The Bank Note - September 2019
Connecting with Shareholders of Alliance Bank Central Texas
September 2019
Message from Todd Moore
Patti Johnson’s quick answers to 20 questions tell a lot about her and the culture she helps create at your bank. In fact, she’s one example of how we came up with our “Ask Alliance” theme we are using in marketing. We want to be a valuable source of information about banking, business in general, or just about anything else. For instance, our commercial relationship managers often provide a wealth of knowledge and business experience far beyond banking services. It’s just what we do; it’s who we are. I asked Patti recently if someone who does not even bank with us called in with a question about banking, or anything else, would she help them? She said, “Of course I would!” I said, “Well, let’s tell people that!” Call us or email AskAlliance@alliancebanktexas.com with any questions you might have.
In Business Talk and In The Spotlight are three stories of customers who took the risk to start their own businesses and built them through hard work, creativity and patience. We will continue to do highlight videos like these, with the complete interviews being available on our podcast located in Spotify. We broadcast this content through multiple channels so it provides great publicity to the business owners, while also providing branding for the bank as the provider of good business information and learning.
Baylor Football takes on Iowa State at home this Saturday. Please come by our tailgate a few hours before the game for great food, drink and friend building. See old ones, or make new ones. We have a great time.
If you’re writing a check drawn on another bank or paying another lender note payments, that’s business you could be doing with yourself and building your net worth! Please give us the opportunity to help you
If you haven’t already, please go to our Alliance Bank Central Texas Facebook page. Like it, Share it, and repeat!
Todd Moore
President & CEO
Cell Phone: 254.722.2300
20 Questions / 60 Seconds
Patti Johnson, Vice President and Customer Service Manager, brings a deep knowledge of the industry and a passion for excellent customer care to the Alliance Bank team. With over 30 years of experience in customer care management, she has learned that the golden rule is the key to happy customers.
In 20 Questions in 60 Seconds with Patti, read about what motivates her each day, her love of greenhouse gardening, a bucket list goal and more.
Q. How long have you been in banking and what rolls have you held? 32 years, Customer Service Manager
Q. When did you join the Alliance Bank team? June 2014
Q. What is your current roll at Alliance Bank Central Texas? Vice President, Customer Service Manager
Q. What motivates you to wake up and go to work? The people I work with!
Q. How do you like to motivate others? Look for the positive in every situation
Q. What do you think is the key to customer service? Treat customers like you would want to be treated
Q. What has been your favorite project/milestone at the bank so far? Watching the bank grow
Q. Over the years, what changes have you seen that have most impacted the industry? Banking is not as “stuffed shirt” as it was years ago. Online resources have expanded communication capabilities and allowed us to meet our customers where they are.
Q. What would you say is the most important facet of workplace culture? Showing compassion and understanding
Q. What is your favorite thing about working at Alliance Bank Central Texas? The people! I work with an amazing team, and together we get to work with some of the best business women and men, and families around.
Q. What’s something most people don’t know about you? I used to oil paint for years.....before children.
Q. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time? Work in my greenhouse
Q. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Fly a helicopter
Q. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Pay off my son’s student loans
Q. What would you name the autobiography of your life? The Girl Who Couldn’t Say No
Q. If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? Minnie Mouse-she never ages!
Q. What is something you learned in the last week, month or year? I am horrible at diets!
Q. What’s your favorite indoor or outdoor activity? Indoor- going through family genealogy Outdoor- camping when it’s cold outside
Q. What household chore do you absolutely hate doing? Yard work
Q. If you had not gone into banking, what profession might you have chosen? Accountant
Alliance Bank - In the Spotlight
Mike Staas
Mike Staas Services, Inc.
Services: Plumbing, heating and cooling system installation, repair and replacement.
Owner-operator Mike Staas is no stranger to navigating plumbing waters. He comes from a long line of plumbers and has more than 40 years of experience in the field. With a management team that has been part of the Mike Staas Services family for a combined 50+ years, Mike Staas Services understands the importance of building and maintaining an exceptional team of professionals who provide unparalleled service that the community trusts.
