Expert Intel: Engaging our Communities

The next feature in our Expert Intel series, where Mabrey Bank financial experts are asked specifically about one of their areas of experience, focuses on Mabrey’s community engagement. In this Q&A, we talk to our Chief Marketing Officer, Lisa McLarty, about Mabrey’s approach to serving and engaging the community through its relationships with schools, nonprofits and other partners.

To see the previous installment in our Expert Intel series, click the links below.
Building Long-Time Client Partnerships – John Pixley
The New Age of Digital Banking – Laura Zigler
Creating and Sustaining Culture – Kendall Mullen
Investing in Rural Land – Mark Mabrey
Navigating Commercial Real Estate – Chris Odom

What is your role at Mabrey Bank and your area of expertise?
As the Chief Marketing Officer at Mabrey Bank, I have the opportunity to build and nurture relationships with our clients, team members and the communities we serve. This includes marketing strategy and promotion, nonprofit partnerships and sponsorships, client and team member events, and creating opportunities for our team members to engage with and give back to their communities.

While I have experience throughout my career in all of these areas, the one consistent thread has always been serving the community. I started my career as a social worker and later worked at a local nonprofit in fundraising. I moved into the corporate world about 20 years ago, but I’ve continued to serve in leadership roles on nonprofit boards, managed charitable giving at two companies, and volunteer regularly with my family.

That combination of marketing, relationship building and community engagement has really shaped my area of expertise. I enjoy finding ways to connect an organization’s brand and purpose with the people and communities it serves while creating meaningful partnerships that benefit everyone involved.

What trends or changes are you currently seeing in corporate community engagement across Oklahoma?
Over the last ten years, I have seen a substantial shift in corporate community engagement, as companies increasingly look for ways to create more meaningful engagement that aligns with their corporate values and produces measurable results. There was a time when companies spread their resources across nonprofit organizations throughout the community, but I think most are moving toward a more strategic approach that results in fewer, but much deeper, relationships.

In addition, who a company supports is increasingly important to both current and prospective team members, a strategy that has led to more employee-driven giving and volunteer programs. Team members now own a bigger voice in how their company engages within its community.

What is a common misconception you often see when businesses or citizens work to engage the community?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that effective community engagement is simply about responding to the requests that come through the door. Businesses inevitably receive far more requests than they can support, and it can be difficult to prioritize when those requests come from clients, team members and vendors.

It can be tempting to give to the loudest voice or the organization where you already have a connection, but I think the most effective approach is to clearly define what community engagement means to your company and what a successful partnership looks like. That allows you to evaluate opportunities consistently and determine where your resources can have the greatest impact.

I also think it’s important to remember that a successful partnership isn’t just about what the company wants to accomplish. The best partnerships start by listening to the nonprofit and understanding what they actually need. When you can find that intersection between the organization’s needs, your company’s values and the areas where you can make a meaningful difference, you create a much stronger and more sustainable partnership.

What should be front of mind for those looking to volunteer or serve their community?
I think the way an individual approaches community involvement should be similar to the way a company approaches it, meaning you should be intentional about where you invest your time and energy.

People often get involved with organizations because a friend or neighbor asked them to volunteer, and that can be a great way to get started, but I encourage people to take a little time for self-reflection to think about what they are truly passionate about and where their skills, interests and experience could meet a specific need in the community.

You don’t necessarily have to volunteer in the most obvious or traditional ways either. Sometimes, the greatest contribution you can make is using a skill or area of expertise that comes naturally to you. When you find an organization and a cause that aligns with your values and gives you an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way, the impact can be immeasurable and rarely feels like work.

How does Mabrey Bank’s approach to community service differ from other banks?
At Mabrey, investing in the communities we serve is one of our core values. It’s deeply engrained in our culture and is a priority for the Mabrey family and our leadership team. Being family-owned and operated allows us to approach community engagement from a more personal perspective and really focus on deepening relationships and creating meaningful impact.

