Keith Thompson: An Agricultural Entrepreneur’s Path to Sowing Success

Meet Keith Thompson, a visionary agricultural entrepreneur whose journey with Farmers & Merchants Bank is a testament to the personalized and supportive relationships the bank strives to cultivate.

During the 1980’s, Thompson initiated his association with Farmers and Merchants Bank through the then-president, Don Pattillo. Years later, he was also fortunate to establish a relationship with former CEO Gary Hudson at the DeWitt branch and credits the support of the bank and its people for changing his life. Employed by a Stuttgart-based business dependent on the bank’s services, Thompson directly experienced the reliability and expertise that distinguished Farmer and Merchants Bank. When he embarked on establishing an agricultural enterprise of his own over 20 years ago, Thompson naturally sought the unwavering support of Farmers and Merchants Bank and the bond that was formed has held strong ever since.

The word “relationship” seems a unique way to describe the bank-customer dynamic, but it is especially appropriate with Farmers and Merchants Bank. It is a word that Thompson often uses when speaking of how he perceives the bank and his business working together.

“Everybody’s friendly and easy to work with, and it has been a great relationship.”

Navigating the intricacies of the banking world, especially for a unique business like the production and export of natto soybeans, can be challenging. Thompson found support in the bank’s deep understanding of the agricultural sector, regional familiarity and commitment to comprehending his specific needs. For him, Farmers and Merchants Bank is more than just a financial institution; it is a trusted partner.

“I feel like Farmers and Merchants Bank is still the bank you can go to and get help. They’ve changed my life and my family’s because they’ve supported the initiatives and the businesses we’ve started.”

What makes Thompson’s experience unique and valued is the personal touch in the service he receives. He appreciates the “small-town feeling” Farmers and Merchants Bank provides, where he can reach out and converse with the same dedicated professional regularly. This ongoing connection allows the staff to stay informed about his business, creating a genuine and enduring partnership.

In an ever-evolving industry, Thompson relies on Farmers and Merchants Bank to keep him informed about the changes that might impact his business and provide the guidance needed for optimal decision-making. He recognizes the rarity of finding a bank that does more than merely provide generic financial services and truly comprehends the nuances of his agricultural enterprise.

“They were very supportive and that was the thing that allowed us to get going. And here we are more than 20 years later doing the same thing, and we hope to continue into the distant future.”

At Farmers and Merchants Bank, customers’ trust is the greatest asset and its employees are committed to maintaining these unique and enduring partnerships. For Keith Thompson, Farmers and Merchants Bank will continue to ensure that his journey in agriculture keeps thriving and provide him with the indispensable support of a bank that understands his dreams and is dedicated to his success.