Latest Press Releases
- Matthew Heiligenthal Joins Prairie Trust as Trust & Estate Settlement Administrator - August 1, 2024
- Prairie Trust Elevates Terry Doyle to VP - Fiduciary Sales and Jean Durham to AVP - Trust Counsel - July 22, 2024
- Prairie Trust Promotes Autumn Carbonell - June 11, 2024
- Prairie Trust President Helps Enact Wisconsin Trust Code Trailer Bill - May 22, 2024
- Prairie Trust Professional Earns National Certification - November 3, 2022
- Brenda Chadwick Joins Prairie Trust as Personal Trust Assistant - July 26, 2022
- Prairie Trust & Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management Celebrate New Location in Waukesha with Ribbon Cutting - April 27, 2022
- Waukesha State Bank's Wealth Management & Prairie Trust Divisions Celebrate 50 Years, Relocate Headquarters and Expand into Dane County - March 1, 2022
- Prairie Trust Purchases Pewaukee Building as Office Expands - April 28, 2021
- Josephine (Jo) Stahl Joins Prairie Trust as Fiduciary Tax Administrator - September 25, 2020
- Autumn Bartlett Joins Prairie Trust as Personal Trust Assistant – June 29, 2020
- Prairie Trust Promotes Staff – June 26, 2020
- Lauren Hanson Joins Prairie Trust as Personal Trust Assistant – June 2, 2020
- Thomas Kieffer Joins Prairie Trust® as Senior Trust Administrator - March 11, 2020
- Prairie Trust™ Hires Personal Trust Associate - October 15, 2019
- Waukesha State Bank Rebrands Trust & Wealth Management Services - January 2, 2019
- Prairie Financial Group® Hires Durham - October 17, 2018
- Prairie Financial Group® Hires Woyak - January 15, 2018
- Prairie Financial Group® Named a 2017 Top 10 Business of the Year - April 27, 2017
Matthew Heiligenthal Joins Prairie Trust as Trust & Estate Settlement Administrator - August 1, 2024
Waukesha, Wis. (August 1, 2024) – Prairie Trust®, a division of Waukesha State Bank, has hired Matthew Heiligenthal as trust and estate settlement administrator.
“We strive to provide our clients with best-in-class trust and estate planning services. In today’s increasingly complex environment, premier fiduciary services that are both specialized and local are a critical differentiator,” stated Victor J. Schultz, president of Prairie Trust. “Matthew previously managed trust, estate, custody and IRA accounts. We are lucky to have hired him to strengthen our team of experts who provide our clients with the highest level of customer support and service.”
Matthew comes to Prairie Trust from The Chicago Trust Company (Wintrust) where he served as vice president and trust officer. He has nearly 10 years of financial experience serving in the trust and estate industry for the last six. In his new role as trust and estate settlement administrator with Prairie Trust, Matthew will be responsible for serving as a relationship manager and fiduciary advisor for a wide range of trust and estate settlement clients.
Matthew earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration management from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville and is a Certified Estate and Trust Specialist (CES).
About Prairie Trust
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Prairie Trust Elevates Terry Doyle to VP - Fiduciary Sales and Jean Durham to AVP - Trust Counsel - July 22, 2024
WAUKESHA, Wis. (July 22, 2024) – Prairie Trust®, a division of Waukesha State Bank, is thrilled to announce the promotions of Terry Doyle to Vice President – Director of Fiduciary Sales and Jean Durham to Assistant Vice President – Trust Counsel.
"These promotions are a testament to Terry and Jean's unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise," stated Victor J. Schultz, President of Prairie Trust. "Terry's strategic vision in fiduciary sales and Jean's profound legal knowledge have significantly elevated our capabilities, and their contributions have been pivotal to our organization’s remarkable success. Their leadership has not only driven our growth but also reinforced our commitment to providing unparalleled trust administration services."
Terry Doyle, who joined Prairie Trust in 2014, brings over 35 years of financial services experience, including a significant tenure as an institutional broker and corporate bond trader. Holding both a bachelor's degree in economics and an MBA from Marquette University, Terry has consistently demonstrated his prowess in fiduciary services. In his new role as Vice President – Fiduciary Sales, Terry will continue to lead clients towards their fiduciary and asset management goals while fostering partnerships with outside investment advisors to deliver “advisor-friendly” trustee services.
Jean Durham, who started with Prairie Trust in 2018, has seamlessly transitioned from a Senior Personal Trust Associate to Legal Counsel, leveraging her Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northwestern University. Jean's extensive legal acumen in contract analysis, bank account management, and real estate transactions has been instrumental. As Assistant Vice President – Trust Counsel, she will maintain her critical role in overseeing legal issues, document preparation, and wealth management interests.
About Prairie Trust
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
WAUKESHA, Wis. (June 11, 2024) – Prairie Trust®, a division of Waukesha State Bank, is proud to announce the promotion of Autumn Carbonell to Trust Administrator.
