Our Story

Read about our commitment to the environment

Our Philosophy

Because we are not owned by outside investors who are typically interested in next quarters’ earnings, we are able to think differently. The Bank is owned by the Grimstad family and its employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan so the decisions we make are long term in nature. There is no need to focus on short term earnings because the Bank is not for sale. We believe that by treating our customers and employees fairly and with respect they deserve, the Bank will prosper in the long run.

Banking, like all other industries, has become competitive. We understand that we must provide excellent service, convenience, competitive pricing and services to maintain customer relationships. We make every effort to do this, while also doing our part to help the community prosper. Our Bank, directors, and employee-owners are committed to giving back to the community by offering their time, talent, and resources to many worthy causes. Our goal is to add value to our client relationships by identifying their needs and then helping them reach their goals.

Being a good steward of our environment is one of our core values. Since the 1990’s we’ve learned how to take better care of our environment at home and in the work place. People started to take notice and since then we share what we learn and do along the way. Today, we have our own energy loan specialists on staff to finance energy saving and renewable energy projects.

Our History

Chartered by the State of Iowa in 1935, Decorah Bank & Trust Company was started by a group of Decorah citizens as Security Trust and Savings Bank.
During its first year, the bank was sold to a bank liquidator named Ray Kaster, who successfully managed it for the next 24 years.
In 1960, Harold Grimstad purchased the bank and changed its name to Security Bank & Trust Company.

In 1978, Larry Grimstad, Harold’s son, managed and in 2000, the bank changed its name to Decorah Bank & Trust Company.
In 2000 and 2002, Ben and Joseph Grimstad joined the organization and became the third generation of Grimstads and continue to manage the bank.
In 2007, Cresco Bank & Trust Co. became a division of Decorah Bank & Trust Co. Donna Thomas is serving as the bank president of the Cresco location and has been employed at the bank since 1981.