Question: Where are you from, and what’s brought you to where you live/work now?

I grew up on the southern border of Virginia in Clarksville, spending my early working years as a laborer in the tobacco fields. When the time came to pursue my education, I attended Elon College in North Carolina. I was a first-generation college student and paid my own way through school by working construction at a nuclear power plant. Upon graduation from college, I began my banking career on January 4, 1982, in High Point, North Carolina.

In 2002, my wife, Denise, and I made the decision to move to Winchester with our three children to be centrally located to both our families. Additionally, I wanted to work in a community banking market after building a line of business from the ground up across the Southeastern United States.

I currently reside in Winchester, and when the opportunity presented itself at F&M Bank, I knew it was the right choice for my career path based on the family-oriented culture, exceptional leadership team, and the bank’s progressive momentum. F&M Bank operates in a market similar to where I grew up and some that I served earlier in my banking career. The organization is focused on serving the Shenandoah Valley and remining an independent bank for the long-term.

Question: What are your hobbies and where do you volunteer?

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, golfing, and visiting wineries throughout the Valley. I also own a home on Kerr Lake in Southside, Virginia, and like to be on the water.

I have volunteered for numerous organizations – the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, Winchester Baseball, and a previous member of Rotary. Currently, I am serving on the Virginia Community College Foundation Board as well as a member of the Finance & Investment Committee.

Question: How long have you been working in the commercial real estate and lending industry?

I began my banking career in 1982 in Dealer Financial Services, and in the early years I also worked on the retail side as a teller, banker, branch manager and area manager. In 1986, I made my first commercial loan – an SBA loan for a couple to start their family business. I’ve been hooked ever since! Helping a business start, succeed, expand, create jobs, etc. is very gratifying.