Florida Banking April 2024

with our clients, getting to know them better and having a full and comprehensive understanding of their individual needs and expectations,” Janice Epaillard, Vice President & Chief Fiduciary Officer, noted. However, FNBMD’s support doesn’t end there. They go the extra mile by providing tailored recommendations to help their clients reach their objectives and conduct regular progress reviews to ensure they remain on course. As an example of going this extra mile, long-time client Kim Stewart Brandt spoke of a difficult time. “When my dad passed away, my mom had absolutely no idea about what the bills were, where they had money in the bank, or where the brokerage account was, so I was in quite a panic. I did know, however, that they had a safety deposit box at the First National Bank of Mount Dora. I made some calls to a couple of the members of the Bank and told them what my situation was, and unbeknownst to me, they called around town to find out where my parents had their money. They then called me and told me who I needed to contact. Knowing that the First National Bank of Mount Dora was in my corner at such a difficult time was a huge relief. In the years since, not only has it been an easy and convenient place to bank, but they’ve also done a fabulous job with my portfolio. But what I like best about them are the relationships.” Like Kim, if anyone has an issue, problem or challenge, they know they can pick up the phone and speak with someone who will go above and beyond to help them. They also know that this person understands their situation and will advise them with only their best interests in mind. “I think one of the key competitive advantages of our investment team is that we insource the investment management function instead of outsourcing it like so many of our peers do. This allows for a personalized approach that our clients appreciate, because ultimately our job is to build toward client-specific outcomes rather than general market exposure,” said Pete Baksh, CFA, Vice President & Chief Investment Officer. Whether individuals need to start planning for retirement, roll over an existing retirement account, develop an investment or savings program, or protect wealth through trusts or estate planning, FNBMD is there. With a proactive approach, they not only address current questions but also anticipate those that have not yet been asked, continuing to foster strong relationships along the way. John D. Pease, IV, President of the Trust Department, noted how long relationships have been a priority for them. “We have always been aware of the importance of strong relationships. In fact, in 1965, the Trust Department was the first to feature an on-site investment advisor. We continue that tradition today, where our local team of investment professionals provides our

Pete R. Baksh, CFA

Janice C. Epaillard, CTFA, AEP

John D. Pease, IV

clients with the highest levels of service, attention and expertise.” He continued, “What we have learned over the years is that our steadfast commitment to our clients, to our neighbors and to our community truly sets us apart. Our success comes primarily from referrals. By providing a good product and delivering personalized customer support, our clients become huge spokespeople for the Bank. In much the same way, some of our clients are third and fourth generations of the same families we’ve served for decades. That says something.” FNBMD’s impact extends beyond these individual families. When individuals are empowered with stronger financial foundations, it creates a ripple effect of financial empowerment and community engagement that positively influences local businesses and the broader community. By supporting individuals’ financial wellbeing, from generation to generation, FNBMD is actively contributing to the establishment of a more prosperous community overall.

Trust and Investment Services are: NOT FDIC INSURED NOT Deposits of the Bank NOT Guaranteed by the Bank NOT Insured by any government agency MAY lose value

WWW.FLORIDABANKERS.COM APRIL 2024 — 17