First Business: Founder Jerry Smith celebrates 50 years in banking

Contact:
Jen Braico, Senior Content Strategist & Copywriter
First Business Financial Services, Inc.
608-232-5773
jbraico@firstbusiness.com

MADISON, WIS. – NOV. 30, 2017 – First Business Financial Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: FBIZ), the bank holding company and parent of First Business Bank, is proud to announce today that its founder, Jerry Smith, is celebrating 50 years in banking tomorrow. He began his banking career at First National Bank of Appleton on December 1, 1967.

Jerry started First Business in Madison in 1990. As the first business-focused bank in the Midwest, First Business has expanded since then to employ more than 250 experts who provide highly refined solutions to drive growth for companies and high net worth individuals.

Jerry has served as a director of First Business Financial Services, Inc. since December 1989, and Chair of the Board since July 2006. He served as Chief Executive Officer from December 1989 to December 2006, and served as President of the Company from December 1989 to February 2005. He also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of First Business Bank from December 1989 to July 1999, and as Chair of the First Business Bank Board of Directors from April 2001 to December 2003.

Throughout its history, Jerry has helped First Business concentrate on focused growth. In 1995, First Business added asset-based lending services, and two years later began providing equipment finance and leasing services. In 1999, First Business started providing trust and investment services, and in 2000 expanded to the Milwaukee area. In 2005, First Business went public on the NASDAQ exchange as FBIZ. As a publicly traded company, First Business continued to grow, and in 2006 added locations in Northeast Wisconsin. In 2012, the firm successfully completed a $29 million equity raise and began offering factoring services nationwide. In 2014, First Business added a location in Kenosha, Wis., and successfully purchased the holding company of Alterra Bank in Kansas City, Kan.

About First Business
First Business Financial Services, Inc. is a bank holding company and parent of First Business Bank, and is focused on the unique needs of businesses, business executives, and high net worth individuals. First Business offers company retirement plans, commercial banking, specialty finance, and private wealth management solutions, and, through its niche focus, provides clients with unmatched expertise, accessibility, and responsiveness.

Member FDIC, First Business’s corporate headquarters are at 401 Charmany Drive in Madison, WI. For additional information, visit firstbusiness.com or call 608-238-8008.