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Branch Spotlight: Foundational Community Banking in Lee County
The community bank of choice in Lee County
First Bank is grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside the businesses, schools, farms, organizations, and families that make the Lee County community so strong. As an independent community bank, we draw inspiration from the innovation and determination of our neighbors. Lee County’s rich history of manufacturing brick and throwing pottery is specifically admirable. The contrast between mass-producing foundational, sturdy, and structurally sound material like brick and the custom, unique, hand-thrown intricacies of pottery is a great metaphor for First Bank’s services. Yes, an established, strong and methodical foundation is essential but our ability to also mold tailor-made solutions for our customers is what really sets us apart from other banks..
What is a community bank?
Our designation as a community bank means that our primary focus is to build banking relationships within the communities where we operate. As a result, your hard earned money stays within your local economy where it can fund small business loans, help your home value grow so you can tap into your home’s equity, and invest in the future of your community. First Bank was founded in Troy, North Carolina during the Great Depression and has since grown to 118 locations with over 1,400 employees across North and South Carolina. Everyone from our forward-facing personal bankers to our back-office support associates are your neighbors who care about the success of this community.
Committed to Your Success in Lee County
Our team has decades of combined banking experience specific to Lee County. We offer the same services as the national banks, but specialize in personalized service from bankers who know your name and live in your neighborhood. Meet a few members of our Lee County First Bank team:
Meet Your Lee County Community Bankers
Rich Trogdon
Area Executive | Sanford Main Branch
Committed to Community
“I think it’s important to create a community atmosphere for customers so they receive the same care and attention that our own family would. As a community banker I am not just serving my customer’s community, it is my community as well and I want to see it flourish.”
Angela Poole
Branch Manager | Sanford Main Branch
Trusted Advisor
“Trust is the most important value in developing relationships with my customers. By ensuring there is an open line of communication, my customers know I am on their side and that my goal is to see them achieve theirs. It brings me joy to see how far my customers have come, and how I have been able to help along the way because of the level of trust we share.”
Kathy Harrington
Branch Manager | Broadway Branch
Devoted to Customers’ Success
“The reason I’ve enjoyed working at First Bank for so long is because I can make personal connections with my customers and community. The sense of community that is fostered at First Bank allows customers to receive the care they deserve. I enjoy that my customers share their personal milestones so I can see how my efforts are helping them achieve their goals.”
Merritt Foushee
Business Development Officer | Sanford Main Branch
Rooted in the Community
“Sanford has always been my home so I take personal pride in helping build up the community. I want the community to thrive and I am able to do that by developing relationships with my customers. Simply being there when a customer needs you ensures they can fulfill their goals which helps the community grow as well.”
Justin Gaines
Business Development Officer | Sanford Main Branch
Dependable Business Advisor
“Building customer relationships is more than something purely transactional. Through the development of trust and transparency, my customers know that I will be there to fulfill their needs. I enjoy being a sounding board to help them achieve success in business.”
Valentina Mejia
Personal Banker | Sanford South Horner Branch
Dedicated Bilingual Community Banker
“Being able to help the Hispanic community receive the support they need to achieve their financial goals is important to me. It can be difficult to navigate finances when there is a language barrier present. I am able to take the time to get to the root of what my customer’s need and communicate solutions in a manner that they can understand.”
Donna Covington
Branch Manager | Sanford South Horner Branch
Committed to Making a Positive Impact
“Listening, applying critical thinking, and offering solutions that fit their needs are how I am able to make a positive impact on my customers. As a banker for a community bank, I can take the time to understand customers’ needs and recommend solutions tailored to them in order to make the best impact in their lives.”
The First Bank Difference
Commitment to providing exceptional customer service is a pillar of our organization. Going the extra mile for our clients is in our DNA.
Meaningful Relationships
Our community bankers are here to help you achieve financial independence and realize your dreams. We care about your goals and will take the time to listen to your needs.
Community-Focused
Our goal to make a positive impact on the communities where we operate isn’t just limited to our banking services. The First Bank Power of Good program is our corporate citizenship initiative that gives back to exceptional change-makers and leaders across the Carolinas. Power of Good projects, programs, experiences, and relationships are focused on four key impact areas: affordable housing, education, financial education and wellness, and food scarcity and supply.
Long-Term Solutions
Achieving financial independence can take time. As members of your community, we understand and share your vision for success. We’re in it for the long haul too. Our mission is to help build sustainable solutions that benefit everyone across the county.