A look at the people behind the numbers in area business:

A look at the people behind the numbers in area business:

Title: Small-business banking manager

Age: 51

Jerry Kwapick brings extensive experience working with small businesses to his new role as small-business banking manager at MidCountry Bank.

Kwapick said working with small businesses "represents a great opportunity for the bank and the communities we serve. Small-biz owners make up the vast majority of employers. So if we can help them grow, we're helping our communities, as well."

Kwapick previously managed the small-business division at Bremer Bank, where he had worked 11 years, most recently as senior vice president. He helped launch that division in 2006.

Before that, he worked nearly 19 years at U.S. Bank.

Kwapick's move to MidCountry marks a reunion with president and CEO Steve Meads, among other former Bremer colleagues. MidCountry is a full-service community bank with offices in Minnesota, southern Illinois and Nevada.

Kwapick is a graduate of Hamline University, where he played hockey. He is in his fifth year as head coach of the girls' high school hockey team in White Bear Lake, where he lives and coached his three daughters through hockey programs.

QWhat do you like about small-business clients?

AThis segment houses a wide variety of clients, from those starting out with a business in their garage to those who have succeeded and are growing significantly. These folks are very passionate about their business. The energy is almost contagious. It energizes me and the folks working with them.

QWhy should a small-business owner bring his or her business to MidCountry Bank?

AIt's our commitment to our clients. We're here to serve them. We'll be very accessible to them. We'll provide them with prompt, responsive service and help guide them from our perspective in helping them achieve their goals. That's a strategy that sets us apart, our commitment to our clients.

QWhat do small businesses need from a commercial bank?

AI think what clients in this segment are seeking is a partnership with their bank. Statistically ... 75 percent of the clients in this segment do not have a credit need, which is unusual. It's more [that they are] seeking an advisory role, a partnership with a bank to help them achieve their goals, and [provide financial] products and services, treasury management and insurance and other kinds of services.

TODD NELSON