On June 22, 2009, twelve R Bankers opened the doors to our very first location, which is now called Round Rock West. This is where our story began. Over the last 15 years, we have met many new friends in our communities and welcomed the best bankers around to join our team, the combination of which has provided us with the opportunity to grow as an organization. This would not be possible without people like you.
R Bank was formed by an ensemble of visionaries, a mix of seasoned bankers and enterprising businessmen. They were enriched by their affiliation with community banks and envisioned an institution rooted in personalized relationships, exceptional service, and an unwavering commitment to the local community. This group believes it is vital to support the communities and local economy in every possible way. The spirit still pulses through the heart of R Bank today.
The question might flicker in your mind – where did the name come from? Our short distinct name comprises a world of meaning. It embodies our distinct identity – crisp, concise, and easily recognizable. A symbol of unity, ‘R’ serves as a tribute to our community, our customers, our employees, our shareholders, and our bankers – our shared journey. The letter “R” was substituted for “our” and the name was born.
On our inaugural day, we were a modest team of twelve. Today, eight of them are still employed or serve on our Board of Directors. We proudly refer to them as the “Originals.” Their mission was simple yet profound – build relationships and solve financial needs, sweetened with warm, freshly baked cookies that they delivered to local businesses.
By 2012, R Bank was ready to open a second location in Georgetown to serve the needs of the growing customer base in that area. Shortly after Georgetown was fully operational, the Austin Banking Center opened followed by the acquisition of Farmers State Bank, now known as R Bank Bertram. The whirlwind didn’t stop there. By 2013’s end, our southern journey led us to Edna, TX, and the year closed with us operating four fully operational locations and a Loan Processing Office.
In 2015, R Bank had plans to expand even more and add additional great people to our team. During that year, we opened our second location in Round Rock, known as Round Rock East, along with Corporate headquarters, but this wasn’t all we had planned for that year.
Before 2015 came to a close, R Bank acquired Schwertner State Bank and brought two more Banking Centers to the team that would serve the communities of Schwertner and Jarrell. The Edna Loan Processing Office also expanded into a full-service Banking Center for the Edna community.
2019 was another milestone year. We marked our presence in Fort Worth with a Loan Processing Office, and the Cedar Park Banking Center opened its doors and counted as our 10th location across Texas. In early 2020, the Fort Worth office transformed into a fully-operational banking center. As we readied for grand openings and celebrations, an unforeseen twist occurred – the pandemic.
In these trying times, we adapted and persisted. Social gatherings turned virtual, online banking took center stage, and our beloved cookies were missed. Yet, we stood together and weathered the storm.
2022 brought a renewed spark. Our Fort Worth Banking Center joyously held its ribbon-cutting ceremony, and our doors reopened across all of our banking centers. Our hearts were filled with joy as we welcomed you back into our lobbies.
This year, we celebrate with you and share our new tagline, “For the Right Reasons.” This phrase is the foundation upon which R Bank was built always doing the right thing for our customers, communities, and employees. These values have guided us in the past and will continue under the leadership of incoming President and CEO Todd Engemoen.
As we blow out the candles for our 14th birthday, we are humbled with a deep sense of gratitude and joy. Fifteen years ago, we embarked on a journey, a commitment to you, our customers, and the wonderful communities we serve. Your support has shaped R Bank into what it is today: a trusted, community-driven financial institution dedicated to building relationships with those we serve.
Through each deposit, transaction, and interaction, you have trusted us to be a part of your lives. You’ve celebrated life’s most significant moments with us – from first accounts to home loans, college savings, and retirement planning. Your dreams have inspired us, and your resilience has humbled us.
Thank you for accompanying us on this remarkable journey and being a part of our story. We have many more chapters to write together.