West DSM News

West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Aug. 5. 

Fortress Bank has opened a loan production office at 5000 Westown Parkway, Suite 420, in West Des Moines.  Staffed by veteran Des Moines bankers, the Bank provides commercial, agricultural, consumer, and mortgage lending.

Scott Jarvis, Senior Vice President, leads the Des Moines operations for Fortress Bank. Founded in 1904 in the west-central Illinois town of Burnside, Fortress Bank operates eleven offices in Iowa and Illinois with over $500 million in total assets. Fortress Bank is a privately-held organization serving clients in a sizeable expanse in western and central Illinois, eastern and central Iowa, and throughout the Midwest.

Jarvis, previously Market President of Lincoln Savings Bank, is leading Fortress’ Central Iowa expansion as Des Moines Division Manager. “I’m excited to lead Fortress Bank into the Des Moines market,” said Jarvis. “Our motivation will be to establish ourselves as a strategic financial partner through building trust, creating innovative solutions, and providing considerable expertise across multiple industry segments. The reception from the business community has been warm and welcoming, supporting our belief that the market is ready for a fresh perspective toward commercial banking. We anticipate opening a full-service office within two years.”

In addition to an active commercial banking business, Fortress Bank is a leader in mortgage lending. A dedicated team of experts is available to work with clients to obtain the competitive financing they need for their new home or refinance their current home. With a combined 130 years of mortgage lending experience, these veteran bankers have recently joined Fortress Bank:

• Stephanie Avery, Vice President, Mortgage Market Manager
• Bannen Davis, AVP/Mortgage Loan Originator
• Jennifer Donielson, AVP/Mortgage Loan Originator
• Allie Mount, Mortgage Loan Originator
• Cass Muse, Mortgage Loan Originator
• Steven Palmer, AVP/Mortgage Loan Originator
• June Stackhouse, AVP/Mortgage Loan Originator

"The foundation of Fortress Bank was built on providing best in class banking products and services with expertise in business banking and mortgage lending," said Lee Garlach, president of the Bank's parent company, First State Bancorporation, Inc. Garlach is the principal shareholder and key organizer of the holding company, and an entrepreneur with considerable experience in the merger, acquisition, and operations of small businesses.

Before acquiring First State Bank (now Fortress Bank) in 2008, Garlach was president of United Distributors Inc., which was based in Galesburg, Illinois, and distributed Miller and Coors beer in a 12-county western Illinois market.

His banking experience includes working as a bank and bank holding company examiner for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and as a Certified Public Accountant and loan review specialist for a Denver CPA firm.

“Fortress Bank is a true bank for business. We specialize in small- to medium-size businesses. Access to capital and credit is the fundamental need of today’s entrepreneur, business owner, and investor. We provide our clients access to all forms of capital, including private investment funding, traditional credit facilities, and government assistance programs,” said Garlach. “We believe business banking is about relationships and service. Our bankers take the time to learn specific client needs and provide access to other business experts. The Bank’s level of experience and expertise is unparalleled.”

Fortress Bank may be reached at 515-706-4210.

Original source can be found here.