Grand Traverse State Bank to Launch in Early 2026 with Local Ownership and Strong Leadership Team

Plans are underway for the launch of Grand Traverse State Bank (GTSB), a new locally owned financial institution. With investors from all over the state, the majority of our individual investors reside in the Grand Traverse region. Loan-production operations have already begun, with the first branch office scheduled to open in downtown Traverse City in early 2026.
 
Grand Traverse State Bank is owned by GTSB Financial, Inc., a bank holding company headquartered in Traverse City. Founder Gregg Bigger is Executive Chairman and CEO of GTSB Financial Inc., and Chairman of First State Bank of Michigan.
 
Mr. Bigger served in the United States Marine Corps special operations, specializing in amphibious and mountain warfare. He previously founded two community banks and later served as Chairman and CEO of a private equity-backed oil and gas company operating on three continents.
 
Mr. Bigger recruited seasoned bank veteran Rob Farr, who now serves as President and CEO of First State Bank of Michigan. Farr was the founder and CEO of the former Bank of Birmingham and later served as Chairman and CEO of MI Bank.
 
Grand Traverse State Bank (GTSB) is a community-driven financial institution headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan. With the majority local ownership, GTSB is dedicated to delivering relationship-based banking and supporting the economic growth of Northern Michigan.