Lakeside Banking: Trailer Banking

It has charm, friendly people, and provides a comfort to the residents, knowing that their bankers know them personally. In today’s society people are turning to banks that treat their members like their own family or friends. Some people don’t see the appeal, while a great majority of people are turning to banks that mirror the idea and beliefs of Lakeside Bank.

Lakeside Bank was founded by a man named Andrew Vanchiere.  Contrary to what people might believe, Vanchiere is not a stranger to the banking industry. Vanchiere, now in his 70’s, has more than 40 years experience working in the banking business. His most recent job before he decided to retire was President and Chairman of Hancock Bank of Louisiana.

Andrew’s dream for Lakeside was to create a bank that consisted of employees that residents could relate to and know on a personal level. He simply was fed up with his bank and made the decision to come out of retirement and create a friendly, non-robotic bank industry. 

Andrew stated to ABC News saying Lakeside Bank “wants to run banks the way they used to be. We will not screen calls. You will get voicemail if you ask for it. We’re about humans to humans.” Lakeside Bank has been approved by the FDIC. Lakeside Bank is owned by a group of businessmen that live in the surrounding area. The bank does not wish to involve outside investors into the bank.

To date Lakeside Bank has around 100 active accounts. They are all checking and savings, but hope to do other types of business in the future, such as loans, and home loans. They offer online banking for people who have a hard time making it to the bank on a regular basis.

Their aspirations for the future are to build a new building in 2011. The new building is supposed to be in a regular foundation and not a trailer. Lakeside Bank also hopes to launch a radio and television add, their slogan is said to read as follows: “The way banking should be.”

Andrew, the Co-founder, has high hopes for the new bank. After seeing a lot of banks fail, including his own personal bank, Andrew decided to retract from retirement and give banking another shot.