What drew you to ownership of Mike Staas Services, Inc.? I was born into a family of plumbers, so following in their footsteps seemed natural. Owning and operating the business is rewarding because I can help ensure that people’s homes and businesses are comfortable, safe and healthy environments for them to live, play and work.
What are your flagship services as a home service provider? There is no job too big or small when it comes to meeting our customer’s heating, air conditioner, and plumbing needs. As a full service heating and air conditioning company, we offer a wide array of installation, repair and maintenance services for thermostats, air conditioning systems, furnaces and heat pumps. And when it comes to plumbing, our expert, licensed plumbers offer services from faucet, toilet, water heater repair and replacement, to sewer and drain line cleaning…and everything in between.
What makes the customer service experience at Mike Staas Services, Inc. unique? Our exceptional team of professionals! We believe that strong relationships with our team is key to maintaining a culture of respect between one another and our customers. Several of our team members have dedicated their careers to this company and their commitment to our team and our customers is evident. When customers call, they can trust that they will get responsive customer service and high quality work each and every time.
What keeps you energized about going to work each day? The team! They have such an understanding of what it means to provide excellent customer care—its energizing.
And finally, even though we are still experiencing very hot temps, what can people be thinking about to prepare for the fall and winter? If you haven’t done so recently, it may be time to consider having your systems serviced. A buildup of dirt on coils can decrease efficiency and drive up bills. Our Comfort Club provides year round service and maintenance for home comfort systems and will keep you ready for each season change. And, for those freezing wintry days (albeit few and far between!) make sure you pay attention to your plumbing! Remove water hoses from outside faucets, insulate outside faucets, leave a slow drip on faucets and open cabinet doors inside your home to let the war air reach the pipes.
Ready for Football - (Noon Tailgate / 2:30 Game Time)
Helping to Cover College Costs
Government backed loans are not the only option for help in covering college costs! We have partnered with studentloans.com to offer families an affordable parent loan option featuring: no fees, low rates, customized repayment terms and a quick online application. Student Loans are offered independently by Brazos Higher Education Service Corp which is not affiliated with Alliance Bank Central Texas.. Click Here for More Information.
Personal Financial Management
Take control of your finances and simplify your life with Personal Financial Management (PFM). This online money management tool provides a financial snapshot of all of your accounts at Alliance Bank Central Texas and other financial institutions on one screen. Benefits include:
-Account Aggregation
-Expense Tracking
-Budgeting
-Security
Click Here to Learn More: https://www.alliancebanktexas.com/personal-financial-management
Business Talk
Noteworthy
Alliance Bank received the 2019 Businesses Standing Up for Texas Public Schools award from the Texas Association of School Boards. Thank you Midway ISD teachers, staff and administrators for the work you do each day. We're honored to support you! Pictured: Eric Shero, Alliance Bank EVP/CFO Dr. George Kazanas, Midway ISD Superintendent
Congratulations to all of the honorees and nominees of the Waco Chamber's inaugural Waco Under 40. The 40 nominees, including our own Scott Rogers, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, were recognized as dynamic young leaders who have distinguished themselves in their careers and our community. Pictured: Representing the bank at the Waco Under 40 event include members of Alliance's Customer Experience Academy, demonstrating a commitment to creating excellent customer experiences.
About Alliance Bank Central Texas
Alliance Bank Central Texas is a community bank founded by a local board of directors, owned by a diverse group of over 200 shareholders, and operated by seasoned bankers, most of whom have spent their entire careers in Waco. In less than ten years it has seen assets grow from $35 million to over $300 million. The bank is focused on helping entrepreneurs, professionals and residents, and understands the condition of the local market. It feels real value is created through people connecting personally with their bankers, versus simply having transactions with a bank. Alliance Bank Central Texas provides a full range of financial services including business, personal and mortgage loans. It also provides a variety of deposit products and services including commercial, personal and certificates of deposits along with electronic banking, mobile deposit and cash management services.