“This promotion is well deserved and recognizes Autumn’s commitment to enhancing her skillset,” stated Victor J. Schultz, President of Prairie Trust. “Autumn’s expertise in assisting with complex trust administration, including Special Needs Trusts, helps distinguish our organization and has contributed to our record success.”
Autumn Carbonell joined Waukesha State Bank in 2018 as a Teller and was promoted to Assistant Teller Supervisor within a year. In 2020, she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and transitioned to the Prairie Trust division as a Personal Trust Assistant. After furthering her education by attending Cannon Trust School, she was promoted to Senior Personal Trust Assistant in January 2023. She further advanced her career by earning the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designation in February 2024. In her new role as Trust Administrator, Autumn will serve as a relationship manager and fiduciary advisor for a diverse range of trust clients.
About Prairie Trust
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
WAUKESHA, Wis. (May 22, 2024) – Prairie Trust®, a division of Waukesha State Bank, is proud to announce that President & Chief Fiduciary Officer Victor Schultz co-chaired the joint study committee that drafted the Wisconsin Trust Code Trailer Bill, which was signed into law by Governor Evers on March 21, 2024 as 2023 Act 127. The Bill clarifies various issues and adopts new uniform law provisions that have arisen since the Wisconsin Trust Code was enacted and became effective July 1, 2014. The Trailer Bill enactment is the culmination of more than eight years of effort by a joint State Bar and Wisconsin Bankers Association study committee.
Significant issues affecting trust and estate administration in Wisconsin that are addressed in the Trust Code Trailer Bill include:
Clarification of the rules that allow irrevocable trusts to be modified or terminated.
The 2014 Trust Code authorized the modification of an irrevocable trust by consent of all the beneficiaries, because of unanticipated circumstances or an inability to administer the trust effectively, if the trust was uneconomic, to correct mistakes, or to achieve the settlor’s tax objectives (especially where there has been a change in the tax laws). These modifications can be approved by a court, by a nonjudicial settlement agreement, or by a trustee by appointing the assets to a new trust. The Bill clarifies how these changes can be made without court involvement using a non-judicial settlement agreement signed by all the trust’s interested persons or by having the trustee “decant” by transferring the assets from the current trust to a newly created trust.
For example, parents created one trust for the benefit of multiple children. Each child has unique investment and distribution desires. Under the Bill, the trustee can exercise its power to decant and transfer trust assets from the current trust for the benefit of all the children to multiple new second trusts for each child.
Expansion of who can represent the interests of a trust beneficiary.
Beneficiaries of a trust are entitled to receive information about a trust, including a copy of the trust instrument, periodic accountings, fee disclosures, and information about the investment policy.
Beneficiaries of a trust are entitled to receive information about a trust, including a copy of the trust instrument, periodic accountings, fee disclosures, and information about the investment policy.
The Trailer Bill specifically allows the settlor (the person creating the trust) to designate a representative to act on behalf of a beneficiary specified in the trust instrument. This can be done under the new law by giving a person a power of appointment, by having a remainder beneficiary act on behalf of a more remote contingent beneficiary, or by specifically naming a designated representative.
For example, a trust is created for the benefit of a child who has drug addiction or spendthrift problems. The settlor could name a friend, attorney, another family member, etc. to receive trust information and represent the interests of that beneficiary.
Specific authorization for a settlor to draft a “Silent Trust.”
A settlor may not want beneficiaries to know about the existence of a trust or the specific terms. The new law specially permits trusts to be drafted that expand, restrict, eliminate, or otherwise vary the right of a beneficiary to be informed.
Specific authorization for a settlor to draft a “Silent Trust.”
A settlor may not want beneficiaries to know about the existence of a trust or the specific terms. The new law specially permits trusts to be drafted that expand, restrict, eliminate, or otherwise vary the right of a beneficiary to be informed.
For example, a person wants to leave his estate to various nieces and nephews and to charity. He does not want each beneficiary to know what the other beneficiaries are receiving. The Trailer Bill specifically allows a trust to be drafted so that beneficiaries do not know anything about the other trust beneficiaries. A trustee can be authorized to pay a certain sum of money to one beneficiary without informing any other beneficiary about the payment.
“Prairie Trust is committed to promoting precise, comprehensive and contemporary trust rules to govern administration in Wisconsin,” stated Victor Schultz, President & Chief Fiduciary Officer of Prairie Trust. “Through our involvement with the Wisconsin Bankers Association, we are unique in our ability to work with the State Bar to clarify, update and modernize the Wisconsin trust and estate laws. We believe corporate trustees offer a preferred trustee solution for estate settlement of revocable trusts (where there is no qualified family member), for special needs trusts for individuals with disabilities, and for irrevocable trusts (with or without investment management). We have personal trust administrators who specialize in all these areas.”
