Wilson Bank & Trust celebrates 30th anniversary
A lot has changed for Wilson Bank & Trust after three decades. But then other things, like their commitment to their community, customers and employees, have continued to stay strong the years.
The original bank location was in a small, two-bedroom home — where their main office is today at 623 West Main St. in Lebanon — says Randall Clemons, CEO of Wilson Bank & Trust. A group of businessmen decided back in December 1986 to form a bank because the two local banks had sold to large holding company banks, Clemons explains.
“We started the process on Feb. 1 and raised $5 million from 800 local stockholders and opened in 90 days,” he says. “We had a tremendous response in the sale of stock and people purchasing stock that had never owned stock before.”
The bank has continued to grow since then, starting with eight employees the year they opened to now having 475.
“Our employees have made our bank by being servants to our customers and to each community that we serve,” Clemons says. “Our employees believe that we always treat our customers like we want to be treated.”
That mindset has paid off. They now have 27 offices in eight counties, with their newest location being in Metro Nashville. Clemons says they also have plans to open an office in Williamson County and additional offices in the counties they currently serve.
“We have been a community bank in each community that we serve and tried to make the community better as a result of our office being there,” Clemons says. “We have community boards in each community that we serve to help us be sure that we meet the needs of the community.”
The bank has a lot to celebrate, including their 30th anniversary. To show their gratitude for all of the support through the years, the bank is committed to giving $30,000 to the community.
“We believe we have a responsibility to give back to our communities and meet the needs of each,” he says.
They’ve also recognized this important 30-year milestone with family fun days in all of the county’s they serve and a larger-than-normal Oktoberfest. They will also continue the celebration with their Christmas Open House and Christmas parades in the counties where they’re located.
When it comes to the secret to the banks three-decade success, Clemons says it comes down to serving customers and the community — and also having professional employees who are team players.
Community is important to Wilson Bank, Clemons says, and they are proud to be part of the one here.
“Wilson County is a unique place that gave us our beginning, where people have a great volunteer spirit and believe in giving back to the community,” he says. “Our county is made up of special people that have blessed our bank with being loyal customers and that are part of our bank family.”
