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Torrey Pines Bank Models San Diego’s Iconic Tree Extends its roots deep into San Diego Eons before the arrival of human beings to the place now called Del Mar, there was one dominant tree species growing there, the Torrey pine (Pinus torreyana). Endemic to the coastal sage and chaparral ecoregion, it is the rarest pine species in the United States, growing only in San Diego County and on one of the Channel Islands. A survivor of the Ice Ages, in its native habitat, Pinus torreyana learned how to adapt to dry and windy conditions, getting their water from the dense fog that often covers the coast, growing slowly in dry sandy soil with an extensive root system, twisting into beautiful sculptural shapes as they are battered by coastal winds. For centuries before the arrival of Europeans, the Torrey pine was an important source of food and craft materials for local Kumeyaay Native Americans. In the 16th century these trees served as a prominent landmark to seafaring Spaniards on an otherwise bare coast. They gave the name “Punta des Arboles,” the Point of the Trees, to the current location of Torrey Pines State Reserve. Inspired by its namesake, the Torrey Pines Bank is a prominent landmark in San Diego, focused on service to the community, helping its clients adjust to changing and challenging environments. Its ability to adapt makes the bank a viable institution for the long term, which brings comfort and confidence to its clients and the community. Founded in 2003, Torrey Pines Bank is a division of Western Alliance Bank, with 11 offices throughout San Diego, Los Angeles and the Bay Area, with headquarters in Carmel Valley. The bank’s success is attributed to its prudent banking practices, fi-
By Delle Willett
nancial capacity, strong focus on personalized attention, and commitment to providing customers with direct access to local experts who can help their clients advance their businesses and the local economy. “Our team strives to be an integral part of the communities we serve. This is true even at the highest level of our organization,” said Linda Stouffer, senior vice president, senior commercial lender, who works at the Downtown San Diego branch and has lived in San Diego for over 50 years. “The majority of our bankers have a long history of banking experience to draw upon, which really pays off for the client, as we can provide the guidance and advice our business customer covet rather than just provide a loan or account,” said Stouffer. Many on staff have had long-term relationships with their clients, spanning decades and include locally owned, privately held businesses, professional firms, local nonprofit organizations, high net-worth individuals, real estate professionals and developers, consumers wanting a personal banking relationship, and SBA 504 customers. By contrast, the average life of a business banking relationship is eight years. So what makes the clients of Torrey Pines Bank stay with their bank? “It’s our people,” said Robert McNamara, senior vice president and market manager for the bank’s Downtown and East County markets. “We offer a high level of personalized service coupled with industry experience that is second to none.” One of those niche markets is with San Diego’s legal professionals, The Torrey pine, the bank’s namesake.
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