About Prairie Trust
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
WAUKESHA, Wis. (November 3, 2022) – Prairie Trust, a division of Waukesha State Bank, is proud to announce that Lori Hert, Senior Personal Trust Associate, was recently awarded the Certified Trust & Financial Advisor (CTFA) professional certification from the American Bankers Association.
Earning the CTFA certification validates Lori’s experience and depth of education in the wealth management industry. The CTFA certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of wealth management and trust. To qualify for the CTFA certification, individuals must have certain levels of experience and education in the trust profession, pass an exam, and agree to abide by a code of ethics. The CTFA exam covers many areas including fiduciary and trust activities, financial planning, tax law and planning, investment management and ethics.
Lori Hert joined Prairie Trust in 2019 and serves as Senior Personal Trust Associate. She assists Vice President and Senior Trust Administrator, Thom Kieffer, with day-to-day customer care and administrative operations, including account opening and closing, beneficiary distributions, account reviews, updating trust records, bill payment and research. Lori also serves as the point of contact for many client relationships. She takes great satisfaction in making personal connections with customers and helping to meet their needs. Lori has over 25 years of estate planning and related trust experience. Prior to joining Prairie Trust, Lori worked for an estate planning law firm administering probate matters and was an integral part in creating trusts and estate plans. She is pleased to work full circle in the implementation and administration of trusts, guardianships, individual retirement accounts and investment management accounts.
Financial services professionals, working through ABA, initiated the CTFA certification and seven others in order to establish meaningful standards of knowledge in specialty areas of the financial services industry. ABA Professional Certifications formally recognize those who meet these standards and meet professional continuing education and development requirements.
ABA Professional Certifications promote the highest standards of performance in the financial services industry by validating individuals’ knowledge and expertise. For more information visit www.aba.com/certifications.
About Prairie Trust
Prairie Trust, celebrating 50 years in 2022, is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust administration. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
WAUKESHA, Wis. (July 26, 2022) – Waukesha State Bank, a full-service community bank celebrating over 75 years of service, is proud to announce the promotion of Brenda Chadwick to Personal Trust Assistant – Estate Settlement & Real Estate within their Prairie Trust® division.
“We are pleased to have Brenda join our Prairie Trust team and continue her commitment to serving Waukesha State Bank customers,” stated Victor J. Schultz, president of Prairie Trust. “Her dedication to customer service and desire for continued learning and career growth make her a natural fit for this position.”
Brenda Chadwick joined Waukesha State Bank in 2019 as a teller. She has held varying positions on the retail side of the bank including customer service representative and assistant teller supervisor. In her new role as personal trust assistant within Prairie Trust, Brenda will be working with Prairie’s trust administrators in coordinating the active management of client real estate, personal property and post-death settlement matters.
Brenda earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. She and her family currently reside in Oconomowoc.
About Prairie Trust
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Prairie Trust & Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management Celebrate New Location in Waukesha with Ribbon Cutting - April 27, 2022
WAUKESHA, Wis. (April 27, 2022) – Prairie Trust, a division of Waukesha State Bank, and Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management officially celebrated the opening of their new headquarter location in Waukesha on Tuesday with a customary ribbon cutting ceremony. The new office, which opened February 7, 2022, is located at N16W23321 Stone Ridge Drive in Waukesha. Waukesha County Business Alliance President & CEO Suzanne Kelley, local business representatives, clients and Prairie Trust and Waukesha State Bank officials attended the event.
“2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Prairie Trust and Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management. Over the last 50 years, we have grown to 25 full-time employees and have over $1 billion in assets under administration,” stated Victor Schultz, Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management President & Chief Fiduciary Officer. “This new headquarter location will allow us options for future growth.”
About Prairie Trust
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust administration. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust administration. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
About Waukesha State Bank
Established in 1944, Waukesha State Bank is one of the largest locally owned and independent community banks in Wisconsin, with 14 full-service offices in Brookfield, Delafield, Menomonee Falls, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Sussex and Waukesha. For more information, visit www.waukeshabank.com. Member FDIC.
Established in 1944, Waukesha State Bank is one of the largest locally owned and independent community banks in Wisconsin, with 14 full-service offices in Brookfield, Delafield, Menomonee Falls, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Sussex and Waukesha. For more information, visit www.waukeshabank.com. Member FDIC.
Waukesha State Bank's Wealth Management & Prairie Trust Divisions Celebrate 50 Years, Relocate Headquarters and Expand into Dane County - March 1, 2022
WAUKESHA, Wis. (March 1, 2022) – Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management and Prairie Trust, divisions of Waukesha State Bank, recently relocated their headquarter location from Oconomowoc to N16W23321 Stone Ridge Drive, Waukesha. In addition, Prairie Trust is expanding into Dane County with leased office space at 4600 American Pkwy, Suite 204, Madison.
