Forty Under 40: Ben Buergler

Ben Buergler lived in New York City and worked in global corporate investments when he decided 2018 was the time to return to Northwest Arkansas and work for a bank founded by his ancestors.

A native of Fort Smith, Buergler earned dual degrees in finance and accounting from the University of Arkansas in 2009 and was drawn to investment banking. His father and other relatives are attorneys, so he decided to pursue a law degree, graduating with honors from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 2012.

He first worked for Stephens Inc., both in Little Rock and NYC, followed by four years with Commerzbank AG, one of Germany’s largest investment banks. There, he evaluated and executed acquisitions for Fortune 500 companies and traveled extensively throughout Europe and the world.

“I saw a lot of interesting things and met interesting people, but First National Bank was always going to be where I ended up,” Buergler said. “My family has been involved with this bank since the 1800s.”

Buergler focuses on commercial lending for the Northwest Arkansas region. Throughout his career, he has executed more than $2 billion in commercial transactions, yet what brings him the highest satisfaction is the community-centric nature of his current role.

“At the heart of it, we are a community bank, and I really enjoy holistic involvement through volunteering,” he said.

Throughout his childhood, Buergler volunteered for In His Name, a charitable organization founded by his grandfather. The organization distributes food and hygiene products to low-income elderly and disabled persons in the Fort Smith area.

Buergler now joins the bank in supporting several charities, including the Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County and Boys & Girls Clubs.