Waukesha State Bank original location

Bank History

Waukesha State Bank is one of the largest locally owned, independent banks in Wisconsin. Since our modest beginning in 1944, we have been known as “The Bank of Friendly Service,” which is more than just a slogan; it is a guiding principle. Founder Carl Taylor's oft-repeated catch-phrase was "A Bank is People," and that thoughtful insight is the foundation of the bank's prosperity and innovation.

Some highlights:

1944: Carl Taylor established Waukesha State Bank in a storefront at 323 W. Main Street. Fun Fact: Carl's daughter, Velma (Taylor) Geraldson, and son, Don Taylor, handed out a fresh flower to each lady and a Cuban cigar to each gentleman at the grand opening on Friday, June 16th.
1969: Don Taylor, son of Carl, became the second president of Waukesha State Bank
1971: Payroll Complete, the bank’s payroll services division, was established
1972: The bank’s trust division was established
1984: Waukesha - E. Moreland Blvd. office opened in Pick’n Save food store
1985: The bank began originating home mortgage loans for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
1985: Waukesha Investments the bank’s investment division, was established
1988: Waukesha - W. Sunset Drive office opened
1991: Silvernail Road office opened inside the Pick’n Save. This office closed in March of 2017.
1994: Delafield office opened inside the Sentry grocery store
1994: Marty Frank became the third president
1996: Pewaukee office opened
1999: Waukesha - Meadowbrook Road office opened inside the Sentry grocery store (now Sendik's Food Market)
1999: The bank became a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender
2004: Ty Taylor, son of Don, became the fourth president
2004: Oconomowoc office opened
2006: Muskego office opened
2007: Brookfield office opened
2007: Mukwonago office opened
2008: Sussex office opened
2010: Waukesha - E. Racine Avenue office opened
2013: The trust division was rebranded as Prairie Financial Group
2013: New Berlin office opened
2015: Waukesha - E. Moreland Blvd. office relocated to E. Main Street
2019: Prairie Financial Group was rebranded as Prairie Trust and Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management 
2021: Menomonee Falls office opened

Mission Statement

Through the years, the Bank has enjoyed steady, consistent growth and has never lost sight of its vision of providing complete high-quality financial services to the community. Since 1944, and to this day, the bank remains committed to the following goals:
  • First, serve the community;
  • Second, provide for the employees; and
  • Third, reward the stockholders.

Powerful and Unique Attributes

Community Focus
As an independent community bank, Waukesha State Bank is committed to reinvesting back into the communities we serve. From sponsoring the county school districts, theaters and parks, to providing loan opportunities to local nonprofits, we are helping to create a vibrant community for you to live and work in. We put community back in banking.

Local Everything
Loan decisions are made locally and our experienced team lives and works right here in Waukesha County. We are invested in our local footprint.

Rapid Decision Making
At Waukesha State Bank, senior management is accessible and engaged. We are agile and efficient in our approach to lending, which enables prompt credit decisions.

Consistency
We approach the market in a focused and consistent fashion. We will serve you today and tomorrow as we have since 1944.

Banker Expertise
Our team has wide and diverse industry experience and is empowered to help you reach your goals. We find a way to say “yes” through a prudent, savvy and insightful approach.

Financial Strength
For a banking institution, there is nothing more important than financial strength. Waukesha State Bank has been profitable every year since it started and has been paying a dividend, without interruption, since 1945.






Close up of a handshake.

Meet Our Team

Our bankers have been serving the financial needs of the community with a personalized, one-on-one approach to banking and an emphasis on customer service and community involvement.