Amarillo National Bank is no stranger to Texas banking lore. With 130 years in community banking, ANB has a long and rich history. To date, five generations of Ware’s have led the bank through everything from bank robberies to turbulent financial conditions.
TBA was fortunate enough to gain some insight into the family’s passion for community banking that continues to be reflected in the bank today.
Too important to let go
William Ware, ANB’s president and the fifth generation of Wares to lead the bank, understands how unique their family’s longstanding relationship is with the bank. After all these years, William shares several reasons the family has stayed in the industry and an active part of the community.
“First, it’s our legacy and our obligation to pass it on — we don’t want to be the generation that ends this tradition. Second, it’s way too much fun,” said William.
This culture of celebration is prevalent in how the whole family talks about their bank and community banking.
The bank and family come from a long line of firsts, including providing the first drive-up bank window and first ATM in Texas, having the highest deposit market share and being one of the top indirect auto lenders in the state. As a testament to their role in Texas banking, the Ware family was named Bankers of the Century by Texas Monthly in 2000. They are passionate about living up to these milestones to continue to set ANB apart from other banks.
Celebrate often
Much of the bank’s enjoyment comes from understanding the value of community banking and serving their communities.
This year, ANB celebrates its 130th year in community banking. This an incredible milestone for banks, and it’s rare for it to be paired with a family that has seen it grow through five generations — nearly the entire lifetime of the bank.
The Ware family has worked hard to provide a competitive advantage for the bank. They anchor their stability in quality customer care. The bank’s rich history gives them a unique expansive perspective on the industry and economy, which they hope will guide their momentum moving forward.
One of the most notable stories about the bank and Ware family is the bank robbery and shootout with the infamous bank robber Sam Bass. Dick Ware, great-great uncle to William Ware, was a Texas Ranger on the hunt for the robber during the late 1880s.
While the events of the story actually occurred in Round Rock, this old-west-style story is certainly engrained in the family and bank’s living history. The bank still has some of the historical items from the shoot-out, including the guns used by Bass and Ware, as well as the belts and holsters, which are showcased in the lobby.
Humbled by the growth and success of the bank, the family and bank celebrate the big milestones. As the bank continues to grow and expand into other markets, this community-focused culture will continue to drive the culture at ANB. The Ware family is as dedicated as ever to ensuring the bank’s bright future.
Having a long memory
William’s grandfather is featured on a poster in his office from the 125th anniversary of the bank, with the words, “Sure glad we never sold out.” Representative of the bank’s continued commitment to its clients and communities, it also conveys how they view the future of the bank.
While he certainly did not expect to be the fifth generation of Wares working for the bank, William jokingly said that “no one else would hire us” when they first entered the work force, and now “we don’t want to work for anyone else.”
To learn more about how Amarillo National Bank is celebrating this incredible milestone, you can follow them on social media and visit their website at www.anb.com.