Meet Our Lenders: Gays Mills
STEVE ESSER
Senior Vice President
Prairie du Chien/Gays Mills
Meet Steve
STEVE ESSER
Senior Vice President
Nichelle’s community banking career began in 2016 as a loan officer. As a life-long learner with a passion for helping people, Nichelle seeks ways to learn new things every day in order to best help her family, friends and the community succeed. Her main objective is to understand each individual’s situation to help guide them toward meeting their financial goals. Nichelle’s primary lending focus is mortgage and consumer lending.
Growing up on a dairy farm in rural Wisconsin, Nichelle understands the importance of hard work and giving back. With a desire to make a difference in her surrounding community, Nichelle is a member of the Gays Mills Lions Club. She has also worked with Kiwanis Club of Dodgeville and enjoys the opportunity to give back in any way she can.
Nichelle most enjoys spending time outdoors. When she’s not helping customers or the community, you can find her exploring the beauty of our area, hiking, kayaking, attending concerts or going to sporting events. As a self-proclaimed foodie, Nichelle also enjoys exploring new restaurants and trying new things.
NMLS#: 1441684
Steve started his ag finance career in 1997 and has been in community banking since 2001. Growing up on his family’s farm in southwest Wisconsin, he’s always been interested in agriculture, business and numbers, so a career in banking was a natural fit for him. Steve’s calm and caring demeanor paired with his extensive knowledge of the finance industry help him achieve his purpose of helping customers meet their goals.
As a lifetime member of the FFA Alumni, Steve’s passion for agriculture began early and continues to shine through today with his active involvement in the Crawford County Dairy Promoters, Crawford County Dairy Breakfast, Grant County Dairy Breakfast and Prairie du Chien Farmer Appreciation Dinner committee. Steve is also committed to being involved in the community as a volunteer coach of the Lancaster Middle School football team and supporting the Lancaster High School scholarship committee.
When he’s not on the farm or in the community, you can find Steve enjoying time with his family, cheering on his favorite sports teams, fishing, golfing or exploring the rural landscapes that surround us.
NMLS#: 713510
Michelle Repta
Michelle began her community banking career in 2004 as a customer service representative. During her time with the bank, she gained experience in lending and now focuses on consumer lending and mortgage loan evaluations. Her experience as a customer service representative paired with her knowledge of lending gives Michelle a well-rounded understanding of the community banking industry.
Michelle’s favorite season is camping season! When she’s not helping customers, you can likely find Michelle at the campground with family and friends in the summer. If she could choose any other career, it would be a meteorologist as she enjoys watching thunderstorms and weather events throughout the year.
NMLS#: 2096736
Shania Sake
Having been born and raised in the area, Shania is thrilled to help her family, friends and neighbors reach financial milestones. Shania’s depth of experience in many facets of the bank has provided a firm foundation for her career in lending.
Shania specializes in real estate, commercial, small business and consumer lending. She enjoys being faced with new challenges and the opportunity to build relationships with customers. With a sincere passion for helping others, Shania believes in turning the idea of “I can’t” into “how can I?”
As a native to the area, Shania enjoys giving back through volunteer work with the Hillsboro Fire Department Auxiliary and Labor Day Queen pageant and in helping out at school activities and local events. During her time at UW-Platteville where she earned a degree in Agriculture Business, she was President of the School of Agriculture Council.
When she’s not busy volunteering or helping customers, Shania can be found making crafts and furniture with her husband, Chris, spending time with her two dogs, Scout and Callie and enjoying time outside.
NMLS#1816250
Shania Sake
Having been born and raised in the area, Shania is thrilled to help her family, friends and neighbors reach financial milestones. Shania’s depth of experience in many facets of the bank has provided a firm foundation for her career in lending.
Shania specializes in real estate, commercial, small business and consumer lending. She enjoys being faced with new challenges and the opportunity to build relationships with customers. With a sincere passion for helping others, Shania believes in turning the idea of “I can’t” into “how can I?”
As a native to the area, Shania enjoys giving back through volunteer work with the Hillsboro Fire Department Auxiliary and Labor Day Queen pageant and in helping out at school activities and local events. During her time at UW-Platteville where she earned a degree in Agriculture Business, she was President of the School of Agriculture Council.
When she’s not busy volunteering or helping customers, Shania can be found making crafts and furniture with her husband, Chris, spending time with her two dogs, Scout and Callie and enjoying time outside.
NMLS#1816250