As Texas Partners Bank marks a significant milestone of 17 years in business, we reflect on the bank's growth and honor the dedicated individuals who have been part of this organization since the very beginning. From a humble start in 2008 to becoming a growing Central Texas banking network throughout San Antonio, Austin, the Hill Country, and in between, our team of longevity partners has steadfastly navigated this journey alongside our leadership, stakeholders and clients. They share their experiences, challenges, and proudest moments during their tenure in celebration of their 15th anniversaries.
How has your role evolved since you first started at Texas Partners Bank?
Charles Gruber, EVP, Chief Information Officer, IT: Starting at Texas Partners Bank, my initial role encompassed a wide range of things, from physically setting up network cables to creating our first website, to designing our credit underwriting process. As the bank's sole internal IT staff for a period, I tackled both the groundwork and the complexities of technology firsthand. With time, as the bank expanded and faced an evolving landscape of technological advancements and cybersecurity threats, my responsibilities evolved. From managing hardware server stacks to embracing server virtualization and cloud technologies, my journey has mirrored the technological evolution in the banking sector. Today, we stand on the precipice of the AI revolution, a leap I am navigating as we integrate artificial intelligence into our operations. Leading a team dedicated to keeping the bank operational 24/7, my role has transitioned from hands-on IT work to strategic leadership, guiding us through each technological milestone.
Marcy Mikolajczyk, SVP, Director of Deposit Ops, Deposit Operations: The duties or tasks I handled in the beginning have been disbursed among many others, yea growth!
Dana Hoesen, Assistant Relationship Manager II, Commercial Banking (TxHCB): Well I’m still sitting at the same desk that I started at. Before the bank opened on April 1st 2009, I remember going furniture shopping for the lobby with James Wilson and Linda Upchurch (a loyal friend and retired employee), bringing in beautiful pictures and a mirror from her home that hung on our walls until the 2020 merger. When we first started at the bank, I recall someone coming through the drive-through window on a horse, I’m not kidding.
Lilliam Munoz, VP, Assistant Portfolio Manager, Private Banking: Over time, I’ve taken on more responsibilities and played a key role by allowing me to make more informed decisions to better serve our customers.
Rob Glenn, EVP, Commercial Banking Manager, Commercial Banking: My role has come full circle since I joined the bank. I started as an EVP/RM and Manager of the Isom commercial team and eventually expanded into the role of Commercial Banking Manager in 2015. In 2017, I stepped away from management to focus full time on sales and production. This year, I transitioned back into management, continuing to also be an RM, and I’m loving it.
Michelle Avery, AVP, Residential Real Estate Manager, Commercial Banking: Having held several different roles since I started 15 years ago, it’s changed a great deal. I’m glad to have experienced each role at the time I did. It brought me to where I am now.
How different is what you did when you started vs. what you do now?
Charles Gruber, EVP, Chief Information Officer, IT: Early on, my focus was on systems and software critical for fulfilling service promises to clients while managing costs (we were small), guided by my background in banking and economics. As the bank grew, my role evolved from direct involvement in software solutions to strategic oversight, ensuring technology remained aligned with our growth and operational efficiency. Shifting towards strategic IT leadership, I integrated advanced technologies to enhance operations and maintain competitiveness. As CIO (Chief Information Officer), I prioritize technology investments that drive growth, improve customer service, and uphold shareholder interests.
Marcy Mikolajczyk, SVP, Director of Deposit Ops, Deposit Operations: Nothing other than my task, I still pour all of myself into whatever I am tasked with and try to continue to see the big picture.
Dana Hoesen, Assistant Relationship Manager II, Commercial Banking (TxHCB): When my journey began, we were so small that we handled a variety of different tasks and wore many hats. Now both employees and clients have more technology solutions at their disposal.
Lilliam Munoz, VP, Assistant Portfolio Manager, Private Banking: Not much of a difference. Upon joining the team, I was eager to absorb as much information as possible to understand the company’s processes to provide the best service to our customer. I’ve grown into a more integral part of the team over time.
Rob Glenn, EVP, Commercial Banking Manager, Commercial Banking: Overall, it’s pretty much the same with one exception: today we are much more efficient and have better systems and processes in place than when I first started. And that has contributed to our continued growth of our balance sheet and our market presence.
Michelle Avery, AVP, Residential Real Estate Manager, Commercial Banking: Extremely different. I began in Loan Operations with a small role assisting Mortgage in a QC capacity. Mortgage has always been a part of my job responsibilities in one way or another during my time with the bank though.
