First State Bank of Brownsboro celebrates 90 years of service

First State Bank Brownsboro CEO Jeff Fulgham, Sr.

Ask First State Bank of Brownsboro CEO Jeff Fulgham, Sr. what he attributes 90 years of banking business success to and he'll answer with one simple word: perseverance.

On Friday the First State Bank of Brownsboro, and its branches in Murchison and Athens celebrated serving Henderson County since 1917 with an open house at each location.

"All small banks went through the hard times and the good times," he said. "The last few years we've had were good. Then there was the 80's. But we've managed to basically persevere."

Fulgham is proud of those 90 years of friendly service in hometown banking, and throughout the ups and downs the bank has remained under the same charter and ownership.

"To be the oldest charter in the county, we've weathered a lot of storms," he said.

Fulgham also credits the bank's success to their customers.

"It's attributed a lot to the people we serve," he said. "That's why we're here."

A dedicated staff factors into the equation, as well.

Fulgham said when you surround yourself with good people, good things will happen.

"They are very dedicated and job conscious and proud of what they do," he said. "People like the personal ser- I think that's why we've done so well. We strive for that. The reason why bigger banks don't have more personal service is the cost factor. But for us it's a necessary cost factor."

On February 2, 1917, First State Bank of Brownsboro opened its doors for business in downtown Brownsboro, in the building that now serves as Classic Video. Fulgham's grandfather, Ivy Fulgham was the first cashier. In addition to the elder Fulgham, other original officials were J.T. LaRue, W.J. Stuart and E.B. LaRue.

A year later the bank moved two doors down into a larger building.

A reorganization of the bank in 1933 brought in Clint Murchison of Dallas and John Saylors of Brownsboro that were added to the board.

After 65 years of service to the community and continued growth, in 1982 the bank moved into their current location just east of the Brownsboro Post Office.

Ivy Fulgham's son, Joe Fulgham, left the construction business in 1956 to follow in his father's footsteps and eventually became bank president.

Twenty years later Joe's son Jeff, joined the staff as "chief floor sweeper" at the age of 22.

"We didn't have the technology like we do now so I started filing checks," he said. "It was the most boring thing in the world but it taught me a lot about the customers."

Following his father's untimely death in 1988, Jeff, with the help of many, took over as the bank's president.

"I feel very fortunate to be where I am and I've had a lot of help from a lot of people or I wouldn't be here," he said. "I started at the bottom and worked my way up. That's how my dad started me and I'm grateful."

Some of the modifications throughout the years have included the introduction of technology into the banking business, including banking online.

"It's very strenuous on a small community bank like ourselves," he said. "But necessary in the world we live in. I think we're up to date as any mega bank. It's an ongoing thing that will never stop. Just like meeting all the compliances. "

In keeping up with growth, in 1999, the First State Bank of Brownsboro opened a branch in Murchison. Fulgham's son Jeffrey, Jr., who started working part time at the bank when he was 16, now serves as branch manager and loan officer.

Youngest son, Josh, came on board and works at the main office in Brownsboro as a loan officer.

"Both are doing a good job for us," Fulgham said. "They're the fourth generation now."

On June 19, 2006, First State Bank of Brownsboro opened up a second branch in Athens, where Fulgham, Sr. relocated from the Brownsboro location.

"I'm overwhelmed with the response in Athens," he said. "I have a lot of friends and connections in Athens. I thought it was in the best interest of the bank to move to Athens to get things started."

In looking back over the years, Fulgham, Sr. said he has sought a lot of knowledge from his mother Swan Fulgham.

"She's been in the banking business all her life, having been married to my dad," he said. "She's a tough woman. Very religious."

Fulgham said he is looking forward to another 90 years and will continue to provide the same service as always.

"We're here to do our part for our county, community and state in providing friendly service not only for the normal business of banking, but to help small business flourish and grow," he said. "Our great country wasn't started with mega bank and business. It started with small community banks such as we have right here in Henderson County."