Bravera Bank
Dynamic Trios: Shannon Hoiland, Erin Townsend and Dan Morano
Craft, care, and commitment are key to any thriving small business. Montana Regional President Shannon Hoiland, Business Banking Officer Erin Townsend, and Private Banking Officer Dan Morano bring these values to life. They combine personal experience and professional expertise to offer exceptional service to customers.
How long have you worked together?
Shannon: The three of us have collaborated at Bravera for approximately two years. However, I’ve had the privilege of working with both Dan and Erin in the past, dating back more than 10 years with Erin. Having worked with each of them, I recognized their exceptional qualities and sought to incorporate them into the Bravera team.
Erin: Shannon and I go back to 2013. Dan and I have worked together since 2022, but I’ve known Dan since childhood.
Dan: I've worked with Shannon and Erin for two and a half years at Bravera.
Why does the pairing ‘craft, care, and commitment’ fit your trio?
Shannon: 'Craft' resonates with all of us beyond banking because we each take something that’s grown and turn it into something new. We care deeply about our customers and are committed to supporting small businesses, our community, and Bravera.
Erin: As co-owner of Great Falls' oldest scratch bakery, we care deeply about our products. We take time to craft each formula to ensure the finished product is fresh and delicious. We are committed to our community. Although I’ve been an owner since 1997, the bakery opened in 1967. It’s stood the test of time because of our commitment to quality.
Dan: I embody craft, care, and commitment in my role in private banking. The craft comes through in my financial strategies. I take care to understand the nuanced needs of small business owners, and I am committed through my personal investment in clients’ success. My comprehensive approach mirrors the dedication and attention to detail required in running a craft beer bar.
What makes Bravera a great partner for customers?
Shannon: At Bravera, we deeply care about our community and our customers. The three of us have firsthand experience of what it’s like to own a small business.
Erin: Bravera is employee- and director-owned. As employee-owners, we have a vested interest in ensuring we’re doing what’s best for each customer. We are advisors. We want our customers to have strong businesses that benefit our thriving community. We’re not just a building in the communities we serve. We are engaged in local causes, serve on local boards and committees, and donate real dollars to make an impact in each community we call home.
Dan: Bravera offers a unique blend of local insight and professional banking expertise. This combination makes Bravera not just a financial institution, but a partner that understands the local business landscape. Our personal experience as small business owners enables us to provide advice that is not only financially sound, but also practically applicable to the day-to-day challenges of small business owners.
What's your favorite thing about your community?
Shannon: Our community stands behind its fellow members, which is what I love most about it. It supports local businesses, recognizing they are the backbone of a thriving community.
Erin: Great Falls is a very generous community. When there’s a need—big or small—our community steps up to help every time. With that in mind, I have countless opportunities to volunteer in Great Falls. I also have the pleasure of working for a company that encourages me to volunteer; Bravera supports me along the way.
Dan: The vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and the community’s support for local businesses. This environment fosters a sense of belonging and encourages innovation, where every new business venture adds to the community's unique tapestry.
How does being a small business owner help you to better serve customers?
Shannon: I have firsthand experience with the daily challenges and opportunities that small business owners encounter. Through my experiences, I’ve learned how to overcome or enhance these challenges to capitalize on them. I also personally utilize the banking tools available to support local businesses, allowing business owners to focus on what is important to them and reduce the time spent on administrative tasks related to managing their business banking.
Erin: As a small business owner, I can directly relate to our small business customers because I live and understand their challenges. As a banker, I can help connect customers to key resources they may not know about. I understand their sense of urgency and celebrate their victories alongside them. When I say, “I understand,” I truly do understand.
Dan: Understanding the passion, trials, and triumphs of entrepreneurship firsthand helps you empathize with your clients' experiences. This insight aids in tailoring financial solutions that address the specific needs of small business owners, such as managing cash flow for inventory, understanding seasonal fluctuations, or navigating the complexities of small business loans.