Northwestern Bank's Podcast Brews Up Community Conversation

Enjoying a cold one at work may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of community banking, but that’s the premise of a podcast series from Northwestern Bank in Chippewa Falls, Wis. 

Titled “Banker with a Beer,” the podcast is hosted by Jerry Kuehl, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the $700 million-asset bank. 

Hosting the podcast allows Kuehl to share his love for beer and facilitates deep discussion with local community members. “[The podcast] provided a really great opportunity to create an environment where you can share a conversation with someone over a beverage,” he said.

On the podcast, Kuehl covers a wide range of topics; economic growth in the community and issues around housing, unemployment and education are all fair game. With more than 200 podcast episodes to date, Kuehl has talked to many interesting guests who each bring their unique stories and insights to the table. 

Kuehl said he especially enjoyed hosting Jake Leinenkugel, the former president of Leinenkugel Brewing Company and local brewing celebrity. Leinenkugel spoke about growing up in Chippewa Falls—where both he and his company were born—and what makes the area special.

Kuehl believes more local banks should consider podcasting, and he noted that he wanted to cover more than just financial topics. “I thought the podcast could be much better positioned to show the voice of the [Chippewa Valley] community,” he said, “and as a community bank, I think that resonates more.”