Melissa Voss | Editor
For the Johnson family, the past, present, and future of Reliabank relies on its strong family center and dedication to bring its nine branches “big bank products with hometown service.” Now that the bank company is reaching its 100 year anniversary this year, the Johnsons hope to continue to be a reliable, interpersonal local business that helps grow the dreams of their community.
Reliabank was originally named The Farmers National Bank of South Shore, chartered by Fred Beskow on September 1, 1920. The Johnson family became involved with the bank in 1944 when Walter K. Johnson became the managing officer until he bought the establishment in 1967. David W. Johnson became the managing officer after his father’s untimely death in 1976 and formed a partnership with his sister, Cynthia, back in 1988 to purchase the bank from his mother and other siblings. David W.’s family, including wife Jan (Director) and sons Reid (Marketing Director) and Ethan (Securities Manager), bought Cynthia’s stock in 2003 and have been involved with the company ever since. After several name changes came, the bank now resides as Reliabank and has nine branches.
With a family-centered business ethic at its core, Reliabank finds its strength and success with its dedicated employees. For Reid, the hard work of Reliabank’s employees have helped grow Reliabank into what it is today.
“At an early age I learned what employees committing themselves to an organization and an organization committing itself to its employees looked like. We have 14 employees that have been with us for over 20 years and their commitment to giving Reliabank their best over that amount of time has helped our organization as well as provide them with a great life outside of work and, I hope, their personal growth.”
For their communities, one of their mottos stands for providing “big bank products with hometown service.” Reid finds that with this being a core stance in their company, they are able to provide their customers with the best of both worlds.
“We continually try to stay up to date with technology to better serve our customers and protect their accounts. The convenience of allowing customers to bank online from anywhere in the world is a bit impersonal, so we make sure that when a customer has a question, wants to visit in person, or simply needs to cash a check we give them the quality and caring hometown service they deserve,” he says.
As for the future of Reliabank, David W. Johnson hopes that the company can help build the dreams of their community members.
“Between today and 2120, Americans will continue to have dreams for their families, careers, and home communities. We will make a difference when we are the financial partners for the “Dreamers.” In my 45 years in the business, technology changes have been astounding, and I can’t really imagine what will be in store for us. The challenge will continue to be offering technology with a personalized touch,” he states.
Overall, the family recognizes that Reliabank would not have the success it has without the supportive communities they service.
“Our communities are each unique and inspiring. Helping each one to realize what works best for them has been rewarding,” Jan says.
Ethan goes on, saying, “We are in great communities, and in a way we have a symbiotic relationship with them. When they thrive, we thrive. So in the next 100 years, I hope that all our communities keep growing and that we can help them with their needs.”
But as for the near future, David W. states that Reliabank will be focusing on building their residential real estate departments in Sioux Falls and Watertown, as well as adding wealth management (CFP) and an expanded insurance agency to their Sioux Falls location.