Ketchum. It’s free and everyone is invited. The Fourth of July Parade float winners will also be announced. For more information, call (208) 726-2147 or visit FirstInterstate.com
