Kippa Ring Welcomes its First Privately Owned Bank
Tuesday, 09/06/2009
Kippa Ring now has its first privately owned and operated bank, with the Bank of Queensland branch at Kippa Ring Village being purchased by local banker Michael Agnew.
The Owner-Managed Branch is a concept unique to Bank of Queensland and it gives experienced bankers like Michael, the chance to own, not just manage, a bank branch.
Michael, who has worked in management at Bank of Queensland for 11 years and has an impressive 23 years’ banking experience, says he is looking forward to running his own business and personally assisting customers - both rare opportunities in modern-day banking.
“After working for other financial institutions in the past, I joined Bank of Queensland so I could do banking the right way and put the customer first,” Michael said.
“For three years, I worked in BOQ’s OMB business selling franchised branches to Owner-Managers around the country and helping them set up and operate their branches.
“So I have an in-depth knowledge and understanding about owning and managing a bank branch and what it takes to make it a success.
“I liked the OMB business and customers so much that when the opportunity arose for me to buy my own Bank of Queensland branch, I leapt at the chance!
“It really is a different experience when you can truly look after your customers’ needs – you have so much more control but also more responsibility than a corporate branch manager.
“And actually owning my own business will help me better understand the challenges and opportunities small business owners face and really help them achieve their financial goals.
“At the end of the day, I am like any other local small business person and my business is only as good as my customer service. This means my team and I will go out of our way to make an impression!
“Our customers will be pleased to know that former long-time staff member Penny Jeffery has recently returned to the team as our Lending Manager. Penny spent almost 20 years working at the Kippa Ring branch and is well-liked and respected in the local community.”
Michael says he is excited to get out into the community and show Kippa Ring residents and local businesses how different banking can be.
“As Owner-Manager, I plan to go the extra mile. If my customers can’t make it in to the branch, I am happy to go and visit them wherever is convenient for them to discuss their banking needs. I plan to be very mobile, both during the day and in the evenings,” Michael said.
BOQ Kippa Ring is the 36th corporate branch to be converted to a high-service level OMB model.
Due to the success of the OMB model and its positive impact on customer service, the Bank will convert further corporate branches to OMBs where there is a demonstrated benefit to customers.
Bank of Queensland has 281 branches around the country, of which 209 are OMBs.
Bank of Queensland Kippa Ring is located at Kippa Ring Village, cnr Boardman Road and Anzac Avenue, Kippa Ring and can be contacted on 3480 1444.
The branch’s trading hours are 9.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30am to 5pm Friday.
