Bank Independent on the Decatur Beltline ‘to stay, to serve’

DECATUR — Bank Independent celebrated its “rebirth” Thursday on the Beltline in Decatur.

The bank that Forbes magazine named the best in Alabama rebuilt the branch over the past 18 months.  

Investing in the communities they serve is part of the mission, said Bank Independent President Macke Mauldin.

“I see this is a rebirth of our presence in Decatur and our presence on the Beltline that we are here to stay, built to serve,” said Mauldin. 

Bank Independent CEO Rick Wardlaw said these days it’s “normal” for banks to only serve shareholders instead of customers, communities and employees.  

“But Bank Independent is not normal,” said Wardlaw.  

The CEO emphasized Bank Independent’s commitment to higher standards of customer service.   

“Yes, we answer the phone with the real people, not with a voicemail, not with an outsource service in another part of the country or maybe even in another country. It’s a real person that answers the phone,” he said 

Investing in the community remains a top priority, according to Wardlaw.  

“We deliver service with standards like be present, be kind, greet warmly, anticipate needs, take ownership, exceed expectations, and show gratitude,” he said. “We invest in our community. We show up. While other banks have slashed their investment in their communities, we’ve accelerated ours.” 

Bank Independent began as the Bank of Leighton in the Shoals in 1947 and now has 33 offices across North Alabama. The bank opened its first loan office in Huntsville more than a decade ago. Bank Independent’s explosive growth wouldn’t be possible without investing in their team members, said Wardlaw.  

“If you’re a full time employee of Bank Independent, you don’t pay anything for your healthcare. And we want to keep it that way,” he said. “We also have a pension plan, which is unheard of.” 

Wardlaw said the bank has also invested $1 million into its Team Member Care program that provides mental health educational services, career planning services for their more than 700 employees. 

Bank Independent has been repeatedly recognized on the “Best Banks to Work For” and “Best Companies to Work for in Alabama” lists.

Wardlaw said the bank’s level of community engagement is second to none.  

“Our team, through our Helping Hands programs, has donated over 1,000 hours of time through their volunteer work of support and causes,” he said. “Like I said, we show up.”

The Beltline opening in Decatur comes on the heels of Wednesday’s major announcement  of a scholarship partnership with the University of North Alabama.

“I’m so proud of what we do for our team members, our customers, and our communities. We’re fulfilling our mission to make a positive difference to people’s lives,” said Wardlaw. “And I’m proud to remind you once again, we’re different. We’re extra.

“We’re built to serve, not to sell.”