Celebrating 115 Years of Mutual Banking
Founded in 1906, just 17 years after Washington was established as a state, we began as a mutual bank to help the community save in a safe and secure way while providing loans to make homeownership possible and affordable.
The community supported the neighbor-helping-neighbor business model of OlyFed as it was designed to be accountable to customers, not far-away shareholders; always putting people first. Local business owners quickly saw the value of mutual relationship banking and also turned to us for financial advice and support.
Through all the ups and downs of a 115-year history, OlyFed has persisted as a dependable, knowledgeable and caring community partner. The bank has remained relevant by advancing with technology, all while delivering products, services and expertise so that every person in our community continues to thrive and prosper. That is why our bank has survived two world wars, the Great Depression, the Great Recession, earthquakes and other natural disasters and most recently a worldwide pandemic.
Your story is our story.
We’re rolling out six stories of the hundreds that tell our mutual history. We hope you enjoy these community life stories and if you’d like to share your own in celebration, please send it our way!
Merritt & Marsha Long
Co-Founders, Learning Seed Foundation & community inclusion members
“We wanted to invest in a place that invests in others.”
Twenty years ago when the Longs started their foundation to aid locally less-advantaged students of color in the South Sound to pursue higher education, OlyFed stepped up as an early and enthusiastic sponsor, taking a personal interest, and investing in our future generations.
Eric & Casey Peterson
Peterson Bros. LLC
“OlyFed made it happen for us.”
When these Yelm-area brothers dreamed of expanding their construction business into custom homes, multi-family units and commercial spaces, we took the time to listen to and see their vision rather than roadblocks. We got to know Eric and Casey and partnered with them to meet their needs – the way we’ve always done business.
Larry & Jo Gregory
Longtime Generational Customers
“They bent over backward for our family and others.”
The Gregory family history dates back to 1928 when Larry’s grandfather bought the oldest hardware store in the State of Washington with financing from OlyFed. From building a log house on College Street in the 1950s to constructing more than 30 investment properties, four generations of the Gregory family have turned to us.
Sofie Landis & Chris Proctor
Co-owners, Sofie’s Scoops Gelateria
“The difference is a closeness we never imagined a bank could have.”
When Sofie and her business and life partner Chris, moved to Olympia to open their specialty gelato shop, she knew she wanted a relationship with just the right bank. Sofie walked from place to place, visiting different institutions until she came to OlyFed and found the friendly small-town bank feel she wanted.
Tara Schmidt
Executive Director, North Mason Food Bank
“Working with OlyFed is like working with part of my team.”
Tara gladly partners with her OlyFed personal bankers and our culture of giving back – donating 10 percent of profits to organizations like her Food Bank helps bolster the local community. Whenever Tara contacts us, she says she can always count on a fast response that’s defined by our people-first culture and values. She’s even converting her personal banking to OlyFed.
Jennifer Hermann
Executive Director, Olympia Symphony Orchestra
“I’m proud to be with a bank that genuinely cares about our community.”
When the pandemic canceled the Olympia Symphony’s concert season and threatened our community’s cultural arts endeavors, OlyFed was by Jennifer’s side with encouragement, advice and financial support. This was no surprise for her because she had begun to rely upon our locally-focused mutual bank promise.
Let's Start Your OlyFed Story Today!
We offer a comprehensive suite of financial services, money management, savings and lending products to help you, your small business or nonprofit thrive. What makes us different is our mutual banking model, which puts relationships above the bottom line. Our proven track record of community partnerships and giving, financial stability and real-time, real-world dedicated service is what sets us apart. If you would like to know more about banking with us, we look forward to getting to know you.
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