Photography by Spacecrafting
Mary Jayne Crocker
Bridgewater Bank
At Bridgewater Bank, Executive Vice President and COO Mary Jayne Crocker is known as the integrator, with a reputation for being able to tie everything together. The bank’s first employee in 2005, she joined founder, CEO, Chairman of the Board and visionary Jerry Baack to help create a bank that did business differently.
The first step: enlist 125 entrepreneurs to invest in the bank. That unconventional move fundamentally changed the way Bridgewater operates.
“The spirit here keeps us really nimble,” says Crocker, who has been named to prestigious Top Women in Business and Top Women in Finance lists. “Entrepreneurs don’t like to hear ‘maybe’ — they want to hear ‘yes’ or ‘no’ upfront. And we’re really good at giving them that.”
“Entrepreneurs don’t see obstacles,” she continues. “We see opportunities when other banks shut down.” Case in point: Even during the recession, Bridgewater continued lending and expanding, likely because it was willing to continue the conversation when others weren’t.
That generosity of spirit extends to the culture of the bank, too. Crocker cites the low turnover, experienced and empowered staff, and personal connections with clients as benefits of Bridgewater’s unconventional approach.
“Our growth isn’t only about the bank growing; it’s about people growing,” Crocker says, noting that that includes everyone from employees to clients, businesses to consumers.
She orchestrates all the bank’s departments, helping everyone serve a common goal. “Ultimately, what drives us is the client having the right experience,” she explains. “That’s what drives me. That’s what will ensure our brand and our promise last.”
