Reframing “Investment”
When most people hear the word investment, they think of financial portfolios and bottom lines. At Adams Bank & Trust in Windsor, the definition stretches far beyond dollars.
For Wanda Zimmerman, Vice President of Retail Banking, investment begins with connection. She compares it to moving into a new neighborhood; making the effort to meet people, build relationships, and become part of the fabric of the community. Adams Bank & Trust has done just that through longstanding membership in the Windsor Chamber of Commerce and consistent local involvement.
Internally, the bank invests heavily in its employees. Alexis Unnerstall, Commercial Relationship Coordinator, explains that Adams prioritizes promoting from within, strategically hiring talent, and offering flexibility so employees can thrive both professionally and personally. “Happy employees equal happy customers,” she says. Team members are given agency, encouraged to pursue their passions, and supported in ways that extend beyond their job descriptions. Families
come first.
Chris Gentle, Vice President of Commercial Banking, sums it up simply: investing in people yields the greatest returns. When employees and clients succeed, the business succeeds. Loyalty, he notes, is one that is built first through trust.
Community Involvement
Adams Bank & Trust views itself as a participant in Windsor, not merely a service provider.
Chris is actively involved in the Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce, Aims Community Foundation Board, and Rotary, while the bank supports organizations such as the Windsor Downtown Authority, Windsor Booster Club, and Severance Booster Club. Sponsoring events and showing up consistently reflects a deeper philosophy of “paying it forward.”
For Alexis, community engagement means being “boots on the ground.” The bank encourages employees to walk the talk: volunteering, attending events, and modeling positive citizenship. Investing in one’s own family and personal relationships, she adds, ultimately strengthens the broader community.
Wanda shares that living and working in the same town has reshaped her perspective. Being present for both professional and personal moments in Windsor fosters a deeper connection. Planning events she’ll attend herself brings added meaning to her work.
Building Relationships
At Adams Bank & Trust, relationships are intentional.
From the first day of employment, culture matters. New hires are asked what they hope to gain from their experience with the company, signaling that their goals matter. The bank hires experts who lead by example, modeling the kind of service and professionalism clients can expect. “We are the company we keep,” Alexis says.
Chris emphasizes a straightforward philosophy: treat people how you want to be treated. It’s a simple standard, but one that guides daily interactions with both clients and colleagues.
Leadership plays a critical role. Wanda notes that culture begins at the top, with a CEO who prioritizes interpersonal skills and sets the tone for consistency and professionalism throughout the organization.
Leading By Example
Trust in banking is earned over time.
“Do what you say,” Chris explains. Honesty, transparency, and the willingness to have challenging conversations build credibility year after year. In a fast-paced world driven by immediate gratification, being prompt, intentional, and genuine sets a bank apart.
Wanda points to consistency and persistence as key ingredients. Clients want reassurance that their banker will be there - not just during easy moments, but through complex decisions as well.
For Alexis, referrals are the ultimate measure of trust. When clients recommend Adams Bank & Trust to others, it reflects not just satisfaction, but confidence. “It’s about how you make people feel,” she says. Being human, supportive, and present turns transactions into partnerships.
Investing in the Future
If someone wanted to invest in Windsor without writing a check, the Adams team has clear advice: get involved.
Wanda encourages residents to volunteer in ways that genuinely interest them. “Make it fun,” she says. Diversity in passions strengthens the community. Alexis adds that being a good citizen - friendly, aware, and engaged - can make a lasting impact. “Don’t be a bystander.”
Chris believes the greatest returns come from investing in connections. Passion and genuine effort create a ripple effect that benefits everyone involved. He often reminds others that “those who wait, wait longer.” Progress requires initiative, because time never stands still.
“Anyone can have a bank, but not everyone may have a banker,” says Chris.
And in Windsor, being a banker means showing up, building trust, and putting people first.
To learn more about Adams Bank & Trust and the services they provide stop by the Windsor branch located at 1270 Automation Drive, call 970-686-8784, or visit www.abtbank.com/branch/windsor.