BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS

Just like Summit, VP-Business Lending Jim Holden is all about community – or should we say “communities”?

First off, the business community of southern Wisconsin. Jim has been the go-to commercial lending expert for dozens of businesses over his nearly three-decade career. Businesses of all sizes and industries have turned to Jim for the advice, support and financing they needed to succeed.

Next, the Waunakee community, where it would be hard to top the number of organizations who count on Jim. His service roles include being treasurer for a local nonprofit fundraising organization that he co-founded; former treasurer for the Waunakee Neighborhood Connection, and the Waunakee Volleyball Booster Club; former President of the Waunakee Chamber of Commerce; Board member for South Central Wisconsin Ducks Unlimited chapter, and member of the Waunakee Knights of Columbus. Jim’s also brought his commitment and business acumen to the Village of Waunakee Economic Development Task Force, where he served as an advisor for the Main Street revitalization program and community pool project.

When Jim isn’t helping a business or non-profit succeed, he’s an avid member of Wisconsin’s outdoor community and enjoys fishing, paddleboarding, golf, snowshoeing and hiking in the Northwoods of our fair state. And Jim started his journey to lending as a member of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse community with a degree in business administration and sports management. He’s also a graduate of the WBA Commercial Lending School.

For more than 30 years, the greater Sheboygan community has benefited from the expertise of VP Senior Business Services John Renzelmann.

On the business front, John has a long history of creating successful partnerships with local, family-owned businesses. He understands the critical role local businesses play in community well-being and takes the time to dive deep into the needs and goals of his business members.

Thanks to John, his members have the help they need to manage working capital, maintain strong balance sheets and meet their long-term growth initiatives. John also leverages his considerable financial skills in commercial real estate, capital expenses, equipment financing, Small Business Administration (SBA) lending, bond financing programs, treasury management services and more to ensure his members have the resources they need to succeed.

The community at large has also benefited from John’s commitment and compassion. He served on the board of the local branch of Junior Achievement for nearly 20 years and on the Sheboygan YMCA board for the better part of a decade. John is currently a Falls Lions Club member and board president for the Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center, an organization that works to protect abused and neglected children.

John holds a degree in economics and management from Beloit College and has completed Norwest’s Commercial College of Credit.

Over his nearly four-decade career in financial services, VP Senior Business Services Craig Plazak has honed his skills in the areas businesses need most. He brings invaluable insights around commercial lending, cash management and business development to every project.  

Craig’s dedication to relationship building is evident in the longevity and success of his business partnerships. He takes the time to understand the changing needs of his business members as they navigate the ups and downs of everything from the economy at large to industry- or organization-specific challenges. And he works hard to support them at every step of their financial journey.

Craig shares Summit’s belief in the power of financial security to create strong businesses and stronger communities, and it’s apparent in everything he does to support his members in the greater Milwaukee area.

Craig earned his degree in communications and marketing from Marquette University. When he’s not helping business members thrive, you’ll find Craig enjoying time with his family. 

How did our VP Sr Business Services, Darci Miller, know Summit Credit Union would be a good fit for her many talents? Because we share her dedication to helping women achieve financial security.

Darci’s been living that dedication for more than three decades and has a reputation for being a straightforward problem solver who works hard to help businesses – especially women-owned businesses – find the financial solutions that are right for them. Thanks to Summit’s flexible, local decision-making, Darci’s been able to help businesses of all types and sizes find the financing support they need.

Just as local businesses have benefited from Darci’s financial acumen, so have a variety of local organizations. She’s served on various Boards and been an active volunteer for numerous Milwaukee-area organizations including Tempo Milwaukee, Food and Beverage Wisconsin, Feeding America, WCREW and Commercial Association of REALTORS® Wisconsin (CARW). 

Darci is a graduate of Marquette University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science and MBA degrees. She and her husband are the proud parents of two sons, and weekends will often find them traveling to watch their younger son play collegiate baseball.  