“2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Prairie Trust and Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management. Over the last 50 years, we have grown to 25 full-time employees and have over $1 billion in assets under administration,” stated Victor Schultz, Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management President & Chief Fiduciary Officer. “We outgrew our space in Oconomowoc, and this new headquarter location in Waukesha, and expansion west into Dane County, will allow us options for future growth.”
WAUKESHA
The new headquarter location in Waukesha will be home to both the Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management and Prairie Trust teams, which includes retirement planning services, investment management, private banking, trust services and estate planning.
The new headquarter location in Waukesha will be home to both the Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management and Prairie Trust teams, which includes retirement planning services, investment management, private banking, trust services and estate planning.
The building, originally erected in the early 2000s, has an 8,032-square-foot main floor and a 736-square-foot second floor. Its design includes elements of Prairie Style architecture, which also characterizes most Waukesha State Bank standalone branches. Regular hours for the new location are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
To celebrate the opening of this new location, an official open house and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Tuesday, April 26, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. The Waukesha County Business Alliance, local dignitaries and government officials will join Waukesha State Bank’s President & CEO Ty Taylor, Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management’s President & Chief Fiduciary Officer Victor Schultz, and other Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management and Prairie Trust staff.
MADISON
Prairie Trust-Madison includes 3,227-square-feet of leased office space. Remodeling is currently underway with the expected office opening in second quarter of 2022. An open house event will be held this summer.
Prairie Trust-Madison includes 3,227-square-feet of leased office space. Remodeling is currently underway with the expected office opening in second quarter of 2022. An open house event will be held this summer.
About Waukesha State Bank
Established in 1944, Waukesha State Bank is one of the largest locally owned and independent community banks in Wisconsin, with full-service offices in Brookfield, Delafield, Menomonee Falls, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Sussex and Waukesha. For more information, visit, www.waukeshabank.com. Member FDIC.
Established in 1944, Waukesha State Bank is one of the largest locally owned and independent community banks in Wisconsin, with full-service offices in Brookfield, Delafield, Menomonee Falls, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Sussex and Waukesha. For more information, visit, www.waukeshabank.com. Member FDIC.
About Prairie Trust
Prairie Trust, celebrating 50 years in 2022, is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust administration. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Prairie Trust, celebrating 50 years in 2022, is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust administration. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (April 28, 2021) - Prairie Trust, Wisconsin’s premier fiduciary-focused trust company and a division of Waukesha State Bank, announced today the recent purchase and upcoming renovation of a Pewaukee building to serve as the group’s new office.
The building, located at N16W23321 Stone Ridge Dr., will be home to Prairie Trust as well as the Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management team, which includes retirement planning services, investments and private banking. The groups are led by Victor Schultz, president and chief fiduciary officer, and are currently located in the Waukesha State Bank branch office in Oconomowoc.
“Our teams have grown, and we’ve run out of room in Oconomowoc,” said Schultz. “The new space will allow us to continue expanding. As many traditional bank trust providers have trimmed staff as they go to a centralized model, we’ve been able to add some of the most talented and experienced trust officers in the region.”
The building, originally erected in the early 2000s, has an 8,032-square-foot main floor and a 736-square-foot second floor. Its style includes elements of Prairie Style architecture, which also characterizes most Waukesha State Bank standalone branches. The acquisition closed on March 31.
Prairie Trust and Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management will be the sole occupants of the new building, which will be remodeled prior to their taking occupancy sometime in the fourth quarter. Remodeling planning is underway by Thrive Architects. The contract work for construction has yet to be bid out.
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust administration. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (September 25, 2020) – Prairie Trust®, a division of Waukesha State Bank, is proud to announce the hire of Jo Stahl as fiduciary tax administrator.
“We are excited to welcome Jo to the Prairie Trust team,” stated Victor J. Schultz, president of Prairie Trust. “Her extensive experience with all aspects of tax planning, including specialization in fiduciary taxation for estates and trusts, makes her an incredible asset to our clients.”
Jo Stahl comes to Prairie Trust with over 25 years of tax and accounting experience, most recently serving as tax and accounting manager for Elite Sports Clubs. Prior to that, Jo was a senior tax manager at Sikich LLP in the Brookfield office. She specializes in fiduciary, individual, corporate and partnership tax planning, consulting and compliance. In her new role with Prairie, Jo will be responsible for managing the fiduciary tax return preparation and filing process to ensure prompt and accurate delivery of all tax-related obligations required of Prairie Trust. She will be responsible for all facets of the division’s tax compliance program, including fiduciary, estate, gift and personal income tax.
Jo earned her masters of science taxation degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and her bachelors of business administration degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. In addition, she is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She and her family currently reside in Hartland, and she is active in the community volunteering at Swallow School in Hartland.
