Van Fishback, Chairman of First Bank & Trust and Fishback Financial Corporation
Leadership Rooted in Community: A Conversation with Van Fishback
On the latest episode of Behind the Business, Founders in the 605, Marcus and Alexis Mahlen sat down with Van Fishback, Chairman of First Bank and Trust and Fishback Financial Corporation. Van shared an inspiring account of his family’s journey in banking, from their roots in Brookings, South Dakota, in 1879 to the community-focused leadership he champions today.
Van emphasized the importance of education, community collaboration, and supporting innovative ideas in South Dakota's business landscape. He also spoke about his venture capitalist efforts, aiming to bridge the gap between great ideas and commercial viability. His dedication to supporting the ag sector and fostering regional growth reflects his commitment to building a thriving local economy.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify.
Episode Mentions:
Ivy Center Brookings East Central
Greater New Orleans | Teach for America
About Van Fishback:
Van Fishback is a lifelong South Dakotan, born and raised in Brookings. A Stanford University alumnus, he returned to South Dakota in 1972 to join his family’s banking business, which has been a cornerstone of the Brookings community for generations. Under his leadership, First Bank and Trust has expanded to 17 locations, maintaining its identity as a community bank. Beyond banking, Van actively supports the region's education and economic development, embodying a sustainable and collaborative growth vision.
