Employee Spotlight: Stephen Dahl

Coulee Bank is proud to spotlight one of the dedicated team members who helps keep our operations running smoothly behind the scenes. As a Mortgage Loan Servicing Specialist, Stephen Dahl brings years of banking experience, a strong work ethic, and a deep appreciation for teamwork to the Loan Servicing department. Inspired early on by a family connection to banking, he built a career grounded in reliability, continuous learning, and a passion for helping both coworkers and customers succeed.

While he was growing up, Dahl’s mother worked at another financial institution in Minneapolis. At some point, everyone in his immediate family worked there, too. “I worked there during college and truly enjoyed it. I keep in touch with some of my friends who still work there,” he says. Although he left banking for a bit to try his hand at a couple of other professions, banking felt safe, knowing there would always be a need for financial institutions.

Dahl speaks highly of his team. “The Loan Servicing department works very closely, and everyone is willing to step up to resolve issues. Every team should be so lucky to work with Kim Metcalf, Coulee Bank’s VP Loan Servicing Manager, and Julie Winjum, Coulee Bank’s Loan Servicing Specialist,” he says. He believes he is fortunate to have been trained by former and current managers and to have management teams that want to see him succeed.

He worked with mortgages at larger financial institutions as an auditor and reviewer. Those roles gave him a strong understanding of mortgage processes, documentation review, and the attention to detail needed to ensure loans are serviced accurately and customers are supported throughout the life of their loan.

Both his parents were inspirational and instilled a good work ethic in him. They taught him how to be a good employee and to lead with gratitude.

The past couple of years, Coulee Bank has provided opportunities to volunteer in the community – something Dahl appreciates. He has worked with Habitat for Humanity and helped clean up the northside of La Crosse, the local food pantry, and Meals on Wheels.

Outside of work, Dahl enjoys both adventure and live music. Some of his favorite memories include family trips to Lake Osakis near Alexandria, Minnesota, where game nights were a staple. In fact, he still keeps a deck of cards nearby in case a game breaks out. More recently, trips to the Pacific Ocean in Seaside, Oregon, have inspired even bigger adventures, including ziplining, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting.

Music is another big passion. Dahl has attended more than 100 concerts and enjoys everything from classic rock to blues. One of his favorite concert memories was seeing the Beastie Boys the same week he got his driver’s license. His favorite band is the Allman Brothers, with “Blue Sky” topping his list of favorite songs. His biggest music regret? Not seeing Prince perform when he had the chance.

Fun Facts About Stephen

He likes horrible dad jokes. The worse the better.

Owns a large collection of hoodies in case a bonfire breaks out.

Favorite meal: Chicken Parmesan. And yes, he has eaten it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

He loves to cook and find new recipes.

A passion for travel has taken him to 40 states, with plans to visit the remaining 10 over the next three years. After that, Europe awaits—first Ireland, then Italy.

He has more family than he knows what to do with. His mom is one of eight children, and his dad is one of seven children.

Growing up, the family had three dogs, two cats, and a turtle.

Two Truths and a Lie:

1. I won a state wrestling tournament in my youth.
2. I almost tackled Joe Mauer (who played with the Twins for 15 years) in high school football.
3. I was accepted to the University of Minnesota.

It was so fun getting to know you better, Stephen Dahl. We enjoy having you at Coulee Bank. Thank you for choosing to grow your career with us. Best of luck in everything you do.

*Lie: He didn’t get accepted to the University of Minnesota, but he still cheers the hardest for them. Stephen was accepted at the University of Washington, the University of Wyoming, the University of Wisconsin– La Crosse, the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, and St Mary’s in Winona.