First Financial acquires First Bank, upstanding customer service & charitable efforts to remain

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - On April 1, it was announced that First Financial Bankshares will acquire First Bank, a true community bank that is all about forming relationships with its customers and giving back to Montgomery County. With eight branches spanning Montgomery, Harris and Walker counties, First Bank sees this acquisition as only a positive change that will be beneficial to everyone involved.

First Financial Bankshares, based in Abilene, will officially acquire First Bank on August 3, and on August 1 for the branches that are open on Saturdays. First Bank will change its name to First Financial Bank, but customers can be assured that everything else will pretty much remain the same. The only difference will be that there will be more resources and services to only improve a customer’s experience.

Since opening their doors in 1985, First Bank has made customers their number one priority. Sam Baker, the President and CEO of First Bank for the past 15 years will still run the bank after the acquisition, and is confident that this change is only for the better.

“I think that anytime there is a change in name or ownership, obviously your customers get a little nervous about that, and I need to make sure that we calm those fears,” said Sam Baker. “As far as our customers our concerned, they're not going to notice any change at all. It is going to be the same good folks offering the same customer service. If they have a problem, they can see me. I’m going to be here.”

Due to the large presence of First Financial Bankshares in Texas, the acquisition will allow the First Bank locations to offer larger loans, better products and new banking technology. In 2014, First Financial was even named the #1 Bank in the Nation by Bank Director magazine.

“First Financial is as deeply committed to customer service as we are, so that should maintain just as is in terms of the ability to make banking a pleasant and easy experience,” said Wynn Dee Baker, Marketing Manager of First Bank.

Aside from forming and fostering relationships with customers, First Bank also gives back to Montgomery County through many non-profit organizations, as well as academic and athletic activities for local youth. Sam Baker was sure to note that the acquisition will not at all affect the bank’s charitable efforts. Organizations such as Montgomery County Youth Services, Montgomery County Fair Association, Montgomery County United Way and many more will still benefit from the community bank.

“We are the same bank and the same people,” said Wynn Dee Baker. “Our name may be changing, but we are still who we have been for 30 years with just better things to offer.”

First Bank has branches in The Woodlands, Magnolia, Montgomery, Conroe, Cut and Shoot, and Willis. With already 62 banking locations in the state of Texas, the acquisition will give First Financial Bank a huge presence in Montgomery County. Although the name will change, the same friendly personnel that customers are used to seeing at First Bank are going to remain the same, and Sam Baker wouldn't have it any other way. At First Bank, the employees are family, and it will remain that way as the bank becomes First Financial.

“I am most proud that there is a great amount of officers with this company who have been with us all this time; some have been here over 20 years,” Sam Baker explained. “We have all been able to do it like family. My motto has always been that I think the biggest motivator is to have a place to work where people enjoy coming to work, and that proves that we've been successful at doing that.”

For more information about First Financial Bankshares and the acquisition of First Bank, visit the website link provided below.