Having worked at both banks and credit unions, VP-Business Services Garnet McLeod knows firsthand the difference a mission-focused, member-centric financial institution can make for business members.

The chance to be part of that difference was why Garnet was excited to bring his talents and experience to Summit Credit Union. And we know members will share Garnet’s excitement once they discover how his decade-plus in commercial lending – which includes extensive experience with underwriting and portfolio management – helps them navigate all their financial needs.

Pair that expertise with Summit’s local loan decisioning and get ready for business lending that’s effective, efficient and all about meeting your needs.

Garnet holds a BBA from University of Wisconsin-Madison in Political Science and Government. When he’s not helping local businesses achieve their goals, Garnet likes to golf, work out and travel to warm weather destinations.

Whether you’re launching a new business or looking for help growing an existing one, you need a trusted lending expert. Here are three great reasons to partner with VP Business Lending & Market Manager Eric Hesselink.

First, his experience. Eric has spent more than two decades in financial services, mostly in commercial banking. Whether you need start-up funding, help with a merger or acquisition, a loan for equipment, construction or real estate or a working capital line of credit, you can count on Eric to deliver the resources that best fit your needs.

Second, the range of businesses he’s helped. Eric has worked with businesses of all sizes and with a wide variety of ownership structures.    

Last, his dedication to small business success. Eric has helped business owners navigate 7a, Express and 504-type Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. And he’s so well respected for his work with 504 loans that WBD (a Wisconsin nonprofit whose mission is to grow businesses, create jobs and build communities) awarded him their Elite Lender status.

Even in his downtime, you’ll find Eric working hard to make life better for others. He’s actively involved in the Sheboygan community, including membership in the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce. Eric also loves spending time with his family and friends, typically enjoying all the Wisconsin outdoors has to offer.

You can’t help but be impressed by the knowledge and experience that VP Senior Business Services Pam Albright brings to every business member.

After all, Pam is someone who moved from teller to personal banker to consumer and mortgage lender, later serving as a district manager and then a market manager who oversaw 40 offices before joining the business services team more than a decade ago. 

But ask Pam what she feels is most important for a business member to know about her, and she’ll likely tell you this: She enjoys making a difference.

Pam makes that difference happen with knowledge and hard work, backed by great listening and communication skills, patience and dedication. She’s committed to helping her business members achieve their goals, and she loves how the Summit culture allows her to make that happen.

When Pam isn’t hard at work helping Summit’s business members achieve their goals, it’s a toss-up if you’ll find her enjoying the great outdoors or indoors! Pam enjoys travel and loves spending time in Northern Wisconsin kayaking, boating, jet skiing, UTVing, snowmobiling, biking and swimming. But she’s equally at home indoors, listening to music, trying new recipes, reading or diving into a craft project.

Pam holds a degree in business administration from Milwaukee Area Technical College and attended the University of Virginia.

Ask Business Lender Andrew Hayes why his role at Summit is such a great fit, and his answer boils down to three key things: He loves helping people (and what better place to do that than Summit, where he lives credit unions’ “people helping people” culture every day!). He’s passionate about partnering with small businesses to help them achieve their goals and dreams. And he understands what small business owners need because he’s been one himself.

Andrew grew up in an entrepreneurial family and gained exposure to investment real estate and the realities of running a small business at a young age. Those experiences led him toward a degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a financial services career that spans over three decades. During that time, Andrew worked at both banks and credit unions (and gained a solid understanding of their differences), served as a loan officer, worked in business banking and commercial credit and was even the president of a small credit union for seven years. All of these valuable experiences shaped his desire – and ability – to help businesses thrive.

When Andrew isn’t partnering with local businesses, you’ll find him on land (hiking, skiing or cheering on his soccer-loving kids), in the water (kayaking and other water sports are favorites) or enjoying a view from the clouds (as a pilot and professional flight instructor!).