Values Matter

What does it take to thrive in banking for over three decades? In this episode of Values Matter, Eric Eaton and Mary Straton Smith sit down with Dexter Young of the Gluckstadt office to uncover the secret to his 21-year journey at BankPlus. From witnessing the industry's transformation—from the days before debit cards to today's digital innovations—to building lifelong customer relationships, Dexter shares how passion, teamwork, and community have shaped his career. Along the way, he reflects on lessons learned, myths about banking, and the culture that has kept him at BankPlus. With humor, insight, and heart, Dexter reminds us why values truly matter in business and life.

What does it mean to come home—both professionally and personally? In this spring edition of Values Matter, Lisa Browning shares her heartfelt journey from helping launch BankPlus' Madison County branches in the late '90s to returning decades later as a leader in the newly formed Branch Administration department. With warmth and wisdom, Lisa reflects on her 22+ year career, the resilience of retail banking, and the power of communication across a growing organization. Whether she's reducing cash levels or encouraging new associates, Lisa is building bridges across the BankPlus family—one conversation at a time.

In this episode of Values Matter, Kevin Schiffman shares his unconventional path from managing RadioShack stores to leading business intelligence at BankPlus. With humor and humility, Kevin opens up about redefining success, the importance of serving internal customers, and the power of continuous learning. He reflects on the future of banking, the value of culture, and what it means to be a high performer in a tech-forward organization. Whether you're a seasoned team member or just starting out, Kevin's insights offer a fresh perspective on growth, mentorship, and making a lasting difference.

In this episode of Values Matter, hosts Eric Eaton and Mary Stratton Smith sit down with Fred Muse, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Bank Plus.

Fred shares insights from his journey from retail to banking, drawing parallels between the two industries and discussing the crucial role of technology in keeping operations smooth. He highlights the importance of infrastructure, customer experience, and the dedicated team working behind the scenes to ensure seamless service. From managing acquisitions to staying ahead in an evolving digital landscape, Fred offers a compelling look at the innovation and strategy driving Bank Plus forward.

Tune in for a conversation that sheds light on the unseen yet essential aspects of modern banking!

In this episode of Values Matter, hosts Eric Eaton and Mary Straton Smith sit down with David Johnson, Senior Vice President and Director of Community Development at BankPlus. With 46 years in banking, David shares his passion for serving communities, the impact of the Community Reinvestment Act, and how BankPlus goes above and beyond to help those in need. From innovative housing programs to personal stories of resilience, this conversation highlights the power of banking with purpose.

In the final Values Matter episode of the year, hosts Eric Eaton, Mary Straton Smith, and Sheree Jones reflect on a transformative 2024 for Bank Plus and their personal lives. From expanding into new markets and celebrating high-performing employees to heartwarming holiday traditions and acts of community kindness, this episode is filled with stories that showcase growth, connection, and gratitude. Join the team as they celebrate milestones, share festive memories, and look forward to an exciting 2025.

In this episode of Values Matter, hosts Mary Straton Smith and Sheree Thompson sit down with Danielle Little, a commercial lender at Bank Plus, to explore her journey through banking, the dynamic growth in Mobile, and her passion for integrity and teamwork. Danielle shares how her experience across various roles in banking shapes her perspective, what makes Bank Plus' culture stand out, and the importance of small acts of kindness in leaving a lasting impact. This heartfelt conversation highlights the people and values that drive success and foster meaningful relationships in business and beyond.

In this episode of Values Matter, we sit down with James Carter, a dedicated commercial lender and Vice President at Bank Plus, to explore his inspiring journey from a small-town boy in Greenville, Mississippi, to a high-performing leader in the banking world. James shares how his early curiosity about finance and a disciplined, service-first mindset has shaped his career. From managing a finance company at 22 to embracing a temporary teller position with humility, James's story is one of perseverance, integrity, and the importance of culture in building stronger communities. Discover his thoughts on customer service, leadership, and the values that guide his work each day.

In this special episode of Values Matter, co-hosts Eric Eaton and Mary Straton Smith sit down with Debra McGee, Senior Vice President and Director of Minority Business Development at BankPlus. With over 40 years in banking and 23 years at BankPlus, Debra shares her passion for people, her love for her work, and the core values that make BankPlus unique. From mentoring young professionals to fostering diversity and building meaningful community partnerships, Debra's wisdom, positivity, and drive shine through every story. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, growth, and what it truly means to make dreams come true.

In this episode of Values Matter, we sit down with Katie Hedgelin, a seasoned professional at Bank Plus with over 15 years of experience. Katie shares her inspiring journey from political fundraising and the restaurant business to becoming an indispensable part of Bank Plus. Through humor, humility, and hard work, Katie reveals the importance of workplace pride, effective communication, and a positive attitude. Tune in to discover how Katie's dedication and adaptability have made her a linchpin in the bank's success, and why she believes that perseverance and a supportive environment are key to thriving in both work and life.