Brad Armagost’s journey from military service to executive leadership reflects a profound commitment to excellence and community. Armagost’s career trajectory soared from Staff Accountant to Commercial Banking Executive at Regions Bank before assuming his current role as Executive Vice President and Central Alabama Regional President at CB&S Bank. Under Brad’s guidance, the Central Alabama Region has flourished, fostering growth and prosperity throughout the region while embodying a steadfast dedication to community engagement and service. With a distinguished career marked by leadership and impact, Brad Armagost continues to inspire as he leads his team into a future of continued success and community enrichment.
What is CB&S Bank’s purpose or mission and how is it different from other banks?
CB&S Bank opened its doors in 1906 in Russellville, Alabama. Now, 118 years later with $2.7 billion in assets and 56 offices across Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia, we are a leading community bank in our markets. Our mission is to enrich the lives of our neighbors, businesses, customers, and employees by building meaningful relationships and assisting with reaching financial goals. We are committed to serving your financial needs with products and services that will benefit our customers whether they are an individual, a family, or a business. The bank will benefit if our customers benefit.
How do you contribute to fulfilling that mission?
I lead the Central Alabama team and serve the leaders that run our Montgomery, Elmore, Tallapoosa, and Lee County markets.
What are the main duties/responsibilities of your role?
Our employees are my primary concern because they are the team that takes care of our customers. The wellbeing and engagement of our employees is very important to me. It all starts with the employees. I build relationships across our region, looking for opportunities to provide great service, fill a need, save a customer money or help them make more revenue in their business. I also serve on several community boards. I was born, reared, and educated in Montgomery and have raised my children here, so the health of our community is very important to me.
What first drew you to working in banking?
I majored in Accounting at the University of Alabama, so I have always liked math. I actually started as a staff accountant at a large mortgage company, and then a year later, I transferred to the bank. When I sat in my first credit committee meeting, it was a like a light bulb went off and I knew that was what I wanted to do. The relationships with the customers are so intriguing to me; helping them fulfill their dreams, grow their businesses and take care of their families.
What changes have you experienced in banking/lending recently, and what is on the horizon?
The rapid rise in interest rates has been very impactful to our economy. Prime Rate went from 3.25% to 8.50%. A 162% increase in interest rates over a quick twenty-five month period which has never happened before in the history of our country. The good news is that Americans are incredibly resilient, hardworking and are able to adapt and overcome. We can find a silver lining in difficult situations and utilize it to create a new path forward.
What does leadership look like to you?
I believe in servant leadership and serving those who work with me in the region. I also believe in the importance of developing a great team culture. Culture wins, and a talented culture dominates. Nick Sabin said, “Do not think of plays, think of players.” We have some great players at CB&S Bank!
What is the most fulfilling aspect of your work?
Seeing a team member having a good time at work; in rhythm, hitting the marks, solving problems, making a customer smile, cutting up with co-workers … That’s “Boss Joy”!
Personal Matters:
- Favorite Business Podcast: My friend John Norris’s podcast “Trading Perspectives” and I read Emma Tucker/The Wall Street Journal’s “The 10 Point” every day.
- Alternate Career Path: The music business in Nashville. I love music and have played guitar my entire life. If I could combine the career I’ve had in banking with the music industry, that would be really cool.
- Who Would You Invite to Dinner: I would invite two people… Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, to talk about the past and Elon Musk, to talk about the future.
