Kay Bryant has been Head Teller at Highlands Community Bank’s Clifton Forge branch since the day they opened their doors fifteen years ago. She’s watched it grow from a small building with just a few customers to a bustling branch bringing individuals and businesses together to keep their money in the community.
“The three of us, Kathy Bryant, Kathy Dobson, and myself built it from the ground up,” says Kay. “Before it opened we were in here scrubbing and putting everything together. When we look at it today, there’s a lot of pride in what we’ve built.”
Each day, Kay oversees the teller line, checks financial reports, assists the customer service department, and manages account and transaction issues. Every day is a little different, but that’s why Kay loves it.
“You’re never doing the same thing every day,” says Kay. “Some days are crazy, some days are slow. Getting to see the people and the ability to get to know them personally and asking them about the family is my favorite part.”
The relationships that we are able to build as a small community bank keeps our employees and our customers coming back. Kay likes the fact that decisions are made locally where the customer is treated like a person, not a number. After working for a larger state bank for years, it was a nice change of pace.
“Sometimes you never saw the people that made the rules,” recalls Kay. “We feel like we all know each other and know the customer.”
The true community bank feel is demonstrated any time she steps out of the branch. If she attends a local ball game or one of the many community festivals, many people make sure to stop and say hello. In fact, she’s often asked how the bank is still standing without her there.
“If you want to be called by name, bank with people you know and trust, come to Highlands Community Bank,” she says. Kay encourages anyone who is considering switching banks to come in and talk with one of our tellers or bankers. Kay and her team genuinely care about each and every customer who walks through their branch doors. Stop by and see her any time!