The Foundation of Success

By Dr. Kimberly Selber

This year marks a significant milestone for Lone Star National Bank (LSNB) as it celebrates more than 40 years of service. This journey has been more than just about banking; it’s a testament to LSNB’s unwavering commitment to its customers and the communities it serves. The story of LSNB is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep-rooted connection to the heart of Texas.

From its beginnings in 1983 in a small 3,000-square-foot space with just ten employees, LSNB has understood that customer service is at the core of banking. This philosophy has driven the bank’s growth and success over four decades and to a team of over 700 employees throughout San Antonio and deep South Texas. LSNB has continually evolved to meet changing needs while maintaining the essence of relationship banking, fostering trust and loyalty with individual customers and business owners alike.

Chairman Alonzo Cantu, along with longstanding board members and President S. David Deanda, Jr., instills “relationship banking,” which is at the heart of LSNB’s approach to everything. The LSNB REWARDS program is a perfect example of this commitment. Irma Chapa, Senior Vice President and Marketing Director at LSNB, explains, “This isn’t just about the usual banking benefits but exclusive services only offered by our bank. We’re offering rewards that truly align with what our customers want and need in their lives.” The LSNB REWARDS program, various customer-focused efforts, and an upcoming overhaul of its website highlight LSNB’s continuous effort to improve inperson and digital interactions with its customers. “Banking representatives enjoy heading out into our communities weekly, coloring the streets in LSNB blue, to visit established clients and garner new business with attractive campaigns.”

In its commitment to enhancing financial literacy, Lone Star National Bank has launched initiatives aimed at educating individuals in effective financial management. These efforts are part of the bank’s broader strategy to empower community members with the necessary knowledge and skills for financial success. The bank understands the value of this education in fostering the long-term financial health of its clients.

This year, the bank’s Marketing Department has innovatively redesigned its educational programs for elementary and junior high school students. These revamped presentations are part of a proactive approach to engage with students directly in their classrooms, taking them on an enlightening journey through the essentials of financial management. “We are dedicated to ‘sharing the wealth’ of financial knowledge in diverse and impactful ways,” Chapa stated.

Staying Ahead in a Dynamic Era

The last few decades have seen a seismic shift in the banking industry, primarily due to the advent of digital technology. “LSNB has been at the forefront of embracing this digital transformation,” states Chapa. “The bank’s online and mobile banking platforms are designed with user convenience and accessibility in mind, allowing customers to manage their finances seamlessly from anywhere.”

Beyond digital convenience, LSNB understands the critical importance of customer support. With its 24/7 customer service, the bank ensures that help is always a call or click away. It is important to note while recognizing the benefits of technology, LSNB doesn’t sacrifice the importance of the human touch. This approach is complemented by a growing team in Mortgage, Insurance Services, and Wealth Management. “A team of financial experts spearheaded by industry veteran Britt Woods offers personalized financial advice to clients in an increasingly impersonal digital world,” Chapa proudly states. In 2007, Woods was named one of the top 50 financial advisors in the country and, in 2013, ranked the number one program manager in the US by Bank Investment Consultant Magazine.

Digital security is a top priority for everyone. With the rise in fraud in digital transactions, LSNB is implementing sophisticated security measures to protect client data and financial transactions, including multi-factor authentication and ongoing cybersecurity updates. “Lone Star National Bank’s adaptation to the digital era goes beyond offering online services,” Chapa notes. “It encompasses a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes accessibility, security, innovation, and client education.” By staying agile and responsive to clients’ evolving needs in the digital realm, the bank continues to reinforce its commitment to delivering exceptional customer service in the modern banking landscape.

Community Growth and Development

Lone Star National Bank’s influence extends beyond banking services; it is pivotal in fueling local economies and fostering community development. The bank’s growth has enabled it to amplify its support for local businesses, job creation, and community investment.

To be a catalyst of change, you’ve also got to be of service to the community. LSNB employees are front and center in this initiative. In 2023 alone, they spent over 13,000 hours volunteering from South Padre Island and Brownsville to Roma and San Antonio. In addition to logging community service hours, LSNB has over 100 employees participating in runs, walks, and marathons all over the region. The running group just celebrated their tenth anniversary, and they do not show any signs of slowing down. “These initiatives and the

level of commitment and support that LSNB management channels toward social causes,” Chapa explains, “have helped attract and retain long-term employees and foster a culture of giving back.”

Along with community service, LSNB has continuously championed local entrepreneurs. “We are committed to the growth and sustainability of small enterprises that are critical to stimulating economic growth in the community,” Chapa emphasized. Recently, the bank received an “Outstanding” rating for its “Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) examination from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for Lending and Investments. Lone Star National Bank is the only large bank in Texas to receive this distinction.

Transforming the Future

As LSNB looks to the future, its goals are clear: to uphold its legacy of exceptional customer service, innovate in response to technological advancements, and deepen its impact on the community. The bank is poised to embrace new technologies, introduce innovative financial solutions, and continue its commitment to financial education and empowerment.

The 40th anniversary of Lone Star National Bank in 2023 is more than a milestone; it’s a celebration of a journey marked by dedication, innovation, and community spirit. The board members have grown this financial institution into the shining star it is today and are an integral part of the lives of employees, customers, our community, and the businesses it serves. As it embarks on the next chapter of its journey, LSNB remains committed to its core values, promising to continue its legacy of excellence and transformation for decades to come.