At State Bank of Southwest Missouri, employees and customers are more than just names on an account.
One of the most heartwarming scenes in the 1946 Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life is when George Bailey, the small-town banker, offers care and compassion to his customers in Bedford Falls. George sees his customers not as numbers on a spreadsheet but as people with hopes, dreams, and sometimes struggles. In turn, the customers regarded the institution as a vital part of their community, one that understood their needs and rose to every occasion. As Bailey supported them, they supported his family’s business: Their local bank.
While it may seem like a throwback to a simpler time, the philosophy of personal care and commitment is alive and well at State Bank of Southwest Missouri on the aptly named Sunshine Street, where customers experience genuine warmth and understanding.
In today’s era of artificial intelligence and chatbots, where financial institutions are often distant, State Bank stands as a refreshing reminder of what banking can be. Here, clients aren’t just served—they’re welcomed, remembered, and valued. As Mr. Fowler, president and CEO, puts it, “When you call here, you talk to a person; you are not sent to voicemail. Courtney Conrad, vice president, adds – “We believe people want to bank with people.” This belief has cultivated a unique loyalty among clients, who often come through referrals of friends and family who describe the employees as trustworthy, supportive friends.
Founded in 1985 by 19 local investors, State Bank of Southwest Missouri was built on a foundation of personalized service, a tradition that continues under the leadership of
W. Thomas Fowler, Jr., one of those founders and now the president and CEO. From the beginning, Fowler envisioned a bank where every client interaction was grounded in sincerity and warmth. This ethos has become a hallmark of the bank’s culture, creating a welcoming environment where employees are genuinely invested in the well-being of their clients.
Throughout his life, Fowler has sought to make a positive impact on those around him, extending the blessings he has received to others in the community. “We know our clients names and understand their needs and aspirations,” Conrad says. “Our employees support clients and each other through life’s joys and challenges, whether it’s celebrating a wedding or offering comfort during difficult times.” The bank’s employees go beyond the typical duties of a banker; they are often found attending clients’ family events, lending a hand in times of crisis, and celebrating life’s milestones together.
The personal touch is just as evident in the way Fowler treats his employees. Of the bank’s ten officers, four have been with the institution for more than 30 years, while another four have served over 15 years. This impressive tenure speaks to the supportive and close-knit work environment that Fowler has cultivated. Two employees recently retired after more than 30 years of service, a testament to the deep bonds formed within the bank’s team.
Fowler’s own journey began in a family business. As a young man, he worked alongside his father at a tire shop near downtown Springfield on Campbell Avenue. There, he learned the values of hard work, integrity, and servant leadership, values that continue to shape the bank’s culture today. Fowler fondly recalls his father’s guidance, emphasizing the importance of helping others. “Acts of kindness at the bank are a norm. We hire good people, and it feels automatic for them to be helpers,” Conrad explains, quoting the famous Mister Rogers line, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” At State Bank, this philosophy isn’t just a saying; it’s a way of life.
This spirit of family extends to the next generation. Fowler’s son, Tom Fowler III, now a senior vice president, began his career at the bank in 1999 and shares his father’s dedication to community service and personal relationships. Known for being the first-person people turn to for advice, whether it’s about finances or life in general, Tom is a steady presence, offering support and encouragement to clients, colleagues, and friends alike. He also dedicates much of his time to community involvement, having coached numerous youth sports teams in the Springfield area, a passion that has allowed him to give back to the community in meaningful ways.
For Tiffany Nichols, who joined the bank as a young teller and has since risen to the role of senior vice president, State Bank has been more than a workplace—it has been a family. Having lost her mother at a young age, Tiffany found mentors and role models among the bank’s leadership, particularly in Mr. Fowler and Donna Umlauf, the bank’s senior vice president and CFO, who has been with the bank for 36 years. “I attribute my growth, both personally and professionally, to the support I’ve found here,” Tiffany reflects. The bank’s supportive culture has shaped her not only as a banker but as a person.
Clients feel this culture as well. Tom Fenton has banked with State Bank for nearly two decades, expresses it simply: “I can sum it up in one sentence. They make me feel like I’m their most important depositor every time I walk through the door…and that’s been true since 1987 when Mr. Fowler and I shook hands for the first time.”
Another client speaks to the consistency and care he experiences. “I’ve been seeing the same faces for 16 years. They treat their employees well, and that extends to how they treat people. It’s not just customer service; it’s a culture of kindness,” he says. “They are servants to their community. I’m personally aware of how many people they have helped.”
According to Conrad, the feeling is mutual. “Our clients are more than clients to us; they’re like family. We’ve watched children grow, celebrated life milestones, and stood beside them in hard times. The support from the community means the world to us, and it’s what drives us to keep building these relationships,” she explains. This two-way connection forms the heart of State Bank. This ongoing support fuels their commitment to stay locally focused and genuinely invested in the community they serve.
Every Christmas season, the bank embraces a heartwarming tradition. Rather than hiring a professional firm, the employees come together to decorate the bank, creating a festive atmosphere that reflects their close-knit spirit. “All the employees can bring their children to help decorate and we make it a family event. When my children were small, they always looked forward to helping decorate at Christmas.” says Rachelle Bremer, senior vice president.
On Christmas Eve, after serving the last customer, employees gather for a few words from Mr. Fowler, who expresses his gratitude for their hard work and wishes them a happy holiday. It’s a touching moment that highlights the healthy family-like bond shared among the team.
“Every day, all day. It’s truly the Christmas spirit,” Tom Fowler III adds, reflecting the genuine warmth that defines State Bank of Southwest Missouri. Here, banking is about more than numbers; it’s about relationships, compassion, and community. State Bank is a place where people matter, not just during the holidays but every single day of the year.
I attribute my growth, both personally and professionally, to the support I’ve found here. Tiffany Nichols
Every day, all day. It’s truly the Christmas spirit. Tom Fowler III