OLD POINT NATIONAL BANK - GREENBRIER

Staff proves the motto “Real. Friendly.”

by Joanna Enderlin

Sandy Cartwright, Vice President Personal Banking Southside

Anyone who thinks that banking professionals are a staid lot should lend an  ear to the management and staff members at Old Point National Bank’s Greenbrier branch as they talk about their work.

There’s a palpable sense of camaraderie, pride in what they do, and bragging rights for their bank and good-natured laughter among them.

Branch Manager Shawneeque Richardson had 16 years of banking on her resume when she came to Old Point six years ago.

“I was actually hired by Linda at another bank and we worked together there,” she recalls, referring to Senior Vice President and Regional Executive Officer  Linda Doland with a conspiratorial smile. “I loved Old Point so much, I wanted Linda to come to work here. And she did!”

Front left: Barbara Adkins, Shawneeque Richardson, LaVern Carter, Tiffany Byrum. Back left: Sandy Cartwright, Linda Doland, Raven Henning, Christie Sherrill.

Linda had more than 30 years in banking when she came on board two years ago as the Senior Vice President and Regional Executive Officer.

“My clients — doctors and plumbers and
electricians and other professionals — know
I help them get their businesses up and
running and also handle their home loans.”

— Personal banker Sandy Cartwright

“Shawneeque knew I’d be a perfect fit. She loved how customers are treated like family and that we get to build relationships while providing quality products and services. She’s not planning to leave any time soon and neither am I,” Linda says. “People are worried right now about the institution of banking, but Old Point isn’t going anywhere either.”

If history serves to predict the future, Linda will certainly be proven right. Old Point opened for business in the Hampton community of Phoebus in 1923 as the sweet idea of a local doctor, a local seafood vendor and a local merchant. “Sweet” not only because the original location was a counter in Cooper’s Confectionary Store, but also because of the reputation they earned right away as a bank that cares about customers.

When banks closed in 1933 to stave off a run, Old Point continued to cash Veteran’s Administration checks and earned a legacy of loyalty that has seen the bank steadily grow for more than  85 years to 21 locations. With state-of-the-art Internet access and competitive rates and products, Old Point prides itself on being a local bank with world-class service.

To reach a local branch is a local call and the loan officer who answers the phone evaluates and processes the loan. Old Point has ATMs located in all area Walgreens Drug Stores—that’s 60 locations and growing—as well as at each branch.

“I love that we have never been bought or have never bought other banks. That we didn’t ask for any of the bailout money. Old Point continues to prosper in all kinds of economic conditions because of sound business practices in the communities we serve,” Linda says.

It was this commitment to excellence and hometown relationships that attracted Sandy Cartwright, Vice President Personal Banking Southside, to Old Point. “My mom retired as an administrative assistant from Fort Monroe so I grew up with the lighthouse that represents Old Point’s commitment to customers.”

Sandy is one of Old Point’s personal bankers. In an age where the concept is nearly lost, Sandy puts her 20 years of experience to use in an environment that supports her own values.

“I came into banking originally as an executive assistant on the lending side, so I learned business banking from the inside out. What I know is amazingly valuable for consumer loans as well. My clients —  doctors and plumbers and electricians and other professionals — know I help them get their businesses up and running and also handle their home loans. It’s a team approach. You wouldn’t believe how much easier life is when your business banker and your personal banker is the same person,” she says. “We truly are there for our customers and we listen. We advise. We shop at their shops and are a part of their team. We not only help them with their goals, we are personally pulling for their success.”

Sandy speaks for them all when she says, “Our customers have our cell phone numbers. I have one customer who has me on speed dial!”

Good-natured laughter rings out once again.

“I actually make house calls. One of my favorite things is to tour a new business. I see the pride and the care that goes into a dream and I get to be a part of that. I visited a new mechanic’s shop a while ago and the floor was so clean, you could eat off it,” she says. “That’s pride. And conscientiousness. That’s a work ethic I’m looking for as a customer. That shop is now the shop I use.”

But only for her cars. Sandy is a self-described hard-core biker—as in motorcycles. And she even does her own repairs. Her bike has more than 300,000 miles on it and she says she has ridden the East Coast from top to bottom but still finds Ocracoke to be her favorite getaway ride.

“Every picture of me standing on the beach, I don’t care how hot it is, I’m in jeans and boots,” she laughs. “I’m a huge advocate for motorcycle safety and practice what I preach.”

Her co-workers gently rib her to talk about her Harley to explain a “shake down ride.” Seems that’s what she calls the first ride after a repair project. ‘Well, anything that shakes down…still needs to be fixed.” she explains.

Prodded to tell about the new “shoes” she asked her husband to buy for her birthday this year, Sandy laughs and says, “He was surprised—I’m not much of a shoe girl—until he realized what I wanted. I got new tires for my jeep. Big 33-inch tires! I was thrilled.”

The shared laughter is genuine. The shared affection is too.

Old Point National Bank’s tagline is “Real. Friendly.” The management team and staff at the Greenbrier branch practice what they preach.