Our mission is to provide sound financial solutions and personalized service to empower people, enrich businesses and improve the communities we serve. That is our driving force and becomes evident through how we partner with nonprofits. In 2025, we invested nearly $400,000 in 168 organizations and volunteered more than 8,000 hours. In addition, 49 of our team members also serve on 75 nonprofit boards and committees, allowing us to contribute not only financial resources, but also our time, expertise and relationships. In addition, our annual United Way campaign raised $143,505 to help meet the basic needs of Oklahomans across the state. Our impact extends to all corners of the communities we serve to promote a high quality of life and build sustainable change.

Our next feature in our Expert Intel series, where Mabrey Bank financial experts are asked specifically about one of their areas of experience, focuses on commercial real estate. In this Q&A, we talk to Director of Tulsa Lending, Chris Odom, about the dynamics of acquiring CRE and the ever-changing industry. Chris has spent more than a dozen years at Mabrey and is a leading lender in Tulsa-area real estate.

To see the previous installment in our Expert Intel series, click the links below.
Building Long-Time Client Partnerships – John Pixley
The New Age of Digital Banking – Laura Zigler
Creating and Sustaining Culture – Kendall Mullen
Investing in Rural Land – Mark Mabrey

What is your role at Mabrey Bank and your area of expertise?
I serve as a Director of Tulsa Lending at Mabrey Bank, overseeing the Tulsa Commercial Lending Team. Our Tulsa team is comprised of seven commercial lenders and four loan assistants. My personal expertise lies in structuring tailored real estate financing solutions for investors, developers and business owners across various property types, including office, retail, industrial, multifamily and owner-occupied facilities. I help clients navigate the loan process, from due diligence to closing, drawing on our bank’s local market knowledge in Oklahoma and beyond.

What trends or changes are you currently seeing in commercial real estate?
The currents trend I am seeing is a growing strength in multifamily and industrial/logistics properties. Retail properties remain a steady investment, particularly in necessity-based formats (e.g., restaurants, services in walkable areas), while office development is showing gradual improvement in prime, high-quality spaces with hybrid work adaptations.

What is a common misconception you often see from clients when developing land for commercial real estate usage?
Clients often underestimate the critical importance of thorough due diligence, entitlements, and regulatory hurdles when investing. It can be easy to assume zoning, permitting, environmental assessments, etc. will align quickly and cheaply, only to face delays of months and increased construction costs from overlooked site-specific challenges or local regulations. Our team at Mabrey is here to help you navigate this complicated process.

What should be front of mind for clients right now in commercial real estate?
The focus for prospective clients should be on good asset quality located in strong fundamental growth areas. Zero in on properties with strong long-term tenant demand and surrounding amenities to ensure value and projectable growth.

How does Mabrey Bank’s approach to commercial real estate differ from other financial institutions?
Mabrey Bank takes a relationship-driven, tailored and community-focused approach as a local Oklahoma-based institution. We specialize in flexible financing, acquisitions, construction and refinancing across property types, working directly with clients to structure deals that support growth and sustainability. By combining high-quality service and community investment with competitive products, we have been able to serve the needs of a variety of industries throughout the state.

How do you utilize Mabrey Bank’s mission and core values within commercial real estate?
Mabrey Bank’s goal is to build loyal, mutually beneficial relationships with our clients by providing high-quality financial services. In Commercial Real Estate this translates to putting the clients first with transparent communication and creative problem solving.

What should commercial real estate clients be preparing for in next 5 years?
As the economy becomes more technologically influenced, you could see continued strength in the industrial market with data and AI centers. Our tailored approach to lending means that we are ready to provide the best possible service as the needs of clients change with the market.

Mabrey Bank is hosting its 6th Annual School Supply Drive at all locations from July 13-24. The supplies collected at each branch will benefit a school or organization within that community, allowing our team members and customers to directly impact local students and teachers.

Each year of the drive, Mabrey Bank has been able to collect thousands of school supplies to donate across Oklahoma as our team seeks to live out the mission of the bank which calls us to “improve the communities we serve.” It’s a mission that the Mabrey family and team members have been upholding for more than 100 years.

