It’s pretty clear First National Bank USA in Boutte is doing something right.
That’s not just an opinion: the numbers back it up.
The bank has been in business for 40 years, and has been ranked in the top 5 percent of the country’s banks for 32 of those years, among those classified as categorically similar. That, says First National Bank USA’s President and CEO Brandt Dufrene, comes down to a strong group of employees and some deft personal touch.
“Other banks are moving to not even having people in their lobbies,” Dufrene said. “You can still call this a bank and we’ll answer the phone and refer you to someone who can personally answer any questions they may have.
“Some banks are in a race to see who can become the largest financial institution. This is of no concern to us. We are dedicated to giving the best service. Our growing customer base testifies that First National Bank USA is the recognized financial leader in the area. We are small enough to give personal service and avoid the bureaucracy of a big bank, but big enough to give the complete financial services you need.”
Dufrene expressed gratitude to the people who make it possible each and every day.
“The people we have make all the difference. The staff has made us successful. We rely on good, quality people who know what they’re doing and have the authority to make decisions.”
First National Bank USA was established in Boutte in 1975, and has survived through times of turmoil: three other financial institutions in St. Charles Parish folded during the financial crisis in the 1980s, merged into other banks by the FDIC or government agencies.
“We survived through those times,” said Dufrene, who established the bank after years of planning.
One of the bank’s most attractive qualities to the customer, he believes, is its dedication to keeping operations here at home.
“We’re local in all of our decisions,” he explained. “All are made locally. Our main office is in Boutte. It’s not a branch. Other banks say this is their market; we say it is our home.
“All decisions are made locally, not out of state like most of our competitors. We give our customers that advantage. We offer all of the deposit products that any other bank can offer. Any kind of loan you need – commercial loans, car loans, home loans or construction loans – we can do that right here and we can do it faster.”
He says the bank is changing with the times. Shortly, it will be offering mobile banking that would allow First National Bank USA customers to take a picture of a check and email it in for a transaction.
“We are here today and will be here to serve you in the future. We’ve established our success by providing a full line of banking services from a local financial institution,” Dufrene said. “Our customers are always first. Our most important features are stability and reliability.”
As for doing business in the St. Charles Parish community, he wouldn’t change it for the world.
“I love everything about it,” he said. “This is a very good area to have a business. This is always home.”
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