About Us
We're a digital bank with over 100 years of experience
— and we still pick up the phone.
(877) 259-2979
51 St. Joseph Street Mobile, AL 36602
info@always.bank
Today, we operate as Always.bank — a fully digital institution that moves at the speed of modern business. No branches to drive to. No voicemail loops. Just experienced bankers, available online, who treat your business like it matters — because to us, it does.
Chartered in 1917 as Farmers Exchange Bank, we've spent more than a century earning the trust of small businesses across the United States. We've seen recessions, recoveries, and every economic cycle in between. That history isn't nostalgia — it's the foundation we build every product on.
Small Business Focused. By design.
We don't serve Fortune 500 companies. We focus on serving small businesses and relationship-driven customers. We exist for one reason: to give small business owners the financial tools, expertise, and support that used to be reserved for much larger companies.
Founded 1917 — over 100 years of banking heritage- FDIC Insured — per depositor after $250,000
100% digital — all services available 24/7 online - Small business exclusive — our only focus, every day
- Division of 22nd State Banking Company — institutional stability behind every product
Meet The Team
Everything your business needs, in one place.
Behind every loan approval, every savings account, and every client conversation is a team of dedicated professionals who have spent careers understanding small business finance. We're not an algorithm. We're your partners.
Executive Management
Steve Smith
Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer
Frank Perez
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Joy Bishop
Executive Vice President,
Chief of Staff
Chief of Staff
Wayne Hart
Executive Vice President,
Chief Information Officer
Chief Information Officer
Kathleen Metz
Executive Vice President,
Chief Credit Officer
Chief Credit Officer
Greg Spadea
Executive Vice President,
Chief Digital Officer
Chief Digital Officer
Drew Smith
Executive Vice President,
Chief Marketing Officer
Chief Marketing Officer
Government Guaranteed Lending Team
Pamela Frie
Managing Director of Government
Guaranteed Lending
Trevor Pierson
Sales Manager
Joseph Warren
Business Development
Officer
Officer
Tyler Featherston
Business Development
Officer
Officer
Specialty Finance
LaCour Miller
Managing Director of Specialty Finance
Randy Hinojos
Business Development
Officer
Officer
Core Values
Not words on a wall — the principles
behind every decision we make.
behind every decision we make.
Innovation
We don't just keep up with the future of banking — we help build it. From tailored digital tools to creative loan structures, we're always asking: what does this specific business actually need? And then we build it.
Humility
We listen first. We know your business better than any algorithm because we take the time to ask the right questions and actually hear the answers. We stay grounded, adapt to your needs, and never assume we know more than the person running the business.
Efficiency
Your time is your most valuable asset — and we treat it that way. Streamlined processes, fast decisions, and clear communication mean you spend less time waiting on us and more time building what matters.
Inclusivity
Every entrepreneur deserves access to quality financial services — regardless of background, location, or business stage. Our products are designed to open doors, not close them. If you've been overlooked before, we want to talk.
Service
Customer-first isn't a tagline for us — it's a standard we hold ourselves to every day. From your first call to loan closing and every question in between, our team is here. Real people. Real answers. Real commitment to your success.