Supplies can be dropped off inside any Mabrey Bank branch during normal business hours. At each location, we will have a school supply drop box conveniently located in the lobby. While all types of school supplies are appreciated and accepted, customers can check in with their local branch to see if any specific supplies might be useful for that community.

See below which organization or school that each Mabrey Bank location will be donating to through our 2026 School Supply Drive.

Bixby – Bixby Outreach Center & Bixby Police Department
Glenpool – The Pencil Box
Haskell – Haskell Public Schools
Morris – Morris Public Schools
Muskogee – Lake Area United Way
Oklahoma City – Positive Tomorrows
Okmulgee – Okmulgee Public Schools
Tulsa – The Pencil Box
Weleetka – Weleetka Public Schools
Wetumka – Wetumka Public Schools

This article is the next in our Expert Intel series where Mabrey Bank financial experts are asked specifically about one of their areas of experience. In this Q&A we talk to East Central Regional President, Mark Mabrey, about the industry of recreational and agricultural land loans. Mark is a part of the fourth generation of Mabrey family members to hold leadership roles at Mabrey Bank and specializes in rural land lending and development.

To see the previous installment in our Expert Intel series, click the link below.
Building Long-Time Client Partnerships – John Pixley
The New Age of Digital Banking – Laura Zigler
Creating and Sustaining Culture – Kendall Mullen

What is your role at Mabrey Bank and your area of expertise?
My role at Mabrey Bank is unique. I serve on our Board of Directors, as well as several committees that provide me with a perspective to better serve our different markets. My official title is East Central OK Regional President, where I help manage, along with our Market Presidents, our rural community banks in Eastern Oklahoma. In these markets, we see a great diversity of lending and banking needs, which our team handles with confidence and reliability.

I would consider the area of my expertise that I enjoy most in banking to be Agriculture and Rural Land Lending.

What trends or changes are you currently seeing in agriculture and recreational land development?
Over the last several years, we have seen an increased demand for rural land lending specifically. There has been a sharp increase in families wanting a property to call their own and have a place to get outdoors. We also have crop, beef and poultry producers wanting to increase their land holdings. This trend, in my opinion, began in 2020 during COVID when most people’s lives changed dramatically. People wanted to be outside more and live outside of city limits. As a result, they needed rural access to the internet (broadband access). Obviously Zoom and Teams meetings have increased with more people working remotely than ever. Finally, we know there have been increased commodity prices on beef, poultry, grains, etc.

Each of these, in their own way, have played a dramatic role in impacting the demand on rural land. Since 2020, I can confidently say that the price per acre of rural/raw land has at least doubled in most areas of Eastern Oklahoma and regionally. Our bank has financed several land purchases in each of our surrounding states over the last 10 years, and the price per acre has steadily increased over that timeframe.

What is a common misconception you often see from customers who are looking to develop a piece of land for Ag and Rec use?
I am not certain that it’s a misconception, but we see a lot of buyers who have the urge to buy 20, 40, 80 or 160 acres. They give in to the urge and decide to buy the land and actually end up enjoying it more than they ever thought possible. Many wish they would have done it sooner.

What should be front of mind for clients right now in Ag and Rec land usage?
Unless you have experience with buying or selling land, contact a realtor that has expertise before purchasing land. As for the usage of that land, it depends on what you want to get out of it. If you are looking to buy land to start a recreational farm (say a small cattle herd) then you would want enough grass acreage (pastureland) and access to water to sufficiently manage the amount of cattle you plan to run.

If it’s for wildlife recreation, then you would want cover (trees, creeks, ponds etc.) and diversity on the property.

How does Mabrey Bank’s approach serving Ag and Rec clients differ from other financial institutions?
We have lenders and bankers at Mabrey that not only specialize in Ag and Rec, but they live it. Each of our Ag and Recreational Land Lenders & Bankers go beyond just helping borrowers with their transactions, we also offer advice on how to improve their property to maximize their preferred outcome. All of us are passionate and enjoy what we do.

