Florida Banking June/July 2025

Our mission is simple and powerful: To empower local companies to maximize their potential. That line rolls off the tongue, and every team member knows it by heart. If you’re doing something that helps a local company grow and thrive, then you’re doing your job. It’s not just a mission statement for us – it’s a North Star. Backing that up are our core values: trust, ownership, authenticity and inspiring. We revisit our mission and values every single month, because it keeps us grounded. It's how we stay connected to why we do what we do – and it keeps the whole team aligned and energized for what’s ahead. Q: What current banking issues keep you up at night? A: Fraud – without a doubt. It’s the number one issue facing the entire banking industry, and it’s getting more complex by the day. Every organization – whether it’s the FBA, ICBA, ABA – we’re all asking the same question: How do we stay ahead of this? At our bank, we’ve taken a proactive approach, especially when it comes to educating clients. Fraud often isn’t something the bank causes – it’s clients, particularly the elderly or small business owners, who fall victim to increasingly sophisticated scams. These are people without full-time IT staff or cybersecurity expertise, and the damage can be devastating. So we’re working hard to support and educate them, because prevention really is the best tool we have right now. I encourage every bank to lean into this. It’s not just about protecting dollars – it’s about protecting trust. Q: Any fun facts about your bank or unique stories from the early days? A: Well, here’s one – when we first opened, our bank location was actually in a WeWork-style temporary office space. It was tiny – maybe a quarter the size of

our current office – and we weren’t even planning to handle cash at first. But regulators insisted we have a safe anyway, so we had this tiny, official-looking safe in this tiny, unofficial-looking space. I’ll never forget when Terry Hughes, now FBA Director of Special Projects, came to give us our charter. We were a little nervous – like, are they going to think this is crazy? But the regulators were incredibly encouraging. They supported our tech-forward vision, and honestly, it was a great reminder that innovation doesn’t always have to come from big, flashy headquarters. It can come from a scrappy little office with a lot of heart. Q: Your bank has a strong social media presence – especially on LinkedIn. Tell us how that started and any advice you'd give to others. A: Social media – specifically LinkedIn – has been a game-changer for me. I got on early, back when people were still trying to figure out what LinkedIn even was, and I saw the value immediately. It was a way to network, share ideas and build a business presence – and over time, I just kept showing up. My biggest piece of advice? Just do it. (Thanks, Nike.) A lot of people are afraid to put themselves out there, but honestly – who cares? I’ve done videos in gym clothes. I’ve posted off-the-cuff thoughts. And I’ve made peace with the fact that not everyone’s going to like it. I care deeply about my reputation and how I treat people – but I don’t get hung up on whether someone thinks a post is “too casual” or “not CEO enough.”That mindset is what holds a lot of people back, especially in banking. We’re so afraid to be real. But when you do show up authentically, people connect with that. LinkedIn is the best free advertising you’ll ever get. It doesn’t take a lot of time, and if something flops? You spent five minutes. Just keep showing up, keep it fun and don’t overthink it.

BEYOND THE BANK: A LEADER'S LIFE OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

When he’s not running a bank, building a brand on LinkedIn or mentoring the next generation of leaders, you’ll likely find Keith at a CrossFit gym or enjoying time with his big, blended family. Together with his wife, Denice, he has seven children, all grown and carving out their own paths in the world. “They’re all over the age of 22 now,” he said proudly. “They’re off building their careers, and we couldn’t be more excited for them.” All four of his own children are Florida State University alumni – a point of pride for any Seminole parent – and his son even landed a job at South State after attending the FBA’s annual Capitol Day + Capitol Night advocacy event. And speaking of pride: “I couldn’t be happier,” he says. “I have the perfect partner. Denice has been incredibly supportive through everything – from launching this bank to the ups and downs that come with it. She’s really been by my side every step of the way.” His personal approach to health is just as intentional as his leadership. A

longtime CrossFit enthusiast, he’s been at it for over a decade. “It’s tough,” he admits. “But if I can get through one of those workouts in the morning, there’s nothing in my workday that’s going to be harder. It sharpens you – not just physically, but mentally.” He also carves out time for meditation most mornings. “Even just a few quiet minutes to center yourself – it makes a big difference,” he said. “It’s how I stay grounded, especially in a job that demands a lot.”

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