Get to know the people behind the bank in our new series, FidFed Spotlight. First, we’re highlighting Bill Martin, President and CEO of Fidelity Federal Savings and Loan. 

Q: What is your role like at the bank? What do you do every day?

A: Every day is a different day. Basically, I’m looking at the strategic focus of the bank – where are we going? I’m never in today. I’m always six months to one year down the road, making sure the bank is running the way it should and growing the way it should. I’m in charge of the growth of loans and deposits, making sure we stay in compliance and the bank runs as a healthy bank. 

Q: How long have you been at Fidelity Federal, and in which roles?

A: I’ve been here for one year, but I’ve been in banking for over 28 years. I was President and CFO at the previous bank. This is a new challenge for me, which I’m enjoying! 

Q: What makes Fidelity Federal different from other (larger) banks?

A: We are a mutual bank – we don’t have stockholders. We work for our depositors. 

We’re chartered in Delaware, and there’s no other bank chartered here. I think that makes us different. We’re not just in the community, we’re an active part of the community.

We live and breathe here. All of the decisions are local. They are common-sense decisions – not just cookie-cutter. We get to know the person and look at the character of the person, not just things like their credit score. 

Q: What do you like best about your job? 

A: I like helping our customers achieve their goals. And being from a small town, I like that our bank does a good job of being out in the community.

Q: Why do you believe Fidelity Federal is an important part of the Delaware community?

A: We support all local activities. For example, Main St. Delaware has first Fridays that we participate in. We have also started a program this month called FidFedCares, where employees will be able to donate bank money to charities every month. 

A number of our people are also active on boards as well as the local Chamber of Commerce. We always make sure we’re doing something in the community. 

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I have three children, a daughter-in-law, two grandsons and a granddaughter on the way. I like playing golf and being with family and friends. I enjoy traveling and sports – pretty much all sports. I’m originally from northwest Ohio and moved here to be closer to family and grandchildren. Delaware really is similar to where I came from. 

Q: Do you have any specific stories of a memory or experience you have enjoyed while working at Fidelity Federal?

A: I enjoy seeing how the customers interact with our employees. Here’s one example: The previous President, Ana Babiasz, retired. A number of customers came to her retirement party – which was nice to see. It’s not just a banking relationship; the customers actually cared about the president. I found that nice. 

Every day here is a good experience. We have a great team that wants to provide exceptional customer service. I’m glad to see that here.