Coulee Courier

As we gear up for the Super Bowl this month, I’m reminded that football is more than just a game. It’s a lesson in teamwork, preparation, and attention to detail. At Coulee Bank, we see the same principles at work every day. Success comes when every department works together, and every team member gives their best, because you never know which moments will make all the difference.

Football is the ultimate team sport. Eleven players are on the field, and every play requires perfect execution. If one player misses their assignment on the field, it can leave an opening for the other team to score a touchdown.

When I played football, I remember the coaches often said that 4-6 plays determine the outcome, and the problem is that we don’t know which ones. Give it your all every single play.

I think that truly equates to everyday business at Coulee Bank. We have multiple departments that rely on one another internally to function at their greatest ability. It requires all of us to work in concert with one another to execute each task at the highest level. I am grateful for the dedication and perseverance of our colleagues, who consistently give their best to help us succeed as a team.

Wishing everyone a great Super Bowl weekend with family and friends!

 ~Dirk Gasterland, CEO

Behind the Counter

Our tellers are often the first and most frequent connection customers have with Coulee Bank. This feature highlights the people behind the counter who make every interaction count. Executive VP and Market President, Leif Syverson, says this about Minnetonka Teller, Megan S.


Megan is genuine with every customer interaction. She is friendly and a great listener. Megan builds trust and long-term relationships with our clients by taking the time to know them. She remembers almost everyone, so they feel welcomed upon their return. She runs transactions efficiently and accurately. Megan ensures every client walks away feeling confident and cared for.

A shining example:


One of our clients has multiple CDs at Coulee Bank. Megan remembers when the CDs come due and has all the documentation ready for when that client comes in, so when they mature, she can roll it, make changes to the amounts, or completely change the CD. With Megan, clients feel taken care of, and their time is respected!

Build a banking relationship with the team in Minnetonka.

👀 Keep an eye out!

There’s a little Easter Egg 🥚 hidden in this month’s newsletter. Find it, and you could win a cozy mini lantern that's perfect for winter nights or early spring evenings.



To enter the drawing for the mini lantern, email marketing@couleebank.net, and let us know which article you found the easter egg in. One winner will be selected and notified via email on 2/13/2026.

Financial Literacy

Why Secondhand Is Worth a Second Look

The second full week of February is National Secondhand Wardrobe Week, a perfect time to rethink how we shop. We sat down with Kayla S., Loan Operations Specialist, to explore the benefits of a secondhand wardrobe and her tips for shopping, saving, styling, and building a capsule wardrobe from thrifted fashion. 

Navigating the cost of higher education can feel overwhelming, but financial aid can make pursuing a degree more accessible than ever. From grants and scholarships to work-study programs and federal loans, financial aid helps students and families cover college expenses and open doors that might otherwise feel out of reach. This Financial Aid Awareness Month, we’re breaking down the essentials, from the FAFSA and common misconceptions to tips for staying organized, so students can confidently take the steps toward funding their education.

Employee Spotlight

We are incredibly grateful for all of our employees. They work hard and make significant contributions that enrich our company culture. This month, we recognize Mark Landy, Retail Banking Manager, St. Paul, MN.

Customer Spotlight

A big thank-you to our amazing customers for trusting us with your banking needs! We’re so grateful for your loyalty and support. Here’s to many more years of growing together!

Listening, Planning, Delivering: How Slingshot Real Estate Supports Growth

This month, we’re pleased to spotlight Andrew Robinson of Slingshot Real Estate. With a strong focus on community and a client-first approach, Robinson helps turn real estate goals into reality. We’re proud to partner with local professionals like Robinson who make a meaningful impact where we live and work.

“Slingshot Real Estate started with one duplex and a simple belief: treat people well, listen to their needs, and create spaces that actually improve their lives,” says Robinson. This mindset has shaped the foundation of everything thereafter. His portfolio now includes offices, coworking, and multiple residential properties. As he walks through each unit and converses with each tenant, his goal is to foster long-term relationships rather than short-term gains.

Robinson takes a thoughtful, strategic approach to everything he does. Thoughtful details signal to anyone who walks through the door that this space matters. Each occupant matters. His properties are designed and operated in a way that he would want to live or work. Robinson makes thoughtful updates, offers reliable maintenance, provides real communication, and focuses on comfort and community.

“I’m building one strong asset at a time, stabilizing it, improving it, and then moving to the next,” he explained. His tenants include entrepreneurs, counselors, and other independent professionals focused on growing their businesses. His goal is to watch them win.

When Robinson meets with business owners, he says he isn’t just handing them keys, but he listens to what will help them grow. That can look like getting into the space early, starting with lower rent, or having the security of a longer lease. Because Robinson listens to clients, he can often understand what they don’t yet know they need. “What I saw in the marketplace was that small businesses don’t have the time or energy to build out a space—they need to walk in, flip the lights on, and get to work,” he explained.

His process is essentially to listen deeply, plan intentionally, and deliver spaces that remove friction and help businesses accelerate. At The Hub on 3rd and Rochester Executive Suites, we built shared amenities, coffee, printers, signage, mail service, and meeting rooms that create a sense of belonging. In the residential properties, it’s about clean, simple, functional homes that feel respected.

He considers The Hub on 3rd an ecosystem designed to remove friction and accelerate small business growth. These tenants needed resources, including banking partners, marketing support, signage, drone media, trusted service providers, and a community fostering growth. It’s built entirely from listening to his tenants. “These relationships don’t just inform my decisions; they create the direction of the company,” he said.

Robinson believes storytelling and real estate go hand in hand, so he also leads 21 Drones Media to help tell those stories. “Drone work allows me to bring that story to life the way photos never could,” he said. These dynamic flythroughs immerse viewers and highlight how each property fits into the community around it.

Being a part of Rochester’s growth excites Robinson. Because Rochester is evolving quickly, there’s an opportunity to create spaces that elevate small businesses, support healthcare professionals, and strengthen local neighborhoods. The most rewarding part is knowing each project makes a difference, whether it’s supporting a growing business or creating a great place to live.

Having a banking partner that answers the phone, offers guidance, and invests in long-term relationships has been a key part of Slingshot Real Estate’s growth. Coulee Bank has been that partner. “They believed in my vision early, looked at the full story behind the numbers, and supported me as I took on larger and more complex projects,” he said. The team at Coulee Bank understands small business ownership, creative real estate structures, and the speed at which entrepreneurs operate. And that has made all the difference.

Andrew Robinson, we are so grateful you chose to work with Coulee Bank. We wish you much success in your future endeavors. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

National Ukulele Day

In honor of National Ukulele Day on February 2nd, meet one of our Universal Bankers from the St. Paul Grand Avenue location, who is sharing a little music to brighten your day.

Celebrate!

Happy Birthday to our amazing Coulee Bank team members!

Here’s to another year filled with success, laughter, and great teamwork. Wishing you all the best on your special day—let’s celebrate!

Happy Workiversary to our amazing teammates!

It’s been an incredible journey with each of you. Your dedication, teamwork, and positive energy make all the difference. Here’s to many more years of success and growth together!

Disclaimer - All content contained in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make any financial, accounting, tax, legal or other related decisions. Each person must consider his or her objectives, risk tolerances and level of comfort when making financial decisions and should consult a competent professional advisor prior to making any such decisions. Any opinions expressed through the content in this newsletter are the opinions of the particular author only.