If Chick-Fil-A were a banker, his name would be Adam Kibodeaux (Kib-uh-doh). Pleasant, efficient, eager to serve and just downright good (at what he does and who he is). In an age where customer service is a lost art, we must celebrate those who excel at it. Thus I present to you, Adam Kibodeaux of Regions Bank on Hardin Valley Rd, Customer Service Extraordinaire.
I first met Adam seven years ago at the now closed Suntrust branch in Krogers on Middlebrook Pike. When he asked “How are you today?”, it wasn’t a greeting; it was a question that he genuinely wanted to know the answer to. Each time I came by, Adam got to know a little bit more about me, my family and my goals.
Partner Over Profit
Then came the but that sets Adam apart…he didn’t ask me to open new accounts, credit cards or apply for loans. Adam didn’t ask because he knew my goal was to get out of debt. Adam knew me and did what was in my best interest. I can’t even go to the dentist without feeling like I am getting upsold and yet at the bank of all places, I felt like I could drop my guard and work with someone that I trusted to not take advantage of me.
A Compass
Adam likes to point you in the right direction. He knows his products well so when you describe what you want, Adam can get you up and running in no time. If he thinks that there is a better program for you, Adam will thoughtfully and patiently explain the advantages of the alternative. He might even talk you out of doing something that isn’t in your best interest.
Team Lead
Adam holds the roll of Team Lead, Regions Bank speak for assistant manager at the Hardin Valley location. He is responsible for day-to-day client banking needs, supporting fellow bankers and staff development and guidance.
When pressed about a normal day, Adam shared, “In banking, it could be anything from helping a 16-year-old start their first bank account to having identity theft and needing support to prevent fraud to purchasing a first home to building credit to establishing a budget. Somedays it’s as simple as a hundred dollars cash deposit to complicated trust accounts.”
Passion and Drive
I would say my favorite thing would be helping somebody accomplish their dream that they’ve had, whether that’s opening your first business account for that business you finally took the leap of faith on. Helping finance rental property in the mountains that you’ve always dreamed about. Even getting that dream project done at home whether that is a pool or deck. There is just something about helping your client implement and achieve their goals is such a great feeling.
Words of Wisdom
I would definitely say sticking with the budget and living within your means and don’t get caught up in the rat race or what’s it called? Keeping up with the Joneses. And you know, just ’cause you can afford the payment doesn’t mean that it is a smart financial decision. I would definitely think talking about keeping up with the budget. I think a budget is the biggest thing that a lot of people just don’t do. Don’t write it down, don’t see it, don’t know it, and then they just, it’s, it’s not there if they don’t see it on paper. Regions has a easy to use budget tool that will do all the hard work for you.
Avoid the Oops
Adam says, “I see a lot of people that are raised on not having credit and what issues that can causes in the long run, especially younger people, when mom and dad told them not to get a credit card. Now there are some people who don’t need a credit card! Nowadays, your utility company checks your credit, your cell phone company checks your credit and you have to pay higher deductibles if you don’t have good credit. Good credit can get you a better rate on a home loan or a car loan.
I’m a huge advocate of secure credit cards, which are credit cards that you put the money up front and and then it sets a low limit. I tell clients (especially younger ones) to put a Netflix subscription on it and set up auto pay and then it pays itself off. That way it’s not a spending issue.
Lastly, I think that the other part of it is understanding your personality. If you are not good at having the opportunity to indulge on a credit card, then you should not get a credit card.”
Reasons for Regions
Adam Kibodeaux: I would say the biggest thing for me is that everybody wants the community bank feel, but they don’t want the lack of technology that a community bank offers. Regions is that perfect middle ground where we have great technology that makes life easy and we are involved in the community as much as possible. I see the many ways Regions encourages the banker to be involved in the community. I even see it in the way that they take care of us, the bankers. They cultivate our careers and always looking for better ways to serve our clients.
When away from work
When the fancy clothes come off, Adam is the husband to a graphic artist named Ashley and the father to two dogs: Bear, a yorkie and Chloe, a miniature schnauzer. He loves movies and college football season so he can cheer on his hometown Kansa State Wildcats and the mighty Tennessee Volunteers. A college athlete himself, Adam’s personal record for high jump is 6’2”. He has since left the track shoes in the closet and picked up woodworking and home improvement. If you are lucky, he may even say yes to handymanning a project or two on his evenings and weekends for you.
So catch him while you can because this young man is too talented to not have his own branch someday. Look for the same warm smile he shared with me the first time we met. Whether you need your first account or your next account, I am confident that you will be refreshed by the Kibodeaux Experience!
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