On January 1, 2011, Bell Mortgage became a division of Bell State Bank & Trust, based in Fargo N.D. It's a partnership that combines the largest independently owned bank in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota with the tri-state area's largest private mortgage company - and one of the oldest in the country. With its 130 years of history, Bell has proven that progressive, service-oriented business stands the test of time. Quite simply put, Bell Mortgage has been a part of Minnesota since its infancy. Five years before the first motorized car rolled down the street, 47 years before a young inventor applied for a patent on his "image dissector" or television, and years before our time - Bell Mortgage has been in the business of improving lives. The history of Bell Mortgage dates back to 1858, when David C. Bell made Minneapolis home. Bell earned $25 a month in his first job, working as a clerk at a small general store on the south side of Nicollet Avenue. Later, Bell took on an admirable number of ventures starting with a stint as Hennepin County Treasurer. Soon he co-founded the YMCA, the American Automobile Association, a linseed oil company, several banks and ultimately a mortgage company under his name - David C. Bell Investment Company. In 1880, Bell began originating mortgages in Minnesota and sold them to banks in New York. The first mortgage bond from the David C. Bell Investment Company was drawn up in 1888 for the sum of $3,500. The business Bell began not only employed numerous Minnesotans, it also brought a significant amount of money and development into the area. Perhaps that is why Mr. Bell is referred to, not only as an entrepreneur, but also one of the Twin Cities' founding fathers. The David C. Bell Company continued to flourish, weathering The Great Depression, two World Wars and embracing nearly 100 years of local development before its purchase in 1980 by Gary Kirt. Kirt, known for his entrepreneurial spirit, has kept Bell on the cutting edge of trends in the mortgage industry as well as the pursuit of world-class technology solutions for its customers and employees. Bell's technology leads employees and customers from loan application to closing with efficiency and ease, simplifying a process that both processors and customers often consider difficult. Bell continues to push the envelope via its proprietary systems and in turn, customers of Bell have access to numerous loan options and programs not typically available through other mortgage bankers. Another staple at Bell is the way its employees do business, always putting the customer's needs first, while ensuring regulatory compliance. Kirt says Bell's reputation for ethical business conduct helps explain the organization's longevity and respect from its customers and competitors alike. Additionally, Bell continues to forge positive relationships in the community through its active role in local charities including Simpson Housing Services, which provides a haven for homeless people in the Twin Cities. Bell not only gives financial support, but its employees also provide, prepare and serve hot meals monthly at Simpson - an activity Bell has taken part in for over 20 years. The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities also holds a special place in Mr. Kirt's heart. In fact, he spent many nights at the club as a child. Consequently, Kirt has been serving on the club's Board of Directors since 1980. Bell also provides financial support to the Boys and Girls Clubs and employees donate their time serving dinners on a regular basis. During the holidays, Bell employees have opted not to spend money on each other; rather they purchase gifts through the Hennepin County Children, Family and Adult Services Department. The organization is dedicated to low-income adults and mentally or physically challenged people in the Minneapolis area. A commitment to community spanning three centuries, the constant pursuit of cutting-edge technology, the best combination of products, prices and service, all backed by the experience and dedication of the best mortgage team in the country- that's Bell Mortgage and has been for over 130 years. Now a division of Bell State Bank & Trust, Bell Mortgage has 180 employees at 28 mortgage offices in the Twin Cities area, Bozeman, Mont., and Phoenix, Ariz., and, with its long history, more than 500,000 family mortgages to its name. Bell State Bank & Trust has more than 500 employees at 14 full-service banking locations in Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo, Wahpeton, N.D., and the Minnesota lakes area, as well as trust offices in Fargo, Bismarck and Boise, Idaho. Chartered in 1966, the bank now has assets totaling more than $2 billion.