At your side.
There's no place Keen Bank would rather be than at your side. Dating back to 1874, our commitment to customers, responsiveness in find solutions and our genuine willingness to help has always been the foundation of our bank. Our customers have always come first and our owners are local.
Our priority is to meet the growing needs of our customers with exceptional customers service and innovative, convenient banking solutions. Our strength lies in our professional, experienced team that truly cares and works to provide the optimal banking experience while developing trusted, lasting relationships. Our size and local ownership gives us the ability to make decisions quickly. We are committed to bringing flexible and effective banking solutions forward to ensure your financial health.
Keen Bank has three locations in Waseca, Owatonna and Ellendale, Minnesota.
Our History
The origin of Keen Bank dates back to June of 1874, when C. Hardin and Son opened its doors for business in the Waseca community, operating as The Bank of Waseca. On July 8, 1892, The Bank of Waseca was succeeded by The Citizens Bank which was owned and operated by A.D. Cadwell and F. N Hunt. The Citizens Bank continued in operated until January 1, 1903, when the Otto Bremer Company of St. Paul charted The First National Bank which purchased and absorbed The Citizens Bank.
In 1966, Frank T. Sankovitz and Richard P. Sankovitz purchased the Otto Bremer Company stock resulting in controlling interest of the bank, passing to the Sankovitz family, who have owned and operated as First National Bank of Waseca.
While the family still owns and operates the bank today, in September 2022, First National Bank of Waseca rebranded and changed their name to Keen Bank to uniquely identify themselves and singularly own their name and eliminate confusion in the marketplace surrounding the hundreds of First National Banks.
Over the years, Keen Bank has always been committed to its customers and communities, provided banking services to meet growing needs while maintaining the personal aspects of service that is synonymous with community banking.
Keen Bank has been instrumental in shaping the growth of our community, providing a cornerstone upon which countless businesses and individual successes have been built.
Our History
1874
C. Hardin and Son opened its doors for business in the Waseca community, operating as The Bank of Waseca.
1892
The Bank of Waseca was succeeded by The Citizens Bank which was owned and operated by A.D. Cadwell and F. N Hunt.
1903
Otto Bremer Company of St. Paul charted The First National Bank which purchased and absorbed The Citizens Bank.
1905
The First National Bank operated directly across the street from its present location, 100 State Street N.
1940
Frank T. Sankovitz was a National Bank Examiner assigned to examine The First National Bank. After the exam, he was asked to stay on as Executive Vice President under the President and Director E. O. Herter.
1943
Frank T. Sankovitz joined The First National Bank as Executive Vice President.
1958
Richard P. Sankovitz, son of Frank T. Sankovitz, began his career at The First National Bank as a teller and bookkeeper.
1962
First National Bank relocates and moved across the street to its present location.
1966
Frank T. Sankovitz and Richard P. Sankovitz purchased the Otto Bremer Company stock resulting in controlling interest of The First National Bank.
1969
Richard P. Sankovitz is named President of The First National Bank.
1985
Richard P. Sankovitz is named Board Chairman & CEO of The First National Bank.
1992
Tom Sankovitz, son of Richard P. Sankovitz, joins The First National Bank as Chief Financial Officer.
1995
Bernie Gaytko, son-in-law of Richard P. Sankovitz, joins The First National Bank as Vice President of Marketing.
1997
First National Bank of Waseca acquired The Bank of Ellendale & Hope.
Ann Gaytko, daughter of Richard P. Sankovitz, joins The First National Bank as Payroll Manager and Special Projects Coordinator.
2002
Bernie Gaytko is named President of The First National Bank.
2022
First National Bank of Waseca changed their name and operates as Keen Bank.
2023
Keen Bank relocates their Hope location to Owatonna.
Behind Our Name
The word Keen portrays enthusiasm, intelligence, perceptiveness and the ability to think clearly—all critical attributes for your bank and its team. We believe it truly encapsulates our value to you.
Behind Our Visual Identity
The Keen Bank logo was designed with a rounded, approachable typeface that provides a fresh and clean feel. Originating from two overlapping circle, the icon illustrates energy, support and comfort. It speaks to how we protect and guide our customers standing at their side today and tomorrow.
The geometric pattern that is present throughout the Keen Bank brand is a creative way to emphasize the relationship we have with our customers. The pattern of half circles paired with full circles speaks to our ability to continuously provide each customer with banking solutions that fit their lifestyle and financial goals.
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Community
Keen Bank has a genuine willingness to help. We care about our communities.
Careers
Keen Bank is committed to its employees. Learn more about becoming a part of our family.
