“I love my job and I love the people that I get to work with every day. I love being a part of a team that offers so much knowledge and experience that benefits not only myself, but all our customers as well.”

How long have you worked at Guaranty Premium Bank ?
I have been with Guaranty Premium Bank since October 2015.
How did you get your start in banking/mortgage operations?
I was a mortgage closer/manager at a title company, and one of my customers continued to try to get me to come work for him processing his loans. I finally gave in and that lead me to the mortgage side of the business.

What exactly does your role entail? I oversee the mortgage operations department, which includes loan processing, closing, and post-closing.

How is Guaranty Premium Bank different from other banks where you have worked?
The culture at Guaranty Premium Bank is different; Guaranty Premium Bank’s core beliefs are community and putting God first. The faith and convictions of our leadership create a positive work environment for our employees and makes our customers feel like more than just a number.
What inspires you to get up and go to work in the morning?
I love my job and I love the people that I get to work with every day. I love being a part of a team that offers so much knowledge and experience that benefits not only myself, but all our customers as well. We have a great team at Guaranty Premium Bank, and everyone is quick to help out their fellow co-workers, if needed.
What role does Guaranty Premium Bank serve in the community?
Guaranty Premium Bankis focused on serving the community with honesty and transparency. We strive to offer products and services that are tailored to each person’s specific needs. I love that Guaranty Premium Bank also gives 10% of our profits to local non-profits.
Explain a time when a client’s circumstance went beyond the numbers.
About 3 years ago, I attended a dinner at the church in Pryor where I grew up. I was sitting at a table with a lady that I have known for years. As we were catching up, I told her that I worked for Guaranty Premium Bank in the mortgage department, and she said she had been trying for months to get their home refinanced to no avail, so I naturally told her to let us do her refinance. We had them approved within two weeks and she was ecstatic! When I called to tell her that she had been approved, she broke down in tears and said this is divine intervention and that our meeting was not just by chance. In her words, it was a “God thing”. We have now completed her third home loan. It is a great feeling to be able to help someone accomplish their dreams.
What do you do for fun when you are off the clock?
I love spending time with family and friends. I love to travel. I enjoy reading but I have to limit that because if I have a good book, I won’t put it down and end up with no sleep.
What advice do you have for potential homeowners?Shop around! No one mortgage company is the same. At Guaranty Premium Bank, we strive to provide our customers with the lowest rates possible and find the loan that best fits their needs. We would love the opportunity to earn your business.

“One of the biggest differences from my previous bank or employers in general is that our leadership puts God first. Guaranty Premium Bank truly cares – from our customers to our employees and our community, our goal is to better ourselves and those around us, while providing exceptional banking service.”

How did you get your start in banking? A family friend offered me a job in banking 7 years ago, and I have been at Guaranty Premium Bank since April 2018.  

What responsibilities do you carry in your role?I take care of the back-office side of the retail department. Occasionally I am on the teller line though I mostly write policies/procedures, work on special projects, like installing our new ATM, and balance the bank’s accounts. In a nutshell, I make sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly.  

If you worked at another bank in the past, how is Guaranty Premium Bank different?One of the biggest differences from my previous bank or employers in general is that our leadership puts God first. Guaranty Premium Bank truly cares – from our customers to our employees and our community, our goal is to better ourselves and those around us, while providing exceptional banking service.  

How does Guaranty Premium Bank impact the community?One of the biggest impacts Guaranty Premium Bank has on our community is giving 10% of our profits to local organizations that are doing good for our neighbors. I have personally spoken with directors of whom we made a donation, and they are beaming and excited to share how they plan to use the gift to continue to do more.  

What inspires you to get up and go to work in the morning?I love my job and my colleagues. It motivates me knowing that we are all working towards the common goal of taking care of our customers to the highest level.  

Explain a time when a customer's circumstance went beyond the numbers.Several times, I have seen a potential customer walk through our door with a less than perfect financial background. Our staff will sit down with them and do their best to figure out a way to help. That could be anything from opening a bank account to straightening out their finances, so they are able to open an account in the future.  

