“For more than 90 years, we’ve served businesses and communities throughout Florida,” says Andy Tate, Chief Experience Director. “As we grow and expand, we’ve identified a need for a name that both supports our past as well as our future growth.”
On September 25, 2023, our banks will unify under the brand Crews Bank & Trust. We’ve been excited about this unification and the opportunities it presents for us to serve people and businesses within our community.
The History of Crews Bank & Trust
Crews Banking has a long history of being community banks and family-owned businesses. On April 24, 1929, Wauchula State Bank opened its doors for business with only three employees. Three years later, on May 25, 1932, J.W. Crews Sr. acquired controlling interest in Wauchula State Bank.
Crews Banking continued growing by establishing First State Bank of Arcadia in DeSoto County in 1973. In 2019, they became Crews Bank & Trust and remain a pillar of the community to this day.
J.W. Crews Jr., known as Bill, became Wauchula State Bank President in 1975, marking the second generation of the Crews family-owned business. The third-generation, Jim Crews III, joined the management team in 1984. Charlotte State Bank and Englewood Bank also opened in the 1980s—Charlotte State Bank as part of the Crews Banking Family and Englewood Bank from local investors. Crews Banking bought controlling interest in Englewood in 2004, making it a four-bank holding company. In 2010, fourth-generation Jake Crews IV joined Crews Banking as CEO, a position he continues to hold today.
Currently, there are four different banks in the Crews Banking Family: Charlotte State Bank & Trust, Crews Bank & Trust, Englewood Bank & Trust, and Wauchula State Bank.
After unifying, all of these branches will be under the name Crews Bank & Trust.
Why Unify?
The core benefit of unifying our banks is our opportunity to continue growing as a family-owned company. We’ll be able to provide for our community throughout Central and Southwest Florida with the same level of trust and service. Customers will have the convenience of accessing Crews Bank & Trust services at 19 full-service branches.
“We’re just changing our name,” Andy explains. “We’ll still have the same management, same leadership, same ownership and same bankers.”
What It Means for You, Our Customer
You’ll be able to bank at any of our 19 locations throughout Central and Southwest Florida. It also means that you will have access to all of our Crews Bank & Trust services, such as residential and commercial real estate loans and a full-service Trust and Wealth Management division.
We understand that times of change can raise questions. We are happy to answer any that you may have. For more information, visit your local branch, or check out our Unify webpage.
We commit to being open and transparent with you throughout the unification process. We’ll communicate any changes with you in advance, and you can continue to expect the same level of service you’ve always received from us as your hometown bank.
Find out more about our brand unification at crews.bank/unify, or stop by your local branch with any questions.