How do you utilize Mabrey Bank’s mission and core values within Ag and Rec land development?
We are here to truly help our customers and be trusted partners. Mabrey is a bank that understands and enjoys rural financing.

What should clients be preparing for in next 5 years in with land development for Ag and Rec?
If a customer has been wanting to purchase land, whether for Ag use, Investment or Recreational use, I would recommend preparing your finances and visiting with a lender sooner rather than later. We have been lending on Ag and Recreational land for 50+ years, and it continues to serve as a quality investment in many ways.

This article is the next in our Expert Intel series where Mabrey Bank financial experts are asked specifically about one of their areas of experience. In this Q&A we talk to Chief Human Resources Officer, Kendall Mullen, about the role each team member plays in creating and sustaining culture within the workplace. Kendall has been in HR at Mabrey Bank for nearly 20 years and is a SHRM-Certified Professional.

To see the previous installment in our Expert Intel series, click the link below.
Building Long-Time Client Partnerships – John Pixley
The New Age of Digital Banking – Laura Zigler

What is your role at Mabrey Bank and your area of expertise?
I serve as Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President at Mabrey Bank. I oversee HR, including payroll, benefits administration, performance management and talent acquisition. I am also responsible for our Training and Development team, which leads bank-wide training programs and team member development.

My focus is on organizational strategy, compensation, leadership alignment and helping create a culture that supports performance, accountability and long-term growth. I rely heavily on my team and am incredibly thankful for the experience, passion, care, kindness and fun they bring, not only to me, but to the entire bank.

What trends or changes are you currently seeing in creating workplace culture?
Culture is becoming less about programs and more about consistency. Team members expect consistent clarity, transparency and follow-through from leadership. There’s also a shift toward flexibility with accountability – people want autonomy but still want clear expectations and present leadership.

At the same time, maintaining a culture where people assume positive intent and see the best in others is becoming more difficult, but more important. Organizations must be intentional about reinforcing trust. Fostering a culture, where questions are encouraged, not avoided, to embrace curiosity and ultimately growth is needed for long-term success.

What is a common misconception you often see when trying to grow culture within a team?
That culture is driven by HR or initiatives. Culture is shaped by leaders and reinforced daily through decisions, behaviors and what is tolerated. You can’t “roll out” culture. You have to model and maintain it. Team members want genuine support and to be led with humility and honesty by leadership.

Another misconception is culture must stay the same as an organization grows. Growth doesn’t have to dilute culture. It can enhance it. Often, it’s not growth that creates tension, but a fear of change. Strong cultures evolve intentionally while staying grounded in their core values.

What should be front of mind for clients right now when they engage in culture building?
Alignment. If leadership isn’t aligned on expectations, accountability and priorities, culture efforts will fall short. Culture reflects what leadership consistently reinforces, not what is communicated in a presentation.

There should also be recognition that culture takes effort, time and can be uncomfortable or inconvenient. It demands leaders be present and engaged. I don’t always get that balance right, but I know when I do, it matters – and it’s worth it.

How does Mabrey Bank’s approach in creating and sustaining a healthy culture differ from other financial institutions?
A few things come to mind.

First, we are intentional about team member relationships. Our team genuinely enjoys each other and has fun together, and that matters. We create opportunities for people to build meaningful relationships and enjoy where they work. You can see it in our team member events, feel it in the work environment, and hear it in the day-to-day interactions across the bank. While it may sound cliché, we care about each other in a way that feels like family. More importantly, we show care through how we support one another every day. One of the strongest validations of this is the number of team members who choose to return to Mabrey. We have a high level of rehires, which speaks to the experience people have here and the value they place on our culture even after they’ve left.

Second, we don’t rely on programs or initiatives to define our culture. It’s shaped by the expectations we set, how we communicate, and regular day-to-day experiences and interactions across our teams. Leadership supports both accountability and flexibility while keeping people at the center, and that is evident in the way the Mabrey family works side by side with our team members. They are accessible, supportive and genuinely easy to work for. We’re not aiming for perfect culture, but rather we set a focus on learning and adapting if something isn’t working and then continuing to move forward.

