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 & Sons opened its doors for business in the Waseca community, operating as The Bank of Waseca. In 1892, The Bank of Waseca was succeeded by Citizens' State Bank of Waseca, which was owned and operated by A. D. Cadwell and F. N. Hunt. Citizens' State Bank of Waseca is absorbed by The First National Bank of Waseca when it was chartered in 1903.
In 1966, Frank T. Sankovitz and Richard P. Sankovitz purchased controlling interest of The First National Bank of Waseca. The Sankovitz family own and operate the bank today.
While the family still owns and operates the bank today, in September 2022, The 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 & Sons opens its doors for business in the Waseca community, operating as The Bank of Waseca.
1892
The Bank of Waseca is succeeded by Citizens' State Bank of Waseca which was owned and operated by A. D. Cadwell and F. N. Hunt.
1903
Citizens' State Bank of Waseca is absorbed by The First National Bank of Waseca when it was chartered in 1903.
1942
Frank T. Sankovitz, National Bank Examiner assigned to examine The First National Bank of Waseca, discovered shortages dating back to 1931.
1943
Otto Bremer of the newly formed Bremer Bank purchased the stock from former bank president. E. O. Herter elected President of The First National Bank of Waseca. Frank T. Sankovitz resigns as National Bank Examiner and appointed Executive Vice President and Director of the bank.
1958
Richard P. Sankovitz, son of Frank T. Sankovitz, begins his career and joins The First National Bank of Waseca as a teller and bookkeeper.
1962
The First National Bank of Waseca relocates across the street to its present location.
1966
Frank T. Sankovitz and Richard P. Sankovitz purchases controlling interest of The First National Bank of Waseca.
1971
Richard P. Sankovitz is named the youngest President of The First National Bank of Waseca at age 35.
1985
Richard P. Sankovitz is named Board Chairman & CEO of The First National Bank of Waseca.
1992
Tom Sankovitz, son of Richard P. Sankovitz, joins The First National Bank of Waseca as Assistant Auditor.
1994
Tom Sankovitz is named Chief Financial Officer of The First National Bank of Waseca.
1995
Bernie Gaytko, son-in-law of Richard P. Sankovitz, joins The First National Bank of Waseca as Vice President of Marketing.
1997
The First National Bank of Waseca acquires The Bank of Ellendale & Hope. Additionally, Ann Gaytko, daughter of Richard P. Sankovitz, joins The First National Bank of Waseca.
1998
The First National Bank of Waseca acquires the Northridge Branch of Valley Bank from Frandsen Financial Corporation. The branch was later consolidated with the main bank in 2009.
2002
Bernie Gaytko is named President of The First National Bank of Waseca.
2022
The First National Bank of Waseca changes their name and operates as Keen Bank.
2023
Keen Bank relocates their Hope location to Owatonna.
2024
Keen Bank celebrates its 150th anniversary of serving the financial needs of Waseca and surrounding communities.
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.
Community
Keen Bank has a genuine willingness to help and care about our communities.
Careers
Keen Bank is committed to its employees. Learn more about becoming a part of our family.