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust administration. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Autumn Bartlett Joins Prairie Trust as Personal Trust Assistant – June 29, 2020
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (June 29, 2020) – Waukesha State Bank, a full-service community bank celebrating over 75 years of service, is proud to announce the promotion of Autumn Bartlett to personal trust assistant within their Prairie Trust division.
“We are pleased to have Autumn join our Prairie Trust team and continue her commitment to serving Waukesha State Bank customers,” stated Victor J. Schultz, president of Prairie Trust. “Her passion for customer service makes her a natural fit for this position.”
Autumn Bartlett joined Waukesha State Bank in 2018 as a teller and recently earned her bachelor of business administration in finance degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. In her new role as personal trust assistant within Prairie Trust, Autumn will be responsible for supporting Prairie’s trust administrators with the ongoing management of personal trust clients and our Adviser Friendly service.
Autumn Bartlett joined Waukesha State Bank in 2018 as a teller and recently earned her bachelor of business administration in finance degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. In her new role as personal trust assistant within Prairie Trust, Autumn will be responsible for supporting Prairie’s trust administrators with the ongoing management of personal trust clients and our Adviser Friendly service.
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Prairie Trust Promotes Staff – June 26, 2020
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (June 26, 2020) – Prairie Trust®, a division of Waukesha State Bank, is pleased to announce the promotions of Thomas Kieffer to vice president - senior trust administrator and Matthew Woyak to trust officer – real estate administrator.
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (June 26, 2020) – Prairie Trust®, a division of Waukesha State Bank, is pleased to announce the promotions of Thomas Kieffer to vice president - senior trust administrator and Matthew Woyak to trust officer – real estate administrator.
“With our continued growth in trust administration, Thom and Matt have both been valuable assets to Prairie Trust and our clients,” stated Victor J. Schultz, president of Prairie Trust. “These promotions are reflective of their invaluable leadership and extensive knowledge of the trust, estate planning and real estate industries.”
Thom Kieffer joined Prairie Trust in March 2020 following an extensive career leading the trust and retirement services department at WNB Financial, NA (formerly Winona National Bank) in Winona, Minnesota. He has over 30 years of trust, financial advisory and tax planning experience, which includes broad skills in wealth management, financial analysis, business development, and investment and asset allocation management. As vice president – senior trust administrator, Thom will continue to be responsible for serving as a relationship manager and fiduciary advisor for a wide range of trust and estate settlement clients.
Thom earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota and holds Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Trust & Financial Advisor (CTFA) designations in addition to being a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He and his wife Robyn currently reside in New Berlin, and Thom is active in the community volunteering as a new member skills trainer for the Wauwatosa Curling Club and as a member of the Winona State University Foundation’s board of trustees.
Matt Woyak joined Prairie Trust in 2018. He has 20 years of trust and investment experience with a specialization in business valuation and financial analysis. As trust officer – real estate administrator, Matt will continue to be responsible for supporting Prairie’s senior trust administrators with the ongoing management of personal trust and estate settlement clients with an emphasis on real estate and closely held business management.
Matt obtained his master's degree in business administration from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri and currently holds a Wisconsin Real Estate Broker’s license and the Certified Valuation Analysis designation. He is active in the community serving as treasurer and finance committee chair for the Eisenhower Center, Inc.’s board of directors. He and his family currently reside in Greenfield.
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Lauren Hanson Joins Prairie Trust as Personal Trust Assistant – June 2, 2020
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (June 2, 2020) – Waukesha State Bank, a full-service community bank celebrating over 75 years of service, is proud to announce the promotion of Lauren Hanson to personal trust assistant within their Prairie Trust division.
“We are pleased to have Lauren join our Prairie Trust team and continue her commitment to serving Waukesha State Bank customers,” stated Victor J. Schultz, president of Prairie Trust. “Her dedication to customer service and desire for continued learning and career growth make her a natural fit for this position.”
Lauren Hanson joined Waukesha State Bank in 2017 as a teller. She has held varying positions on the retail side of the bank including customer service representative and assistant teller supervisor. In her new role as personal trust assistant within Prairie Trust, Lauren will be responsible for supporting Prairie’s trust administrators with the ongoing management of personal trust clients and our Adviser Friendly service.
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (June 2, 2020) – Waukesha State Bank, a full-service community bank celebrating over 75 years of service, is proud to announce the promotion of Lauren Hanson to personal trust assistant within their Prairie Trust division.
“We are pleased to have Lauren join our Prairie Trust team and continue her commitment to serving Waukesha State Bank customers,” stated Victor J. Schultz, president of Prairie Trust. “Her dedication to customer service and desire for continued learning and career growth make her a natural fit for this position.”
Lauren Hanson joined Waukesha State Bank in 2017 as a teller. She has held varying positions on the retail side of the bank including customer service representative and assistant teller supervisor. In her new role as personal trust assistant within Prairie Trust, Lauren will be responsible for supporting Prairie’s trust administrators with the ongoing management of personal trust clients and our Adviser Friendly service.
