And while that site is long gone (the bank was eventually sold… then resold a few more times), the spark that pushed me to try something new back then is the same one that fuels everything I do today.

As WSI celebrates 30 years of digital innovation, I can’t help but reflect on how this journey has paralleled the one I’ve had as both a banker and digital strategist—one full of change, challenges, and opportunities.

A Shared Timeline: Digital Marketing + Digital Banking

Back in 1995, websites were mostly online brochures. For banks, digital meant ATMs, voice banking, and a lot of manual processes. But I could already see how the internet was going to change everything.

Here’s how it unfolded for me—and for the banks I’ve had the privilege to serve:

• Late ‘90s: Google emerges, and banks start dipping their toes into basic websites. While Netscape gave way to Internet Explorer, I was rolling out online banking and trying to get teams excited about this new “web thing.”
• Early 2000s: While WSI consultants around the world helped clients embrace the era of Web 2.0, I was knee-deep in core conversions, online loan app rollouts, and a successful merger of two institutions—all while digital banking started to find its legs​​​​​​.
• 2007: The iPhone was born, and so was a new chapter for me. I left banking and joined WSI. I wasn’t sure exactly where this road would lead, but I knew I wanted to help more banks navigate digital transformation. In fact, before I even completed my WSI training, a Michigan-based bank hired me to rebuild their site. That first project solidified what I already believed—banks needed this help, and I wanted to be the one to provide it.
• 2010s: Social media took off. Mobile banking became the norm. Compliance challenges increased, and customer expectations shifted. During this time, we leaned heavily into things like ADA website compliance and explored how early-stage AI tools could help. (The mainstream LLMs like ChatGPT were still a few years away.)
• 2020s: Digital became essential overnight. Remote work, digital banking enhancements, and cybersecurity dominated the conversation. Our WSI team helped community banks not just “get through it,” but rethink how they show up online—through web design, digital strategy, and marketing that blends relevance with regulation.
• Today: AI isn’t a futuristic idea anymore—it’s embedded in everything. From predictive insights to content generation and smarter customer service, we’re helping banks use AI with care, strategy, and responsibility. Not because it’s trendy, but because it helps them better serve their communities.

Why Community Banks Still Deserve Better Digital

I’ve spent my entire adult life around community banks. My dad was a community banker for 33 years. I was one for 15. And now, I spend every week teaching at banking schools, running state association forums, or working directly with bank marketers and leadership teams around the country.

What I know for sure is this: community banks deserve the same level of digital sophistication that big banks have—but with the human touch and values that make them so special.

At our agency, we bring that blend. We know the tech. We live in the industry. And we work hard to bring clarity, confidence, and growth to every client we serve.

3 Things I’ve Learned from 30 Years in Banking + Digital

1. Strategy Leads. Tactics Follow. Whether you’re selecting a new core or redesigning your bank’s website, the tools matter—but only if they’re aligned with a clear strategy.
2. Digital Changes. Relationships Don’t. The platforms evolve, but the desire for trust and connection remains unchanged. That’s true in both banking and marketing.
3. Compliance Doesn’t Have to Kill Creativity. Banking comes with rules—that’s not going away. But with the right partner, your digital presence can be compliant and still feel fresh, engaging, and human.

Is Your Digital Strategy Ready for What’s Next?

As I look back on the past 30 years, I’m even more energized about what’s ahead. AI is reshaping how we market, engage, and serve. Customer expectations keep rising. And every bank—no matter the size—needs a strategy that keeps them relevant, visible, and trusted in a digital-first world.

If it’s been a while since your bank’s website or digital strategy got a proper review, now’s the time. Let’s talk about what’s next and how we can help you get there—authentically, effectively, and with confidence.

Let’s Start with a Conversation

WSI has been unlocking digital potential since 1995. Today, I have the privilege of helping banks do just that—combining my experience as a banker with the power of our digital agency to create strategies that actually move the needle.

FAQs for Bank Leaders

Q: We’re not a “big bank.” Is digital still that important?
A: Absolutely—and honestly, it might matter even more for community banks. Today, your bank’s website is often your first impression. And let’s face it: in most cases, you don’t get a second chance to make that impression. People will judge your relevance, professionalism, and trustworthiness based on your digital presence. If your website feels outdated, slow, or hard to navigate, that can instantly erode confidence. Your online experience needs to be impressive, seamless, and genuinely helpful—from a clean mobile layout to intuitive navigation to timely, relevant content. A digital-first impression that reflects your brand and values isn't just a luxury anymore—it's a necessity.

Q: How do I know if my bank’s website is doing its job?
A: If your website isn’t built on a flexible CMS that makes updates easy, backed by secure and reliable hosting, and designed for simple content publishing, especially for thought leadership and education, then you’re missing critical opportunities. Community banks need websites that are not only ADA compliant and mobile-friendly but also agile and empowering for internal teams to manage without friction.

Q: Isn’t AI a little too futuristic for banks like mine?
A: It used to be. Now it’s everywhere. And used wisely, it can be a game-changer for marketing, operations, and even customer experience. That said, I understand that community banks don’t typically rush into new technology. A risk-based approach—one that factors in compliance, cyber, and security implications—is absolutely essential. But here’s the thing: taking a "wait and see" stance with AI might carry more risk than you think. This technology is moving fast. And while no one expects community banks to be on the bleeding edge, it’s clear the train is leaving the station. You don’t want to be standing on the platform watching it disappear into the distance. Now is the time to ask the right questions, explore use cases, and build an internal framework for responsible AI adoption that aligns with your bank’s mission and values.