60 Years Strong: How Royal Banks of Missouri remains a trusted financial partner
Royal Banks of Missouri marks 60 years of growth, commitment to community, and personalized service.
As Royal Banks of Missouri marks its 60th anniversary in 2024, the bank reflects on a rich history of growth, community involvement, and a dedication to personalized service that has earned it a reputation as a trusted financial partner for businesses and individuals alike.
From its beginnings in St. Louis to its current network of 17 locations across Missouri and Illinois, Royal Banks has built a legacy of building lasting relationships and supporting local economies.
Courtesy of Royal Banks of Missouri
A Bold Vision
Royal Banks of Missouri’s journey began in 1964, when a group of local businessmen came together with a shared vision: to create a community bank that would prioritize exceptional service and foster strong personal relationships with clients. This vision, driven by a commitment to the community, laid the foundation for the bank’s success, even as it expanded its footprint over the decades.
Fast-forward to 2024, and Royal Banks has grown into a financial institution with 17 branches, serving not only St. Louis but also St. Charles, Illinois, and Northeast Missouri. Throughout its growth, one thing has remained consistent: Royal Banks of Missouri’s focus on putting clients first.
A Commitment to Relationships
The strength of Royal Banks lies in its ability to offer something that many larger institutions struggle to deliver: personalized, tailored service. Business owners who have worked with Royal Banks over the years recall how the bank has supported their ventures, not just with financial services but through partnerships built on trust and mutual respect.
“When I started my business, one of my clients' first questions was, ‘Who are you banking with?’” recalls Rick Coltrane of Coltrane Systems. “Immediately within Royal Banks, I'm meeting the CEO. It was really about having that personal relationship and someone who believed in the same vision and who was willing to take the risks and step forward.”
The support isn’t just financial—it’s deeply relational. Coltrane recalls how Royal Banks played an integral role in helping expand his business. “In 2016, we purchased our building downtown, which is our current headquarters," he says. "When I pitched it to Royal Banks, they full-heartedly supported it and funded us, not only in construction loans but permanent loans after.”
Courtesy of Royal Banks of Missouri
A Focus on Local Communities
Royal Banks of Missouri has always understood the importance of community involvement, a principle that has guided its operations for six decades. Whether it’s supporting local businesses, contributing to charitable initiatives, or volunteering, Royal Banks ensures that its success is shared with the neighborhoods that it serves.
“I feel like a valued customer to the bank. They're very active in the community. I think it speaks well and adds to the trust and pleasure of working with them,” says Bill Huebener of Huebener Farms in Brighton, Illinois. “We've been able to grow our farm in our generation. We feel like we're going to be here awhile. And with the help of a good bank, I think we can make this work.”
The bank’s commitment to the community extends beyond financial services. It’s about building long-term partnerships that help clients thrive, from growing small businesses to established family farms. For instance, Royal Banks has been a steadfast supporter of Leukemia 24-7, a local organization founded by the family of one of its clients, Doug Zick of Zick’s Great Outdoors in west St. Louis County. The bank’s constant support of such initiatives speaks to its values of inclusivity, empathy, and local engagement.
Courtesy of Royal Banks of Missouri
A Client-Centered Approach
Unlike larger financial institutions, Royal Banks takes pride in its ability to provide nimble, responsive service. This commitment to service has allowed Royal Banks to stand out in an increasingly corporate banking world. The bank’s ability to adapt to clients’ needs, whether through personal banking, small business loans, or complex financial solutions, has fostered trust and loyalty that spans generations.
“Our previous bank, which was much larger than Royal is today, came in and said that they had some problems with some of their loans. Their problems were now becoming our problems,” says Bob Zeitler of PH Financial Solutions. “My CPA firm recommended going to Royal Banks. I was able to move very quickly with Royal, a lot faster than any bank. It's been not only a very smooth transition but also a pleasure to be with Royal Banks.”
As Royal Banks of Missouri looks to the future, its mission remains unchanged: to be an outstanding partner for clients, helping them achieve success while continuing to contribute to the growth and well-being of the communities that it serves.
Royal Banks of Missouri’s commitment to exceptional client service and community investment has been at the core of its success. As it moves forward, Royal Banks pledges to continue prioritizing what matters most: being a reliable presence for its clients and the neighborhoods that have supported it for 60 years.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Royal Banks of Missouri. For more information, visit royalbanksofmo.com.
