Testimonials
What Community Banks Are Saying About ICEBERG
Bankers Share Their Experience with ICEBERG
Beneath the Surface: Customer Journeys
Mercantile Bank - Grand Rapids, MI
Challenge
Following a period of remarkable growth to $6.1B, a multi-billion-dollar Midwest bank reached a strategic inflection point with its technology. Its long-standing "best-of-breed" approach had created a diverse suite of systems, leading to operational complexities that were not always aligned with its corporate growth strategy. The bank recognized the need for a more cohesive technology roadmap to better support its ambitious vision and enable the next phase of scalable growth.
Result
ICEBERG partnered with the bank as its strategic advisor, guiding the leadership team through a complex vendor evaluation and negotiation process. The engagement became a catalyst for transformation; by helping the bank visualize new outcomes and executing a negotiation strategy to achieve them, ICEBERG created a framework where technology and corporate objectives were fully aligned. This new model empowers the bank to make consistent, forward-looking choices, transforming technology from a cost center into a strategic asset that drives enterprise value.
Bank Plus – Estherville, IA
Challenge
A closely held, ag-heavy community bank—ranked #2 nationally in ag concentration—was under pressure to improve performance without expanding its balance sheet. With margins tightening and core processing costs climbing, the bank needed meaningful expense control without operational disruption.
Result
ICEBERG negotiated significant cost compression in the bank’s core processing agreement, unlocking a 23 basis point improvement to ROA—driven entirely by vendor savings, not asset growth.
The Stephenson National Bank & Trust – Marinette, WI
Challenge
A 150-year-old community bank had just completed a 36-month strategic plan, laying out a careful roadmap for system upgrades and operational improvements. With a multi-year horizon in place, the bank engaged ICEBERG to support execution and ensure alignment as initiatives moved forward.
Result
With ICEBERG’s guidance, the bank compressed a 36-month plan into just 10 months—without cutting corners. The result was a complete modernization of key systems, including a new core, LOS, TM platform, real-time payments, and a full overhaul of merchant services. Debit card interchange revenue increased meaningfully, and the bank gained sharper operational and profitability reporting to support stronger, data-driven decisions. Vendor relationships were strengthened, shareholder value was delivered, and the bank advanced its strategic plan far ahead of schedule.
Commercial Savings Bank – Carroll, IA
Challenge
A closely held, commercial-focused community bank was mid-negotiation with its loan documentation vendor, preparing to move from an in-house system to a hosted environment. With timelines already in motion, the bank needed clear, experienced guidance on terms and conditions—along with tight cost control—without disrupting the project or straining the vendor relationship.
Result
ICEBERG stepped in quickly and effectively, bringing the clarity and expertise needed to evaluate, restructure, and negotiate the agreement. Costs were compressed, contract terms strengthened, and the hosted transition stayed on track. Within weeks, the bank had a better deal, a smoother path forward, and a stronger foundation with its vendor—all without missing a beat.
Iowa State Bank & Trust – Fairfield, IA
Challenge
A rural community bank was preparing to modernize its website and weighing three options: two recommended vendors and its incumbent provider. While each appeared viable, the bank struggled to see clear differentiation—and to align the decision with its mission, customer expectations, and operational goals. With timelines approaching, clarity and confidence were needed to move forward with purpose.
Result
ICEBERG stepped in as a trusted guide, helping the bank cut through the noise and refocus on what mattered most: purpose alignment, operational fit, and customer usability. We brought clarity to the evaluation, surfaced meaningful differences, and negotiated stronger contract terms with real savings. The result: a confident decision, a better agreement, and a website platform that serves both the bank and its customers—on their terms.