Banking and Finance
Executive chairman
Nicolet National Bank | Green Bay
Bob Atwell co-founded Nicolet National Bank in 2000. He led the Green Bay-based bank as chief executive officer until 2021 when he transitioned to executive chairman. Under his leadership, Nicolet grew to 55 branches, with locations in northeast and central Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula, northern Michigan and eastern Minnesota. In 2021, Nicolet made two acquisitions – Mackinac Financial Corp. and County Bancorp Inc. – which were followed by the acquisition of Charter Bankshares Inc. earlier this year. Atwell has served as lead director for the Ariens Company board and on the board of Hospital Sisters Health System, Great Northern Corp., Saris Cycling Group, Promotion Management Inc. and the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. He is also past chairman and one of the founders of Relevant Radio, a national Catholic radio network.
Education: Bachelor’s, Beloit College; master’s, Yale University
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
"Albert Lea Seed house (in Minnesota)-hard physical work."
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career?
"Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do as we should."
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f you could have dinner with any two business leaders, who would you choose and why?
"Warren Brule passed away about 8 years ago. He founded MJ Electric in Iron Mountain, Michigan. He was tough, generous, smart and hard working. I learned a lot just watching and being with him. My Uncle George Ehrhardt ran the Albert Lea Seed house. I worked for him for 6 summers in high school and college. He was incredibly hardworking, tenacious and had a great way with customers. In his spare time he engaged a lot of troubled young men (including me)."
What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
"Our home in Sturgeon Bay. I also really enjoy Spain."
What is one book you think everyone should read?
"'History of Christendom,' by Warren Carrol."
What’s your hobby/passion?
"I love to work, garden and cook."
What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
"Three Brothers in Milwaukee. Great family run Serbian place (cash only). anything on the menu."
What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)?
"I have 11 children. It’s not as hard as you might think. God provides the strength we lack."
What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
"1978 Buick regal. 10 years."
If you could take a one-year sabbatical, what would you do?
"Teach business."
What's the toughest business challenge you’ve ever faced?
"The Great Recession devastated the banking industry and many of our customers. We faced our problems honestly, worked with our customers and came out much stronger for the challenges. I lost a lot of sleep and my hair turned white, but it was the greatest period of professional growth I have had."
What advice would you give to a young professional?
"Focus on helping people around you grow. Accept responsibility and spread the credit to others. Remember your history but don't be paralyzed by fear. Put your heart into people."
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?
"We closed three acquisitions in 13 months and added a lot of new talent."
What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better?
"Our K-12 education system used to be best in the country."
As you enter your office, what would you choose to be your walk-up or theme song and why?
"That doesn't sound like my style at all."
Is there a nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you?
"Anything that teaches young people faith, hope and love. I care about my Boomer generation, but we are leaving young people an incredible mess. I feel an urgency to prepare them the difficult times they face."
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
"Quitting a great job with an established company to cofound Nicolet."
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
"I don't really subscribe to the whole bucket list thing. I just want to use my time well to grow in love of God and neighbor."
What has you most excited about the future?
"Seeing my own children, grandchildren and other young people grow."
