Mick Guttau celebrates retirement after successful 52-year banking career
May 29, 2024
Treynor, IA, May 30, 2024 – TS Bank, a charter of TS Banking Group, is proud to celebrate the outstanding fifty-two-year career in community banking of Michael (Mick) Guttau, who retired earlier this year on March 31, 2024, and will now celebrate with a public open house on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the TS Bank headquarters, 15 E. Main Street, Treynor, IA 51575.
As a banker, Mick served as CEO, President and Chairman of the Board of TS Bank. Over his career he has served as Chairman of the Iowa Bankers Association, the Iowa Superintendent of Banking, Chairman of Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and the Federal Home Loan Bank Council in Washington D.C. In addition, he also served as Chairman of American Bankers Association Community Bankers Council in Washington D.C. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, Mick served on the steering committee and as a speaker at the International Russian Banking Conference in Moscow. He also volunteered in Slovakia through Iowa State University and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Mick has been honored with the prestigious Jim Leach Banking Award and, in 2022, received the Iowa Bankers Association 50 Year Banker Award.
A Treynor native, Mick attended Treynor High School, then graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in farm operations. He then became an Army Infantry Officer and served as a Cobra Attack helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army Air Cavalry during the Vietnam War. CPT Guttau was awarded 28 Air Medals, including an Air Medal for Valor, the Bronze Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He married Judy (Frazier) Guttau in 1968 and they have lived in Treynor since 1972.
Mick and Judy pose for a photo during Mick's military service in Vietnam.
When Mick returned from the Vietnam War, he hoped to start farming near his hometown of Treynor, but he first accepted a position at Treynor State Bank. His dream of farming like his parents and grandparents did not become reality, but instead he and his wife Judy seized a unique opportunity to buy the bank in 1978 at the age of 31, with the help of Mick’s family using the family farm as collateral.
Groundbreaking day for TS Bank headquarters in Treynor, summer 1982.
“Much of my life has been shaped by being raised on a farm and in the community of Treynor with coaches, 4-H leaders, Sunday School teachers, and more who invested in me. But my love for my hometown struck when they welcomed me home with open arms from the Vietnam War, which was unusual in those times. When we had the opportunity to purchase the bank, our first priority was to “give back” and invest in our community in any way we could,” said Mick Guttau.
Community banking throughout the years with TS Bank employees and directors.
Their two children are also involved in the family business. Their daughter, Heidi, an attorney at Baird Holm, joined the board in 2000. Their son, Josh, became President in 2008 and CEO in 2013. With Mick’s retirement, Josh will now serve as Chairman of the Board as well as CEO, and Mick will hold emeritus status. Under the next generation’s leadership, the bank has continued to expand while remaining focused on its mission. In recent years, TS Banking Group has grown to 1 billion in assets and since 2014 has committed over five million dollars to community reinvestment efforts and financial wellness impacting nearly 300,000 students to date.
Guttau states, “We have complete confidence in the amazing officers, managers, and employees that continue the mission of TS Banking Group to IGNITE PROSPERITY® and to help our communities thrive! I’ve always loved hiring people who are smarter than me. Judy and I look forward to continuing to serve on the Board as well as spending more time with our family of two children, seven grandchildren, and two greats plus more time in the barn shop for me!”
Mick has been actively involved in community service throughout his career. Mick is currently Chairman of Deaf Missions and serves on the boards of Good News Global, Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, Pottawattamie County Veterans Affairs Commission, the Foundation of Iowa Western Community College and is a Governor of the Iowa State University Foundation and a member of Treynor Optimist Club. In the past he has served on many other Boards in the area. Both he and Judy have also been active members of Living Hope Community Church near Treynor.
Together, Judy and Mick have received several honors including the 2016 State of Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award, 2008 CHI Health Southwest Iowa Heritage Award, 2018 Assure Honorary Chairs, 2018 Treynor Athletic Booster Bash Honorary Chairs, 2019 American Red Cross Honorary Chairs, 2022 ISU Alumni Award and most recently 2024 Heartland Family Service Honorary Chairs.
Mick Guttau poses with John Sorensen, President & CEO of Iowa Bankers Association for Fifty Years of Service in Banking Award, plus Mick and Judy pictured at The Extraordinary Banking™ Awards ceremony in Naples, Florida receiving BanksGiving™ Banky™ Award for Extraordinary Philanthropy.
Mick and Judy worked side-by-side for years, growing the bank, navigating the 1980’s ag crisis and riding all the waves of community banking. The culture they established over 40 years, has jump-started new opportunities to DO MORE good and IGNITE PROSPERITY®. Additionally, Mick’s infamous mantra, “the troops come first,” has helped shape much of the foundational company values today.
In 2007, the family sat down for lunch to determine how much of the company’s profits should be reinvested into charitable efforts.. They all wrote down their recommendation on the back of a napkin. When they shared, each had the same amount – 10 percent. That became the annual commitment – 10 percent of the company’s pre-tax income would be donated.
Guttau added, “Our ‘why’ for giving stems from the incredible people involved today and those who came before us, all of whom have contributed to making this community great. Our family has been part of this community for nearly 150 years, and we feel truly blessed to witness and contribute to its growth. Judy and I have always understood that maintaining a community bank was essential for helping our community thrive. Through determination and grit, we have dedicated ourselves to this mission.”
As Mick transitions to his well-deserved retirement, TS Banking Group and the entire community reflect on his legacy of service, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact.
We had a great time congratulating Mick Guttau on his retirement at a special open house on Wednesday, June 26, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the TS Bank headquarters, 15 E. Main Street, Treynor, IA 51575. To send best wishes and salutations: 15 E. Main Street, P.O. Box A, Treynor, IA 51575, or email marketing@tsbank.com.
About TS Bank: TS Bank’s mission is to Ignite Prosperity® in the communities it serves. Leading the resurgence of community banking, TS Bank reinvests 10 percent of their net income locally; hosting educational events and partners with local organizations and non-profits. TS Bank was chartered in 1923 and has $453 million in assets, along with the largest Iowa state-chartered C-Corp trust department west of Des Moines at nearly $215 million in assets named TS Prosperity Group. Locations include Treynor, Macedonia, Atlantic, Corning, Council Bluffs and Ames, Iowa. For more information visit tsbank.com.