Recently, the Choice Bank locations in Fargo underwent a renovation. This transformation not only modernized the bank’s aesthetic, but it enhanced the spaces’ functionality and comfort for both customers and staff. While the new spaces were striking, they also honored Choice’s motto: People first. Following the successful renovation of the Fargo locations, Choice Bank in Bismarck decided to undergo a similar makeover.
“The main branch–the ‘big bank’– needed a lot of work; it had become outdated,” said Bismarck Choice Bank Market President Brandon Reems. “We needed a space that had the capability we required, so we moved to the corner of 83 and the interstate, the highest traffic section in Bismarck.”
Just like Choice in Fargo, that move (and the resulting building) opened up the opportunity to update the entirety of the interior design. And Brandon knew just who to turn to.
“We found InterOffice and Hannah through the connections in Fargo,” he said. “We were especially pleased with the 45th Street space; it was functional with a modern, clean look.”
So, Choice asked InterOffice to breathe life into their spaces once again.
Because the team had worked with Choice before, they knew the importance Choice places on their people. Choice lives by its “People first” motto, supplying top-notch service to customers and top-notch care to workers. Keeping all Choice locations visually unified was important, but they also knew that different locations make for different needs.
According to Workspace Expert Hannah Schumacher, “If you walk into either location, you know that you’re in Choice. It was a pretty easy transition to implement into the Bismarck location.”
It’s the teamwork from InterOffice and Choice that led to the seamless transition–especially the groundwork laid by Choice’s AVP of Brand & Marketing Shelly Azudera.
For Brandon, that teamwork bridging Choice and InterOffice was key to the spaces’ successes.
“What really stood out to me while working with InterOffice was that collaboration with the team,” Brandon said. “They made suggestions and changes that better suited us and the furniture that we would be putting in.”
Putting People First
Specifically, InterOffice helped place more adaptable furniture into Choice’s space. Where desks were once stationary, and the monitor stood static, now Choice has adjustable standing desks and FLO Monitor Arms, both from Herman Miller.
“We went from 20-year-old desks to modern standing desks. Part of that desk is the arms that hold the monitors and eliminate the stands,” Brandon said. “They’ve been a huge hit with the team.”
InterOffice’s furniture choices also put Choice’s people first. The adjustability of the desks and monitor arms allows for ergonomic customization to the specific worker using them–and then can be easily adjusted if a new worker takes over.
“There’s been a change in the workplace, people don’t sit from 8-5 anymore,” Hannah added. “Those desks give you the opportunity to get on your feet.”
For Brandon, the FLO Monitor Arms have been especially helpful. In a digital world, banking is often done with people joining virtually from multiple locations. In the previous setting, Brandon could not spin his monitor around, meaning that his clients couldn’t see who was talking. With the arms, Brandon can angle the monitor to face who it needs to, meaning everyone can see everyone.
”What really stood out to me while working with InterOffice was that collaboration with the team.
Brandon Reems
A 3D Preview
Another adaptable feature that Brandon loved was the 3D modeling. Designs can be sketched and mapped, yes, but it’s difficult to see what a space will actually look like and to get the actual feel of the planned space without seeing it in real life.
“A lot of our clients are very visual people; it can be hard to visualize if you aren’t doing this every day,” Hannah said. “The 3D model can be really helpful.”
Brandon echoed the sentiment.
“It was pretty neat to be able to virtually walk through the space and see how things would look before we even started to tear the walls out,” Brandon said.
Brandon and his clients don’t have to imagine the space anymore, even if that image was enhanced by 3D modeling. Choice Bank of Bismarck is open and seeing to the banking needs of the community. Their new space has given them the space they need to continue to put people first.
As Choice Bank continues to grow, it sticks to its ‘People first’ philosophy, ensuring that every renovation and innovation enhances the banking experience for our community. In fact, it’s that very sense of connection that Brandon loves.
“‘People first’ is the root of all we do here. It’s the root of our community, employees, and customers,” he said. “That’s what banking is ultimately about: building relationships.”