Lastly, as we grow, we are intentional about protecting what makes us who we are while staying open to evolving where it makes sense. That balance – staying grounded in our values while adapting as needed – is what allows us to sustain a culture that feels genuine, supportive and worth being part of. A good example of this is how we’ve evolved various internal structures and processes over time while keeping our focus on team member relationships, transparency and doing what’s right for our team members. We’re willing to make changes when something needs to improve, but we’re equally intentional about not losing the personal connection and level of care that defines Mabrey.

How do you utilize Mabrey Bank’s mission and core values when it comes to engaging Mabrey team members?
We use our mission, vision and core values as a decision-making filter across hiring, promotions and performance conversations. They set the expectation for how team members show up, how we serve others and what it means to be the bank of choice.  Our core values are embedded in our performance reviews and reinforced through the actions of our leaders and team members. This isn’t something we occasionally refer to. It’s engrained in how we evaluate, recognize and hold each other accountable.

What should businesses be preparing for in the next 5 years when working to build culture?
Businesses should prepare for increased expectations around transparency, accountability and leadership effectiveness. Team members will continue to expect clarity on performance and purpose. Organizations that succeed will be the ones that simplify, communicate clearly, and hold leaders accountable for the environment they create.

There will also be a greater need to stay agile and open to new ideas. Organizations can’t be anchored in “that’s how it’s always been done,” limiting progress or openness to change. At the same time, they must protect what defines them and has contributed to their success. The ability to evolve, adapt and thoughtfully challenge the status quo – without losing your core identity – will be critical to sustaining a strong culture.

An all-female team is setting the standard for private banking in Oklahoma. Led by Heather Van Hooser, the Mabrey Private Bank, consisting of 13 women, has developed into a hallmark division of Mabrey Bank by focusing on a personal relationship with clients through unmatched service and expertise.

Headquartered in Tulsa, the Mabrey Private Bank attracts affluent customers with its unique brand of high-touch banking and care. Industry leaders, business owners and executives trust Mabrey to strengthen and safeguard their resources. That loyalty is reciprocated through premium products and services, forming collaborative partnerships.

“As a Private Bank customer, I often experience unique financial opportunities which require an immediate response,” said retired QuikTrip executive Chuck O’Dell. “I have high expectations, and my team at the Mabrey Private Bank always delivers with around-the-clock accessibility. Their financial offerings are only matched by the level of service I receive. I wouldn’t trust anyone else.”

This proactive approach to both communication and action allows Mabrey Private Bankers to anticipate and address opportunities catering to the aspirations of its clients.

Van Hooser, Mabrey’s Director of Private Banking, launched the division in 2012. Her customers are her biggest champions, knowing first-hand the positive impact of working alongside her. As a critical member of Mabrey’s Executive Leadership Team, Van Hooser helps drive decision-making bank wide as an advocate for her valued clients.

“Mabrey Private Bank’s history of concierge service has allowed us to become the premier financial destination for high-wealth individuals in our region,” said Van Hooser. “When you partner with Mabrey, you are making an investment in yourself and your future with experienced consultation and personalized solutions.”

Behind the leadership of Van Hooser and the strength of her all-female team, the present and future of private banking in Oklahoma is bright with the Mabrey Private Bank.

Mabrey Bank is proud to announce the hire of Bryan York as the bank’s new Director of Treasury, SVP. In his role, York will oversee all Treasury operations and enhance Mabrey Bank’s ability to help its business customers manage their finances, optimize their working capital, and reduce operational inefficiencies and risk.

“Bryan’s vast knowledge of the unique financial needs and challenges of businesses has made him one of the best bankers in the Treasury arena,” said Scott Mabrey, CEO of Mabrey Bank. “His expertise will elevate the solutions we provide our business clients and strengthen our suite of Treasury products.”

York joins Mabrey Bank following 10 years at Bank of Oklahoma. Throughout his more than 20 years in banking, York has dedicated his career to delivering Treasury offerings to commercial businesses across the region. His track record with clients speaks for itself through the success of the businesses he partners with.

