Steve Kruchten

Since 1987, Stephen has gained a wealth of experience in the financial services industry. Before taking on his current role as SVP, National Director, he served as SVP of National Relationship Management and as a division director for the Financial Institution Division. Prior to that, he served as president of Bremer Investments, a division of Bremer Bank, for 12 years and as a branch manager for Raymond James Financial Services. He oversaw the overall strategy for and performance of the program, which included 50 employees across Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. His initiatives included improving the client experience and a focus on cross-functional partnering with bank partners. His deep insight into the opportunities and challenges financial institutions face serves him well in guiding institutions to their strategic goals.

He has served in a variety of financial services roles, including as an account manager at a third-party marketing firm developing over 50 banks; a financial consultant with Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch; and a retail branch financial consultant, private client advisor and regional sales manager at Wells Fargo. Stephen also was the regional vice president of wholesaling for AXA-Equitable, where he advised bank investment representatives on annuity products throughout the Upper Midwest and grew the territory sales by 84%.

Stephen earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He holds Series 7, 9, 10, 63 and 65 licenses.

Outside of work, Stephen enjoys spending time with his three adult children, playing in softball tournaments, golfing and traveling.