At just 26 years old, Brandt Dufrene made good on an uncommon decision for a young adult he began the process of organizing a bank; several years later, in 1975, he opened up a bank in his hometown.
More than 40 years later, First National Bank USA in Boutte is thriving behind the same principles Dufrene established as a foundation to run his bank years ago: honesty, loyalty, and a dedication to providing a personal touch to both new and longtime customers.
“We’re all local people,” said Dufrene, a lifelong St. Charles Parish resident and an alumnus of Hahnville High School. “We honor our word, and all decisions are made here, locally. We’re not sending loan decisions off to out of town groups who don’t know our local people. Other banks are moving to not having people in their lobbies, but we’re here to speak with you. We answer our phones.”
It’s something customers have come to appreciate, he finds, and a reason the bank has been a staple in the community for decades.
“I think it’s comforting for sure for people to come in and see familiar faces, and to know their loan isn’t being sent off elsewhere for approval, it’ll happen here in Boutte,” he said.
He noted that First National utilizes one of the top core processors in the country that allows First National Bank USA to provide all of the services our customers need and want from a bank.
“We are large enough to offer all the products and services you need – and small enough to give you the personal service you deserve,” he said. “We offer everything the big banks offer, but tailor our services for our locals.”
As for doing business in the St. Charles Parish community, he wouldn’t change it for the world. First National Bank USA is a proud supporter of many community events.
“I love everything about it,” he said. “This is a very good area to have a business. This is not just our market, this is our home.”
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