Values Matter

In this captivating episode of Values Matter, join hosts Eric Eaton and Shari Jones as they sit down with Kirk Graves, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Bank Plus. Kirk shares his inspiring journey from starting as a 13-year-old coin wrapper to becoming a key leader in the banking industry. Listen in as he recounts his early experiences, the challenges and triumphs of his career, and the culture-shaping merger between State Bank and Bank Plus. Discover the values that drive Kirk's leadership and the lessons he has learned along the way. Don't miss this insightful conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and valuable insights for anyone passionate about banking and leadership.

The continuation of this conversation features CEO Jack Webb and Johnny discussing the impact of culture and training programs at Bank Plus. In this episode, they emphasize the importance of investing in employees and maintaining a family-oriented company culture despite significant growth. Jack Webb reflects on the influence of Pacific Institute's training, which has been pivotal in fostering personal and professional development among employees.

They also discuss the challenges and strategies for sustaining a unified culture across multiple states. Johnny highlights the skepticism from competitors and the unique approach of Bank Plus in transforming community banking through a strong emphasis on employee and customer relations. They conclude by stressing the importance of feedback from all employees to continuously improve and align towards common goals.

Experience the heart and soul of Bank Plus in this inspiring episode featuring anti-fraud expert David Kelly. Learn about the innovative approaches and team dynamics that make Bank Plus unique in its fight against financial crime. From personal stories to professional insights, this discussion underscores the importance of community, compassion, and vigilance in creating a safe banking experience.

Join us in this episode as we discover the challenges and victories in combating check and identity fraud, as well as the crucial advice for customers to protect their finances. It's a revealing look at the unsung heroes ensuring the integrity of our financial transactions.

Join us in this episode as we explore the intersection of personal journeys and professional commitments in the banking sector. Our guest, Britni Rutherford, shares her 24-year-long experience in banking, detailing the transformative night when the Tupelo Banking Center was established, and discussing the core values that guide Bank Plus in enriching customer lives and strengthening the community. Co-hosted by Cherie Jones, this episode delves into the pivotal moments and policies that define our approach to community service and client relations.

In this conversation, Johnny Donaldson, the Chief Culture Officer at BankPlus, engages with Jack Webb, the CEO, to explore the profound impact of corporate culture on the bank's operations and success. The dialogue delves into Jack's extensive background in banking, his ascent to CEO, and his strategic insights into why culture is not just a corporate buzzword but a cornerstone of BankPlus's identity. They discuss the bank's commitment to fostering a family-like environment where every employee's contribution is valued, emphasizing the integration of core values and vision into daily operations.

This discussion not only highlights BankPlus's unique cultural initiatives but also underscores the institution's broader goals to maintain its community bank essence while expanding its reach and enhancing employee satisfaction. Through their conversation, it becomes evident that BankPlus is setting a new standard for being a community bank in the modern financial landscape.

In this episode of the "Values Matter" podcast, host Eric Eaton and co-host Sherry Jones sit down with Terry Harbin, a distinguished figure from the mobile market sector of Bank Plus, who shares his insightful journey through the realms of banking, sales, and community service. Having come out of retirement to join Bank Plus, Harbin reflects on the pivotal moments and core values that have shaped his career and personal life.

From his early days in Mobile, Alabama, to his contributions to establishing sales cultures in banking and his dedication as a lay minister, Harbin's narrative is a testament to the power of respect, hard work, and the impact of faith in guiding one's path. As a figure who embodies the essence of Bank Plus's community-focused ethos, Harbin's experiences offer valuable lessons on leadership, integrity, and the significance of treating people with respect. This episode not only delves into Harbin's professional achievements but also explores the importance of lifelong learning and giving back to the community, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration in their career and beyond.

In this delightful episode of Values Matter, hosts Eric Eaton and Mary Straton Smith sit down with Hilda Grayson, a revered member of the team at Bank Plus, to explore her impressive 34-year career in the banking industry. From her unexpected start at First National Bank of Jefferson to her influential role in Bank Plus's growth and culture, Hilda shares her journey, emphasizing the power of passion, leadership, and lifelong learning. Through her story, we see the evolution of banking practices, the significance of embracing change and technology, and the importance of staying true to core values. Hilda's experiences offer valuable insights into the essence of high performance and the impact of individual contribution to collective success.

Join us as we celebrate Hilda's dedication to making a difference in banking and the lives she touches, embodying Bank Plus's commitment to community, employees, and excellence.

Get ready to discover the unusual intersection of healthcare and banking in our fascinating chat with Emily Chance RNBSN, the full-time nurse at Bank Plus. Join us as we discuss Emily's role in the bank, where she utilizes her medical expertise to enhance the well-being of her colleagues. Listen to Emily's journey, as she saw the bank's employee count swell from 500 to over 1200 in her 19-year tenure. With her focus on people, she views her coworkers as patients, embodying the human-centric approach in both nursing and HR.

Then, step into the growth and pride experienced within Bank Plus as it evolved, and how employees have fostered a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. Eric Eaton from the HR team joins us, crediting his mother and HR mentors, Alison Tyler and Lisa McDaniel, as his life's guiding lights. Emily then returns to share how our podcast, Culture Leaders, bridges cultures across state lines, creating a sense of unity within our culture. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights into the innovative practices within the banking sector and the significance of fostering a strong community within a rapidly expanding company.

Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Michael Smith, the Branch Manager of Bank Plus' Terry Road branch in South Jackson, Mississippi. It's not every day you meet someone so dedicated to community banking that they'd journey all the way from Wisconsin, and we can't wait for you to hear his story. This branch is a shining example of community banking at its finest, where customers are treated with respect regardless of their economic status. We also delve into their fabulous Credit Plus Program, which is helping folks improve their financial health and become bankable, a testament to Bank Plus's commitment to their community.

Join us for a discussion with our esteemed guest, Tyler Bilbo, a leader of the IT department at BankPlus. With a decade plus one under his belt, Tyler provides us with an insider's look into the bank's operations, highlighting the role of an efficient and collaborative team in keeping the wheels of the bank's systems and networks turning smoothly. Tyler also shares his vision for the future of banking, shedding light on the transformative role of AI in reshaping the industry. Tune in, for an enlightening conversation filled with invaluable lessons from Tyler's illustrious career and his steadfast belief in the power of paying attention to the small things.