This local bank loves community—see its 20-year impact in Birmingham

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If you spend 20 years in one place, it’s easy to become part of the community. That’s exactly what Bryant Bank aspires to.

This bank celebrated its 20th anniversary on June 10, and I stopped by a few of the Birmingham branches to celebrate. When I walked into bankers and customers laughing together, balloons and a birthday cake, I felt like part of the family myself.

When I thought about how Bryant Bank has managed to expand their services throughout the past two decades while maintaining the same close, caring community-based vibe, it all made perfect sense.

Deep Alabama roots + local impact

In 2005, Paul Bryant, Jr. founded Bryant Bank with the idea that it would be more than just basic brick-and-mortar banking. For him, it was about the people inside: bankers committed to fostering connections within the community.

“On June 10, 2005, we opened our doors with a vision of creating something truly special in Alabama community banking: a family-owned community bank dedicated to serving our neighbors with heart and purpose.”

Claude Edwards, President, Bryant Bank

Now, 20 years later, the Bryant family has upheld this vision, and 18 locations across Alabama prove it.

To learn a little more, I spoke with a few of the 15 employees who have been at Bryant Bank since its inception in 2005.

Celebrating 20 years of Bryant Bank

Out of all the stories I heard, one thing stood out to me: These people are more than coworkers.

“My mom passed away while I was the branch manager at the Trussville office. Without me knowing, they sent staff in to cover my location so everyone could be at my mom’s funeral.

Natalie Spott, Trussville Branch Director, Bryant Bank

Chris shares a similar perspective about the close-knit culture at Bryant Bank, where bankers genuinely celebrate each other’s successes and provide support during challenging times.

“My biggest takeaway in these 20 years is the friendships we’ve created—not only with our coworkers, but with customers. Do you know how much people appreciate you greeting them and calling them by name when they come in?

_{Chris Billings, Tuscaloosa Branch Manager, Bryant Bank}

It must mean something, because they’ve both been part of the Bryant Bank family for 20 years.

Claude, Chris and Natalie are joined by 11 others who have been with Bryant Bank since the beginning.

Bryant Bank’s Birmingham influence

Bryant Bank’s Homewood location (Callie Morrison / Bham Now)

After planting roots in Tuscaloosa, Bryant Bank expanded to other areas of the state, including Birmingham, where there are seven offices

People are the starting point for each of Bryant Bank’s 18 branches. In fact, Bryant Bank’s ownership chooses locations based on the communities where they find the best bankers to fit their values and culture.

“We care about our customers enough to be honest with them. We try to counsel them to make sound decisions and be true partners to them.

We do the feel-good stuff very well, but the difficult stuff, I think we do even better.”

Max Karrh, Senior Vice President Commercial Banker, Bryant Bank

But the community impact starts internally. To celebrate employees and live out this “family first” mission, the bank’s ownership invites Bryant Bankers all over the state to a traditional employee picnic every year.

To tie everything together and prove their love for local communities, Bryant Bank gives back its time to nonprofit organizations like the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama and more.

“Our dedication to Alabama runs deep. While others expand across state lines, we have made the conscious decision to keep our roots firmly planted in Alabama soil.

This focus allows us to truly understand and serve our communities, and it’s a commitment that resonates deeply with both our Bryant Bankers and customers.”

Claude Edwards, President, Bryant Bank

Want to be a part of what Bryant Bank is doing for Birmingham? Get started now.

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