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Looking to travel and enjoy life more with his family and friends, William M. Broucek, president/ceo of Bank of Ann Arbor retired in January 2005 following 46 years in banking. In 1995 Broucek founded Bank of Ann Arbor with the support of several local business leaders. Under his guidance, the bank has had impressive growth - from 15 employees to over 100 today; from $6 million in capital to over $32 million, and a 2004 profit of over $4.5 million.
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ANN ARBOR - Looking to travel and enjoy life more with his family and friends, William M. Broueck, president/CEO of Bank of Ann Arbor retired last month following 46 years in banking.
"I am very grateful for the opportunities that 1 have had to work in the Ann Arbor banking community," he said. "I am planning to stay on the board of directors following my retirement and will continue to do all that I can to help the bank grow and prosper.."
Over the years, Broueck has donc a lot for banking in Ann Arbor and the community in general. Me was instrumental in taking a trust company in 1974, converting its state charter to a bank, and developing the business plan for Ann Arbor Trust. For the next 18 years he was in charge of Ann Arbor Trust's bank division, growing it to 22 offices and $718 million in deposits.
In 1995 Broueck founded Bank of Ann Arbor (BOAA) with the support of several local business leaders. It is a locally owned and operated full service bank serving the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti areas with five offices located conveniently in downtown Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and surrounding suburbs. Under his guidance BOAA has had impressive growth - from 15 employees at its startup, to over 100 today; from $6 million in capital to over $32 million, and a 2004 profit of over $4.5 million. "I am most proud of being part of an effort to start two banks in Ann Arbor and both have been very successful," he said.
Broucek has Roots In West Michigan
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Broucek graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1956, with a bachelor's degree in finance. He served in the U.S. Army for two years right after graduation, and then started with National Bank of Detroit as a management trainee and credit analyst in 1958. Hc was a commercial lending officer in the bank's Michigan and international divisions.
In 1967, Broucek joined Ann Arbor Trust Co. (now KeyBank) as SVP in charge of the corporate department. His primary responsibilities focused on serving as a financial advisor for a majority of Michigan public colleges and universities. Seven years later he helped the company become a commercial bank. He served as the bank's EVP until moving on and starting Bank of Ann Arbor nine years ago.
In looking back, Broucek noted that the best part of all that he has done is the chance to work to help people realize their dreams. "I will miss the day-to-day interaction between clients and employees. But I am going to stay on the board to have some continuing involvement. It just won't be every day."
Broucek has been very active in the community over his many years in banking, working on numerous boards from the United Way Campaign to the local Red Cross. He always encouraged his officers and staff to get involved with their local communities.
Broucek has met and worked with many people during his banking career, but one who stands out in helping him become a better person and banker was Earl Cress. "Hc passed away in 1974 just about the time we opened the bank within Ann Arbor Trust, but he taught me a lot about the financial service business and how to run a business. He was a very diplomatic person, a great help and a good friend."
The succession plan at Bank of Ann Arbor was put in place and announced last summer when Timothy G. Marshall was named to succeed Broucek as president/CEO. " I am excited about the opportunity to join Bank of Ann Arbor, an institution built on exceptional customer service delivered by dedicated banking professionals, local ownership, and decision-making based right here in Ann Arbor," said Marshall. "The growth and development of this community bank over the past nine years speaks volumes for the skills of the team assembled by Bill Broucek and the acceptance by the community of a locally owned and operated financial institution. I am honored to follow in his footsteps, a person who has built a banking legacy unmatched in this town," he said.
So now, Bill Broucek moves on. "First off, my wife, Sandra, and I are going to travel to Australia and New Zealand this year." With eight grown children and 17 grandkids, he also plans more family time. "I'll stay on and advise two not-for-profit boards, and two for profit boards; both will keep me busy. I also put a wood-working shop in my barn so I think I will have enough to keep my days full," Broucek concluded.
Copyright Public Relation Enterprises, Inc. Feb 2005