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About Us

IntroTeamCore Values
A century of banking experience. Built for today's business.
And we still pick up the phone.
(877) 259-2979
2308 1st Ave S. Suite 108, Birmingham, AL 35233
info@always.bank
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Always.bank is the digital banking division of 22nd State Banking Company, combining deep banking experience with a fully digital approach built for modern business. Our experienced bankers are available to provide the support, insight, and financial solutions businesses need to move forward.
Our banking heritage dates to 1917, when the institution now known as 22nd State Banking Company was founded as Farmers Exchange Bank. Through more than a century of economic change, that experience has shaped how we serve customers today. At Always.bank, we bring that foundation forward with digital banking, financing, and experienced guidance designed for small businesses and relationship-driven customers.
Small Business Focused. By design.
We don't serve Fortune 500 companies. We focus on serving small businesses and relationship-driven customers. We exist for one reason: to give small business owners the financial tools, expertise, and support that used to be reserved for much larger companies.
  • Banking heritage dating to 1917
  • FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category
  • 100% digital, with services available 24/7 online
  • Small business exclusive, our focus and our mission
  • Digital banking division of 22nd State Banking Company
Meet The Team
Everything your business needs, in one place.
Behind every loan approval, every savings account, and every client conversation is a team of dedicated professionals who have spent careers understanding small business finance. We're not an algorithm. We're your partners.
Executive Management
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Steve Smith
Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer
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Frank Perez
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
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Joy Bishop
Executive Vice President,

Chief of Staff
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Wayne Hart
Executive Vice President,
Chief Information Officer
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Kathleen Metz
Executive Vice President,

Chief Credit Officer
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Greg Spadea
Executive Vice President,

Chief Digital Officer
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Drew Smith
Executive Vice President,
Chief Marketing Officer
Government Guaranteed Lending Team
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Bryan Monteith
SVP, Executive Managing Director of Business Lending
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Christy Flynt
SVP, Sr. Managing Director
of Operations
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Brad Jenkins
SVP, Sr. Managing Director
of Structured Finance
Ben Pham
VP, Business Development Associate
Matt Plowcha
VP, Business Development Associate
Tyler Featherston
Business Development
Officer
Angie Sweatman
VP, Business Development
Officer
Irvin Williams
VP, Business Development
Officer
Specialty Finance
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LaCour Miller
Managing Director of Specialty Finance
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Randy Hinojos
Business Development
Officer
Business Advisors
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Jeff Latham
VP, Business Advisor
Core Values
Not words on a wall. The principles behind every decision we make.
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Innovation
We don't just keep up with the future of banking. We help build it. From tailored digital tools to creative loan structures, we're always asking: what does this specific business actually need? And then we build it.
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Humility
We listen first. We know your business better than any algorithm because we take the time to ask the right questions and actually hear the answers. We stay grounded, adapt to your needs, and never assume we know more than the person running the business.
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Efficiency
Your time is your most valuable asset, and we treat it that way. Streamlined processes, fast decisions, and clear communication mean you spend less time waiting on us and more time building what matters.
Inclusivity
Every entrepreneur deserves access to quality financial services, regardless of background, location, or business stage. Our products are designed to open doors, not close them. If you've been overlooked before, we want to talk.
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Service
Customer-first isn't a tagline for us. It's a standard we hold ourselves to every day. From your first call to loan closing and every question in between, our team is here. Real people. Real answers. Real commitment to your success.