Wauchula State Bank opens for business with J.W. Crews, Sr. being part owner and employee.
J.W. Crews, Sr. purchases controlling interest in Wauchula State Bank and is named President.
Our landmark clock was installed on the northwest corner of the bank building and is still operational today. It stands as a symbol of our tradition and history.
Wauchula State Bank rented oxen and a buggy for a week in the early 1960s. On the side of the wagon, the slogan reads, "Wauchula State Bank: Pioneers in Banking established in 1929." A real cowboy from Wyoming gave the residents of Wauchula rides around town. In the picture (from left) are banker J.W. "Bill" Crews, Jr., the cowboy and his son and Will Emmitt Patton.
One of only three people to have served as president of both the Florida Bankers Association (FBA) and the Community Bankers of Florida, Bill received the FBA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
The bank opens its first branch office in Bowling Green.
The Crews family establishes a holding company, Crews Banking Corporation, that today includes Wauchula State Bank, Crews Bank & Trust, Charlotte State Bank & Trust and Englewood Bank & Trust, with 27 offices covering 11 counties throughout Central and Southwest Florida.
To accommodate the needs of our growing customer base, we expanded our Wauchula office, added a remote drive-thru and opened an additional branch in Zolfo Springs.
The bank expands its service coverage area to Highlands County with a Lake Placid branch.
Wauchula State Financial Services was established to provide non-bank financial services to our customers and communities.
With a growing number of customers in the Sebring area, we opened the Sebring Lake Jackson office in 2000 and added a second Sebring Fairmount branch in 2007.
Jake joins our management team as a fourth generation Crews family member.
After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and spending three years as a bank examiner in Florida, Jake is bringing a fresh perspective to the organization.
Jake continues to build upon his family's heritage through his passion for technology and dedication to customer relationships.
Wauchula State Bank grows into Polk County.
Donna began her career with the bank in 1980 and has been in senior management more than 20 years. Her dedication to the organization and passion for helping customers reinforce the culture of Wauchula State Bank in providing excellent service with trust and integrity.
J.W. "Jake" Crews IV moves from President to lead the bank as CEO.
J.W. "Bill" Crews, Jr. assumes the Vice Chairman role and continues his distinguished career that has included service with professional and community organizations.
After serving the Polk County market for many years from offices in neighboring Hardee County and Highlands County to the south, the bank opens a new Loan Office in Lakeland.
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