CEO
CONVO
BRAD ARMAGOST
Brad Armagost ’ s journey from military service to executive leadership reflects a profound commitment to excellence and community . Armagost ’ s career trajectory soared from Staff Accountant to Executive Vice President and Commercial Banking Executive at Regions Bank before assuming his current role . Under Brad ’ s guidance , CB & S Bank has flourished , fostering growth and prosperity throughout the region while embodying a steadfast dedication to community engagement and service . With a distinguished career marked by leadership and impact , Brad Armagost continues to inspire as he leads CB & S Bank into a future of continued success and community enrichment .
22 22 CentrAL CentrAL Inc Inc ! !
What is CB & S Bank ’ s purpose or mission and how is it different from other banks ? CB & S Bank opened its doors in 1906 . We have been in business for 118 years and are a privately held bank . We survived the Great Depression , two world wars and numerous recessions and have grown to more than $ 2.5 billion in assets . Our mission is to enrich the lives of our neighbors , businesses , customers and employees by building meaningful relationships and assisting with the financial services they need . We strive to be a financial advisor and provide products and services that are best for the individual , family or business . The bank will benefit if our customers benefit .
How do you contribute to fulfilling that mission ? I lead the team for Central Alabama and serve the leaders that run the Montgomery , Elmore , Tallapoosa and Lee County markets , that ’ s job number one .
What are the main responsibilities / duties of your role ? Our employees are my primary concern because they are the team that cares for our customers . The culture and health of the team is very important , even before we care for our customers . It starts with the employees . I build relationships across the region , looking for opportunities to provide great service , fill a need , save a client money or help a client make more revenue / grow . I also serve on several community boards . I was born , raised and educated in Montgomery and raised my children here , so the health of the community is very important to me .
What first drew you to working in banking ? I majored in Accounting at The University of Alabama , so I have always liked math . I actually started as a staff accountant at a large mortgage company , and then a year later , transferred to the bank . When I sat in on my first credit committee meeting , it was like a light bulb went off , and I said , “ that ’ s what I want to do .” It was the relationships with customers that was so intriguing to me ; helping them fulfill their dreams , grow their businesses and take care of their families .
What changes have you experienced in banking / lending recently , and what ’ s on the horizon ? Well , the rapid increase in interest rates ; Prime Rate went from 3.25 % to 8.50 %. That ’ s a 162 % increase in interest rates over a quick 25 months . That ’ s never happened before in the history of our country . The last $ 3 trillion that the government gave away was a huge mistake , the Federal Reserve had no choice but to pull the emergency brake on interest rates . But , Americans are incredibly resilient , hardworking and adapt and overcome . We find the silver lining in difficult situations and utilize it to create a new path . I wouldn ’ t bet against America .
What does leadership look like to you ? I believe in servant leadership . I serve those who work with me in this region . I also believe in developing a great team culture . Culture wins , and a talented culture dominates . No one person is allowed to spoil the culture we develop . Nick Saban said “ Don ’ t think of plays , think of players ,” and we have some great players !
What ’ s the most fulfilling aspect of your work ? Seeing a team member having a good time at work ; in rhythm , hitting the marks , solving problems , making a customer smile , cutting up with a co-worker ... that ’ s “ Boss Joy ”!