Joplin Magazine April/May 2024 | Page 7

Considering a Big Purchase This Season ?

Here ’ s Why Getting a Loan Locally Can Make a Big Difference

Talk to Tracy Crider , senior lender for Southwest Missouri Bank , and you ’ ll probably find you have a lot in common beyond the community you share . For instance , he ’ s an avid reader , loves to bow hunt — plus he ’ s an amateur “ cereal mixologist .” One of his favorite morning blends : Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops .
He ’ s also been a part of the Southwest Missouri Bank team for twenty-two years and manages SMB ’ s Duquesne Branch .
First of all , what attracted you to the industry and how did you come to be a Senior Lender at SMB ?
TC : Local banks play an active role in their community that goes beyond providing banking services — I ’ m talking about being present at civic and business functions , sporting events and things like that . I ’ m a member of the Joplin Rotary Club and my wife Lee Ann is the Director of the Webb City Chamber of Commerce , so community involvement is very important to us . I enjoy getting to know my customers on a personal level and helping people who are literally my friends and neighbors with their financial goals . That ’ s the biggest reason I joined and have stayed with SMB for so long .
Why should people choose Southwest Missouri Bank over other lending options out there ?
TC : For me , it all comes down to the “ local ” difference . We have more than forty years of history here in Jasper and Newton Counties and have grown over that time to manage over a billion dollars in assets . All credit decisions are made right here , and everything we do is geared toward our local community . I often tell people to at least talk to someone at your local branch before you apply for a loan online . At SMB , we always look beyond your credit score and take the time to understand what ’ s going on in your life . The decision is made right here , person-to-person across a desk , with your best interests in mind .

“ The Loan Decision is Made Right Here , With Your Best Interests in Mind .”

NMLS # 536592
“ Helping my neighbors achieve their goals — no matter how big or small — is the most rewarding part of my job !”

Tracy CRIDER

SENIOR LENDER
What ’ s the biggest benefit of banking with SMB ?
TC : It comes down to the fact that we lend to meet the needs of Jasper & Newton Counties , first and foremost , and everything is handled right here . SMB has been a good steward of our communities ’ money for more than four decades . All you have to do is visit a branch or pick up the phone , because we ’ re always ready to listen and help you make the best financial decision for you .
417-623-5959
To learn more about Southwest APRIL Missouri / MAY | JOPLIN Bank MAGAZINE ’ s home 7 , personal or business loan services , visit SMBonline . com