Leading with Service: Pepper Morrison’s Approach to Building Strong Business Solutions
For more than 25 years, Pepper Morrison has been a key player in the banking world, bringing expertise and a genuine passion for service to her role as Business Solutions Director at Farmers & Merchants Bank. From her beginnings in 1997 as a proof operator for a local bank to leading a team focused on delivering personalized, high-impact solutions, Morrison has a cultivated a reputation for dedication, innovation and a commitment to helping her clients succeed.
Originally from Illinois, Morrison moved to Arkansas at a young age and began her banking career through a high school program during her senior year. Opting to enter the workforce directly, she quickly realized her affinity for technology and problem-solving. Morrison’s knack for understanding complex systems and finding efficiencies made her a natural fit for tech support, where she spent more than two decades refining her skills before stepping into her current role at Farmers and Merchants Bank.
With a customer-focused approach, Morrison emphasizes the importance of service in the Business Solutions Department. “For my clients, I aim to be available, listen closely and ensure their needs are fully met,” Morrison said. “It’s about finding efficiencies that help them run their businesses smoothly and reliably.”
Since taking on her role at Farmers & Merchants Bank, Morrison has implemented strategies to make business solutions more accessible and effective for her clients. Drawing from her technical background, she developed new reporting processes that help clients understand the benefits of various bank offerings, from payroll solutions to merchant services. Her commitment to proactive client care is seen in her quick, reliable response to client needs, with regular follow-ups and customized recommendations that allow businesses to grow and operate with greater ease.
One of the department’s most popular offerings, Positive Pay, is a fraud detection tool that Morrison champions for her clients. This service helps prevent check fraud, allowing businesses to review transactions before they’re processed. Positive Pay is one of the most valuable tools we offer,” Morrison said. “I’ve seen firsthand how it can save our clients from significant losses, and knowing that we’re protecting them makes it all worth it.”
Morrison’s leadership style is collaborative and open, ensuring her team feels supported and equipped to provide the highest level of service. With her team spread across Arkansas, she prioritizes communication, regularly checking in with each team member to ensure they have the resources they need. “I want my team to feel connected and informed, no matter where they’re based,” she said. “Open communication and fairness are core values I bring to my leadership.”
Looking to the future, Morrison is excited about the potential for new digital banking solutions, which she believes will enhance the bank’s ability to serve business clients with even greater flexibility. “We’re exploring new platforms that would offer our clients more functionality and options for online and mobile banking,” she said. “The goal is to make banking as efficient and accessible as possible.”
Beyond her role at the bank, Morrison is deeply invested in her community. She actively volunteers and serves on the board of Serenity Inc., a local organization that supports survivors of domestic violence. This cause holds a personal significance for Morrison, whose dedication to giving back reflects Farmers and Merchants Bank’s commitment to community well-being.
In an industry where needs are constantly evolving, Pepper Morrison’s dedication to delivering high-quality business solutions has made a tangible impact. Her focus on customer care and innovation ensures that Farmers and Merchants Bank remains a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes, ready to support their success with thoughtful, dependable service.