As Marquette Bank celebrates its 80th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the people who have helped shape our mission and ensure that our community-first approach continues to thrive. One of those voices is Randy Schwartz, a long-serving banking professional and valued Board member at Marquette Bank and Director of its Holding Company.
A Career Built on Community Values
Randy’s connection to community banking started early in his career. In the early 1990s, while working on senior citizen housing development projects, his office was just down the street from Marquette Bank. Even though his institution and Marquette were technically competitors, Randy recalls how he and Marquette Bank's leaders shared ideas and collaborated on what worked best in the ever-evolving banking landscape.
He officially joined the Board of Directors in 2020, inspired by the high integrity of the people he worked alongside and the values the bank consistently represented. “Community banking should always be customer-first,” Randy says. “It’s about listening to people’s needs and finding ways to help them, not trying to fit everyone into one box.”
The Role of Leadership
When asked about the board’s role in guiding Marquette Bank, Randy points to the influence of the Chairman. “It starts at the top. The Chairman sets the tone for the entire organization. Employees recognize the importance of community banking and the responsibility we have to help people,” he explains.
That tone has been a cornerstone of Marquette Bank’s culture: combining modern tools with a personal touch. “Technology has transformed banking,” Randy notes. “Marquette Bank is as good at tech as anyone else, but what sets us apart is that we rely on people to complement the technology rather than letting tech replace human connection.”
A Lasting Impact
Looking back, Randy believes Marquette Bank’s greatest impact has been in education. Through its education foundation, the bank has supported Chicago-area schools in meeting tuition needs for their students. “There are countless stories,” Randy says. “One that stands out is a doctor who said he wouldn’t have made it through school without a Marquette Bank scholarship he received in high school. That’s the kind of impact that changes lives.”
Another point of pride for Randy is Marquette Bank’s commitment to first-time homebuyers. Through seminars and financial education, the bank has helped countless individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership. “That’s what community banking is all about: helping people reach milestones they might not think are possible.”
Staying True to the Mission
For Randy, the bank’s longevity boils down to its unwavering commitment to the community. “From the top down, everyone at Marquette Bank knows the mission. We all share the same passion for taking care of customers,” he says. “That’s been the secret to the bank’s success for the past 80 years.”
He emphasizes that Marquette Bank isn’t chasing growth for growth’s sake. “We’re not trying to be the biggest bank or compete with corporate counterparts. Our focus is simple: take care of the customer, one person at a time. Do that, and the bank will always be successful.”
Personal Reflection on an 80-Year Legacy
With nearly 40 years in the banking industry, Randy considers his role on the Board both an honor and a responsibility. “The most rewarding part of serving is helping make better decisions and keeping the mission in focus,” he says. “I’m truly honored to be associated with Marquette Bank and everything it stands for.”
As Marquette Bank looks ahead to its next chapter, Randy’s words reflect what has always defined the bank: integrity, service, and community. Those values, which have been upheld consistently for eight decades, remain the foundation for the future.