Community Banking & Pancake Dinners: Meet Mike Williams
Watch Episode 17 of
The Max Loves Midland Show
Mike Williams, In His Own Words:
“My name is Mike Williams, and I serve as the Midland Market President for Isabella Bank. One of my volunteer roles is co-chair of the Midland Noon Rotary's Annual Pancake Dinner, an event taking place on February 20, from 4:00 to 7:30 PM at Dow High School's cafeteria.
I grew up in West Virginia before moving to Milford, just outside Detroit. College took me to Albion, where I played football and met my wife. After graduating, I launched my career in the banking industry, which would lead me through different cities and experiences until 2002, when we arrived in Midland. Though new to town, I knew this was where I could see us settling down.
That said, moving somewhere new is always a challenge. My wife and I didn't have many friends here when we first arrived. My coworkers were supportive, but at the end of the day, they were coworkers, not yet part of our everyday life. But with time and effort, that changed. I had a colleague who encouraged me to get involved—through volunteering, sports, and other community activities. Slowly but surely, we built relationships, and Midland began to feel like more than just a place we lived. It became our place.
As Midland Market President for Isabella Bank, my job is multifaceted. I'm a commercial loan officer, helping businesses secure the financial resources they need to grow and succeed. I also manage a team of dedicated employees and lead our community involvement efforts. Community banking is about much more than processing transactions. It's about relationships, trust, and contributing to the communities we serve.
In its 122 years, Isabella Bank has maintained a strong commitment to being part of the communities where we operate. For us, that means not just being residents of a place but being citizens. There's a big difference between the two. A resident lives in a community, but a citizen is actively engaged—volunteering, participating, and working to improve the community. That's a value I live by. I want to be a citizen.
Our team is empowered to volunteer, which we do not take lightly. Whether it's coaching a youth sports team, participating in service clubs like Rotary, or working on local projects, we see our role as more than just bankers—we're neighbors, friends, and connectors. I love that my job allows me to help businesses, families, and individuals. One of the most rewarding aspects of community banking is the long-term connection. You meet a business owner, help them secure a loan, and years later, see them succeed, possibly even helping the next generation of their family grow their dreams.
Regarding community involvement, the Midland Noon Rotary's Annual Pancake Dinner is one of the year's highlights for our community. It's our 50th dinner, and it's grown into a major event, bringing around 2,000 people together for pancakes, sausage, applesauce, and good company. From 4:30 to 7:30 PM, we'll serve all-you-can-eat pancakes, with proceeds supporting Rotary's various community projects. Planning the dinner is a team effort. We have a dedicated committee of 10 to 15 people who start meeting right after the New Year. With 180 Rotarians in our club, nearly all of them volunteer in some capacity during the event, whether it's cooking sausage, flipping pancakes, or serving guests. It's like a well-oiled machine but with a touch of organized chaos, especially in the final days leading up to the event. What makes the dinner special isn't just the food; it's the people. You see familiar faces—former coworkers, neighbors, even people you haven't seen in years. It's a reunion of sorts. There's an energy to the night, a sense of togetherness that reminds me why I love this community so much.
Midland isn't just where I work—it's where my family has grown and thrived. My wife and I raised our two daughters here. My oldest recently started college, and my youngest is still in high school. Watching them hit milestones, from learning to drive to heading off to college, has been a whirlwind. Those changes sneak up on you. One day, you're helping with homework; the next, you're texting them to check in between their busy schedules.
When we first moved to Midland, we lived near Midland High and enrolled our daughters in Plymouth Elementary. Over the years, they transitioned to Adams Elementary, Northeast Middle School, and finally Midland High. I've always been impressed by the quality of Midland Public Schools and the way they prepare students for life beyond high school. I've heard so many parents say that their kids' first year of college was easy because of the strong foundation they received here. That's the kind of community pride that stays with you
Midland has been good to me and my family, and I want to see it continue to thrive—not just today but for generations to come. The things that attracted people here 50 years ago aren't necessarily what will attract them now, and that's okay. What's important is that we're constantly evolving. As one of my former employers used to say, "Innovate or evaporate." Change isn't always easy, but staying relevant and welcoming is necessary. We must intentionally create a community that attracts and retains people of all backgrounds. That means supporting young professionals, providing growth opportunities, and ensuring that the people who built this community—our elders—continue to feel valued and connected.
As I reflect on my time here, I feel fortunate. Midland isn't just where I live; it's where I belong. And as we gear up for another pancake dinner, I'm reminded of the power of community, tradition, and a good plate of pancakes. I can't wait to see you all there on February 20. In the end, it's about more than just pancakes, though. It's about being a citizen.”
Do you have a Midland County story you would like to tell that aligns with our vision?