Business Name: First Service Bank
Location: 2475 Washington Ave., Conway, AR 72032
Telephone: 501-932-5050
Web site: www.1stservicebank.com
Date opened: April 23, 2012
Number of employees: 8
What type of business is it? Bank/Financial Services
What specifically does your business do? Provides a wide array of financial services and products including, but not limited to, consumer, real estate, and commercial loans.
Manager Name: Don B. Bradley IV, Conway Market President
Why did you decide to open this business/location? We wanted to find an avenue to increase loan demand. After much thought and research, we determined Conway was a perfect fit.
What is the best part about owning/operating this business? We help ordinary people fulfill their dreams… by providing the capital they need to accomplish those dreams.
What has been the biggest surprise that has happened since opening this business? We knew Conway would be excited about a new locally owned small bank, but I underestimated how much impact Conway has as a regional market. Our existing Greenbrier, Clinton, and Mountain View clients have been elated that we are moving into Conway because this is where they play and shop. The positive response from our existing customer base has been awesome.
What is the best piece of advice you received before going into this business? Don’t get to focused on one area of banking … you may need loans today; but if you do a good job, you’ll need deposits tomorrow.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to someone starting out in business? Don’t knee jerk. Develop a well thought out business plan before you get started. Once you get started going down a road, sometimes, it’s too late to turn back. Plan your trip before you go.
What makes your business unique to Conway and Faulkner County? We are locally owned and operated with a headquarters here in Faulkner County. Our lending decisions are made by a small team of Faulkner and Van Buren county residents. By being small and local, we make banking easier.