Oct. 29, 2025

This piece is sponsored by Central Bank.

There’s nothing like banking local – or, in Tyler Hegge’s case, becoming part of the team at a local bank.

“It’s just very refreshing to be in a family-owned community bank,” said Hegge, who became senior vice president ag banking officer at Central Bank in the spring.

“The relationships you have with those you work with and your customers are very meaningful, and you get a real sense of it being a true community.”

Hegge, who grew up on a farm in the Watertown area, began his career in ag and commercial lending at a large regional bank.

“I really like working with producers to help maximize their production and help them grow their operation,” he said. “I like being that gateway or person who helps advise on the decisions they make financially to help them grow and prosper.”

He’s based in Brookings, where Central Bank has an expanded presence and is building a branch to complement the growing team.

“Tyler is a great example of someone who has built trusted relationships and has the expertise to support his clients’ needs,” said Joe Gannon, senior vice president and market president.

“It’s exciting to have his leadership as we hope to serve even more agribusiness clients in the growing Brookings area.”

For many of Hegge’s clients, “it’s been a tough commodity year,” he said. “Prices aren’t really where they need to be, but one of the things I really like about the bank is that we’re here for the customer. We’re standing right next to them during that and having those conversations.”

Ag producers are still interested in buying land in addition to maximizing the efficiency within their operations, he said.

“If you’re in the cattle market, that’s extremely strong, but we’re also having conversations about what’s a good price point to be purchasing cattle for a sale in the future,” he said. “You want to make sure you’re hedging what you can do to protect yourself on price.”

Since joining the team at Central Bank, “I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” Hegge said. “It’s very customer service-oriented and professional. It’s a place where everyone is here to lend a hand, everyone has a common goal, and the culture is that we put our clients’ needs and financial well-being first.”

He has noticed clearly that the bank values a high level of transparency and accountability, he said.

“Whether it’s on the commercial, ag or consumer side, our clients are entrusting the bank with funds and confidential information and ways they want to continue to grow and prosper,” he said. “We’re committed to being there, being dependable and assisting with that in whatever way we can.”

The new Brookings branch is expected to be complete early next year and is located at the prominent intersection of Sixth Street and Main Avenue.

“It’s a very good location and an exciting investment,” Hegge said. “We’re ramping up our team to support the growth we see here and envision a lot of opportunity to serve clients in this area.”

To connect with Tyler Hegge, call 605-520-5327 or email thegge@mycentral.bank.

Central Bank | Member FDIC