Katy-based Texas Traditions Bank champions community-centered banking

Engaging in true community banking is the core of the Texas Traditions Bank experience and has been since the financial institution launched almost three years ago as the only Katy-based bank. Keith Badough, President of Texas Traditions Bank, said the journey started decades ago when he and his partner first entered the banking system as a teller and credit analyst. Positions progressed through the years, and regional institutions and larger conglomerates absorbed local banks. One ask from clients of the two partners began to resonate – a request to start a new bank.

“What those clients missed was we had long-term relationships with them, and that is so diluted when you get into the larger banks,” Badough explained. “I’ve had clients in my portfolio that I’ve had for 25 years.”

Realizing a market demand for community banking existed in Katy was the first step towards forming Texas Traditions Bank, but Badough said another important asset needed to be analyzed – building a great team. As the building blocks were laid, the partners found potential employees reaching out because they wanted to be a part of the bank and were committed to the vision.

Community banking beyond the numbers

Community banking is often viewed from a size perspective, such as the number of depositors, but David Roth, Chief Operating Officer, views community banking from a how perspective  – how customers and the community are treated.

“We know our customers,” Roth noted. “Many of them have our cell numbers and call us on nights or weekends, and we pick up the phone. That’s just a part of the process for us, and it doesn’t happen in some of the larger national institutions. All of us live and work here in the Houston metro area, and almost all of our loans and deposits are in this area. We have a very vested interest in Katy, and we’re committed to it – whether it’s through charitable organizations, making loans here, or supporting the community any other way we can. The success of the Houston metro area is the success of the bank, and Katy is a huge portion of our footprint.”

Meeting the needs of local businesses

At Texas Traditions Bank, the financial institution becomes a financial nexus in the community, offering resources and local knowledge alongside a full slate of personal and business banking services. For small business owners who may find a regional or national bank intimidating, the understanding encountered at Texas Traditions Bank – also a small start-up – makes a big difference while navigating the hurdles of launching and building a business.

“I view it in three general categories,” Roth said. “We’re an overall financial resource. We provide advice, and we provide a financial consulting approach to a lot of our small business customers. The second piece beyond the advice is flexibility.”

Flexibility means making decisions outside the parameters programmed into financing models at some banks. Roth noted if financing numbers fall outside of predetermined thresholds, the answer doesn’t need to be an automatic “no” at a community bank. There is flexibility to assess the reasons behind certain metrics and assess all the data when making a decision.

The last category Roth highlighted is the community itself. He noted Katy isn’t one of 38 different places the bankers at Texas Traditions Bank live. It is the only place, so supporting the community and supporting local businesses is important.

Growth at Texas Traditions Bank

As Texas Traditions Bank grows in Katy, Badough and Roth said the institution will continue to focus on financial goals and be the best at providing customer service, from answering phone calls to staying focused on the best interests of customers long-term. This means introducing many products and services based on customer needs and inquiries versus launching a product requiring a sales pitch.

“A lot of institutions will say, we have the XYZ product. Go sell those,” Badough said. “We’re looking at it the opposite way. We’re saying, ‘What does our customer need? How can we tailor that for them?’ We’re solutions-based. We don’t sell people things they don’t need. Instead of a client listening to a salesperson, we listen to the client.”

Community connections with Texas Traditions Bank

In addition to participating in a range of community events, Texas Traditions Bank has deep roots with the Katy Area EDC. Employees have served on the Katy Area EDC board in past years and held various positions.

To learn more about living or working in the Katy area, visit the Katy Area Economic Development Council website or contact us today.