Staff
Joel Staehling
President
Member of the Board of Directors
Joel resides in Baxter with his wife and three children. Joel has over 15 years of commercial lending knowledge as well as previous bank management experience. A native of St. Cloud, he is a graduate of St. Cloud State.
Sue Mortenson
Vice President
Director of Operations/HR
Member of the Board of Directors
Sue is a life-long resident of the area and has over 20 years of banking experience. Her role has expanded to oversee all operational matters for Lakewood Bank as well as the entire BlackRidge Financial family of banks.
Bill Brekken
Vice President/Business Development Banker
Bill has been an area resident for 22 years and has been associated with Lakewood Bank for 20 years. He continues to be very active in the community by working with the Bridges of Hope and the Brainerd Community Foundation. Bill is married and has three adult children.
Darren Larson
Vice President/Branch Manager
Darren joined Lakewood Bank in 2007 and is located at its Baxter office. Having over 14 years of commercial lending experience and originally from Alexandria, Darren has been in the lakes area since 2003 and is married with two children. Darren graduated from the University of North Dakota with degrees in economics and financial management, and earned a Master’s degree from St. Cloud State University. He is also actively involved in the Brainerd Sertoma Club, Lord of Life Church, youth athletics and is a certified high school basketball official.
Eric Wiltrout
Vice President/Branch Manager
Eric resides in Nisswa with his wife and two children and manages the downtown Nisswa bank branch. He is originally from South Dakota, but has become quite involved in the Nisswa community, especially the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce. Eric specializes in business banking, but is an adept all-around community banker with nearly 8 years of banking experience.