Field Notes


October 2026



There is a continuing shift that banks and credit unions are not generally treating the branch as a declining transaction channel anymore.


Strategic planning is increasingly asking: “What job does each branch need to perform for the institution?”


Recent industry research supports that shift.


Wipfli found that 62% of surveyed credit unions planned to open branches and 58% planned to repurpose existing branches in the next 12 months; among those repurposing, 76% planned to shift the service model from transactional to advisory.


As Financial Institutions complete strategic planning, we continue to hear our customers talk about market growth utilizing a physical presence.


PwC specifically recommends defining the purpose of each branch and establishing KPIs around that purpose rather than evaluating every location on the same transaction metrics. Network optimization, branch economics, format, and people are all part of the equation that require consideration.


The better strategic-planning question is no longer “digital or branch?” It is “what combination of digital and physical produces the best relationship?”


PwC describes this as a distribution strategy rather than a channel strategy. A customer may discover the institution digitally, visit a branch for a mortgage conversation, complete documents online, and then use the branch again when another complex need arises.


What direction will your institution take?



Neil Kool

Principal/CEO

Structure First

 
 


Ryan Housefield Joins Structure First as Executive Vice President


We are pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Housefield as Executive Vice President.

 

A 3rd generation banker and industry partner, Ryan will concentrate on furthering our strong foothold throughout the United States with new and existing partnerships.

 

According to Neil, “Ryan is a winner who is driven by culture, ownership, and the chance to build something. He is passionate about the credit union and community bank space. He is a student of the game who continuously invests in his expertise, bringing authenticity and trust to every client relationship. These qualities distinctly complement our corporate mission to remain ‘on the side’ of our clients.”

 

Ryan honed his expertise and secured a foothold within the FI industry by rising through the ranks of Marquis (a marketing, CRM and compliance software and services provider), where he worked with over a thousand community banks and credit unions since 2009. Starting as Regional Sales Manager, Housefield was ultimately named Chief Sales Executive.

 

A proven growth executive, Housefield brings an extensive skill set leveraging experience with both financial institutions and providers, thereby understanding firsthand the unique challenges facing banks and credit unions today and the solutions fit for tomorrow’s customer base.

 

Welcome to the team, Ryan!

 
 


Mike Dittman Joins Structure First as Vice President, Construction


We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Dittman as Vice President, Construction.


According to Neil, “Known for his professionalism and commitment to client satisfaction, Mike brings a proven ability to deliver secure, efficient, and high quality facilities that meet the specialized needs of financial institutions. His blend of design/build expertise, multi-project leadership, and strong communication skills makes him the ideal candidate to join our growing team of top-tier professionals.”

 

Dittman is an accomplished construction professional with more than three decades of experience leading complex design/build, construction management, and renovation projects across the Midwest. He is particularly recognized for his work in the financial‑institution sector, where he has delivered secure, high‑quality, brand‑forward banking environments for clients nationwide.

 

Dittman’s foundation in financial‑sector design/build was established at DEI Incorporated, a national firm specializing in facilities for banks and credit unions. As a Project Manager, he oversaw budget, buyout, scheduling, and field operations for four to six active projects at a time, coordinating site managers across the country and ensuring consistent quality and client satisfaction.


Dittman’s design/build expertise extends beyond financial institutions into broader commercial construction through leadership roles at Turnbull‑Wahlert Construction, Cintech Construction, and HGC Construction. Across these organizations, Mike has served as the primary client contact from project conception through completion, managing architects and engineers, overseeing construction documents, coordinating permitting, and driving weekly on‑site progress reviews.

 

Welcome to the team, Mike!

 



Client:


Listerhill Credit Union

Winfield, Alabama



Project Objective:


2,950 sq. ft. New Construction


Specifics:


The new 2,950-square-foot financial center marks a renewed investment by Listerhill Credit Union in the heart of one of Winfield's most traveled corridors, offering members a refreshed space for personal service, convenient access, and a stronger connection to the community the credit union has served for years.


Our services:


Facilities Planning


           Site Layout

           Site Due Diligence


Design Process


           Programming

           Staffing/Technology requirements

           Branch Experience



Bidding


Construction Management

It was truly an honor to serve as Owner's Representative on behalf of this exciting project, and we look forward to Listerhill Credit Union

enjoying many years of success with their beautiful facility.


As always, we remain On Your Side!

 


All Teed Up In OH!



Neil had a great time representing Structure First at Ohio Credit Union League's annual #OCUFGolfClassic. The sun was shining and the "birdies" were flying!


Coming Together in TN!


We were honored to serve as a Diamond Sponsor and co-host the DN Branch 360 booth at Diebold Nixdorf’s Intersect Nashville, which was held from August 17 - 19.

Breaking Ground in OH!


It was an exciting time for Day Air Credit Union, which hosted a formal Groundbreaking for their new branch location in Troy, OH!



Checking In in AZ!


Ryan had a great afternoon visiting with Tucson Federal Credit Union COO Krystal Adams as they discussed current and upcoming projects.

 


Structure First is looking forward to attending the following event:


Future Branches

Austin, TX

December 1 - 3, 2026

We would love to connect!


To set up a time to meet, contact Neil Kool by email or call him at 513.804.8862.

 


Structure First is here for you and at your service wherever and whenever you need, so drop us a line or give us a call. We look forward to speaking with you soon!



Phone: 888-537-4381


Email: info@structurefirst.com




For more information, please visit our website and social media pages, including LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.



As always, we remain On Your Side!



 

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