A person is a product of their community. Their neighbors, cultural norms, local government, school systems, and societal expectations all lead to interactions that play a formative role in shaping how one thinks, acts, and perceives the world around them.
Building up their community through opportunity is what led George and Everett Williams to found FirstBank (then called First Westland National Bank) in Lakewood, Colo., in 1963. They focused on creating public and private partnerships with other organizations to bridge the gap for Colorado customers to finance their dreams and goals.
Community Bank Feel
They have grown to the second largest bank by deposit in the state of Colorado and one of the largest privately held banks within the country. This has given FirstBank the ability to focus on long-term vision instead of short-term profits to provide a community bank feel with the horsepower of a full banking suite. The diversification of a typical banking experience is what they excel in, focusing on meeting customer needs with a focus on how customers want to be banked. They offer both virtual and on-site banking options, they are available evenings and weekends and have invested in a 24-hour call center to create a personalized experience.
Jake Wuest, market president at FirstBank in Colorado Springs, explains that the vision is the same more than 40 years later: “To bolster economic growth and financial literacy across the communities we serve.”
They offer financial literacy classes and can walk consumers through the homebuying process in almost 50 different languages. Additionally, their officers are not paid on commission, so they are able to focus on what is best for the customer in every transaction.
Diversified Economy + Building Wealth
Wuest explains how Colorado has seen a strong net migration over the last ten years as people are seeking a better quality of life. This in turn attracts employers allowing for growth as well as a diversified economy. Over the years, there have been fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, property tax and more that have affected consumers. FirstBank has seen these fluctuations, but maintains that homeownership and real estate investment are still some of the best ways to build wealth. Understanding this has led them to be on the front lines, empowering their community toward that goal.
FirstBank is part of the Colorado Bankers Association working to affect legislation and making bankers aware of what is coming so they are able to advocate for affordable housing and employment growth. They have been active in recognizing the challenges for consumers specific to this community and have a historic reputation for doing what they can to increase affordable housing opportunities as well as economic development. They have developed and maintained relationships with CHFA (Colorado Housing and Finance Authority), Rocky Mountain Community Land Trust, and Habitat for Humanity to work to make homeownership more attainable.
"As Colorado's real estate market evolves, FirstBank remains committed to helping buyers, investors and homeowners succeed. From down payment assistance to flexible lending solutions, FirstBank provides the tools to make homeownership more accessible."
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Catering to the investment needs of their neighbors and focusing on banking for good is what FirstBank and their team consider to be the most solid investment in their community.
“You are likely to run into your bankers in the grocery store, on the trails or on the soccer field,” Wuest says. “We are a part of the community and are doing all we can within our specialty to support our neighbors in every stage of their lives with our local team of experts.”
Website: https://www.efirstbank.com/
Facebook + Instagram: @EFirstBank