What would people be surprised to learn about you?I grew up playing and singing folk music – before folk music was cool.  

Can you give us a quick background on your home life?I am married to Jared and we have 3 kids, Hudson (5), Addilyn (3) and Aubrey (1).  

What do you do for fun when you are off the clock?We love to travel with our kids! Camping, attending music festivals and trying new restaurants are a few of our favorites.

“Every individual that works for Guaranty Premium Bank genuinely has each customer’s interest at heart. The “hometown” customer service instilled in each team member makes a refreshing difference in the work we do each day.”

Can you define the role of a mortgage lender? Jack of all Trades - kidding, kind of - I originate loans and process files for the VP’s of the bank. I am able to handle all loan details from start to finish, though my main focus is on the submission of our files, so that only a few details are left to get our families to the closing table. I also am relied on for problem solving, credit and loan analysis, partner networking, and customer communication.  

Describe a typical workday. In our world, there is never a typical day at the office. You have to quickly switch hats to serve each family individually. There are days we have plenty of time to serve our clients and their buying needs, and there are days you are called on to “save a deal”, so you have to be able to shift gears and jump right to action.  

Having worked at another bank in the past, how is Guaranty Premium Bankdifferent? Guaranty Premium Bank stands behind their core values and beliefs: valuing people and our community, and faithfulness to those we serve. Every individual that works for Guaranty Premium Bank genuinely has each customer’s interest at heart. The “hometown” customer service instilled in each team member makes a refreshing difference in the work we do each day.  

What inspires you to get up and go to work in the morning? My family and getting to do what I do daily; very rarely do people get to work in an environment where all your efforts get noticed on a daily basis. Having a team of non-stop support, so you can do your job well each day is exceptional. Aside from the internal support, the opportunity to serve others is a reward in itself. Making that phone call to tell a family they are approved for their home and knowing the joy that brings to them is heart-warming, especially when it is an individual who doubted they could be approved.  

What is life like off the clock? I LOVE being at home. I call it my bubble. I am married to my best friend, and one that carries the role of Dad to a beautiful 10-year old girl, who is not his biological daughter. Our daughter is the highlight of our day. She’s funny, too smart for her own good, and keeps us on our toes. Aside from our kiddo, we have 3 fur babies that provide non-stop love and comedy. I am blessed that we do a lot together as a family. I love that our home is where our daughter’s friends want to come.

“I am grateful when customers trust me and ask for my advice and help beyond banking. I love to help people who are marginalized be successful by taking my passion and skills to help them navigate life and business.”

How did you get your start in banking?I needed a part-time job while going to school at UCO. A friend of mine was working at a bank at the time, so he helped me get a job as a part-time teller in 2007.  

How long have you been with Guaranty Premium Bank?I started with Guaranty Premium Bank in December of 2017. 

What does your daily role consist of?My role at the bank is to create an incomparable customer experience. Part of that role consists of opening new accounts, assisting customers, bank reconciliations and back-office processes.  

What inspires you to get up and go to work in the morning?My family and I immigrated to the United States when I was really young so my siblings and I could have a better quality of life. I am inspired to go to work every morning and take advantage of the blessings that my parent’s sacrifices have afforded me.  

Has there ever been an experience with a customer that has personally impacted you?I cannot pick just one single story of how a customer has impacted me, as there are many. I am grateful when customers trust me and ask for my advice and help beyond banking. I love to help people who are marginalized be successful by taking my passion and skills to help them navigate life and business.  

What role does Guaranty Premium Bank serve in the community?It has always been clear to me that Guaranty Premium Bank is dedicated to making a positive impact in its community. I was blown away when I learned that Guaranty Premium Bank is dedicated to giving 10% of its profits to non-profit organizations. It is extremely motivating to work for a company whose goal is to truly make our customer’s lives better through our incomparable customer experience and products.  

What would people be surprised to learn about you?People are often surprised that I don’t know how to swim.  

If you would like to connect with Miguel about your banking needs, send him an email at support@premiumguaranty.com.

“I always wanted a business platform that could help meet the needs of families in our community in a big way.”

