Our Story

United Prairie has its roots in rural Minnesota. The organization started to take shape in 1973 when former President, James G. Sneer, bought Farmers State Bank of Mountain Lake, Minnesota. That original bank charter began in the year 1919. The bank was run with a strong emphasis in superior customer service, financial integrity and community involvement.

Some years later, Mr. Sneer began to acquire other banks in towns around in the region, bringing the strong values and business practices that brought early success. In some cases, failing banks were rescued and resuscitated to once again become strong promoters of their local economies. In 1992, the banks owned by Mr. Sneer were changed to the now-familiar United Prairie Bank.

In 2002, Stuart J. Sneer, the son of James and Susan Sneer, took over the presidency of the company after many years of individual bank management and system management as vice president. Today, the third generation of the Sneer family is involved in roles within the company.

Over the years, United Prairie began to build insurance and financial planning resources for its customers as well offering those services across its footprint. Currently, the company has 16 total locations in 14 communities across Minnesota. Company headquarters are in Mankato, Minnesota. Scott D. Bradley is the President and Chief Executive Officer leading the company to seek its vision for now and the future.

Our Leadership Team

United Prairie News

DWYER joins team as Financial Advisor

December 27, 2021 -

Adam Dwyer has joined United Prairie Financial Network as a Financial Advisor. Dwyer will be serving the Mankato market area to assist clients with their financial planning and investment needs.

Dwyer joins United Prairie with over 5 years of experience in the financial services industry, most recently working as Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch.

“We’re excited to have Adam join our team of dedicated financial experts here at United Prairie. He’s a great addition to the Mankato staff and is eager to start serving clients,” commented Scott D. Bradley, President/CEO of United Prairie.

Adam resides in St. Peter, Minnesota, along with his girlfriend and their newly adopted dog, Finn. Adam recently made the St. Peter community home but is not new to town as he is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College. Adam is a big hockey fan, as well as a hockey referee for 15 years, and enjoys golf and hunting. He looks forward to engaging more deeply in the community and serving his clients.

Augustin Promoted to Market President

November 17, 2021 – 

United Prairie Bank has promoted longtime leader, Eileen Augustin, to Market President of the Mountain Lake and Windom locations. She will start leading both the retail and lending team members in both offices in mid-November.

Former Market President, Jeremy Janssen, remains on the United Prairie team on a part-time basis serving clients as he now focuses more time on his commercial property management business.

Augustin started her career with United Prairie at the Mountain Lake location 37 years ago and has served in numerous leadership roles throughout her tenure, most recently as Operations Director and Security Officer for the company.

“Eileen has a strong presence in our company as a knowledge leader and champion of our culture. Her unique skillsets in leadership, operations and familiarity with the markets make her a great fit for this new role,” commented Chief Executive Officer, Scott D. Bradley.

Eileen grew up in the Mountain Lake area and is excited to begin this new chapter in her career. She and her husband, Kent, currently live on a hobby farm near Comfrey, where they own a construction company. Eileen enjoys traveling, riding motorcycle, gardening and watching all the wildlife on their property.

ECKBERG promoted to retail manager

October 14, 2021 – 

United Prairie Bank is excited to announce Katie Eckberg’s promotion to Vice President/Retail Manager of the Mankato location.

Eckberg has been with United Prairie for 14 years, most recently as a Business Banker/Commercial Deposits. She will continue to serve clients in the business banking area, as well as leading the retail banking team.

“Katie is a talented team member and incredibly dedicated to the success of our clients. We’re excited to have her in this leadership role for our team here in Mankato,” commented Market President, Spenser Bradley.