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Thomas Kieffer Joins Prairie Trust® as Senior Trust Administrator - March 11, 2020
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (March 11, 2020) – Prairie Trust®, a division of Waukesha State Bank, is proud to announce the hire of Thomas Kieffer as senior trust administrator.
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (March 11, 2020) – Prairie Trust®, a division of Waukesha State Bank, is proud to announce the hire of Thomas Kieffer as senior trust administrator.
“We strive to provide our clients with best-in-class trust and estate planning services. In today’s increasingly complex environment, premier fiduciary services that are both specialized and local are a critical differentiator,” stated Victor J. Schultz, president of Prairie Trust. “Thom previously managed a community bank trust company in Minnesota. We are lucky to have hired him to strengthen our team of experts who provide our clients with the highest level of customer support and service.”
Thomas Kieffer comes to Prairie Trust with over 30 years of trust, financial advisory and tax planning experience, most recently serving as financial advisor for Prudential Advisors. Prior to his role at Prudential, he served as senior vice president & chief trust officer for WNB Financial, NA (formerly Winona National Bank) in Winona, Minnesota where he managed all trust and retirement plan services. Thom has broad skills in wealth management, financial analysis, business development, tax planning, and investment and asset allocation management. In his new role with Prairie, Thom will be responsible for serving as a relationship manager and fiduciary advisor for a wide range of trust and estate settlement clients.
Thom earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota and holds Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Trust & Financial Advisor (CTFA) designations in addition to being a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He and his family currently reside in New Berlin, and he is active in the community volunteering as a new member skills trainer for the Wauwatosa Curling Club and as a member of the Winona State University Foundation’s board of trustees. In addition, he has served on several different nonprofit boards in Winona, Minnesota including Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity and Exchange Club.
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Prairie Trust® Hires Personal Trust Associate - October 15, 2019
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (October 15, 2019) - Prairie Trust®, a division of Waukesha State Bank, has hired Lori Hert as personal trust associate.
“We are pleased to have Lori join our Prairie Trust team and continue our ongoing commitment to service excellence,” stated Victor J. Schultz, president of Prairie Trust. “Her extensive legal experience makes her a perfect fit for this position.”
Lori Hert comes to Prairie Trust from Attorney Gerald A. Drendel/The Justice Law Firm, P.C. in Streator, Illinois where she worked as a legal assistant. She has 35 years of legal experience with concentrations in probate, corporate and tax matters. In her new role with Prairie Trust, Lori will be responsible for supporting Prairie’s trust administrators with the ongoing management of personal trust and estate settlement clients.
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (October 15, 2019) - Prairie Trust®, a division of Waukesha State Bank, has hired Lori Hert as personal trust associate.
“We are pleased to have Lori join our Prairie Trust team and continue our ongoing commitment to service excellence,” stated Victor J. Schultz, president of Prairie Trust. “Her extensive legal experience makes her a perfect fit for this position.”
Lori Hert comes to Prairie Trust from Attorney Gerald A. Drendel/The Justice Law Firm, P.C. in Streator, Illinois where she worked as a legal assistant. She has 35 years of legal experience with concentrations in probate, corporate and tax matters. In her new role with Prairie Trust, Lori will be responsible for supporting Prairie’s trust administrators with the ongoing management of personal trust and estate settlement clients.
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Waukesha State Bank Rebrands Trust & Wealth Management Services - January 2, 2019
Prairie Financial Group Repositions Brands to Prairie Trust and Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management
Prairie Financial Group Repositions Brands to Prairie Trust and Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management
WAUKESHA, Wis. (January 2, 2019) - Waukesha State Bank, a full-service community bank with 13 locations in Waukesha County, is dividing their Prairie Financial Group division into two separate brands — Prairie Trust and Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management.
Initially launched in 2013 as an advisor-friendly trust division, Prairie Financial Group was branded with the intent to expand its national footprint as a delegated personal trust administrator. However, with the recent growth of its other wealth management services, there’s become a need for added emphasis on the local connection to Waukesha State Bank.
"Our wealth management services, while well-established, are not well-known as a part of the bank’s offerings, making relationships more difficult to build at a local level. This has led us to the natural decision to rebrand to Prairie Trust and Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management," said Victor Schultz, President & Chief Fiduciary Officer.
Initially launched in 2013 as an advisor-friendly trust division, Prairie Financial Group was branded with the intent to expand its national footprint as a delegated personal trust administrator. However, with the recent growth of its other wealth management services, there’s become a need for added emphasis on the local connection to Waukesha State Bank.
"Our wealth management services, while well-established, are not well-known as a part of the bank’s offerings, making relationships more difficult to build at a local level. This has led us to the natural decision to rebrand to Prairie Trust and Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management," said Victor Schultz, President & Chief Fiduciary Officer.
