John M. Clark is a Jackson, Michigan native who relocated to West Michigan in 1985. He received his undergraduate degree from Ferris State University in 1984 and his MBA from Western Michigan University in 1989. His Banking career started 1984 as a Commercial Credit Analyst and shortly thereafter John was promoted to Assistant Vice President/Commercial Loan Officer.
John left banking in 1991 when he acquired a local manufacturing company. He and a partner managed the original company along with two other acquisitions over a fifteen year period before selling the businesses in 2006. After the sale of his business John re-entered Commercial Banking in 2006 and in 2008 became Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer at his previous bank.
In 2015, John joined West Shore Bank as Senior Vice President/Senior Lending Officer. He maintains his own Commercial Loan portfolio while also managing the bank’s other eight Commercial Loan Officers.
His background in managing and owning a business for many years (or as his customers call it – “working on the other side of the desk”) together with his commercial banking background allow for a unique perspective when putting together loans for his customers.
John enjoys anything outdoors. In 2015, he climbed Mt. of the Holy Cross in the Rockies – ascending to 14,005 feet. He spends most of his free time with his family. Coming from a family of six siblings, his wife from a family of eight siblings, with five children, seven grandchildren and many in-laws and nieces and nephews most of his holidays, weekends and vacations are a blur!
Testimonials
WEST MICHIGAN CUSTOM FABRIC MANUFACTURER
I met John a little over a year ago when I was looking at purchasing a business. I didn't know anything about John or West Shore Bank but he came highly recommend. John has helped me walk through the process of purchasing a business, setting up the banking system to everyday questions I still have today. I was a little concerned that the closest branch was 45 min drive from my shop, but John and his team are making it work. Just the other day my remote check deposit systems stopped working, I called the main office IT department for help, a few minutes later I received a note from John saying, "Hear you’re having some problems. Is there anything I can do to help?" That's John. He reminds me of another Clark, Clark Kent - he is always there when you need him.
— Owner, Muskegon County
ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY MANUFACTURER
John Clark made the transition of our business accounts to West Shore Bank seamless and easy. The ability to perform all of our banking transactions electronically, including deposits, will save both time and effort. With John's guidance we were able to improve our cashflow while saving money with West Shore Bank's competitive interest rates. We look forward to working with West Shore Bank as our business partner as we expand our Electronic Assembly business throughout West Michigan.
— Owner, Muskegon County
APARTMENT COMPLEX
John Clark is and has been my loan officer for a number of years. My dream was to build and manage my own apartment complex. Phase one would cost over a million dollars. I thought I would have to go out of state and probably try internet banks, to get, if possible, a loan of that size. Imagine my surprise when my idea was taken seriously. John is always positive with a can do attitude. Phase one and two are complete and hopefully the last phase will begin late 2017 or early 2018.
— Owner/Manager, Muskegon County
IMPORT SPECIALIST/DISTRIBUTOR
We were sending out our “line of credit” for bids with multiple financial institutions when John Clark approached us to see if West Shore Bank could be of service. We had worked with John extensively in the past and did not hesitate to have him look at our line of credit. John is easy to work with and is always willing to take the time to discuss our concerns and respond to questions. West Shore Bank came in with the most competitive rates and favorable terms and we are highly satisfied with their services.
— President, Ottawa County
HIGH QUALITY MEAT, POULTRY AND FISH RETAILER
After being in business for 35 years and having outgrown our first two locations, we made the decision to further grow our Muskegon Heights business. The expansion was substantial and took considerable time to decide many factors, including banking institutions. Once we met with John Clark at West Shore Bank we felt that he was a banker who understood our business needs. John has a vast amount of banking experience as well as business experience. John handled the loan process and closing seamlessly. During the construction phase John was always reassuring, professional and kind. John continues to be a great resource for our company. We are pleased with the low fees/no fees offered by West Shore Bank as well as the support staff, especially Tina Fries, who are always friendly and accommodating. We sure hope they open a branch in the Muskegon Area soon!
— President & Vice President, Muskegon County
ELECTRONIC OUTDOOR ADVERTISING
I wanted to let you know how impressed I have been with your bank and loan officer John Clark. I work in a business (outdoor advertising) that is not easily understood, and historically bank don't want to take the time to learn the industry. John Clark got up to speed in a short amount of time, then proceeded to guide me thru the loan process in an amazing fashion. He made it clear from the beginning that West Shore Bank was a bank for small business.
— President, Kent County
INVESTMENT PROPERTY SPECIALIST
John and West Shore Bank have been instrumental in accomplishing my financial goals. I never dreamed that a small, commercial, satellite office in Muskegon could handle all of my needs. John has been very accessible and easy to work with from pre-approval to close. This has become my number one “go-to” for my business banking needs. Thank you John Clark and West Shore Bank for helping me make my business a success.
— Owner/Manager, Muskegon County
HIGH TECH WORKHOLDING SYSTEMS
John Clark from West Shore Bank has been an asset to our company. Not only has John been very responsive to our needs but he brings along business experience and understanding that is welcomed when we need to grow. It has been a pleasure working with John and West Shore Bank, I look forward to many good years ahead!
— President, Oceana County