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# Q&A with WF Commercial Banking’s Midwest Division Head

## “We’re in Chicago, for Chicago”

Rob Biodrowski, WF Commercial Banking Executive Vice President and Division Head

In his role as Midwest Division head for WF Commercial Banking, Rob Biodrowski works with business executives in Chicago and across the Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming.
He brings more than 20 years in financial services knowledge to his role, including previous experience as managing director and head of Middle Market Investment Banking Coverage for WF.

As a leader in banking, our Q&A with Rob digs deeper into the ways he and his team are building relationships with business executives across the Chicago area.

Q: During your career, you’ve worked around the country and in a variety of financial services roles. What makes your current opportunity here in Chicago a special one?

This role brings me back to my roots. I grew up and went to college in Nebraska, then joined WF in Commercial Banking. Shortly after, I moved to San Francisco and then worked my way to Chicago in 2005 to join our Merchant Banking / Principal Investing business. For most of the last 15 years, I had the opportunity to support the buildout of several of our investment banking businesses. A year ago, I rejoined Commercial Banking.

My current role is important to me because it has a sense of purpose, of partnership. My team and I get to help our clients not only realize growth in their businesses, but also make an impact in the community. With the scale of WF and the scope of our capabilities, we can be an “all in one” resource to business executives, offering strategic advice and proactive ideas. We’re building long-term relationships, which means working together on solutions.

Q: There’s a full team working with you in Chicago. Who are some of these bankers, and how can they add value for area businesses?

I’m incredibly proud that we have such an extensive local team of commercial banking specialists based right here in Chicago. This includes our relationship managers, who act as the “quarterbacks,” and our product-level experts.

It’s a great situation for our clients. They’ve got a day-to-day contact who knows their business and who knows the market, and they’ve also got ready access to the full breadth of WF’s products, services, and subject matter experts. The value for clients is a complete financial resource—everything from lending and treasury management to investment banking and hedging alternatives—right here in Chicago.

Q: What are some of the ways that WF actively supports companies in the Chicago area?

We’re really focused on strategic relationships—ways we can support our clients not just in cycles of growth, but also through their challenges. We understand that every business faces pressure points, and it’s incredibly important to have a bank that’s visible, that’s active with you, in navigating those circumstances. That’s the goal for my team. The size and strength of WF’s balance sheet, the number of services we offer, our willingness to work with businesses when pressure points occur, these all help us fulfill our clients’ needs.

Q: WF is making substantial investments in the Chicago area. What can you share about those plans?

It’s an exciting time! WF has announced a commitment of approximately $175 million to the greater Chicago area. It’s a multi-year investment that will give us an even stronger footprint for supporting local companies. It will also bring nearly 200 job opportunities to the area.

One of the most visible things you’ll see is WF growing our retail banking branches. During 2025, we opened additional branches at River North, Wacker Drive, Glencoe, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and Bridgeport, with more branch openings planned in the next couple of years.

Additionally, WF is doubling the size of its Commercial Banking sales/service team to ensure more Chicago area businesses can benefit from our network of relationship managers coupled with industry and product experts — all bringing strategic insights and recommendations to support business evolution at every stage of the business life cycle.

Q: You’re active in the local community, sharing your knowledge and learning with other leaders. Why is that level of engagement so important?

To be successful in Chicago, we need a successful community, and it’s essential that every one of us contribute to that. Our leadership makes a point to take on board roles here in Chicago, and everyone on the team (including me) volunteers around the city. I currently serve on the board of the American Childhood Cancer organization.

In addition, WF continues to be active with philanthropy. Since 2018, the bank has donated nearly $40 million to nonprofits in the Chicago area. In particular, those with a focus on housing access and affordability, financial health, sustainability, and small business growth.

Q: What are a few things business owners may not realize about WF?

Again, the fact that my team and I are local to Chicago is essential. I like to say, we’re “in” Chicago, “for” Chicago. It’s not just our people who are here, it’s also our perspectives. We know this market; we understand the types of conditions unique to this area, whether it’s the current cost of labor, the potential impact of tariffs on the industrial sector, or the capital expenditures required to compete effectively in the food supply chain, for example. We’re deeply embedded in every aspect of the Chicago region.

Second, when businesses come to us for financing, we’re not passing that decision to another office. We make our credit and risk decisions right here in Chicago. That’s very important, because it means local knowledge, local expertise, and local relationships at every step.

Lastly, there’s the benefit of working with a large and stable financial institution. That strength allows my team and I to “lean in” with businesses in ways that other banks can’t always do. We have a strong balance sheet, access to all types of expertise, and a comprehensive range of services we can offer. We’re well equipped to support clients across all types of economic cycles, as well as throughout their business lifecycle.

Q: On a personal note, what do you and your family enjoy about the Windy City?

My wife and I are raising three children here. We’re all Cubs fans, and in fact we live in Wrigleyville. Chicago is an amazing place for professional sports and for activities for our kids, and we love that. We’ve also got some of the best steakhouses in the country right here.

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https://newsroom.wf.com/English/news-releases/news-release-details/2023/Wells-Fargo-to-Commit-175-Million-in-the-Greater-Chicago-Area/default.aspx

Commercial Banking products and services are provided by WF Bank, N.A. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. WF Bank, N.A., a bank affiliate of WF & Company, is not liable or responsible for obligations of its affiliates. Deposits held in non-U.S. branches are not FDIC insured. Products and services require credit approval.

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