BY: Aaron Jack
Chief Development Officer, Argent Financial Group
CEO, Heritage Trust
One of the lessons learned through team sports is the reality that at some point you will go through serious adversity together. For many, it can break the team and detour an entire season. But a select few continue pushing, persevere and break through to immense success. There is truly no season (in sports or life) without some sort of severe storm.
The unique aspect of the last 15 months is that we have all gone through this together. The pandemic is not industry- or sector-specific. It has significantly touched all our lives. Our hearts ache for the lives lost and challenges faced throughout this unprecedented time.
As we emerge from the storm of this pandemic, we are truly excited about the future of our company, city and country. We look ahead into the second half of 2021 with renewed hope and anticipation. I am so proud of our team in Oklahoma for their perseverance and commitment to client service.
It has been quite a time in the history of Heritage and our Oklahoma team.
We talk everyday with our clients about transitioning their assets to the next generation. When Bond Payne accepted an opportunity at the Governor’s office in August of 2020, we all arrived at work the next morning to the exciting, yet daunting, reality that we had fully transitioned Heritage Trust Company from the first to the second generation. Our founders no longer enter the building every day. And as I studied the room of professionals, I can confidently state that our team has never been more experienced, diverse or talented as they are at this moment in time.
Like many, I admit to feeling a bit of uncertainty during the last year regarding client satisfaction. Our traditions of an open front door and regular in-person meetings were replaced by a darkened lobby and countless virtual client meetings. Therefore, it was with great curiosity (and some trepidation) that we initiated our fifth annual client survey in early 2021. And while we always have room for improvement, I am proud to report our team received the highest client satisfaction marks in the history of our survey.
Throughout the history of Heritage, our mission and purpose have never wavered. Our focus is, has always been, and always will be about people. We promise to continue to focus relentlessly on growing our expertise and improving client service.
I want to thank you for your continued support. I’m honored to lead our company into the second generation. We are truly blessed to be entering our 23rd year of serving our clients, partners, and community. My promise to each of you is that regardless of the challenges or adversity that may present, your Heritage team will continue pushing through to serve you better.
