Jacob Schneider graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2016 with a degree in Business Administration and began his banking career as a Universal Banker and Loan Officer at State Bank of Reeseville. In those early roles, he advised clients one-on-one—assessing income and expenses, analyzing credit history, and tailoring loan packages that larger lenders often wouldn’t offer. He especially took pride in serving first-time homebuyers, young families, and individuals seeking auto loans, helping them reach financial milestones on their own terms.
In addition to his lending responsibilities, Jacob stepped into a cybersecurity leadership role at the bank, serving as Security Officer. There, he managed encryption tools, conducted staff training, and maintained the institution’s security protocols—updating policies annually to address evolving digital threats.
Since 2019, Jacob has advanced his career at Greenwoods State Bank in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. Currently Vice President and Retail Manager, he oversees retail banking operations and leads teams across multiple branches. Prior to this, he held roles including Assistant Vice President of Retail Lending—demonstrating a consistent record of client-focused leadership in community banking. His rise at Greenwoods reflects both operational excellence and a commitment to relationship-driven service.
Jacob is motivated by a deep desire to support individuals in achieving meaningful financial progress. “I provide assistance to people who otherwise couldn’t afford their dream home or a proper vehicle to get to work,” he explains, often meeting clients early in the morning or late at night to best serve their schedules. He takes pride in structuring solutions that mega-banks can’t or don’t want to pursue, celebrating each loan as a personal victory for the client and community.
Looking back, Jacob credits his experience at Bethany with laying the groundwork for both character and career. Small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and a liberal arts ethos made him feel valued and prepared for real-world challenges. “One might say I traded in my liberal arts education for a liberal arts profession,” he reflects. “In fact, I live and breathe ‘liberal arts.’” Bethany’s emphasis on leadership, integrity, and relational learning continues to influence his approach professionally.
From his foundation in Business Administration at Bethany Lutheran College to his dual roles in loan origination and cybersecurity leadership—and now to retail banking management—Jacob’s journey illustrates how graduates can build careers grounded in adaptability, ethical service, and community impact. His story underscores the potential of a Bethany education to shape professionals who lead with both competence and compassion.