Our founder, Bill Nefsy, was a rancher in Miles City. In 1953, Bill needed an operating loan for his growing operation and was turned away by the two banks in town with the explanation – “We don’t do Ag loans.” While Bill was visiting about how out of touch these banks were with the community they were supposed to be serving, he learned of the potential opportunity to purchase controlling interest in the Miles City Bank. He seized the opportunity, took a chance and began what would become Stockman Bank.

From the start, he created a true community bank, carefully built to serve the needs of hard-working Montanans of every walk of life. Bill never viewed himself as a banker, but as an entrepreneur and consumer of financial services.

What is an entrepreneur?

The dictionary defines an entrepreneur as a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk. That describes Bill Nefsy very well, along with thousands of Montana entrepreneurs who operate their own businesses today.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, Montana is home to over 120,000 small businesses that employ more than 65% of our private workforce! It’s clear that entrepreneurship and small business is truly the backbone of our state.

At Stockman, we too are Montana owned and operated. Additionally, unlike many of our competitors, Stockman is solely focused on Montana and only Montana. That gives us a unique expertise in providing financial services to local businesses. After all, we know first-hand the opportunities and challenges facing business owners in Montana.

No matter what type of business, large or small, our business banking specialists can help identify the best financial solutions for the full lifecycle of a business. From business deposit accounts and financing for start-ups, expansion, acquisition, and consolidation, to solutions that help better manage cash flow and operate more conveniently and efficiently, we have Montana business covered. Our business online and mobile services provide access when needed, 24/7, to monitor, manage and move money using ACH, wire and bill pay services.

Whether you are running a service business, creating a Montana-made product, managing an Ag operation, flipping houses or working on a new side hustle, thank you for all you do helping our economy and communities grow and prosper. Stockman Bank was born from the same entrepreneurial spirit. As a Montana bank focused only on Montana, we are a committed partner in helping our state’s entrepreneurs reach the highest levels of success.

Have a great summer!

- Bill