Sept. 27, 2022

This paid piece is sponsored by Central Bank.

Not every member of a family business who grows up in the business decides to make it a career.

But for Nick Brown, there was never a doubt.

“I’m the oldest of six kids and have always been pulled into help. The family bank is something I grew up with and have always known,” he said. “My dad has helped build and grow it, and it’s something we’ve been proud of.”

Brown’s dad, Tim Brown, and his uncle, John Brown, purchased Iowa-based Central Bank in 1990. Tim Brown serves as chairman and CEO, while John Brown serves as president, CFO and secretary.

“My dad and I have always been close,” Brown said. “Growing up, I helped do the jobs that needed to be done.”

Brown now has a new role – regional president of Central Bank in South Dakota – which builds upon years of service to the family business.

“The leadership role provides support to management and assists with business development and community engagement,” he said.

Brown has a long history of connecting to communities. He grew up in Storm Lake, where Central Bank is headquartered. The bank itself dates back to 1877 and has grown thanks to a foundation of local decision-making and commitment to communities.

“Community involvement has always been strong in our markets,” Brown said. “Giving back to schools, volunteering time and resources, and supporting initiatives and causes has always been a spot of pride for Tim and John. We want to keep that tradition strong in Sioux Falls and do what we can to be an impactful member of the community.”

Brown’s own involvement with Central Bank goes back to high school and college, when he took on everything from teller work to mailings. He earned his undergraduate degree in finance at the University of Iowa and his MBA and law degree from Creighton University.

For the past 15 years, he has practiced private law and served as general counsel for Central Bank.

“I enjoy law and found it a helpful way to support the bank while doing something I’ve always been passionate about,” he said. “But as the bank has grown, it became more and more challenging to do both.”

In January 2020, Brown was elected to the bank’s board of directors. The following month, Central Bank acquired MetaBank’s community bank division and expanded to Sioux Falls.

“Then, COVID hit,” he said. “We have the best team in Sioux Falls! They worked long hours to meet deadlines, learn new processes and lend a hand to their co-workers. Their talents have allowed us to progress forward and help our customers grow.”

“The bank’s senior leadership was quick to recognize the strength of our Sioux Falls team and prioritized having family presence here to help support the staff in their efforts and demonstrate our commitment to the Sioux Falls community.”

For Brown, personally, the move also comes at the right time. He and his wife, Jami, have three children: Addie, 8; Lincoln, 5; and Harper, 1.

“My family and I love Sioux Falls, and our kids are at a great age for a move,” he said. “The variety and level of activities available to kids is phenomenal. My daughter attended basketball camp at the Pentagon and loved it. There’s just a lot going on in the community, but it still has a small-town feel where everyone is kind and neighborly.”

For Central Bank, family is key, he added.

“We want to make sure our staff gets to their kids’ games and activities, recitals and after-school programs. Family is first and foremost,” Brown said.

“Tim and John demonstrate that in all they do. While raising their kids, they didn’t miss a beat. Being there for those activities and big moments is important to us. We continue to emphasize a culture where family and community is prioritized, and our retention is high because of this.”

As regional president, Brown will assist with new-business development while continuing to provide legal support to the bank.

“We’ve always been growth-minded, and Sioux Falls is expanding so fast,” he said. “We want to be a part of the success and continue to grow here, where everyone has been welcoming. At the same time, we want to give back and support the area any way we can.”

Brown will be based at the Central Bank location at 4900 S. Western Ave.