Prairie Trust will focus strictly on personal trust administration and estate settlement services. Replacing "Financial Group" with "Trust" is intended to highlight the trust and fiduciary administration services provided, which is unique from many other financial service firms.
Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management will become the brand for investment management, financial planning and qualified retirement plan services. These services are primarily provided to local clients who have additional commercial and retail relationships with Waukesha State Bank, bringing the banking and investment needs together under one brand. This change will also support the launch of private banking services later in the year.
"Waukesha State Bank is a well-known brand in southeast Wisconsin and we believe it is important to align the wealth management services and banking under that name, while continuing to expand Prairie Trust at a national level. Moving forward, clients will enjoy the same exceptional service from our team, now delivered under two brands," said Schultz.
###
About Waukesha State Bank
Established in 1944, Waukesha State Bank is one of the largest locally owned and independent community banks in Wisconsin, with full-service offices in Brookfield, Delafield, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Sussex, and Waukesha. For more information, visit www.waukeshabank.com.
About Prairie Trust
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Waukesha State Bank Wealth Management will become the brand for investment management, financial planning and qualified retirement plan services. These services are primarily provided to local clients who have additional commercial and retail relationships with Waukesha State Bank, bringing the banking and investment needs together under one brand. This change will also support the launch of private banking services later in the year.
"Waukesha State Bank is a well-known brand in southeast Wisconsin and we believe it is important to align the wealth management services and banking under that name, while continuing to expand Prairie Trust at a national level. Moving forward, clients will enjoy the same exceptional service from our team, now delivered under two brands," said Schultz.
###
About Waukesha State Bank
Established in 1944, Waukesha State Bank is one of the largest locally owned and independent community banks in Wisconsin, with full-service offices in Brookfield, Delafield, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Sussex, and Waukesha. For more information, visit www.waukeshabank.com.
About Prairie Trust
Prairie Trust is the premier fiduciary-focused trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust administration, estate settlement services, and special needs trust expertise. Prairie Trust practices an Advisor-Friendly approach, collaborating with financial advisors in the responsibilities of trust management. For more information on Prairie Trust, visit www.prairietrust.com.
Prairie Financial Group® Hires Durham - October 17, 2018
WAUKESHA, Wis. (October 17, 2018) – Prairie Financial Group®, a division of Waukesha State Bank, has hired Jean Durham as senior personal trust associate.
“I am very excited to announce the addition of Jean to the Prairie team,” stated Victor J. Schultz, president and chief fiduciary officer of Prairie Financial Group. “Her extensive legal experience makes her a perfect fit for this position.”
Jean Durham comes to Prairie Financial Group from Bank Mutual, where she worked for seven years as staff attorney and paralegal. She has broad legal skills and is an expert in analysis and negotiation of contracts, bank account titling and real estate transactions. In her new role with Prairie, Jean will be responsible for supporting Prairie’s senior trust administrators, with an emphasis on estate settlement administration, real estate management and contract review.
Jean holds a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Northwestern University. She is active in the community volunteering with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Boy Scout Troop 530. She and her family currently reside in Greenfield.
Prairie Financial Group, a division of Waukesha State Bank, is the premier fiduciary-focused administrative trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust services, retirement plan services, investment management and not-for-profit services. Prairie Financial Group also includes an Advisor Friendly Alliance that works with financial advisors in providing customers seamless trust and qualified plan services that integrate with, and enhance, their product offerings. For more information on Prairie Financial Group, visit www.prairiewealth.com.
Founded in 1944, Waukesha State Bank is one of the largest locally owned and independent community banks in Wisconsin, with full-service offices in Brookfield, Delafield, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Sussex and Waukesha. For more information, visit, www.waukeshabank.com.
WAUKESHA, Wis. (October 17, 2018) – Prairie Financial Group®, a division of Waukesha State Bank, has hired Jean Durham as senior personal trust associate.
“I am very excited to announce the addition of Jean to the Prairie team,” stated Victor J. Schultz, president and chief fiduciary officer of Prairie Financial Group. “Her extensive legal experience makes her a perfect fit for this position.”
Jean Durham comes to Prairie Financial Group from Bank Mutual, where she worked for seven years as staff attorney and paralegal. She has broad legal skills and is an expert in analysis and negotiation of contracts, bank account titling and real estate transactions. In her new role with Prairie, Jean will be responsible for supporting Prairie’s senior trust administrators, with an emphasis on estate settlement administration, real estate management and contract review.
Jean holds a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Northwestern University. She is active in the community volunteering with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Boy Scout Troop 530. She and her family currently reside in Greenfield.
Prairie Financial Group, a division of Waukesha State Bank, is the premier fiduciary-focused administrative trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust services, retirement plan services, investment management and not-for-profit services. Prairie Financial Group also includes an Advisor Friendly Alliance that works with financial advisors in providing customers seamless trust and qualified plan services that integrate with, and enhance, their product offerings. For more information on Prairie Financial Group, visit www.prairiewealth.com.
