“We don’t wear name tags because we have a personal connection with each one of our clients that walks through our doors,” said Leah Pearson, VP and Professional Relationship Manager at the Bank of Central Florida. “We know our clients personally, by name.”
Headquartered in Lakeland, Bank of Central Florida provides financial services tailored to personal and business clients, such as checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and treasury management services. Since its founding in 2007, the bank has been focused on building personal relationships with clients, local decision-making, and community involvement. This approach has fueled their growth. They now have over 100 employees and have doubled their assets in the past five years. “The bank has been able to continue growing out of relationship building,” Pearson said. “The growth has been based on the desire to serve clients where they are and our willingness to find solutions that may sometimes be outside of the box."
The bank's relational approach thrives due to two key components. First, Relationship Managers who serve as the primary point of contact for each client. Second, these Relationship Managers are supported by a dedicated relationship team, all focused on the client's specific banking needs, ensuring the delivery of excellent and personalized service. The bank continues to grow, with the anticipated opening of its second Tampa office in the fall of 2024. The new location, on the corner of Cleveland and Howard, will offer full-service banking, a drive-thru, and dedicated relationship managers on site.
Members of the Tampa Bay Chamber since 2022, the bank has participated in networking opportunities and community engagement initiatives. Pearson serves on the leadership advisory council for the Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator (MBA) program. “I refer people to the Chamber for a variety of different reasons,” Pearson said. “We are helping grow businesses as well. Just as the Chamber supports us as a membership partner, we share with our clients the tools and resources that have been available to us.”
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