Olav Beek
RegioBank Winsum
Meet Olav Beek of Beek Verzekeringen and the RegioBank at 28 Hoofdstraat, Winsum. The bank has been located since 1995 in a building over 200 years old that used to serve as a bakery. With Olav and his colleagues Joke Steg, Anneke Hamminga and Marjan Mekel, you’ve come to the right place for honest and personalised advice on insurance, mortgages and banking matters. “We’re the only bank branch in the Groningen area that’s still open every day,” says Olav with justifiable pride. He considers the personal connection the bank’s staff have with their customers as a result to be of the utmost importance.
A service that used to be the norm
A personal approach is therefore a top priority for Olav and his colleagues. “We enjoy offering the kind of service that used to be quite commonplace.” This means that customers can pop in to see us if, for example, they need help with online banking. “This service takes time and money, but we’re happy to invest in it,” explains Olav. The fact that customers appreciate this is evident from the fact that, despite moving well outside the village, people still remain customers of the branch.
“ “Winsum is simply a lovely place to be; our village, my home.” ”
Our village, my home
If Olav had to describe Winsum in a few words, he’d say: “Winsum is simply a lovely place to be; our village, my home.” Take a stroll along the Winsumerdiep, do a loop around Maarhuizen or walk to Schaphalsterzijl. Then you’ll see just how beautiful Winsum is.
Buurtzaam
Olav Beek aims to run a community-focused practice in the most beautiful village. He is therefore keen to invest his financial expertise in the local area. For example, he and his colleagues teach financial literacy in schools, and children who come to the counter to empty their piggy banks learn how to count money. Olav also gives talks on cyber risks at various organisations. “The bond of trust between my staff, myself and our clients – I find that incredibly important.” Olav cannot go into further detail on this matter: “That’s all banking secrecy,” he concludes with a laugh.
