J. Grant Smith, Michigan President
At the start of 2020, we knew it was going to be a big year for Waterford Bank, N.A. Fresh into our merger and eager to grow, we were thrown many challenges. From the pandemic and resulting PPP workload to building brand awareness for the Bank and our upcoming move to Troy, Michigan, our experienced team handled it all with the remarkable speed and agility Waterford Bank is known for.
Opening the Door on Opportunity
Though many considered this a chaotic period for the financial industry, our bankers were helping to bring calm to the storm for individuals and businesses across Southeast Michigan. Following their lead, I was proud to be sworn in as Chairman of the Michigan Bankers Association (MBA) this past June, ready to put my experience to work for not just Waterford, but the hundreds of banks and bankers who help shape our great state.
With the MBA, I’ve become part of a new world of advocacy, having meaningful discussions with financial institutions and federal regulators alike. Working together, we get to the heart of issues within our industry and, when necessary, work to change the laws, regulations, and educational resources to positively impact the marketplaces we serve.
With the MBA, I’ve become part of a new world of advocacy…working to change laws, regulations, and educational resources.
I am honored to have been elected by my peers to serve as MBA Chairman and look forward to working closely with such a talented, respected group of officers and board members to ensure the Michigan Bankers Association remains a strong resource for the state’s banks, their customers and Michigan’s communities.
Positioning Our Team for Growth
Armed with these new relationships and backed by talented bankers in Michigan and Ohio, my team at Waterford could see the time was ripe to grow and we set our sights on Troy. After extensive research, we found the ideal location in our new office at 5600 New King Dr. Suite 150 in North Troy. Set to open on Monday, August 3rd, this office allows us the opportunity to relocate from our Waterford, Michigan Office –positioning us in a more centralized location within Southeast Michigan to better serve our clients.
Not only does this office put us within a 30-minute drive to many of our clients, it also provides a larger footprint to further grow our business. With a physically larger office space, we are eager to add new talent to our roster, from behind the scenes support to additional lenders and treasury management professionals.
Though this year has been anything but normal, our Bank has flourished in a great time of adversity and has done its best to ripple those positive effects out to our communities through our vast personal and business relationships.
As we make the move to our new home in Troy, we are committed to retaining the values and practices that got us there, with focus on a sound capital structure and strong loan portfolio, but at the heart of it all – our dedicated team and the relationships we value.
On behalf of Waterford Bank, N.A., thank you to the MBA and the City of Troy for so warmly welcoming us. We eagerly anticipate a legacy of growth stemming from North Troy, built on delivering financial service beyond expectations for the unique needs of Southeast Michigan and beyond.
About the Author
J. Grant Smith is the Michigan President at Waterford Bank, N.A. and the current Chairman of the Michigan Bankers Association. With decades of experience in the regulatory and financial industries, Grant brings a wealth of knowledge and talent to his leadership roles. Grant received his B.B.A. in Finance and M.S. in Corporate Finance from Walsh College in Troy. He is an alumnus of the FBI Citizens Academy, current Board Chairman of the MiBankPAC Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Board of Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County.
