Recently I had to take my mom out of town for a doctor visit. We were in the car for hours, and it was good to catch up on the past, the present, and the future (my mom, who is 84, is always thinking of the future). On our way home, we stopped at Cracker… Read more »

We all take pride and satisfaction in taking care of customers. Helping them buy a house? Big adrenaline rush! Moving that large commercial checking account and loan? Let’s party! But what about the little things? How about resetting an online banking account or fixing a debit card issue at a person’s local office? Or unlocking… Read more »

Vacations give you a different perspective. They take you out of the normal – physically and otherwise. I have a few stories that I will share during the coming weeks, but I want to start with one that inspired me as I did my morning walks. One morning, I saw a man being rolled out… Read more »

If you are of a certain age or into sports, the title above strikes a bell with you: Muhammad Ali – who called himself and was called by others, “the Greatest Fighter of All Time”. Ali did and does arouse many emotions from folks – from the brash Cassius Clay winning his first championship to… Read more »

What is your favorite Biscuit from Hardees? The other morning, Jenna was mentioning to me a lady who works at the Wise Hardee’s. She shared that every time goes by, the lady is cheerful, helpful, and happy. I have noticed her too. Think about this lady’s morning. Up at 3:00 AM (likely). Off to work… Read more »

I recently attended an event in Bristol of a regional group that has been working on a name that could be used to market the entire region (East TN, SWVA). The name “Tri-Cities” is basically limited to Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City, and there are many “Tri-Cities” around the country (for example, Tri-Cities in Virginia… Read more »

Over my life I have had different experiences where I was so afraid of failing that I hesitated to do something. When I was younger, it was getting out on the dance floor, asking a girl I liked to go out on a date, or standing in front of folks and talking (yes, that is true… Read more »

With the news of Hurricane Dorian, I was reminded of the terrible storm Katrina. A number of years ago, I heard a President of a Bank from New Orleans talk about how his bank “survived” Katrina – at least the passing of the storm – but he knew he was in trouble when he was… Read more »

I think we should get rid of air conditioning. Are you with me? Now, I suspect I know the answer to that question (after a hot and humid summer). The question you are thinking (perhaps) is, why would Leton want to get rid of air conditioning? It is all for Castlewood State Park in Missouri (or… Read more »

After a strenuous early afternoon of hanging curtains at the Jonesville Office, I took Tammie (my bride) out for lunch for the work she had done in the office. We were in line at a local restaurant, and there was an older lady ahead of us.  As she reached the end of the line to… Read more »