Founded in 1944, Waukesha State Bank is one of the largest locally owned and independent community banks in Wisconsin, with full-service offices in Brookfield, Delafield, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Sussex and Waukesha. For more information, visit, www.waukeshabank.com.
Prairie Financial Group® Hires Woyak - January 15, 2018
WAUKESHA, Wis. (January 15, 2018) – Prairie Financial Group®, a division of Waukesha State Bank, has hired Matthew Woyak as senior personal trust associate.
WAUKESHA, Wis. (January 15, 2018) – Prairie Financial Group®, a division of Waukesha State Bank, has hired Matthew Woyak as senior personal trust associate.
“The addition of Matthew to the Prairie team reflects our ongoing commitment to provide an outstanding level of service to our clients,” stated Victor J. Schultz, president of Prairie Financial Group. “His extensive experience in trust services makes him a perfect fit for this position.”
Matthew Woyak comes to Prairie Financial Group from BMO Harris Bank N.A. where he was a senior analyst. He brings more than 17 years of trust and investment experience with a specialization in business valuation and financial analysis. In his new role with Prairie, Matthew will be responsible for supporting Prairie’s senior trust administrators with the ongoing management of personal trust and estate settlement clients with an emphasis on real estate and closely held business management.
Matthew obtained his master's in business administration from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri and is active in the community serving as treasurer and finance committee chair for the Eisenhower Center, Inc.’s board of directors. He and his family currently reside in Greenfield.
Prairie Financial Group, a division of Waukesha State Bank, is the premier fiduciary-focused administrative trust company in Wisconsin specializing in personal trust services, retirement plan services, investment management and not-for-profit services. Prairie Financial Group also includes an Advisor Friendly Alliance that works with financial advisors in providing customers seamless trust and qualified plan services that integrate with, and enhance, their product offerings. For more information on Prairie Financial Group, visit www.PrairieWealth.com.
Founded in 1944, Waukesha State Bank is one of the largest locally owned and independent community banks in Wisconsin, with full-service offices in Brookfield, Delafield, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Sussex and Waukesha. For more information, visit, www.waukeshabank.com.
Prairie Financial Group® Named a 2017 Top 10 Business of the Year - April 27, 2017
WAUKESHA, Wis. (April 27, 2017) – Prairie Financial Group® (PFG), a division of Waukesha State Bank, was named a 2017 Top 10 Business of the Year by the Waukesha County Business Alliance and media partner BizTimes Media, LLC.
WAUKESHA, Wis. (April 27, 2017) – Prairie Financial Group® (PFG), a division of Waukesha State Bank, was named a 2017 Top 10 Business of the Year by the Waukesha County Business Alliance and media partner BizTimes Media, LLC.
The annual awards program recognizes companies headquartered in southeastern Wisconsin that have consistent financial growth, and demonstrate a commitment to good business practice through their employee relations, customer-focused commitment and community service involvement.
The winners will receive their awards at the awards luncheon on Friday, June 9, 2017 from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM at the Country Springs Hotel, Pewaukee. The luncheon will feature a panel of representatives from each of the winning organizations, and the announcement of the #1 Business of the Year will take place.
Prairie Financial Group is the premier administration-focused trust company in Wisconsin, providing personal trust, retirement plan, investment management and not-for-profit services. Prairie Financial Group also includes an Advisor Friendly Alliance that works with financial advisors in providing customers seamless trust and qualified plan services that integrate with, and enhance, their product offerings.
“Prairie Financial Group is proud to be part of the 2017 Waukesha County Business Alliance’s class of Top 10 Businesses,” stated Victor Schultz, president and chief fiduciary officer of Prairie Financial Group. “Throughout our successful history, we have shown a commitment to our customers, communities and employees, and it is an honor to be selected for this award.”
Top 10 Businesses of the Year
Best Version Media, LLC
Fairchild Equipment
Gross Automation, LLC
Lakeland Supply, Inc.
L.H. Krueger and Son, Inc.
Metal-Era, Inc.
OwnersEdge, Inc.
Prairie Financial Group
Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.
Winter, Kloman, Moter & Repp, S.C.
Fairchild Equipment
Gross Automation, LLC
Lakeland Supply, Inc.
L.H. Krueger and Son, Inc.
Metal-Era, Inc.
OwnersEdge, Inc.
Prairie Financial Group
Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.
Winter, Kloman, Moter & Repp, S.C.
“These businesses are outstanding examples of the strong, innovative and thriving companies we have in southeastern Wisconsin,” said Suzanne Kelley, president of the Waukesha County Business Alliance. “Each business is a testament to what it means to be a leading company – through commitment to their employees, customers and communities, consistent financial performance and innovation within their industries.”
Tickets to attend the luncheon are available at waukesha.org.