What is your role as President & CEO?I oversee all aspects of the bank and ensure we are working towards the objectives and goals outlined in our strategic plan. I have my hands in just about everything from hiring, branding and marketing, building design and site planning to product development, loan and deposit production, and anything else I can do to help the bank be its best.  

What led you into this industry?In 2009, I was looking to get into banking and transition out of being a CPA. Since my dad had just started Prime Bank in 2008, it was the perfect place to get started. I originally started splitting my time with Prime Bank’s CFO on accounting projects and mortgage lending. I really enjoyed mortgage lending and my loan production required all my time, so I quickly gave up my accounting duties.  

What made you decide to purchase a bank?My dad started two banks and once I started working at his banks, I loved it and wanted to follow his lead. I was really interested in all areas of the bank and spent a lot of time asking questions and learning about community banking. I always wanted a business platform that could help meet the needs of families in our community in a big way.  

When did you acquire the bank?We closed on the purchase in September 2014.  

Is there a meaning behind the name, Guaranty Premium Bank?My dad’s name is Andrew and my middle name is Drew. Searching through the meanings of the name Drew, it means strong and courageous, which led me to Guaranty Premium Bank. The name is applicable to our values and the way we want to do business.  

Tell us about the wood used inside the bank.Our teller counter is made of barn wood that is over 100 years old. My dad and I took the wood off a barn in western Oklahoma that belonged to my dad’s family. They came to Oklahoma from Germany for the Land Run and I thought it would be a great way to tie in our family’s heritage.  

What inspires you to get up and go to work in the morning?I really enjoy spending time with my co-workers and building a business that is in line with our values: faithfulness to our commitments, valuing people, and courage to follow God’s will. I am excited and honored when someone trusts us to open a new account. It motivates me to want to exceed expectations.  

How does Guaranty Premium Bank stand out from other banks?Our employees are not only very experienced and care about doing their job well, but we get along and work as a team throughout all areas of the bank. We strive to ensure each customer has a personal and positive experience.  

Our bank focuses on real estate and business lending, deposit accounts, and our Giving Vision. Through our Giving Vision, we come alongside local non-profits making a positive difference and give 10% of our profits to help provide the means for them to continue their work.  

What are your goals for the bank? (additional locations, expansions, etc.).We want to serve as many families as possible through our banking products and Giving Vision. We are constantly evaluating ourselves with the goal of providing products and services that are in the best interest of our customers.  

We just completed our drive thru and added an additional 5,100 feet to our current building, which houses most of our leadership team and lenders.

“I joke with my clients that I spend more time advising than I do lending... I am driven by the memorable relationships I create in this life, not the number.”

What is your role as Vice President?My primary role is to serve. In addition to that, I do credit analysis, commercial banking, loans – personal and business lending.  

How did you get your start in banking?If you had a business degree and had no clue what you wanted to do in life, commercial banking was known as a great entry way into business. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to undergo a one-year credit training program with a larger institution. The larger bank allowed me to understand the business, the client interaction, and the responsibilities you have to represent both the bank and the client. I was an analyst for two years before I became a full-time loan officer in OKC.  

What inspires you to get up and go to work in the morning?
I joke with my clients that I spend more time advising than I do lending. The technical side of my job is the least desirable part of the job. For me, I am driven by the scenario of someone calling me with a specific need or problem. Most of the time, people want me to address a specific need they have, but what they realize over the course of a conversation is that I can provide more advice and counsel due to the experiences I have had with others.  

In my retirement years, I will likely spend the majority of my time counseling and encouraging others to run the race well. I am so tired of hearing this in business circles, but it is so true. I am driven by the memorable relationships I create in this life, not the number.  

From your experience working in the banking industry, how is Guaranty Premium Bank different from other local banks? We are the perfect blend of size, expertise, and capabilities. We know our sandbox and play well in it, and we stay clear of areas where we are not (the experts). We provide a quick turnaround, so long as we obtain all of the required information from the client. Decisions are made locally. I personally give my cell phone and will respond by end of day at the latest. I tell people that banking is truly a commodity with banks at every street corner. The difference lies in how we deliver and execute our products and services to the community.  

