our story
A Century in St. Paul.
Still Right Around the Corner.
Since 1908, we’ve been a neighborhood bank focused on people, not just numbers. Family-owned and deeply invested in the community, we’ve always believed that business is personal.
A Lasting Legacy Built Over a Century
01
Grit + Perseverance
From our start in 1908 as Merriam Park Bank, we’ve weathered The Great Depression, fires, and change. And we’ve always stood strong for the people who count on us. Resilience isn’t just our history, it’s our promise.
02
Technological Innovation
Rooted in tradition, driven by progress. From being among the first to launch online banking in 2000 to today’s mobile wallets, we’ve embraced technology that makes banking simpler, safer, and smarter.
03
Recognition That Matters
The honors we’ve received—from family and diversity awards to recognition of leaders like Heidi Gesell—reflect our values: inclusion, innovation, and excellence. While awards aren’t the goal, they affirm our way of doing business.
04
Ever-Evolving
From Merriam Park to Cherokee Heights to today, our name and brand have always grown with our community. BankCherokee is rooted in heritage, but always working with tomorrow in mind.
05
Community Values + Family Leadership
Four generations of Gesell family leadership have shaped BankCherokee with one guiding philosophy: people first. Today, that commitment lives on with leaders who carry forward a century-old tradition of trust and service.
what we stand for
More than a bank. A business built on purpose.
Locally Owned & Operated
Because we’re a local, family-owned business we’re able to make lending decisions quickly for our clients with integrity, clarity, and transparency baked into the process.
Relationship-First Banking
Our priority has always been people. We care about our employees, clients, and neighbors, doing whatever we can to ensure they get the service, care, and expertise they need.
Built for Small Business
We understand the unique pressures of running a small business, because we’re a small business, too. This makes us the perfect partner to help you.
Community-Minded
We support our community by providing loans, tools, information, and relationships to businesses and organizations that directly impact our neighborhood’s growth.
why local matters
Being local isn’t a trend. To us it means:
Getting to know our clients
Investing in local businesses
Supporting
nonprofits + events
Ensuring we all succeed together
our people make the difference
The Team at the Heart of It All
careers & culture
A work culture where community, career growth, and purpose meet.
At BankCherokee, we’re a values-driven, collaborative team where your curiosity is encouraged, your contributions matter, and your career can thrive.
