Building Lasting Relationships: The True Value of Banking Locally

John Arendall

President

Throughout my 27 years of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand how banking has evolved from being about relationships to being largely transactional. Most banks (especially larger, national ones) operate as order takers, responding to requests rather than actively engaging with their clients. This model may get the job done in the short term but doesn’t build trust or long-term success.

The true value of banking lies in the ability to serve as a trusted advisor—someone who knows your business or personal situations, understands your community and is committed to your long-term financial success.

Local and Personal Decision-Making

Let’s face it: all banks offer the same products, from personal and small-business checking to savings accounts and IRAs. But one of the things that sets us at 22nd State Bank apart from the rest is that we are local in every sense of the word. That means no waiting weeks for approval, no navigating endless bureaucratic red tape. You’re talking to the people who understand the community's unique dynamics and your business's needs.

Regarding lending, we are invested in our community, which is also your community. While large banks may take your deposits and lend them elsewhere, we focus on keeping our money here. I can only name a handful of deals that are truly outside of our marketplace. Our focus is on reinvesting in area businesses, local innovators, and nonprofits that make our community thrive.

Being local allows us to offer flexibility that large banks simply can’t match. Whether it's a simple loan approval or a decision to reverse a fee, we can act quickly and decisively to meet the needs of our clients. There’s no waiting for approval from some far-off office you can’t reach without going through countless automated prompts—we’re right here.

We’ve worked hard to build relationships with local businesses, helping them start up and grow. These businesses employ people, create a local economy, and give back to the community. When you bank with us, your money stays here, helping to create jobs, support nonprofits, and improve the lives of people in Mobile.

Being local allows us to offer flexibility that large banks simply can’t match. Whether it's a simple loan approval or a decision to reverse a fee, we can act quickly and decisively to meet the needs of our clients. There’s no waiting for approval from some far-off office you can’t reach without going through countless automated prompts—we’re right here.

We’ve worked hard to build relationships with local businesses, helping them start up and grow. These businesses employ people, create a local economy, and give back to the community. When you bank with us, your money stays here, helping to create jobs, support nonprofits, and improve the lives of people in South Alabama.

While larger banks may not show the same level of engagement in the community, we take pride in our deep-rooted connections. We’ve been serving Lower Alabama for over 100 years and are here for the long haul. Our commitment is to the people, families, and businesses who rely on us for sound financial guidance.

A Chance To Earn Your Business

At 22nd State Bank, we believe in building long-term relationships with our customers. This approach is critical on the commercial side, where understanding your business and its challenges can make all the difference. You don’t want a bank that treats your company like another account number. In my experience, one of the worst things that can happen in business is to deal with a bank that doesn’t truly understand your company. When hard times come, it’s the relationships that matter. If your bank doesn’t know your business, you won’t have the support you need when things get tough. This is where the personal touch comes in.

We take the time to get to know our clients. Before we even meet with you, we do our research, learning about your business so we can provide informed advice and solutions. We don’t apologize for asking questions because the better we understand your needs, the better we can serve you.

We’re not here to pressure you into switching banks. What we do ask is for the opportunity to earn your business. Many businesses don’t have a genuine relationship with their bank. When it comes time to make monumental financial decisions, they don’t have someone in their corner who understands their needs. That’s where we come in.

We want to be your trusted advisor, not just another bank offering checking and savings accounts or business loans. We want to be a key part of your business's success story, helping you navigate challenges and achieve your long-term goals. And if we’re not a good fit for you, we’ll be the first to say so—because for us, it’s about doing what’s right, not just “making a sale.”

Ready for better local banking? Let's talk.

As a bank with deep-rooted ties to southern Alabama, we proudly offer nimble, quick decision-making that larger institutions can’t replicate. Our commitment to serving the community is unwavering, and we’re not just here for today—we’re here for the long term. If you’re looking for a bank that treats you like more than just another account number, I encourage you to reach out. 

Let’s have a coffee and discuss how we can support your business or personal financial goals. Send me a message here or stop by our downtown Mobile branch. Banking is all about relationships, and we’re here to build a lasting one with you.

Get To Know John

Find A Location