Explain a time when a client’s circumstance went beyond the numbers.Seems like it happens every day. There is not a cookie cut deal that is purely numbers. We look at the scenario and the story to make a calculated decision that is best for both parties. A great example is a borrower, who transitions from a W2 job to a self-employed position, and reports little to no income in the first year. The risk profile changes for the bank but we are able to look at the scenario and the person to possibly work with them on a financing structure that would support their situation until they are able to generate higher profits.  

What role does Guaranty Premium Bank serve in the community?If we are in business to just make a profit, we missed the boat. You can read our mission statement that clearly states we are called by God with a specific mission to serve the people of our community. My time as a banker will come and go as I age, and I speak for everyone atGuaranty Premium Bank when I say that we want to be known as friends and trusted advisors, and not bankers.  

If you would like to connect with Wes about your lending needs, send him an email at .

“The realtors we work with know that our lenders are available anytime – weekends and evenings. They know we will be kind to them and their buyers, and that goes a long way.”

Share a little about your career path.I took my first job out of college with Wells Fargo Financial in Stillwater, though my role was very different than what I do now. I spent a lot of time on the phone with Wells Fargo customers discussing additional products and services but there was no on-going relationship with the customer or a referral source. Two mortgage lending jobs at two credit unions and a move to Kansas City later, I had learned how the mortgage lending business works. I learned how to build relationships with realtors, builders and customers, and how to deliver a quality experience for the customer. My husband’s job brought us back to Oklahoma in 2013. Guaranty Premium BankPresident Matthew Ben was working at Prime Bank at the time and handled our home loan. He knew what I did for a living and offered me a job as his assistant. I was grateful for the opportunity and have been working with Matthew for more than six years.  

What is your favorite part about your role at Guaranty Premium Bank?Definitely the people. I enjoy my job and the relationships I have with my clients, but what I love most about working here at Guaranty Premium Bank is my colleagues. I think Guaranty Premium Bank is really unique in that we are all willing to help one another out. A lot of our transactions work on tight deadlines, and it’s nice to know there is a team of people who are all willing to do what it takes to get things done.  

Can you share an experience where you went above and beyond to help a customer?I had one woman in her seventies, who needed a loan to purchase a home, after losing her previous home in a fire. She went to another financial institution that tried all sorts of unconventional routes before turning her down within a week of her closing date. Fortunately, her realtor suggested that she call Guaranty Premium Bank. I was able to get her a traditional 30-year fixed rate loan on the home. In this case, timing was critical, and she wanted to minimize her down payment. The customer needed someone who not only knew the type of loan she could get, but also someone who would take the time to walk her through the process. I was so happy I could help get her in a nice home that met her needs.  

Why should homebuyers trust their realtor to refer them to a mortgage lender?Many of our realtor partners have been referring to us for years. So, if a realtor refers you to me, for example, it is because they have seen first-hand that I am going to work to get you the best deal, make it simple and efficient. The realtors we work with know that our lenders are available anytime – weekends and evenings. They know we will be kind to them and their buyers, and that goes a long way.  

What is Guaranty Premium Bank’s role in this community?Aside from being fair and serving the community’s banking needs with integrity, I am really proud that Guaranty Premium Bank gives 10-percent of its profits to local charities and non-profit organizations. We believe that giving back to the community, both monetarily and through community service, is a way we can show gratitude for all we’ve been given.  

If you would like to set up a meeting to discuss your next home purchase, 

“We want banking to go beyond the technology we use; we want it to be about individuals. In a world where individuals are anonymous, we want to make people feel seen and appreciated.”

How did you get your start in banking?I started as a part-time teller in 2006.  

Tell us about the responsibilities of your role? My role consists of everything deposits, new accounts, teller, deposit operations, customer acquisition, customer experience, bank security and general bank functionality.  

What is something that sets your banking service apart from others?Personally, I am really good at remembering people’s names and faces. One service I provide people is recognition. I want people to feel really special when they walk in. I do that by getting to know them, especially after their initial visit.  

