Nov. 5, 2025

This piece is sponsored by Central Bank.

Business lender Chad Weier knows what it means to be part of a family-owned small business.

Between high school and college, the Salem native worked as a diesel mechanic in an independent ag repair shop his father owned.

So today, as a vice president and commercial loan officer at Central Bank, his mechanical side still comes in handy.

“Most of my customers are mom-and-pop shops,” said Weier, who joined the team at Central Bank in Brookings this spring. “They’re landscapers, excavators, contractors. And I think it helps me understand them and their needs.”

Weier began his career in banking in Sioux Falls, then moved across the state to Deadwood, where he worked as a personal banker in a global bank for more than a decade.

He has spent the past 20 years in Brookings, taking on a variety of roles in financial services.

The opportunity to join Central Bank “just fell into place,” he said. “I like that it’s a family-owned bank. It’s big enough to get things done but small enough to know your customers.”

Weier’s customers generally come from within 30 miles of Brookings and work with him on everything from loans for buildings and equipment to homes built on spec.

“It’s anything and everything,” he said. “Right now, a lot of people are sitting back and watching rates, but conversations are starting to happen again.”

He appreciates that at Central Bank “decision-making is localized,” he said. “They’re opened-minded. We help customers get things done. I’ve also enjoyed being able to refer some customers to Central Insure – I’m not used to having an insurance office available to us, and I like that.”

As part of the Central Bank team in Brookings, he’s also involved in the bank’s own building project – a new branch opening in February.

“We’ve toured and given input, and it’s been fun to see it progress,” Weier said. “We’re getting excited for it, and it’s going to be really neat when it’s done. What I like about our team is that everybody works together. If we need something done, everyone is willing to help each other, and we work really well together.”

Weier has been a strong addition to the Central Bank team, market president Joe Gannon said.

“Chad brings decades of expertise not just in banking but in family business,” he said. “He’s someone who can speak the language with his clients, and he’s a tremendous resource to businesses of all sizes but especially mom-and-pop operations who value relationships to the same extent he does. We’re excited to have him as part of our growing team in Brookings.”

To connect with Chad Weier, call 605-696-3417 or email cweier@mycentral.bank.

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