« All posts

Building Community Through Banking: Joseph Martinez on Volunteering, Partnership, and Local Impact

Posted on April 28, 2025

Celebrating trusted ASSETS partner, Bank of Bird-in-Hand

April is Financial Literacy Month, and here at ASSETS, we’re celebrating the people and partnerships helping communities grow stronger, smarter, and more financially empowered. Few people represent that spirit better than Joseph Martinez, Growth Channel Director at Bank of Bird in Hand and member of ASSETS’ Board of Directors.

Joe isn’t just a leader in local finance. He’s a relationship-builder and a firm believer in the power of small businesses to drive meaningful, lasting change.

Showing Up for the Community, One Business at a Time

At Bank of Bird in Hand, Joe works closely with local residents and entrepreneurs to understand what they need and how the bank can support them.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my role is getting to work directly with local businesses and community leaders,” he says. “Being part of a community bank gives me a platform to build strong partnerships and meaningful collaborations that support the health of our region.”

It’s a perspective we share at ASSETS. Real change happens through connection and trust, not just transactions.

From Loan Committee to Lifelong Commitment

Joe’s journey with ASSETS started with a simple invitation from a college friend to join the loan review committee. What followed was a deeper connection and a growing sense of purpose.

“I saw firsthand how the loans we approved were changing lives. We were supporting businesses owned by people I know, families I grew up around, and entrepreneurs who are truly reshaping our neighborhoods,” he explains.

That experience sparked something bigger. Joe didn’t just get involved, he became part of the mission.

Why Supporting Local Entrepreneurs Matters

At both Bank of Bird in Hand and ASSETS, there’s a shared commitment to helping small, community-rooted businesses succeed. For Joe, it’s about more than economics. It’s about equity and opportunity.

“Thriving local businesses are the backbone of a stable, prosperous economy. When we invest in responsible, visionary business owners, we’re investing in the future of our entire region.”

That kind of aligned vision makes this partnership so powerful. We’re both working toward a more sustainable local economy.

Show Up and Get Involved

When asked what advice he would give other companies thinking about getting involved in the community, Joe keeps it simple.

“Supporting local entrepreneurs is one of the most impactful things a company can do. Whether it’s through investment, mentorship, or partnership, you’re helping people step into leadership and build something lasting.”

Looking Ahead

For Joe, this work is just getting started. He sees volunteering and community involvement not as extra, but essential.

“There’s real power in professionals giving their time. Whether it’s serving on a board, mentoring entrepreneurs, or helping connect people to resources, those efforts multiply the impact of organizations like ASSETS. They help drive real, long-term change.”