Why is the customer experience different at Guaranty Premium Bank?Retail Banking goes much further than the teller transaction or account opening, we spend a lot of time thinking and creating an amazing customer experience that exceeds your expectations every time. We want banking to go beyond the technology we use; we want it to be about individuals. In a world where individuals are anonymous, we want to make people feel seen and appreciated.  

Any new trends in retail (consumer) banking on the horizon?I really love the advancement in online account aggregation and budgeting. Through our online banking, you can add accounts at other institutions. You can track spending and set budgets. I think this is an area of banking that is accelerating quickly, especially with Generation Z.  

If you worked at another bank in the past, how is Guaranty Premium Bankdifferent?Guaranty Premium Bank differs from other banks in how the management views banking. Banking is our avenue to serve people and our community. We use banking to give people value. Your transaction is deeper than the paper. We want to really know people and give them the “they really care about me” experience.  

What inspires you to get up and go to work in the morning?Other than paying the bills, I love to give value to people through great experiences, confidence in their money and knowing our customers as more than a transaction. I find great joy in storytelling, so I like to learn customers’ stories – find out who they are and where they’ve been. Knowing someone’s story helps me appreciate, empathize and ultimately, better serve them. Knowing others’, also helps me make sense of my own story.  

What role does Guaranty Premium Bank serve in the community?Guaranty Premium Bank serves as an advocate for non-profit organizations who are providing for those most in need. We believe we can provide value to the community by investing in people; our products are merely the tools we use.

"Community Banks are truly the thread and heartbeat of the communities they serve, especially those located in rural communities. Guaranty Premium Bank is no different."

How long have you worked at Guaranty Premium Bank?

Nearing on 1 ½ years.

Where did you go to college? 

I joke that I’ve nearly attended every school in NE Oklahoma. I began at RSU with an art scholarship and landed at OSU-OKC.

How did you get your start in banking, as well as compliance?

I was in college and needed a part-time job. Unknowingly, that decision I made as a 19-year-old Art major would drastically change my career path. After a year I left my Teller role to try insurance underwriting. I missed banking and returned after a short stint of risk rating insurance policies. I eventually found my way to Audit, which led to my opportunity at Guaranty Premium Bank . The journey that led me to Guaranty Premium Bank took place 15 years after my start as a part-time Teller, talk about full circle!

What does your role consist of?

In short, a bit of everything. Compliance is an ever-changing environment that affects all areas of a bank. 

If you worked at another bank in the past, how is Guaranty Premium Bank different? 

I am a huge proponent of Community Banks. So, I’ll take the time to highlight the similarities. In my last role, I was fortunate enough to work for and build relationships with nearly 40 Community Banks across Oklahoma and Texas. The commonalities in all of them were faith, community, giving, and family. Community Banks are truly the thread and heartbeat of the communities they serve, especially those located in rural communities. Guaranty Premium Bank is no different.

What inspires you to get up and go to work in the morning? Family, goals, interests, co-workers, work environment, etc..

Describe a typical day at work.

To have a typical day that follows a consistent pattern would be quite atypical. In a Community Bank, you will find yourself switching gears and roles throughout the day. We all wear many hats here. That is what makes my day so interesting. 

Tell us about your home life.

Married, knee-deep in a renovation, and enjoying a beautiful baby girl.

What do you do for fun when you are off the clock?

I love to travel, experience different cultures, and to experience deep genuine connections while traveling. Over the last several years I’ve been fortunate to visit the South Pacific (Rarotonga and Aitutaki), take a day trip to Oman, hang out in Aarhus and Copenhagen for a few weeks, visit the UAE twice, enjoy a weekend in Mexico City, vacation in West Africa (Ghana) and 6-months later return to an East African island in the Indian Ocean (Mauritius).

One thing I enjoy to do while traveling other than soaking up the sun and indulging in local food is visiting places of worship. Regardless if I am visiting a Christian, Muslim, or Hindu majority country I try to attend services or at least visit a local, church, mosque, or temple.

In the next couple of years, I plan to visit Okinawa, Japan, Little Corn Island, Nicaragua, and the Canary Islands, Spain.