Bank of Marin
“Our expert team of local bankers consistently conducts business based on our three core values: relationship banking, disciplined fundamentals and commitment to the community.”—Russell A. Colombo, president and CEO.
The annual NorthBay biz readers’ poll turns 30-years-old this year, and the winner in its Best Consumer Bank category, Bank of Marin, will celebrate its 30-year anniversary as a successful independent community bank in 2020. “We’ve reached this milestone because our expert team of local bankers consistently conducts business based on our three core values: relationship banking, disciplined fundamentals and commitment to the community,” says Russell A. Colombo, president and chief executive officer.
It’s easy to assume Bank of Marin is a one-county enterprise, but the company is also in Sonoma and Napa counties. “We are focused on continuing to grow in several strategic markets, including Santa Rosa and Napa,” says Colombo. “We’ve made several new hires in those markets in recent months to enhance our teams and expand our business organically.”
With more communities for Bank of Marin to assist financially, it’s an opportunity for the company to strengthen the lives of their new neighbors, just as they have with the communities they’ve served for decades. The company proudly partners with businesses and nonprofits, knowing its success is due in large part to the people those organizations serve, with its employees contributing to more than 60 nonprofit boards in the Bay Area. Since 2010, Bank of Marin has donated more than $4 million, and its employees have donated 75,000 hours to various community organizations. Because of its consistent efforts, Bank of Marin has been designated a “Top Corporate Philanthropist in the Bay Area” every year since 2003 by The San Francisco Business Times.
Bank of Marin celebrates the contributions of others, as well. Through the Spirit of Marin Award, the company, in partnership with the Marin County Chambers of Commerce, honors local businesses and citizens that volunteer time and other resources to their communities. The event is a way to commemorate two of its original directors, Jack Bucknum and Jim Dawson.
Through it all, Bank of Marin’s core values guide them. Relationship banking involves building loyal customer relationships through expertise, accountability and integrity. Disciplined fundamentals help Bank of Marin yield strong results, with sound banking practices, in turn helping form a bond with clients. Community involvement benefits everyone, and solidifies the company’s standing in its cities, towns and neighborhoods.
Bank of Marin’s core values contributed to record-breaking success in 2018, according to Colombo. In addition to expanding into Napa and Sonoma counties, the company has stretched out to serve the San Francisco and East Bay markets. The company’s primary focus for 2019 is, “Leveraging our talent to drive organic growth and further enhance our profile and reputation across the Bay Area,” according to Colombo, via the company’s website.
What was founded in Marin County in 1990 now serves the majority of the San Francisco Bay Area, and readers of NorthBay biz magazine were among the first to recognize its excellence in banking. “Their support means so much,” says Colombo.
“We wouldn’t be the successful community bank we are today without our longstanding, loyal customers. This recognition is also a testament to our special team of bankers and their commitment to legendary service and bringing our core values to life every day.”