“Joining the Mabrey Bank family and adding to such a strong organization rooted in tradition and success is an exciting opportunity,” said York. “I admire Mabrey for the professionalism, integrity and reliability provided to businesses. I’m grateful for this opportunity to contribute my energy and experience and continue building on a century of partnerships.”

An active community volunteer and corporate citizen, York is a member of the Board of Directors for Emergency Infant Services as well as the Saint Simeon’s Foundation Board of Trustees. His connections throughout the state run deep as a graduate of OKC Connect, Leadership Oklahoma and Leadership Oklahoma City.

York will be based in Tulsa and serve all Mabrey Bank customers throughout the nation.

This piece is a continuation of our Expert Intel series where Mabrey Bank financial experts are asked specifically about one of their areas of experience. In this Q&A we talk to Director of Digital Banking, Laura Zigler, about the advancements happening in digital banking and what sets Mabrey Bank apart from other financial institutions in the digital space.

To see the previous installment in our Expert Intel series, click the link below.
Building Long-Time Client Partnerships – John Pixley

What is your role at Mabrey Bank and your area of expertise?
As Director of Digital Banking, SVP, at Mabrey Bank, I lead the strategy, development, and delivery of our digital and treasury solutions to consumer and commercial clients. My team’s focus is on creating seamless, secure and efficient banking experiences that help our customers manage cash flow, optimize operations and access their financial information anytime, anywhere. By working with our team at Mabrey to ensure our solutions evolve with client needs, we maintain a high level of service and reliability that our customers have come to expect.

What trends or changes are you currently seeing in this new age of digital banking?
It’s no secret that digital banking is quickly shifting toward fully integrated, real-time financial experiences. Clients expect instant access to funds, real-time payments and consolidation across multiple accounts and platforms. We now live in a self-service world that extends into banking. Ultimately, it’s our job to provide a smarter, faster and more personalized banking experience.

What is a common misconception you often see from customers or businesses when adopting digital banking practices?
A misconception I often hear is that digital banking replaces the need for a personal relationship with your bank. The most successful outcomes happen when the latest technology and relationship banking work together. Digital tools exist to enhance efficiency and visibility, but having a trusted relationship officer to help implement solutions and provide guidance is just as important.

What should be front of mind for clients right now in digital banking?
Security and efficiency should be top priorities. Fraud is more rampant now than ever before. Leveraging available tools such as multi-factor authentication, user entitlements, dual-control processes and fraud monitoring will help clients protect their accounts. At the same time, they should evaluate how digital solutions can streamline operations. The use of automated payments, sweeps, remote deposit capture, or other integrated treasury products can increase efficiency. With intentionality and scalability, these solutions will grow alongside their business and adapt to future needs.

How does Mabrey Bank’s approach to digital banking differ from other financial institutions?
Mabrey Bank takes a relationship-first approach to digital banking. While many institutions focus solely on implementing technology, we focus on how that technology serves our customers. We tailor our solutions to fit each client’s unique needs and back them up with local decision-making and responsive support. The goal is to provide digital tools that deliver real value by improving efficiency, visibility and overall financial management. This personalized approach, combined with our modern capabilities, truly sets Mabrey Bank apart.

How do you utilize Mabrey Bank’s mission and core values when talking to clients about digital banking opportunities?
Our mission and core values are central to building every client partnership. Professionalism and integrity guide how we recommend and implement solutions with transparency and trust. Reliability and high performance are reflected in the systems and services we deliver, while teamwork ensures we bring the right expertise to each client relationship. Stewardship of our community resources reminds us that our role goes beyond banking. We help businesses and individuals succeed and, in turn, strengthen the communities we serve. These values shape not only what we offer, but how we deliver it.

What should clients be preparing for in the next 5 years within the digital banking space?
Over the next five years, clients should prepare for increased automation, deeper system integration and continued growth in real-time payments. Businesses will also see tighter integration between banking platforms and their internal systems, such as accounting and ERP systems. Additionally, fraud prevention is constantly evolving, requiring ongoing attention and adaptation. Clients who proactively adopt and optimize digital solutions now will be best positioned to operate more efficiently and competitively in the future.

