The Community Bank Podcast

Today Joe Keating joins Tom Fitzgerald to reflect on where we left off in 2025 and discuss the economic outlook for 2026.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC  

Today we kick off 2026 by bringing back our friend Jeff Hancher to discuss the 3 types of feedback great leaders give to their teams.  The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

For our final show of 2025, we take a look back at some of our favorite episodes of the year. Thanks for listening! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

Today we sit down with Anton Schutz, President and Founder of Mendon Capital. As an investor, he has a unique perspective on trends shaping community banks. We discuss what surprised him in 2025 within the banking landscape, M&A, credit outlooks, and other topics you should be paying attention to as we near 2026.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of...

Today we talk with Carey Ransom, founder of BankTech Ventures. We discuss what success for fintechs looks like and which tech investments are improving overhead efficiency. He also tells us where banks are hesitant with AI and where banks can get started with it.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily re...

Today we sit down with Ron Shevlin of Cornerstone Advisors. He tells us all about the forces that are "squeezing" community banks out of existence. Ron also shares what to focus on so your bank can thrive and succeed in the longterm. Check out our Ebook on loan hedging here !   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not n...

Today we sit down with Frank Trotter, CEO of Battle Bank.  We talk about his background with EverBank, how he raised $100 million in capital to start Battle Bank, and how to build a bank based on "mindset" not geography.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its em...

Today we sit down with Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders, an Atlanta‐based non‐profit organization created to develop emerging leaders. Gen Z has joined the workforce, and effective leadership is looking different as a result. Tim Elmore tells us how to bridge the generational gap to better lead a generation unlike any we've seen before.   Download your free copy of the "Hedging for Community...

Today we feature another backstage conversation from the 2025 Elevate Banking Forum with David Salyers, retired Chick-fil-A executive and SouthState board member. We talk about his journey to Chick-fil-A and the principles that give the company a competitive edge. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily rep...

Today Chris Nichols sits down with Steven Ramirez from Beyond the Arc to discuss their thoughts on Money 20/20. They talk about stablecoin, fraud, AI, and several other topics that banks should be thinking on as we move into 2026.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank...

Today we feature a backstage conversation recorded on October 28th at the 2025 Elevate Banking Forum. Tom Fitzgerald from SouthState sits down with Dr. Elliot Eisenberg to discuss the current state of the U.S. Economy.  The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its emplo...

In this episode, Chris Nichols sits down with Gwen Wertz, SVP of Retail Banking at Provident Bank, to discuss how her team drives deposit growth and manages funding costs in a competitive environment. Gwen shares practical insights from her experience leading deposit strategy meetings, building a culture of collaboration, and balancing acquisition with retention. The views, information, or opinion...

Today, Chris Nichols sits down with Alex Johnson, author of popular newsletter Fintech Takes. They discuss the importance of Stablecoin as it's related to the banking industry and why community banks should pay attention to it.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and...

Today we're joined by Mac Thompson, founder and CEO of White Clay, a company helping banks use data to drive smarter, more profitable decisions. We talk about whether banking is getting easier or harder, what the data says about the current state of the industry, and how banks can sell more profitable products to more profitable customers. Mac also shares common mistakes banks make, what community...

Today Chris Nichols sit down with Subodh Mathur to talk about his work with India's UPI system and what American banks can learn. Subodh Kumar Mathur, Strategic Advisor to Amberoon, brings deep expertise in public financial management and national-scale digital ecosystems. A retired Additional Controller General of Accounts from India's Ministry of Finance, he led the creation of India's Public Fi...

In this episode, Caleb sits down with J.R. Lay—entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of Level Up Business—to explore how community banks can deepen relationships and drive growth through authentic communication. They discuss the power of personal branding, the role of video and content in building trust, and why helping first is the key to long-term success. J.R. also shares his "Five Cs"...

Today Tom Fitzgerald sits down with Brian Barker, Chief Investment Officer here at SouthState Bank. They talk about the recent rate cut by the Fed and what it means for the economy and community banks. REGISTER FOR THE ELEVATE BANKING FORUM The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthSta...

Today Erik Bagwell and Caleb Stevens talk about 3 ways your bank can take its marketing to the next level.  The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

Today we sit down with our own James Tippit, EVP and Director of Team Development here at SouthState. We discuss the term "Team of Teams" coined by General Stanley McChrystal and how it can be implemented at your bank to improve collaboration, communication, and organizational effectiveness.  The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involv...

Today we sit down with Will Bryant, Co-Founder of Quantalytix. We discuss how your bank can build a strategy to get the most of your institution's data.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. – Member FDIC

Today we bring on Will Tumulty, CEO of Rapid Finance. He talks to us about how community banks can update their technology roadmaps to enhance their small business lending.   Learn more and register for Elevate here.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employ...

Today we talk with Greg Adelson, CEO of Jack Henry. We dive into technology, AI, cybersecurity, open banking, and several other topics in depth. These are all topics community banks should consider when looking at their technology roadmaps.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthS...

Today our own Chris Nichols sits down with Jaye Eubanks from United Bank in Georgia. Jaye shares how he and his team use the "EOS" operating system to increase team productivity and performance. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees SouthState Bank, N.A...

Today we talk with Christian Ruppe, Chief Innovation Officer of Colony Bank in Georgia. Christian talks about the strategic technology and innovation initiatives Colony has invested in to continue serving their customers with excellence. VIEW AGENDA AND REGISTER FOR THE ELEVATE BANKING FORUM HERE The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants in...

Today Chris Nichols sits down with Matt Quale, who serves as President of Digital Banking at Forbright Bank. He has decades of experience in consumer experience, technology, and financial services, having held leadership roles at Texas Capital Bank, Bask Bank, Brighthouse Financial, MetLife, American Express, WebMD, McKinsey, ConAgra, Coca-Cola, and General Mills. Chris and Matt dive into the meth...