Peoples Bank is pleased to announce a new Insurance Agency Banking division designed to support independent insurance agencies nationwide. Peoples will offer tailored solutions for agencies seeking capital for acquisitions, mergers and perpetuation, along with full-service banking capabilities and premium finance solutions. The bank has named Mike Wagar as Senior Vice President to lead this division, bringing industry expertise and proven leadership to the role.
Wagar has spent the majority of his banking career serving insurance agencies across the country and most recently served as Chief Specialty Banking Officer at Westfield Bank, where he led banking services for insurance agencies, registered investment advisors and premium finance operations.
He is a graduate of the University of Akron, earning dual degrees in Corporate Finance and Financial Services in 2003. Wagar began his career in financial planning with MassMutual before transitioning into banking as a mortgage loan officer. He has held a wide range of roles, including mortgage lending, mortgage operations management, financial analysis, treasury management and commercial banking.
“I am excited to be a part of the Peoples Bank team and have the opportunity to establish new relationships with businesses and their principals,” said Wagar. “Partnering with business owners to deliver comprehensive financial solutions and help them achieve their growth goals and dreams, is incredibly rewarding.”
With the launch of Agency Banking, Peoples reinforces its commitment to innovation, relationship-based banking and delivering specialized expertise to business verticals.
“We are thrilled to have Mike Wagar join the Peoples Bank team,” said Tyler Wilcox, Peoples Bank President and CEO. “Wagar is a strategic addition to the bank’s expertise in the insurance industry, adding agency lending to its brokerage and premium finance capabilities.”
To learn more about Peoples Bank’s specialty lending services, visit peoplesbancorp.com/agency-banking or contact Mike Wagar at mike.wagar@pebo.com or 330.283.8982.
