Ray David, President, PointBank

In an interview with Invest:, Ray David, president of PointBank, highlighted the institution’s enduring success, including its 20-year recognition as the Best Bank in Denton County. He credited PointBank’s growth to its commitment to community banking and personal service, supported by initiatives like a new core banking system and interactive teller machines.

What have been some of the biggest milestones and achievements for Point Bank over this past year?

Our biggest milestone is our consistency. For over 20 years, we’ve held the title of Best Bank in Denton County and Denton itself. Continuing to earn that recognition year after year is an achievement that reflects our dedication to exceptional customer service and meeting the needs of our community. Maintaining this reputation isn’t easy, but it’s a testament to our steady focus on doing what we do best and doing it well.

What contributes to the bank’s longevity and growth, especially in a competitive region like North Texas?

We offer something unique in today’s world: a true community banking experience. Many people still value personal service, the ability to connect directly with their bank, and the trust that comes from those relationships.

Our history and consistency in how we operate set us apart. We’ve been here the longest in most of the markets we serve, building trust and supporting our community. Over the years, our slogan, “Here yesterday, here today, here tomorrow,” has resonated because it reflects the stability customers seek, especially as other banks are often bought, sold, or restructured. That legacy and commitment have fueled our growth.

How would you describe the state of the banking and finance sector in North Texas?

North Texas is a dynamic yet competitive market. The region’s population is growing at an impressive 5-10% annually, but the influx of new banks has made it challenging to sustain growth. While population growth is promising, competition has increased at an even faster pace.

Despite this, North Texas remains an attractive market due to its economic strength and expanding communities. For banks like ours, it’s about offering stability, consistency, and the personal service that customers value most.

What makes North Texas an ideal location for business expansions, relocations, and growth?

North Texas offers abundant resources, especially in human capital. The region is home to top institutions like the University of North Texas, SMU, TCU, and a large community college network, providing a skilled workforce.

It’s also a hub for transportation and logistics, with DFW International Airport and major interstates like I-35 and I-45 connecting businesses to the rest of the country. This accessibility attracts industries like Tesla, which demands suppliers within a specific radius, creating demand for industrial property here.

Additionally, North Texas remains affordable compared to other metros, with family-friendly amenities, good schools, and a diverse, growing culture. All of this makes it a prime location for businesses and families alike.

What sectors are driving the most demand at Point Bank?

Our role as a community bank is to meet the needs of our region, and certain sectors have been particularly strong drivers of demand. Healthcare is a major focus — we offer tailored financing options to support doctors and the broader healthcare industry.

Transportation is another area where we’re active. With many private airports nearby, we help finance aircraft purchases. Real estate financing is also significant as businesses expand into new locations and individuals grow their portfolios.

We also prioritize personal financial needs. For example, our Patriot Series credit card, issued under Texas regulations, caps interest rates at 18% and has no annual fee, making it a practical option for local customers.

Finally, we’re passionate about supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. We’ve worked with clients like Marty B’s, a successful local restaurant brand, helping them achieve their goals. Whether it’s healthcare, transportation, real estate, or small businesses, we provide services tailored to the unique needs of our community.

How are you supporting local businesses, particularly small and mid-sized, in navigating economic challenges?

Our community breakfast series has been a standout initiative. Held regularly at most of our locations, these breakfasts offer networking opportunities and educational resources.

We invite guest speakers such as mayors, county commissioners, and even state representatives to provide updates on local economies, strategic business planning, and other relevant topics. For example, we’ve had CPAs discuss business formations and self-help experts share tools for productivity. These events connect business owners with valuable knowledge and stronger ties to their community, helping them navigate challenges like inflation and high interest rates.

How is Point Bank navigating current economic challenges, and what strategies are being implemented to maintain financial stability?

Our strategy is rooted in conservatism and a deep understanding of the local market. For 140 years, we’ve stayed focused on Denton County, avoiding rapid overexpansion. This steady approach has allowed us to weather economic turbulence effectively.

We prioritize offering thoughtful guidance to customers. Sometimes this means advising clients against investments that may overextend them, even if it means not issuing a loan. By helping businesses make sound decisions, we foster long-term relationships and sustainable growth.

How do you anticipate changes to interest rates will impact North Texas and the broader business environment?

Interest rates heavily influence both businesses and consumers. While it’s hard to predict exact changes, we expect at least one rate cut this year. Lower rates would benefit banks by reducing funding costs, improving profit margins, and enabling more reinvestment into local growth.

More importantly, reduced rates would reinvigorate residential and commercial real estate activity. High rates have slowed home sales and made it harder for businesses to justify expansions due to the cost of borrowing. Lowering rates would make capital more affordable, encouraging growth and investment.

North Texas has remained resilient despite these challenges. While growth has slowed, the region hasn’t gone backward. As rates stabilize, we expect confidence to return, fueling steady and sustainable growth.

How does Point Bank assess and retain talent while cultivating a positive workplace culture?

Creating a supportive and enjoyable work environment is central to our success. Employee referrals are one of the ways we attract and retain talent — happy employees often recommend friends or former colleagues, bringing in like-minded individuals who align with our values.

We also focus on recognition and appreciation. Award ceremonies and feedback sessions highlight employee achievements, ensuring they feel valued. We maintain streamlined processes and seamless training through tools like our FIS Horizon system to reduce frustrations.

We call ourselves the “Point Bank family,” and employees consistently say they enjoy working with their team and serving our customers. A positive workplace culture is key to retaining talent and upholding our reputation as a great place to work.

How is Point Bank enhancing digital services to improve efficiency and better serve customers?

Two years ago, we implemented a new core banking system, FIS Horizon, which allows us to integrate new technologies and streamline operations. We’re now in a phase of continuously adding features to enhance services.

One major addition is interactive teller machines (ITMs), which significantly reduce transaction times. For example, what used to take five minutes at a drive-through can now be completed in under 30 seconds. Customers can also request help from a live banker, maintaining the personal touch that defines our service.

We’ve enhanced online banking with robust security measures and are exploring AI-driven fraud detection tools to improve customer protection. While banking technology evolves more slowly due to strict security requirements, these advancements help us provide faster, safer, and more efficient services while preserving the human connection that defines community banking.

What are Point Bank’s top priorities for the next two to three years, and how do you see the future shaping up?

Our top priority is maintaining the trust and satisfaction of our customers. We’ll continue to upgrade technology, adding new features every six months to enhance the customer experience.

We’re also planning geographic expansions. As the areas we serve grow, we’re looking to add branches or ITMs in new neighborhoods to maintain accessibility. Some of these expansions are part of a three-year plan, while others are already underway.

Additionally, we remain focused on employee satisfaction, as we believe a strong, happy team is the foundation of great customer service. By blending technological advancements, thoughtful expansion, and a positive workplace culture, we aim to remain the trusted community bank our customers rely on.