LAKEWOOD PEOPLE
February 11, 2005
Independent Bank Focuses on Local Ties

Founders of Professional Bank see a return to the old-fashioned values.

By Laurie Orloff / Special Contributor, Lakewood People

The 70-year-old building that houses Lakewood's first independently owned national bank is just one example of how the bank's founders are preserving the look and feel of the neighborhood.

When the owners of Professional Bank -- Lakewood, located at 2101 Abrams, opened for business a year ago, they envisioned a kind of return to small-town America, where the bank president knows customers by name.

"What we wanted to do is bring back an organization that was focused on local people, like the old Harrell's Drug Store, which had the first bank and post office in the area," co-founder Jack Seifrick said.

"Also known as "Lakewoods Living Room," it is not just a bank, but a local watering hole where you can special order a cup of cappuccino or [enjoy] a good, congenial game of dominoes," bank president Mark Smith said.

Both Smith and Seifrick live in the Lakewood area. Seifrick, a 15-year resident, said for the past two years has been realizing his vision of a bank for the people of Lakewood.

"Most banks are owned by corporations, not by anyone locally," he said.

He said that Lakewood was ripe for a bank that can offer special services and discretion, instead of following rigid rules. "Sometimes people just can't wait for a check to clear in 10 days before it is cashed," he said.

Professional Bank also offers all the amenities of the larger banks, such as free checking, online banking, ATMs and long drive-thru banking hours. It also boasts some of the most competitive CD rates in town.

Co-founder and CEO Jim Veirs, who has extensive banking experience, explained that he and Mr. Seifrick collectively decided that Lakewood needed this bank. Then the recruiting process began.

They wooed Mr. Smith into becoming the bank's president.

"Mark is an extremely personable and experienced banker who brings a lot to the table in terms of customer relations. His customers love him because he takes good care of them," said Mr. Viers.

He also added that it was his hope that Mark's enthusiasm, personality and desire to serve the customer rubs off on the staff.

"Its not like we are a bunch of partiers over here, but we are a fun, bright and interesting group of people," said Jennifer Barrow, who is in charge of business development for the bank.

Ms. Barrow, who organizes events and fields charity requests, said the bank is an integral component of the community. It serves as a key meeting place for all kinds of transactions, personal and professional.

"Professional doesn't mean that we offer service only to professionals, it means that we treat all people professionally," Mr. Smith said. "We want to help kids just out of high school who are opening their first checking account as well as the small business owner."