First State Bank feels at home in Jacksboro

By now most locals have seen the signage for First State Bank in Jacksboro on North Main. While both bank names and people have come and gone previously at this location, First State Bank intends to do things a little differently and better through a true community banking strategy.

"We believe the community banking model we at First State Bank employ is the best model for our customers in the communities we serve," said FSB President Barry Gober. "Of course we offer a wide range of services and loans but we also act quickly because decisions are made locally. It took awhile but we feel very confident about the future in Jacksboro."

The newest FSB location is the seventh for the local area group of banks. Leading the team here is Senior Vice President David Rater, an experienced banking professional who was born and raised in Jacksboro.

"I am just so happy to join an organization like First State Bank with their history of stellar service to the customers and communities being served," said Rater. "While I'm very pleased about the services we offer as well as the speed we can act and our facility, the most important element is the strong, stable staff we have. I look forward to serving Jacksboro alongside these knowledgeable, friendly and professional people for years to come."

Another member of the team is Assistant Vice President Rosie Hayhurst, also born and raised in Jacksboro. After high school Hayhurst attended Texas Women's University in Denton and after graduation began her banking career in 2008. She was retained with others in the recent acquisition by First State Bank.

"I just love Jacksboro and truly look forward to how we can serve Jacksboro's banking needs in the future," said Hayhurst.

A newer addition to the team is Assistant Vice President McCall Maddox, another local born and raised in Jacksboro. Maddox continued his education in Fort Worth at Texas Christian University and after graduation headed west to a new career in the petro-chemical industry. Big changes in the industry and the world caused him to look at a new career in banking.

"I was encouraged by my parents to check out First State Bank and I heard many positive reviews about the leadership and financial stability of the banks," said Maddox. " After seeing the excellent opportunity I gladly joined the team."

The Jacksboro location is at 1220 N. Main Street and the main telephone number is 940-567-2197. It joins six other locations scattered around the area including Archer City, two banks in Graham, Olney, Throckmorton and Woodson, the original member chartered in 1983.

First State Bank grew its total assets from $150 million to $200 million over the last year in the middle of a global pandemic. It served local businesses with over $15 million of needed funds through 341 PPP loans. In the next round of PPP loans 866 customers have already been assisted with over $17 million.

The local bank group prides itself on a strong commitment to serve its customers, but also to fully support the entire communities served including schools, civic organizations, businesses, chambers of commerce, non-profits and other institutions as well as local events, sports teams, etc. Learn more at www.fsbgraham.com online.