When Ron Roman started at Marquette Bank in October 1979, he thought it would be a short-term gig—a convenient job at a new branch just two blocks from his home. He never imagined he’d still be there over four decades later, having witnessed and shaped some of the most meaningful moments in the bank’s history.
We sat down with Ron to talk about his time at Marquette Bank. Here's what he had to say…A Workplace That Feels Like Family
A Workplace That Feels Like Family
Ron’s story is about more than longevity. It’s about community, connection, and the deep ties built over a lifetime of service. When Ron lost his wife, who also worked at Marquette Bank, the outpouring of support from his coworkers carried him through. "You would’ve thought a politician had passed," he says, reflecting on the long line of mourners at her funeral. "The people at Marquette Bank showed up for me, and they kept showing up."
That support didn’t stop there. Shortly afterward, Ron faced a cancer diagnosis. Once again, his Marquette Bank family rallied around him, providing meals, checking in, and even arranging for him to work from home. “They looked out for me at a time when I needed it most. That’s not something you get just anywhere.”
Helping Customers Through Hard Times
Ron’s commitment to the community extended far beyond the walls of the bank. As a loan officer, he helped a young widow navigate financial hardship, easing her burden during an incredibly difficult time. “You could see the weight lift off her shoulders. That’s when you know you’re making a real difference.”
He’s also proud of his role connecting customers with unexpected opportunities. One man, laid off and approaching retirement age, found new employment thanks to Ron’s networking. That customer worked at his new job until retirement, and still checks in with Ron to this day.
Community-First, Always
Over the years, Ron has seen the bank evolve from manual coin-counting and phone-based account verifications to high-tech tools that streamline service. But while technology changed, the heart of Marquette Bank didn’t. “We’ve never lost sight of who we are. We’re a community bank, and we’re rooted in that identity.”
Ron points to volunteer events, meal programs, scholarship initiatives, and first-time homebuyer support as just a few of the ways Marquette Bank stays connected to the neighborhoods it serves. “We’re not just here to run transactions. We’re here to make people’s lives better.”
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
Now approaching retirement, Ron is reflective—and deeply grateful. “I didn’t plan to stay this long, but Marquette Bank became more than a workplace. It became a place where I could grow, give back, and be supported. That’s rare.”
As Marquette Bank celebrates 80 years, Ron offers a simple message:
“We’re still here. We’re still listening. We’re ready to help you reach your financial goals—and we’ll always be here when you need us.”
In an era of impersonal banking and megacorporate institutions, Ron’s story is a powerful reminder: community banks still matter. And at Marquette Bank, people like Ron are the reason why.