Spruce Valley Payroll & Services is a full-service payroll provider serving the needs of both start-up and
existing small businesses. Our solutions are affordable and personalized to our client’s specific needs.
Bob Willbanks - CEO, Spruce Valley Payroll & Services
Professional Bio:
With over 30 years of experience in the payroll industry, Bob Willbanks has established himself as a visionary leader and seasoned entrepreneur. As the CEO of Spruce Valley Payroll & Services, located in Farmington, MN, Bob brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the forefront of payroll services. His journey in the industry has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, innovative solutions, and a commitment to integrity and service.
Bob's professional background spans a variety of roles in both small businesses and Fortune 500 companies. His extensive experience in HR Management Systems, IT, Real Estate, and Management Consulting has equipped him with a unique blend of skills that drive the success of Spruce Valley Payroll. Bob's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to continuous improvement have been instrumental in creating efficient, repeatable business processes and fostering collaborative, win-win relationships.
Throughout his career, Bob has been guided by his faith and values, which are central to his leadership style. He is passionate about mentoring others and using his God-given gifts to make a positive impact in the business world. Under his leadership, Spruce Valley Payroll continues to uphold the principles of honesty, integrity, and service that have been the cornerstone of its success.
Bob is committed to maintaining the legacy built by the previous owners of Spruce Valley Payroll while also enhancing the company's operations to better serve its clients. By leveraging his extensive industry experience and entrepreneurial mindset, Bob aims to drive consistent growth and improve the overall service experience for Spruce Valley's customers.
Outside of his professional life, Bob is devoted to his faith and family. He enjoys spending quiet time with God, engaging with like-minded individuals, and pouring into the lives of his loved ones. Bob's favorite activities include working out, enjoying sleepovers with his grandkids, and traveling. He finds inspiration in Paul's letters to the churches, particularly the book of Ephesians, which he believes offers a profound roadmap for living out one's faith in the marketplace.
Bob Willbanks is not only a leader in the payroll industry but also a man of strong faith and values, dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those around him. His leadership at Spruce Valley Payroll & Services is characterized by a commitment to excellence, integrity, and the guiding principles of his faith.
Mitchell Loewen (Mitch) - CFO & Co-Owner of Spruce Valley Payroll Service
Mitchell Loewen, known to many as Mitch, is the dynamic CEO and Co-Owner of Spruce Valley Payroll Service. With a career spanning several decades, Mitch brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of entrepreneurial success to his latest venture.
Professional Background
Mitch's professional journey began right out of high school when he started his first entrepreneurial business, which he diligently built over the next 16 years. In 1991, he founded Truck Service Center, guiding the company from its inception to a successful IPO in just eight years. This achievement marked a significant milestone, showcasing his ability to drive business growth and navigate the complexities of the financial markets.
Transitioning from the automotive industry, Mitch entered the property and casualty insurance sector, where he served in various roles including producer and sales and marketing manager from 1998 to 2015. His expertise in building client relationships and developing strategic marketing initiatives further solidified his reputation as a versatile and effective leader.
From 2015 to 2024, Mitch worked as the Director of Insurance for TBG, a work comp self-insured fund. His leadership and innovative approach helped TBG navigate the intricate landscape of insurance and risk management, ensuring robust and sustainable growth.
Entrepreneurial Experience
Mitch's entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his diverse ventures. After his success with Truck Service Center, followed by his successful insurance career, he started Live Your Blueprint, a personal coaching business aimed at making effective coaching accessible to all. Through this venture, he has worked with numerous men, helping them overcome the "disease of mediocrity" and realize their full potential.
Spruce Valley Payroll Service
Spruce Valley Payroll & Services is a full-service payroll provider dedicated to meeting the needs of both start-ups and established small businesses. The company's affordable and personalized solutions have earned it a stellar reputation, which Mitch is committed to building upon. His vision for Spruce Valley Payroll is to expand its reach and grow the organization while maintaining the high standards of service that clients have come to expect.
Mitch along with his partner, Bob Willbanks, purchased Spruce Valley Payroll Service with a clear goal in mind: to leave a lasting legacy. His extensive experience, combined with his passion for helping businesses thrive, positions him perfectly to lead the company toward an ambitious target of 2,500 payroll clients by 2030.
Personal Interests and Philosophy
Residing in Prior Lake, MN, Mitch enjoys a fulfilling personal life. He loves golfing, fishing, and spending quality time with his wife and grandkids. His personal philosophy, "Use your God-given gifts to positively impact the lives of others in all you do," is a testament to his commitment to making a difference both professionally and personally.
Future Goals
Mitch is driven by a desire to multiply the momentum of Spruce Valley Payroll. His strategic vision and unwavering dedication to excellence are set to propel the company to new heights, ensuring it remains a trusted partner for small businesses for years to come. With a blend of entrepreneurial acumen, industry experience, and a heartfelt commitment to service, Mitch Loewen is poised to lead Spruce Valley Payroll Service into a bright and prosperous future.
Spruce Valley Payroll & Services is a full-service payroll provider serving the needs of both start-up and
existing small businesses. Our solutions are affordable and personalized to our client’s specific needs.
Bernie Schwab
Bernie Schwab is the President and co-founder of Spruce Valley Payroll & Services. Before helping to found Spruce valley Payroll & Services, he had over 20 years of senior sales and marketing experience in the IT industry – finally specializing in information technology outsourced service. Throughout his career, Bernie was consistently recognized as a top performer and an individual committed to his clients personal and professional success.