What are some of the significant achievements or milestones you've experienced during your tenure?
Charles Gruber, EVP, Chief Information Officer, IT: Building a Best-in-Class Team: Assembled and developed a highly skilled IT team recognized as the best in the business. This achievement not only speaks to talent acquisition and development, but also to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration within the team.
Early Adoption of VDI: Successfully led the conversion to Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) against some headwinds. This strategic move proved invaluable during unforeseen challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Texas power outages, enabling seamless remote work and maintaining high service levels.
Enhancing Client Service: Other technological advancements, significantly improved our ability to service clients, demonstrating a commitment to delivering superior solutions and support.
Preparedness for Future Changes: Established a robust and adaptable IT infrastructure, positioning the bank to navigate future demands and technological shifts confidently. This foresight ensures we remain at the forefront of banking innovation, ready to leverage new technologies to enhance operations and customer service.
Marcy Mikolajczyk, SVP, Director of Deposit Ops, Deposit Operations: The evolution in the growth of the bank and the achievements of so many colleagues.
Lilliam Munoz, VP, Assistant Portfolio Manager, Private Banking: Technology advancement, both internal and external.
Rob Glenn, EVP, Commercial Banking Manager, Commercial Banking: I have grown my loan and deposit book from zero to $150 million in both categories since I joined, and have handed off several significant relationships that have also continued to grow substantially. My goal when I started at the bank was to have a loan book of $100 million and a deposit book of $100 million by the time I retired. I guess my goal was too low :)
Michelle Avery, AVP, Residential Real Estate Manager, Commercial Banking: I am happy I’ve been able to experience and learn from multiple positions at the bank and progress, from Loan Operations to Mortgage, to Compliance, to Commercial Lending. I am so grateful for the opportunity to move around and have the ability to learn and grow within the bank. I see each step as a milestone.
How has the company changed since you first joined?
Charles Gruber, EVP, Chief Information Officer, IT: The growth from a startup to a substantial institution has been mirrored in the sophistication of our software systems and the professional development of our team. This evolution from basic IT infrastructure to complex system integration and customer-centric solutions marks a significant change.
Marcy Mikolajczyk, SVP, Director of Deposit Ops, Deposit Operations: GROWN.
Dana Hoesen, Assistant Relationship Manager II, Commercial Banking (TxHCB): We offer great customer service, and now we have many more options to meet the needs of our customers and clients, such as fraud tools, mortgage options, credit cards and insurance.
Lilliam Munoz, VP, Assistant Portfolio Manager, Private Banking: When the bank started, we were a small team operating out of an office building. The focus was on developing a great bank and providing excellent customer service. The same principle still applies today.
Rob Glenn, EVP, Commercial Banking Manager, Commercial Banking: The obvious answer is that we are larger. Larger in terms of assets, deposits, net income, employees, and footprint. But I’m most pleased with the fact that we have stuck to our origins. We are the best business bank that delivers big bank services with a community bank service mindset. And we do it very well!
Michelle Avery, AVP, Residential Real Estate Manager, Commercial Banking: It has grown so much. When I started, we all fit in one large room and now I see new faces regularly and it reminds me how much we continue to grow.
Is there anything you wish you had known when you first started or what is the advice you would give yourself when you started at the bank?
Charles Gruber, EVP, Chief Information Officer, IT: If I could send a message back to my past self, caught between debugging software and mapping out our first digital workflows, I’d say, 'Invest in a second monitor sooner—you're going to need the extra screen real estate. Doubting the early adoption of cloud services and VDI? You’ll soon be ahead of the curve, steering the bank through global disruptions with ease. Appreciate these moments of trial and error; they're crafting you into a tech strategist who'll navigate through crises like a pro. And don’t skimp on the coffee maker—it’s not just for java; it's your catalyst for innovation.’
Marcy Mikolajczyk, SVP, Director of Deposit Ops, Deposit Operations: No, I had started a bank before and said I’d never do it again, but I did and it appears to have worked for both me and the bank…I am still here.
Dana Hoesen, Assistant Relationship Manager II, Commercial Banking (TxHCB): Stay positive and flexible, and be curious about everything related to banking!
Lilliam Munoz, VP, Assistant Portfolio Manager, Private Banking: No, I have truly enjoyed working with our leaders and team members. This job has taught me many skills.
Rob Glenn, EVP, Commercial Banking Manager, Commercial Banking: Be more patient. The process is more important than the result. Because if you follow the process, the results will exceed your expectations. And they have.
