Modern banking is largely defined by automation and expansion, with the big banks adding more branches while relying heavily on chatbots to handle customer service. Oak Bank in Fitchburg, however, has quietly defied these impersonal trends — and thrived doing so. As Oak Bank celebrates its 25th anniversary, the story of its success is one of deep roots, loyal relationships and a steadfast commitment to the business community it serves.
Since opening its doors in 2000, Oak Bank has purposely remained local, with just a single branch. Yet over that time, it’s helped more… and more… and more Dane County businesses grow. From small startups with big dreams to established companies looking for a more personal banking experience, Oak Bank has been a trusted partner in every step of their journey.
“It’s really not about the number of branches,” says founder and chairman Bob Gorsuch. “It’s about the people who stick around, develop strong relationships and get involved in their communities.”
That philosophy has guided Oak Bank from day one. Rather than expanding into a regional chain or merging with a corporate entity, Oak Bank stayed rooted in Dane County. It’s a decision that has not only set them apart but also helped them become a half-a-billion-dollar institution in the process.
While other banks grow by building their footprint, Oak Bank has grown by building trust.
Just ask Tom Carroll, founder and CEO of Pro Metal Works in DeForest. Carroll has counted on Oak Bank’s Larry Van Epps, vice president, business banking, for responsive, relationship-based service. “Larry takes care of me,” Carroll says. “I can call him up with a request, and he gets it rolling and taken care of. You talk to live people right away at Oak Bank, which I love.”
That simple promise — when you call Oak Bank, someone picks up the phone—may seem quaint in today’s age of AI and recorded phone menus. But for Oak Bank, it’s foundational. No bots. No nonsense. Just real people answering real questions about your business’s financial needs.
For Scott Cramer, COO of KL Engineering, Oak Bank’s expertise helped his company navigate a major employee transfer of ownership process, thanks to Jim McNulty, senior vice president, business banking, and his associates. “Jim and the whole team have been extremely helpful in getting us connected,” he explains. “The culture at Oak Bank feels collaborative and supportive, with an emphasis on work-life balance – something that deeply resonates with our own values. It’s been a great relationship.”
That sense of community isn’t just a nice bonus, it’s baked into how Oak Bank operates. Their team members are more than banking professionals; they’re neighbors, volunteers and community members who believe a strong local bank can make a strong local economy.
Gorsuch, who recently marked his 60th year in banking, sees the bank’s role in the community as a two-way street. “When we started, we saw so much potential in Fitchburg,” he says. “We wanted to serve that area with a unique focus on relationships and problem-solving. And once we proved that model, we were able to serve clients throughout Dane County and beyond, with just one branch.”
Today, Oak Bank is more than just a financial institution. It’s a force for growth in Dane County, a true partner to hundreds of local businesses, a supporter of libraries, parks and nonprofits, and a testament to the power of doing things differently.
From acorns of ideas to mighty oaks of achievement, Oak Bank has helped businesses of all sizes grow stronger over the last 25 years. And with its people-first philosophy, it’s poised to help even more in the next 25 and beyond.
Where will your business be in 5, 10 or 25 years?
If you want it to grow, partner with Oak Bank.
