CEO
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58 CentrAL Inc !
Since River Bank & Trust first opened its doors in Montgomery almost 17 years ago , Jimmy Stubbs has been at the helm as CEO , leading the financial institution to expand beyond the River Region and enjoy growth into every part of the state . Today , he ’ s still overseeing management , developing new relationships , recruiting talent and removing barriers to continued success . He ’ s also got his finger on the pulse of the wider financial world . Here , he ’ s shared some banking insights and some sage business advice , plus a surprising dream dinner date .
How long have you been with River Bank and how long in your current position as CEO ? Since our doors opened in April of 2006 .
What ’ s the No . 1 challenge River Bank faced last year , and how did you and your team deal with it ? The Federal Reserve ’ s decision to rapidly raise the short-term interest rate 450 basis points . We ’ re still dealing with it by empowering our team with the knowledge and tools to compete .
Jimmy Stubbs
What ’ s trending in the banking industry nationally ? Cybersecurity : making sure our customers ’ account information and deposit balances are safe and secure .
In your opinion , is there anything that should change in the banking industry overall so it can better serve its customers ? Regulatory reform . There are way too many rules and regulations that take away from our ability to best serve the customer ’ s financial needs .
What ’ s trending in banking in our area ? Unfortunately , it ’ s a negative trend : rampant check fraud .
What ’ s the most rewarding aspect of your work ? Helping others succeed . Whether it ’ s helping customers reach their financial goals or assisting our team members in preserving and improving the River Bank culture our customers enjoy .
If you had to sum up the secret behind River Bank ’ s success , what would it be ? We take care of the team , and the team will take care of the shareholder , customers and the communities we serve .
What ’ s the best piece of business advice you ’ ve ever gotten ? It ’ s never as bad as you think it is ! And , it ’ s never as good as you think it is !
If you could give a small business owner only one piece of banking advice , what would it be ? Find a good banker , attorney and accountant .
Personal Matters :
Proudest accomplishment : For 16-plus years , River Bank & Trust has assisted thousands of individuals , businesses and the communities we serve , helping them grow and prosper .
CentrAL proud : It ’ s home . And home has provided me a wonderful place to live , work and play .
Recent read : “ The Boys in the Boat ” by Daniel James Brown
If you could have dinner with anyone , who would it be ? Nick Saban . Though I ’ m an Auburn grad , Coach Saban builds championship football teams through what he calls “ a process .” That process also applies to the business world . Hearing his thoughts on that process over dinner would be very interesting and quite memorable , I ’ m sure . Especially for an Auburn guy !
Your motto : There are actually two : 1 ) I ain ’ t scared ! 2 ) The little things matter .
What are your hobbies ? Spending time on the family farm , hunting , fishing and morning runs .
Photography by Grace O ’ Connor .