“First Service Bank has been in our family since longer than my father has been alive, so more than 55 years.” Thanks, Abel Baugh, you’ve just given away our age…and we love that! 

We’re so proud that the Baugh family has been part of the First Service Bank family since 1964. Today, that longstanding relationship includes three generations: grandfather, James Baugh, 82; his son, Phil; and grandsons, Abel and Morgan. James, Phil, Morgan and Abel have devoted their lives to agriculture, and they have looked to FSB to help grow their operations. And grandson, Morgan, proudly purchased his first home thanks to FSB financing.

The Baughs' relationship with FSB began in 1964, when young marrieds, James and Pat Baugh, first walked into the bank to open an account. “We felt it important to choose a local bank for our banking needs and we picked FSB Dermott.” 

Over time, other lenders were involved in James’ finances, but in 1988, FSB proved to be his greatest asset. James was preparing to expand Baugh Family Farms, and the bank he was working with was unable to finance his plan. That’s when he turned to FSB and then CEO, Tom Grumbles, and heard the words he’d been waiting for: “Yes, we can make that happen.”

James’ relationship with FSB grew into so much more than a banker lending money to a customer. “Tom didn’t just give us the money we needed, he became a sort of student of our operation,” recalls James. “He took the time to learn all about what it took to run a farm, so he could give us the best guidance.”

Diversification has become a hallmark of the Baugh family business, and FSB has been there to help every step of the way. The bank backed son, Phil, when he launched an agricultural aviation business in 1998 that specializes in precision application of pesticides. The bank was there to help again when Phil founded Southeast Arkansas Rice and the Nation Cotton Seed Inc, a storage and shipping operation serving the Midsouth, Southeast, and the West Coast.

“We couldn't be where we are without them,” Phil says, adding that “the bank has been an invaluable partner, providing detailed analysis and feedback on our proposals as we looked for funding to grow.”

In FSB, the Baugh family has found a true financial home. In Tom Grumbles, they have an advisor enthused about learning farming inside and out so he could provide the best guidance.