Mabrey Bank is pleased to announce the hire of Aubry Walters as the Director of International Services, VP, leading its International Banking division. Aubry joins Mabrey with over 17 years of banking experience in Tulsa, specifically focused on international trade finance and foreign exchange services, commercial lending and underwriting.

“We are thrilled to add Aubry Walters to our Mabrey team,” said Chief Banking Officer, Kevin Short. “Aubry will continue our operational expertise in international trade finance solutions for our clients, including documentary collections, commercial and stand-by letters of credit, currency and foreign exchange products.

After previous stops at Bank of Oklahoma, Firstar Bank and Arvest Bank, Walters brings comprehensive expertise to help guide businesses through the complexities of international trade finance. In 2014, Walters earned her Certified Documentary Credit Specialist designation and has worked for manufacturing companies both in the U.S. and abroad, assisting and advising clients with mitigating contract and payment risks.

“I’m grateful to have an opportunity to work with so many talented bankers at Mabrey who genuinely care about exceeding our customers’ expectations,” said Walters. “This team is truly committed to serving clients in our local community with integrity and professionalism to help them achieve their goals.”

Walters is a Leadership Tulsa graduate, Class 68, and is the Vice President/President-Elect of the Tulsa chapter of Executive Women International as well as a Board Member for Youth Services of Tulsa. Her work with Make-A-Wish Oklahoma earned Walters the Dan Potter Community Volunteer of the Year award, and she is currently serving as the Co-Chair of their 21^st Annual golf tournament fundraiser.

This is the first piece in a new series titled “Expert Intel” where Mabrey Bank financial experts are asked specifically about one of their areas of experience.

Our first Q&A is with our President, John Pixley, who, over his 40+ year banking career, is an expert in developing long-lasting, generational relationships with his clients. Mabrey Bank is known for its partnerships with both consumers and businesses, and John can directly attest to Mabrey’s core philosophy when building these connections.

What is your role at Mabrey Bank and what are the responsibilities that come with it?
That’s an interesting question, and one I’ve been asked many times. I am the President of Mabrey Bank, with a focus on our lending divisions. I spend my time serving our teammates and clients the best I can.

How is building a client relationship different (or the same) now versus 20 years ago?
The most effective relationships are those that are authentic and genuine. In order to achieve an authentic relationship with a client, you must commit to a focused effort to spend time with that customer. Trust is a huge part of client relations, and I think that’s especially true today. I believe the key to a client relationship is taking the necessary time to develop that trust. With our busy lives, we must have an organized approach in relationship building.

What is a common misconception you often see when it comes to partnership building between a business and its clientele?
Our society has turned to texting and emailing as the normal process of communication. However, nothing replaces relationship building like being present. Take the time to get in front of clients – go to their office and make arrangements for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Welcome them into your place of work. Introduce them to your teammates. Spend authentic time with customers and don’t rely on texts and emails to drive partnership-building.

What should be front of mind for businesses when it comes to attracting clients?
Trust, accessibility, a high level of service and communicating in a manner that indicates you have true knowledge and authority to serve them well.

How does Mabrey Bank’s approach in relationship building differ than other financial institutions?
Mabrey Bank has the size and resources to be very relevant to the customers we serve in terms of products and services. But as a community bank, we remain nimble, quick to deliver and know our clients on a first-name basis. Our teammates are well-versed in the commitment to EXCEED and that passion permeates throughout our teams and branches.

How do you utilize Mabrey Bank’s mission and core values when building relationships?
I’ve lived in Tulsa for 40 years and have an affection for our city and state. My approach to banking is often reflective of experiences I have enjoyed in my life – treat and serve others in a manner in which you would like to be treated. It’s rewarding for me when our teams at Mabrey Bank empower our customers to succeed and have a positive impact on our communities and families where we work and live. We are committed to being a reliable bank to serve with integrity and professionalism in an authentic fashion.