A legend is created when an ordinary person pursues an extraordinary life dedicated to service and a love for people. Rick Archer, Legends Bank’s Nashville Market President since August 2010, is a true legend.
Rick Archer started his career in the early 1980s. With his recent retirement announcement, Rick is going to tell his story in his own words. Here are some of his fondest memories along with lessons he learned along the way.
Rick’s career
“I began my banking career in 1982 at First Security National Bank in Beaumont, Texas. It was at the time the oldest and largest bank between Houston and New Orleans. Texas was still a unit bank state, meaning they did not allow for branching. However, the biggest part of my banking career outside of Legends began in 1986. I went to work for SouthTrust Bank in Birmingham, Alabama, and I worked there for over 20 years.
Legends Bank purchased the Brentwood branch of Red Mountain Bank on August 20, 2010. This acquisition proved to be a fruitful move by the Board of Directors and the executive management team of the bank. It was also a great move for the existing employees of then Red Mountain Bank. We were able to inherit the culture and heritage of Legends Bank. We also successfully grew their market share in Davidson and Williamson counties.”
Rick’s legendary legacy
Rick is a true leader in the banking industry. There is no doubt Rick has left a legacy few bankers get to pass on to the next generations following in their footsteps. When asked about the legacy he hoped to leave behind, Rick said:
“I hope my teammates and customers saw me as honest, fair, and consistent, as well as approachable as a mentor and coach. I think that at some point in everyone’s life, they wonder if they make a difference.
It reminds me of the story about Loren B. Eiseley, a famous author. He lived in California and had a bungalow that overlooked the Pacific Ocean. Each day at noon he would walk down the beach to his favorite restaurant and have lunch.
One day on his way back to his home he came across a place on the beach where thousands of starfish had been washed up on the beach. A young boy was throwing starfish back into the sea. He asked the young boy how he could possibly make a difference, as so many were destined to perish. The young boy picked up a star fish and threw it back into the ocean. The boy said, ‘it will make a difference to that one.’
Loren Eiseley went back to his home only to find that he could not type a single word. He went back down to the beach where the boy was. He then spent the rest of the day throwing star fish back into the sea.
I guess, in some way I would hope that I was that boy at some point in time for those I had the pleasure of working with in my career.”
Rick’s impact
Rick’s history in the banking industry created financial security, connections and friendships. He also provided opportunities to be a leader in the community. He used his talents and expertise to lend support both in and out of the bank.
“My banking career allowed me to provide for my family. Some of my best friends are people I have worked with and customers I have served through the years. I have also met some of the most interesting and brilliant people in the world through banking who have had a huge impact on my life.
I have a special place in my heart for community banks because they are more flexible in working with customers than larger banks. As a community bank we are truly focused on the communities that we are servicing. We measure our success by measuring the success of the individuals and businesses within the community. We focus on meeting the needs of those communities to help them grow and prosper.”
For bankers with many years ahead of them, there is much to be learned from someone like Rick. He has seen the industry shift and evolve over his multi-decade career. With so much change, Rick believes there are timeless lessons and aspects of banking that are evergreen. He shared the following thoughts:
“Ask a lot of questions of yourself and of your customers. On an individual basis, it is a great way for self-improvement. From a professional perspective, it is a fantastic way to learn about your customers and identify prospective customers’ needs. It’s a great way to learn how to fulfill those needs.
Embrace change. There are two kinds of businesses, those that change and survive and those that don’t.”
Parting words from Rick Archer
When asked for final thoughts, Rick simply wanted to express his gratitude.
“Thank you for trusting and allowing me to be your financial partner for so many years.
Thank you for allowing me to be a teammate and a trusted advisor. I say this because in banking, I firmly believe that if you aren’t serving a customer, then you are serving someone who is serving a customer.
I am truly grateful to the Legends Bank family for giving me some of the best years of my career.”
The Legends family is grateful for Rick’s wisdom and leadership. He remains on the bank’s board of directors to provide perspective and guidance as Legends continues to prosper. Thank you, Rick, for your continued service and support—and for exemplifying what it means to be a LEGEND.
Legends Bank is a community bank established in 1998 in Clarksville, Montgomery County. The bank has nine branch locations across four counties in middle Tennessee, including Davidson, Williamson, and Cheatham Counties.