Julie Kleffel, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Seacoast Bank, talked to Invest: about the bank’s strategy to offer multiple channels for customers to bank with the institution, to support the various needs of its client base. She also underlined how the bank’s growth reflects the growth that Florida and Orlando have experienced.
What have been the key milestones for Seacoast Bank in the Greater Orlando region in the past year?
The past year in the Greater Orlando region has been marked by significant growth and achievement for Seacoast Bank, highlighting the pivotal role of personalized services and relationship banking. Our clients have directly benefited from our expansion initiatives, including introducing enhanced digital banking services and strengthening our community banking model. These milestones affirm our commitment to a customer-centric approach that resonates with our clients’ needs and expectations, setting Seacoast Bank apart in a competitive industry.
In addition, we received several recognitions in the past year. We were named one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by the Orlando Business Journal and the South Florida Business Journal and several national accolades.
What is your overview of the banking sector in the Greater Orlando region?
Seacoast Bank is excited to have one of our largest customer concentrations in deposits and loans in the Greater Orlando region. Moreover, Seacoast Bank put its flag on the ground in Florida because it is recognized as a prime state for business and an ideal environment for banking. We are the leading Florida-based bank in the Orlando MSA. The robust and diverse economies within Orlando and throughout Florida have been integral to our success.
Seacoast Bank strongly emphasizes local partnerships across Florida, with a particular focus on Orlando. Our collaboration with the Orlando Economic Partnership and other key organizations has been instrumental in navigating this dynamic economic landscape. We see consistent year-on-year growth in the Orlando marketplace. The stability of Orlando and Florida’s economies provides a solid foundation for Seacoast Bank’s operations and continued growth trajectory.
What key factors differentiate Seacoast Bank from other banking institutions in the Greater Orlando region?
The banking industry is seeing a significant shift in digital banking solutions. Customers seek convenience without compromising personalized service. Seacoast Bank has invested considerably in state-of-the-art technology to bolster our digital banking platform, ensuring that personalized banking service remains at the forefront. We distinguish ourselves by providing customers with flexible banking options, allowing them to choose their preferred banking methods, times, and channels.
We have dedicated significant resources to ensuring that our digital banking platform experience allows customers to engage conveniently anytime. In parallel, we continue to offer in-person advice from bankers who understand the local marketplace intricacies. These bankers are equipped to offer tailored solutions and trusted advice for important financial decisions, serving both individual consumers and business clients.
While the trend in banking moves towards more digital services, Seacoast Bank maintains a balanced approach. We understand the necessity of choice in banking—enabling meaningful people-to-people connections alongside our digital offerings. Recognizing today’s customers’ busy lifestyles and mobility, we ensure they can interact with us effectively, whether digitally or face-to-face.
How do you expect artificial intelligence to impact the banking sector workforce?
Seacoast is actively engaging in conversations with our board and partners around the evolution of artificial intelligence and how it will impact our industry. We recognize that artificial intelligence could significantly shift banking operations in different aspects. Nevertheless, we are proceeding with careful consideration, particularly regarding the secure handling of customer information and cyber threat protection.
We are excited about what this technology brings to the industry. However, based on customer feedback, the value of human interaction remains paramount, with a continued preference for personalized advice from local bankers. Artificial intelligence is anticipated to streamline our processes and enhance efficiency, but it is not expected to supplant the critical human element of our services. It stands to complement our workforce by enabling swifter operations and potential cost reductions.
How does Seacoast Bank maintain corporate social responsibility on the environmental, ethical, philanthropic, and economic fronts?
Seacoast is dedicated to positively impacting our community, emphasizing fiscal and social responsibility as the company progresses. We take pride in our commitment to community investment, primarily through our associates who generously volunteer at local organizations they are passionate about. We expect and want our associates to engage materially.
Our initiatives often focus on ensuring access to nutritious food, enhancing financial literacy, and increasing educational opportunities. We strive to ensure that every investment that we make is environmentally conscious. The recognition we receive as an exceptional workplace reflects our culture, empowering and motivating our associates to actively support their communities. This dedication is manifested in the countless hours our team has devoted to numerous bank-wide initiatives.
Considering the diversity of Greater Orlando, what does Seacoast Bank’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion look like?
Seacoast Bank’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion reflects Greater Orlando’s varied fabric. Our diversity and inclusion executive council and several associate resource groups underscore our dedication to these principles. Our LGBTQ+ and Unidos, our Hispanic resource group, are pivotal in shaping our inclusive corporate culture and community outreach. Additional groups for women, veterans, and Black associates further amplify diverse voices within our organization.
Our hiring practices and workplace environment are founded on respect and inclusivity. We encourage every associate to engage fully in their work and community endeavors with confidence. The bank supports those groups through executive sponsorship. We pride ourselves on maintaining a diverse workforce and actively seek input from our associates to appreciate better and serve the diverse communities that are integral to our bank.
