When American Heritage Bank first opened its doors more than a century ago, the world looked very different. Farmers and shopkeepers were its earliest customers, and the bank quickly became a cornerstone of small-town life. In the 1920s, stewardship passed to the Berry family, beginning a multigenerational story of community banking that has now spanned nearly five generations.
That history has been defined by steady growth and unwavering values. Through the Great Depression, American Heritage stood by its neighbors, providing stability when times were uncertain. In the decades that followed, the bank stayed true to its roots, helping finance homes, businesses, and schools that would shape the future of Sapulpa and beyond. More recently, American Heritage has completed five acquisitions in the last 13 years—remarkably, without a single layoff. Instead, employees were welcomed and their compensation and benefits improved, reinforcing the idea that people, not just profits, are at the heart of the Berry family’s vision.
For Bill Berry, that philosophy remains central: “We’re going to be as strong as our communities.” From Sapulpa to the fast-growing Tulsa Metroplex, the family has encouraged employees to be active citizens, serving on boards, coaching little league teams, and volunteering in countless local initiatives. It is a culture built not just in boardrooms, but in neighborhoods and church halls.
The Berry family’s guiding principles—passed down from their grandfather—still echo today: be absolutely honest, live thriftily, and work like hell. These simple but enduring lessons have become the compass for decision-making, whether navigating growth or staying true to a promise of personal service.
That promise shows up in small, everyday ways. At American Heritage, phones aren’t routed to distant call centers. They’re answered by people like Roberta, a longtime employee who has become something of a local celebrity for her cheerful voice on the other end of the line. “It’s one of those things that sets us apart,” shared Jennifer Berry Dilley, emphasizing that even as artificial intelligence and technology streamline behind-the-scenes operations, human connection will remain the heartbeat of the bank.
Looking forward, opportunities abound in Sapulpa and across Tulsa, where new housing and redevelopment are transforming perceptions of the community. But even as the landscape changes, the Berry family’s vision is clear: American Heritage will continue to be more than a bank. It will remain a partner, a neighbor, and a family legacy—one built on trust, resilience, and a promise to serve its communities.
The Berry family’s guiding principles—passed down from their grandfather—still echo today: be absolutely honest, live thriftily, and work like hell. These simple but enduring lessons have become the compass for decision-making, whether navigating growth or staying true to a promise of personal service.