Written By JR Robinson

In the bustling landscape of the Mid-South business community, few institutions have managed to balance corporate success with genuine, heartfelt community engagement quite like Independent Bank. At the recent cityCURRENT breakfast, amidst the clinking of coffee cups and the hum of networking, the city got a reminder of exactly why this institution has remained a pillar of the region for over two decades. The event, featuring Olympic legend Devon Harris, was more than just a speaker series; it was a testament to the enduring legacy of Independent Bank and its founders, Chip and Susan Stevenson.

The Chip and Susan Show: A Legacy of Authentic Leadership

For those uninitiated in the local banking scene, the "Chip and Susan show" might sound like a morning radio program, but for the cityCURRENT audience, it represents the heart and soul of Independent Bank. As the hosts of the breakfast, their presence is magnetic, defined not by stiff corporate jargon, but by a playful, sibling-like dynamic that puts a room at ease immediately.

"You know, they played in the sandbox for 20 years at this point," the host noted, introducing the pair. The banter that followed—jokes about costumes, drivers, and who wears the pants in the partnership—revealed the human side of banking. It is this authenticity that has likely fueled their longevity. Opening their doors in 1998, Chip and Susan didn't just want to open another bank; they wanted to create an environment where relationships mattered more than transactions.

Their tenure as charter partners of cityCURRENT—literally present since "day one" 20 years ago—speaks volumes about their commitment. In a world where corporate sponsorships often shift with the fiscal winds, Independent Bank has remained a steadfast anchor. They have powered the good not just through financial handling, but through a consistent physical presence in the community’s most vital conversations.

The Philosophy: Serving Heroically

What separates a community bank from a financial utility? According to Susan Stevenson, it comes down to a mission statement that is taken quite literally: "We will serve heroically."

During her address to the crowd, Susan unpacked this powerful phrase. In an industry often criticized for being impersonal or purely numbers-driven, Independent Bank has staked its reputation on the customer experience. "We don't want to do just a good job," Susan explained passionately. "We want to do the kind of job that makes you want to tell your friends and neighbors about how we took care of you."

This philosophy of heroic service is rooted in a deep respect for the client's journey. Susan described the handling of a customer's finances not as a service, but as a "rare gift" and a privilege. "We understand that your financial dreams and your needs are a part of your life that's very important," she said. Whether it is a family trying to buy a home, a business owner looking to expand, or an individual planning for retirement, Independent Bank views money as a tool to achieve life goals, not just an asset to be managed.

By positioning the customer at the "center of the universe," Chip and Susan have fostered a culture where banking feels personal again. It is a throwback to a time when your banker knew your name, your family, and your aspirations, yet it is executed with the modern efficiency required in today’s economy.

A Spirit of Generosity

The concept of "Powering the Good" is not a slogan Independent Bank simply slaps on a banner; they live it out in tangible ways. The cityCURRENT breakfast itself was a prime example. While the bank could have simply enjoyed the branding exposure of the event, they took it a step further.

In a surprise announcement, Susan revealed that Independent Bank would be donating a Thanksgiving dinner to the Memphis Food Bank in honor of every single person attending the breakfast. "We want to say thank you for giving us a chance to be a part of this community," she stated. This gesture encapsulates their approach: gratitude expressed through action. It acknowledges that while the people in the room were enjoying a warm breakfast and networking, there are neighbors in the Mid-South who are hungry. By bridging that gap, Independent Bank demonstrated that their success is inextricably linked to the well-being of the entire city.

This spirit of generosity extends to the intellectual capital they bring to the city as well. By sponsoring the signature speaker series, they provide the platform for inspiring figures to share their wisdom with Memphis.

Inspiring Resilience: The Devon Harris Connection

The alignment of Independent Bank’s values with the speakers they host was perfectly illustrated in the introduction of Devon Harris. Susan took the stage not just to list a bio, but to tell a story of resilience that mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit.

She introduced Harris, a three-time Olympian and original member of the 1988 Jamaican Bobsled team (the inspiration for Cool Runnings), by focusing on his origins. Born on Christmas Day in the violent Olympic Gardens ghetto of Kingston, Jamaica, Harris’s trajectory was far from guaranteed. Susan highlighted his journey from a place where "not everyone manages to escape" to becoming a graduate of the Royal Academy at Sandhurst and a commissioned military captain.

Why does a bank focus on such a story? Because the qualities Harris embodies—hope, "keep on pushing," and crafting a life through challenges—are the same qualities required to build a business or manage a financial future. Susan noted that Harris is a "person who always found a way to be a look to the future with hope and to be a person who kept moving forward."

In many ways, this reflects the journey of Independent Bank itself. Navigating the economic landscapes of the last 25 years—through recessions, market shifts, and a pandemic—requires a "keep on pushing" mentality. By bringing Harris to Memphis, Chip and Susan were telling their customers and community: We believe in your ability to overcome obstacles, and we are here to help you push the sled.

A Commitment to the Future

As the event concluded, the message from Independent Bank was clear. They are not going anywhere. They are deeply rooted in the "place that we love," committed to the "people that we love."

The "Chip and Susan show" is more than entertainment; it is a masterclass in corporate citizenship. They have proven that a bank can have a heart, that business owners can be approachable community leaders, and that "serving heroically" is a viable business model.

As attendees left the breakfast, phones filled with photos and minds filled with inspiration from Devon Harris, they also carried a reminder of who made the morning possible. Independent Bank continues to stand as a testament to the power of local banking. They remind us that a dollar is just a tool, but a community is a lifeline. And as long as there are dreams to be funded and neighbors to be fed, Chip, Susan, and the entire Independent Bank team will be there, ready to serve.