The BankerCast: A Banker's Guide to Success

Jay Toups sits down with Fred Mills, CEO & President of Farmers-Merchants Bank & Trust Co. 

These authentically Cajun community bankers address topics including: family, managing a bank merger, dealing with regulations, navigating the growing role of AI, and even medical marijuana in this episode of The Bankercast. 

Fred Mills calls himself a "recovering politician" and shares some of his experiences in the political circle. 

Jay Toups and Randy Ponthie, President & CEO of Southern Heritage Bank, discuss community banking, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and more in this episode of The Bankercast. Randy has been in his position for more than three years and discusses the changes and challenges he has faced in this new role in community banking. 

Jay Toups and Addison Henry, CEO of Vine Investment Partners have a wide ranging discussion from the process of monetizing tax credits, economics, taxes and the lessons learned from starting your own business.

Join us as we sit down with Russell Guess to explore his inspiring journey in the banking industry and the lessons he's learned along the way. Discover his insights on navigating today's economic challenges and how they shape the future of banking.

Intro: 0:00 - 7:00

Testimony: 7:00 - 31:06

Life Lessons: 31:06 - 34:30

Politics/Economy/Banking: 34:30 - 53:17

Lagniappe: 53:17 - End

In this episode, Jason Patout, Senior Vice President of Gulf Coast Bank, delves into the benefits of community banking and its role in local economies. We also explore the challenges and opportunities of maintaining a family business, balancing tradition with the need for innovation.

4:00 Benefits of working in a community bank

9:00 What it's like being a third-generation banker/family ties

20:14 Tradition vs. innovation

31:00 Importance of personal relationships

38:05 Lagniappe

In this podcast episode, Mike Hipp, President of Gibsland Bank, shares practical banking advice and wisdom from his years of experience. He talks about key financial strategies, the importance of customer relationships, and how banking is changing. Mike also gives tips on handling economic challenges and finding growth opportunities, making this episode a great listen for anyone interested in finance.


Intro 0:00

Important banking lessons 6:50 

Change within a company 11:45

Relationships 15:15 

Growth moving forward 17:52

Challenges 22:55

Final Advice 30:30

The Bankercast is pleased to have Jeff Fair from American Planning join us to discuss the numerous challenges facing the community banking industry. With decades of experience in banking, Fair offers insights trusted by bankers across the southeastern region and beyond.



Current Banking Dilemma- 0:00
Taking Risks- 14:00
Need a Better System- 19:00
Covid & Infrastructure Money- 31:00
Importance of Experience- 39:00
Thoughts on the Future- 50:40
Liquidity- 58:55
Lagniappe- 1:03:10

Join us on the latest episode of Banker Cast with S1 Technologies' Hunter Thevis as we unpack the essentials of branding, security, and share valuable advice. Tune in for a concise guide to navigating the banking landscape in the digital age.

Intro: 3:30
 Branding: 13:00
 Security: 15:30
 What must you do? 21:50
 Advice and Motivation: 30:20
 Lagniappe: 44:20

In this special Bankercast episode, we reflect on the transformative highlights of 2023, celebrating the growth and accomplishments at High Performance Teams. Grateful for the milestones achieved, we express our appreciation and delve into how these experiences have fueled our commitment to shaping better teams for better business in the banking industry.

Intro: 0:00
Growth at HPT: 1:26
Post-Modern Problems and Solutions: 18:33
Episode Recaps: 24:53
Importance of Listening: 28:30
Lagniappe: 39:05

In this episode of Bankercast, join us as we address recruiting with a special guest, Kayla Stoulig, the HR Manager at Gulf Coast Bank. Together, we explore the qualities that make a candidate stand out, from strong work ethic to a sense of responsibility. Tune in for valuable insights on finding the right talent to build a thriving and dynamic team in the banking industry.

Intro: 0:00
Recruiting Issues: 17:10
What to Look For: 21:55
Categories of Responsibility: 28:43
Emotional Intelligence: 34:45
Lagniappe: 40:29
Contact Info: 49:49