The origin of Keen Bank dates back to June of 1874, when C. Hardin & Sons opened its doors for business in the Waseca community, operating as The Bank of Waseca. In 1892, The Bank of Waseca was succeeded by Citizens’ State Bank of Waseca and thereafter, absorbed by The First National Bank of Waseca when it was chartered in 1903. It was later in 1966 that Frank T. Sankovitz and Richard P. Sankovitz purchased controlling interest of The First National Bank of Waseca. Today, the Sankovitz family continues to own and operate the bank. Richard’s son-in-law, Bernard Gaytko, serves as President and Chief Executive Officer. Richard’s son, Thomas Sankovitz, serves as Chief Financial Officer. Richard’s daughter, Ann, works at Keen Bank and two additional children, son, James Sankovitz and daughter, Elizabeth Danger serve on the Board of Directors.
In September 2022, The First National Bank of Waseca rebranded and changed its name to Keen Bank to uniquely identify themselves and singularly own their name as well as eliminate confusion in the marketplace surrounding the hundreds of First National Bank entities.
Soon after the rebrand, in November 2023, Keen Bank relocated its Hope location to Owatonna for expanded services including ATM, drive-thru and convenient location off Hoffman Drive, across from Cash Wise, with convenient access to I35 and downtown Owatonna.
Keen Bank believes that sharing their time, talent and resources with the communities they serve to make an impact is not only a priority but a responsibility. The owners, leadership and staff are local and take great satisfaction in providing ongoing support with not only their volunteerism but also with monetary support. As a family-owned community bank, philanthropy has always been at the heart of the family’s vision. Over the last 20 years alone, Keen Bank has donated over $1.7 million to the communities they serve.
Keen Bank has always been committed to its customers and communities, provided banking services to meet growing needs while maintaining the personal aspects of service that is synonymous with community banking. Keen Bank takes immense pride in being instrumental in shaping the growth of the communities they serve, providing a cornerstone upon which countless businesses and individual successes have been built.
For more information, visit keen.bank.
