Serendipitously, it was Frank Gaudio Day when we spoke with The First Bank of Greenwich’s affable president, an honor awarded to him in 2023 by The Greenwich Sentinel newspaper to citizens who demonstrate exceptional community service through their consistent, compassionate, and selfless actions. Presented annually by the paper, the award recognizes those who “stand up” for their community, not just those who stand out, highlighting dedication and impact. Each recipient is honored for their unique contributions to the community, often involving behind-the-scenes efforts, mentorship, and a commitment to helping others.
When you think of a bank, you probably don’t picture an art exhibit, live music, champagne toasts, or stilt walkers. But Frank Gaudio — a banker with a deep love for art, music, and community — is redefining what it means to run a financial institution.
Frank’s bank is there for anyone who wants to open an account with them, from children who deposit their piggy bank savings to developers and commercial institutions with greater needs. “I recently started a pet account here at the bank for anyone who wants to put money aside for their four-legged friends. This account is also geared for little kids who want dogs and do chores to save up for them.”
The First Bank of Greenwich operates with a hometown attitude and ethic and is uniquely committed to the well-being of their customers and surrounding community. The bank offers a full spectrum of financial products personally tailored to their individual needs, including issuing loans up to $10 million for a host of residential and commercial projects, business ventures and more. It’s the “more” that truly sets this community bank – and its president – apart.
From the moment he stepped into his role as president of The First Bank of Greenwich, Frank wanted to do more than crunch numbers and manage portfolios. With a background steeped in music and visual arts, he brought a vibrant creative energy to a space traditionally seen as sterile and transactional. “I always liked having a lot of art around,” he says. “So, I started doing art events at the bank — every month at first. It was a lot, but it caught on.”
And caught on it did. What started as a creative experiment quickly evolved into a beloved community happening. “It became like a cult following. Artists supported each other. They’d come to every event — even when they weren’t showing their own work. It felt like an alumni association.”
The events drew 200–300 attendees on average, so many that Frank had to arrange shuttle service, security, food, wine — the works. And remarkably, he never charged a dime. “I pay for the printing, the food, the drinks, everything,” he says. “And I always buy at least one piece from every artist we feature.”
Frank’s bank now doubles as a gallery space filled with works from local artists — many of whom have grown to become dear friends. “Some of them aren’t nationally known, but they’re respected in our community,” he says. “Their work is modern, fresh, and it really fits the vibe of the bank.”
Each event is tailored to the artist. Live music is often part of the night, with the performers selected by the artists themselves — ranging from Indian drummers to string quartets. One of the most memorable shows included 12 artists and three galleries. One room featured an elegant quartet, chocolate trays, and a calm atmosphere. The next room? “Studio 54,” he laughs. “People dancing, stilt walkers, just complete insanity. I can’t recreate that one — it was a one-time thing.”
If you’ve driven through Greenwich over the past few years, chances are you’ve caught a glimpse of Frank Gaudio’s larger-than-life personality—sometimes quite literally—towering above town. In one unforgettable billboard, Gaudio grins from behind a space helmet with the bold declaration: “Best Bank in the Galaxy.” It’s a tagline as cheeky as it is confident, and it perfectly captures the spirit of The First Bank of Greenwich—and the man behind it.
The galactic theme, as Gaudio tells it, was born the day The First Bank of Greenwich was named Best Community Bank in Greenwich. That’s when longtime friend and creative collaborator John Fareri offered a bit of cosmic advice: “Think bigger.” Gaudio took that to heart—and to orbit.
But his out-of-this-world sense of humor is just one reason Frank Gaudio is one of Greenwich’s most beloved bankers. His ads aren’t all space suits and stardust. Some highlight another passion close to Gaudio’s heart: animals—especially dogs.
“What other business in Greenwich, other than a pet store, welcomes dogs with open arms?” asks Scot Weicker, a friend of Gaudio’s. “At The First Bank of Greenwich, pups aren’t just allowed—they’re celebrated. Frank and his team keep treats on hand and offer warm greetings to every four-legged visitor who comes through the door.”
That same welcoming spirit extends to everyone Frank meets—furry or not. “One of Frank’s greatest gifts is his ability to connect with people through humor,” says Evan Corsello, Chief Lending Officer at The First Bank of Greenwich. “Frank can walk into a room full of strangers and leave with a room full of friends.”
In a world of impersonal institutions and corporate jargon, Gaudio is the rare community banker who leads with laughter, loyalty, and an undeniable love for the people—and pets—he serves. Whether he’s wearing a suit or a space helmet, Frank Gaudio is always down to earth.
For all the spectacle, Frank’s mission is rooted in sincerity and heart. One unforgettable moment came when he hosted a local art event featuring artists with autism. A young woman named Miko, who had never sung in public, sat down to play her favorite song on the piano. Moved by the energy of the night and the support in the room, she began to sing. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the place,” Frank recalls. “Grown men were crying. I was crying. It was a moment I’ll never forget.”
After the event, Miko mentioned she wanted to learn how to make salmon quiche. Without hesitation, Frank found a local chef and promised to make it happen. “I still need to follow through on that,” he admits. “But I will. That’s the kind of connection these events create.”
Frank’s approach is unconventional, but wildly effective. He’s turned art into a tool for community building and business growth. People attend his events not just for the art or music, but because they feel welcome — and because, somewhere along the way, many of them become clients.
“I’m an accountant by trade,” Frank says, “but I’ve always believed that business doesn’t have to be boring. I learned a lot from throwing parties in college. Now I use those same skills to bring people together here — and it works.”
He’s hosted opera nights, created immersive gallery experiences, and thrown unforgettable B2B events with thousands of guests. “At one point, people were flying in from California and Florida just to come,” he says. “Each room had a different band. It was a full experience.”
And while some of those gala productions might be in the past — due to logistics, energy, or post-COVID caution — Frank shows no signs of slowing down. He’s planning an exciting new event for September 24 at the Bruce Museum, an art, science and natural history museum located in Greenwich, Connecticut, that shares his mission to create a community of engaged people in a place of welcome for all.
“If you give back to your community,” he says, “they give back to you. I’ve met some of the most amazing people through these events. It makes me happy. And honestly? I think it makes a lot of other people happy, too.”
In a world of cookie-cutter branches and corporate banking, Frank’s approach is a reminder that connection, creativity, and kindness are still powerful currencies. And maybe, just maybe, your next favorite art show might be at the local bank. ☐
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