Hartford Business Journal

20 Hartford Business Journal • June 3, 2019 • www.HartfordBusiness.com LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2019 headquartered in Hartford County available for anybody, he said. Liberty also liked Simsbury's commercial banking business, which focuses on manufacturing, service and construc- tion companies, he said. Geitz called the deal fair to share- holders, good for customers who can tap more products and lending capac- ity, and good for Simsbury's roughly 70 employees, most of whom are expected to remain post-merger. Geitz, 63, will stay as executive regional director. The Simsbury name will go away. Levy called it a testimony to Geitz that he's remaining with Liberty and not being asked to leave. "Integrity," Levy said when asked the first thought that comes to mind about Geitz. "Martin is compassionate, he's un- derstanding, he's an excellent banker," Levy said. "He's just a good guy." Geitz is married to Brenda, an academic adviser at Manchester Community College. They have three grown children, 26, 28 and 30. One, Alexandra Geitz, appears in the credits of the new "Apollo 11" documentary as she works at the National Archives and helped compile NASA films and images seen in the movie. "My proudest accomplishment is clearly my family, and Brenda and I are both proud of our kids," Geitz said. following the financial crisis, which allowed us to focus on growth. Worst business decision: Not raising more capital after the financial crisis to take advantage of potential bank acquisition opportunities. Biggest missed opportunity: Prior to the financial crisis, we were actively pursuing expansion of our investment services business. We put those efforts on the back burner after the crisis due to other banking opportunities and because our models suggested that it would take five years for investment in creating a wealth management capability to yield a return. Now, 11 years later, I wish we had made that investment. Best way to spot trends: Be active in the market, listen to customers, read a lot of different information sources. Next big move: Work with Liberty Bank to make our merger with them a success for our shareholders, customers, employees and communities. Your pet peeve: Meetings that don't start and end as scheduled or lack a clear agenda. PERSONAL SIDE City of residence: Glastonbury Favorite way to relax: Cooking, golf, movies, reading, gardening Hobbies: Travel planning Last vacation: Barcelona and southern France Favorite movie: "The Godfather" The car you drive: Lincoln MKZ Currently reading: "Grant," by Ron Chernow Favorite cause: Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center Second choice career: Travel planner and tour guide. >> Martin J. Geitz Q&A continued >> Martin J. Geitz continued PHOTO | J. FIERECK PHOTOGRAPHY MEMBER FDIC EQUAL HOUSING LENDER CONGRATULATIONS Martin J. Geitz Simsbury Bank President & CEO on your Lifetime Achievement Award! We celebrate your leadership and your dedication to our communities, customers, businesses and the banking industry. We're inspired by your commitment to excellence. Congratulations from all of us at Liberty Bank.

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