About Us

Bell is the largest family- and employee-owned bank in the upper Midwest, and one of the largest in the nation, with more than $13 billion in assets. That success is thanks to our many loyal customers, whose confidence in us has led to growth and opportunity.

When we opened our doors in 1966 with a single location in a north Fargo shopping center, our founders couldn't have dreamed of the growth the company would have. For decades, having happy employees and happy customers has been at the heart of the organization. Our values – creating a family atmosphere, treating our customers well and paying it forward to make our community a better place – are at the core of all we do.

Thomas “Buck” Snortland, one of the founders of State Bank of Fargo, was instrumental in helping set the tone for the company’s employee- and customer-friendly culture. Snortland family members have remained major shareholders ever since. Buck’s son, Thomas “Mickey” Snortland, was a dedicated board member for four decades and helped create the bank’s “bottom line” statement: “Happy Employees! Happy Customers!” His wife, Julie, was named to the holding company board of directors following Mickey’s passing in early 2013. Mickey’s sister Laura Snortland Fairfield is also a major shareholder and a longtime holding company board member.