Michelle Avery, AVP, Residential Real Estate Manager, Commercial Banking: To not let minor issues dictate my overall perspective. Let things sort themselves out and trust the process more.
What values or principles do you think are integral to the company's success?
Charles Gruber, EVP, Chief Information Officer, IT: Collaboration, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Marcy Mikolajczyk, SVP, Director of Deposit Ops, Deposit Operations: Integrity, trust and loyalty.
Dana Hoesen, Assistant Relationship Manager II, Commercial Banking (TxHCB): Show grit and curiosity. We don’t sell, we solve.
Lilliam Munoz, VP, Assistant Portfolio Manager, Private Banking: Teamwork, accountability and adaptability.
Rob Glenn, EVP, Commercial Banking Manager, Commercial Banking: Curiosity and grit. It takes both to be successful inside the bank with coworkers and outside the bank with clients.
Michelle Avery, AVP, Residential Real Estate Manager, Commercial Banking: Service. I’ve never worked for a company more dedicated to the service of its customers.
What does the bank need to do going forward for continued success?
Charles Gruber, EVP, Chief Information Officer, IT: Our focus on software and systems has been pivotal, and as we look to the future, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into our operations will be crucial. AI offers transformative potential for personalized customer experiences, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. Encouraging a culture of innovation, where our team feels empowered to explore AI solutions, will be essential in maintaining our competitive edge and continuing our growth trajectory.
Lilliam Munoz, VP, Assistant Portfolio Manager, Private Banking: Maintain openness in communication and decision making.
Rob Glenn, EVP, Commercial Banking Manager, Commercial Banking: Continue the good things that got us the successes that we have achieved, and continue to change and grow to obtain the successes that we want to achieve.
Michelle Avery, AVP, Residential Real Estate Manager, Commercial Banking: Continue growing and changing with the world around us.
What have you been most proud of over the last 15 years as the bank has grown and evolved?
Brent Given, Texas Partners Bank President: Looking back on the last 15 years, one of the things that I'm most proud of is the collective effort of our team in working together to overcome obstacles and scale across markets. By fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration, we've been able to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, ultimately driving our growth and success as an organization.
Brandi Vitier, San Antonio Market President: Over the last 15 years, as Texas Partners Bank has grown and evolved, I've been most proud of the collaborative culture that we cultivate daily. Since our inception in 2008, our team has exemplified the power of teamwork, consistently working together to achieve our goals and exceed expectations. By embracing a collaborative mindset and sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices, we've been able to deliver exceptional service to our clients and drive sustainable growth.
Charles Gruber, EVP, Chief Information Officer, IT: Reflecting on my journey with the bank, what fills me with the most pride isn't just the milestones or the technological leaps we've made; it's the profound sense of belonging and contribution within this incredible team. Being part of a collective that consistently pushes boundaries, adapts to challenges with resilience, and innovates to provide exceptional service to our clients is immensely rewarding. The camaraderie, shared dedication, and mutual support we've cultivated are what truly make our achievements meaningful. Together, we've not only navigated the complexities of a rapidly evolving industry but have also set new standards for excellence and reliability. This journey, shared with talented colleagues who have become like family, underscores everything we've accomplished and all that we're poised to achieve in the future.
Marcy Mikolajczyk, SVP, Director of Deposit Ops, Deposit Operations: Being a part of the growth and being trusted and allowed to handle my area.
Dana Hoesen, Assistant Relationship Manager II, Commercial Banking (TxHCB): I have to say, serving the needs of our customers. I still have customers that remind me from time to time about a certain situation that I helped them with or they will tell me that I’m their “go- to” person. It’s really about identifying and meeting the needs of all our clients in our community in the Hill Country.
Lilliam Munoz, VP, Assistant Portfolio Manager, Private Banking: I’ve been proud to be part of a leading bank in our community.
Rob Glenn, EVP, Commercial Banking Manager, Commercial Banking: I’ve been proud to be witness (and contribute) to the bank’s growth and success. It’s been a wonderful experience to be part of, and to live it each day with coworkers and clients. Looking back, it’s amazing to see how successful we have been. And looking forward, it will be inspiring to see how successful we will continue to be.
Michelle Avery, AVP, Residential Real Estate Manager, Commercial Banking: I am most proud of the working relationships I’ve established at the bank. I have many trusted mentors who I feel comfortable approaching for guidance and perspective, and I don’t think I would still be here had I not had the benefit of some of the amazing people I’ve had the pleasure to work with so far.