Meet Andy Ludeking: Cresco Market President
Change brings exciting opportunities, especially when someone with deep local roots takes the helm. We are so proud to welcome Andy Ludeking as our new Cresco Market President. Combining his two plus decades in banking with living in the area most of his life, Andy is uniquely positioned to truly understand what our community needs from a financial institution. We recently sat down with him to talk about his professional journey, his vision for the bank, and his lifelong passion for serving the Cresco community.
Q: How long have you been part of the Cresco Bank team?
Andy: I joined the team in 2011; I’ve been with the bank right at 15 years now. During that time, I have had the privilege of working in several different areas of the bank. I started out as an Ag & Business Banker, which allowed me to work hands-on with local farmers and business owners. From there, I transitioned into the role of Chief Credit Officer, having responsibility for the credit function for both Decorah and Cresco Bank. For non-bankers, that means leading the team responsible for underwriting and financial analysis, ultimately ensuring the bank maintains strong credit quality. And, most recently, I have been serving as the Chief Lending Officer – a role that combines the customer-facing lending aspects of my previous roles, with credit analysis, the more behind-the-scenes work. It has been an incredible journey not only to learn the ins and out of our organization, but more importantly to see the clients’ growth and successes along the way.
Q: In your new role, will you still be involved with lending?
Andy: Yes, absolutely. Along with my new duties as Cresco Market President, I will continue to oversee the lending function for Decorah and Cresco Bank as Chief Lending Officer. Mentoring our team and driving business development are two things I truly enjoy, so I look forward to blending those passions in my day-to-day work.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in banking?
Andy: Late in high school, I became interested in banking. Math had always been of interest to me, and my mother had worked in banking for several years. I had taken several high school courses where I gained exposure to what a banking career would entail. From that point on, I chose classes/degrees in college through NICC and UNI that would give me the best chance to start my career as a banker after graduation.
Q: You serve on quite a few local boards. Why is community involvement so important to you?
Andy: This area is my home, and I want to see it flourish. Right now, I serve as a board member for the Howard Winneshiek Community School District, the Cresco Industrial Development Corporation, Howard County Business & Tourism, Howard County Mutual Insurance, and the Regional Health Services Foundation Board. Being involved in these organizations allows me to support local economic development firsthand. Banking is ultimately about helping people, and supporting local schools, healthcare, and businesses is just an extension of that same mission.
Q: How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your community involvement?
Andy: Well, my Outlook calendar and phone keep me on my toes, making sure I’m where I’m supposed to be each day!
Q: What excites you most about your new role as Market President?
Andy: I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and blessed to work with a very talented group of bankers. Our team comes to work each day truly inspired to make a difference. I am deeply passionate about seeing our customers succeed financially, because when they succeed, we watch our entire community grow. I am fortunate that my career allows me to make a greater impact on the future of the Cresco area.
Q: What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
Andy: When I turned 16, I began working at Fareway. I worked in both the Cresco & Cedar Falls locations while attending my schooling! I was convinced to stay for a little while longer upon college graduation, and my tenure ended after 10 years of service. Fareway helped further develop my work ethic and people skills!
Looking Forward
We are incredibly proud to have Andy leading the Cresco team into the future. His unique blend of credit expertise, strong leadership skills, and genuine care for the community makes him the perfect fit for this role.
Next time you visit Cresco Bank & Trust, be sure to stop by and congratulate Andy! Whether you need help personalizing your family's financial plan or want to discuss the next big step for your business, Andy and our entire team are here to help you reach your goals.