Tammy Theriot and Bryant DeLoach of Home Bank, Member FDIC, join Discover Lafayette to discuss how banks can assist business owners achieve their financial goals, along with treasury management solutions.

Bryant Deloach serves Home Bank as a Senior Commercial Relationship Manager. He has lived in Lafayette his entire life, graduating from Lafayette High and USL, and raising his family here. Starting out 23 years ago in financial services Bryant has spent 12 years in commercial lending. Tammy Theriot started out with Home Bank in 1985 as the 28th employee of the bank when she was 21 (now there are over 400 employees) and has dedicated her entire professional career to the bank, starting out as a teller at the Oil Center branch, then moving into opening new accounts and handling IRA administrative services, and the Deposit side over the past twenty years, currently serving as Treasury Management Officer. “I’ve grown into that position.” She joked that she’s been married to her husband for the same length of time: 39 years!

Both bankers stressed the importance of building a relationship with their clients. Bryant shared that “as a commercial relationship manager, our #1 priority is to provide service to our client. We have to understand their borrowing needs, if any. You meet a lot of great people and help businesses grow. You’re involved in decision making, helping a client take their business to the next level. It’s important for the client to be matched with a banker that understands their specific needs. At the end of the day, you want your client to feel comfortable with you.”

“It’s important to know your customers and their needs. We can make the collection and payment of funds easier and more efficient,” says Tammy Theriot. Her role in Treasury Management starts on the front end of the banking relationship, putting systems in place to optimize financial management and planning. Managing payables through Direct Deposit and ACH payments, handling receivables via Remote Deposit Capture, optimizing liquidity via account management services for optimal cash positions and maximal returns, and safeguarding against fraud and risk by employing tools such as Positive Pay and account monitoring, are all services offered by Home Bank.

With check fraud running rampant, Positive Pay is an important risk-management tool to consider for your business. How does it work? The client submits a daily file to the bank that includes details about each check issued, such as the check number, date, payee, and amount. When a check is presented for payment, the bank compares the details of the presented check against the check file provided by the client. If the check details match what is in the file, the bank processes the check for payment. If it doesn’t, the bank will flag the check and notify the company to determine if the check will be approved or rejected.

Originally chartered as a savings and loan association known as Home Building and Loan in 1908, Home Bank is the oldest financial institution chartered in Lafayette Parish. Home Bank has experienced incredible growth over the years, currently having assets of $3.34 billion dollars, and locations across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.  

Bryant DeLoach assists business owners get working capital needed to fuel their business. Small businesses and startups can apply for a Home Bank loan guaranteed by the U. S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 7(a) loan program. The 7(a) loan can be used for various purposes, including Working capital, equipment, real estate, refinancing existing debt, expansion or renovation, starting a new business, or inventory purchases. He also advices his clients to ask for advice from their banker to avoid exposure to unnecessary loss. “Customers don’t always realize the importance of getting advice from the bank. An example given was one client who had provided debit cards to all employees; the safer route was to issue credit cards so that the client’s bank account would be better protected.

Tammy advises clients to always look at their bank account and monitor activity. “The sooner the bank can address issues, the better. Use your online banking to keep up to speed. You can also sign up to get alerts from the bank if suspicious activity is detected. Dual controls are also an effective way to prevent fraud. Set limits on the amount of money that can be expended at any one time to reduce exposure.

Tammy Theriot and her husband have a commercial cattle farm which keeps her busy in her spare time. Married for 39 years, Tammy has been with Home Bank her entire professional life and loves her career. Pictured is Tammy celebrating her 30th anniversary with Home Bank in 2015.

If you are interested in moving to a new bank, there are several steps involved. First, the bank will request a government issued I.D. to verify personal identification for anyone using the account; the Articles of Organization/Incorporation/Partnership, etc. that the business operates under; the business’ Employer Identification Number; any Operating Agreement or Bylaws; and an initial deposit. Tammy assists her clients in getting all paper work gathered, ordering checks, setting up online banking, direct deposit and remote deposit services, and discusses risk-management recommendations. “In every conversation, we talk about fraud and how to prevent it.” It will be necessary to keep the old account open for a few weeks, while checks and scheduled payments from the prior account clear. Home Bank works closely with its clients to ensure a smooth transition.

We thank the team at Home Bank for its commitment to excellence in customer service, as well as its involvement in our community. Discover Lafayette is also grateful for Home Bank’s loyal support of our podcast, allowing us to shine the light on our region’s people and rich culture.

For more information, visit https://www.home24bank.com/ or call 337-237-1960. Home Bank’s headquarters are located at 503 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette LA 70508.