First Choice Bank opens first DeSoto County branch in Southaven
Photo: Samuel Kail, DeSoto County Market President, cuts the ribbon during the grand opening for the new First Choice Bank location on Goodman Road East in Southaven. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. – First Choice Bank officially entered the DeSoto County market Thursday with the grand opening of its new Southaven branch, marking the Pontotoc-based institution’s first location in the county.
The new branch is located at 3212 Goodman Road East, filling a space previously occupied by another bank. Leading the expansion is DeSoto County Market President Samuel Kail, who emphasized a people-first, community-focused approach during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“For the most part, all banks have the same services,” Kail stated. “To me, what sets us apart is the people. When I was hiring my staff, I wanted quality people. We want it to be a place that feels like home when you come in.”
Kail, an eight-year veteran of the banking industry, said he was drawn to the opportunity to build the new branch from the ground up. He explained that his vision is to create a true “hometown community bank” where relationships are paramount.
“You come in once, everybody will learn your name. You come in a second time, they’re gonna call you by your name,” Kail said. “It’s not just a bank where you say, ‘Here’s my money.’ It’s asking how your kids are doing, creating a relationship that people can start and grow with, whether it’s business or personal.”
Having worked his way up from a teller to roles in credit management and commercial lending, Kail said he understands the importance of attending to every client’s needs, big or small.
“I have large commercial accounts that their daughter has a student account at college. When that overdraws, they call me,” he shared. “If you can handle a customer’s small details, they’ll trust you with the big stuff.”
First Choice Bank, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, also has locations in Tupelo, Ecru, and Houlka. The Southaven branch represents a significant expansion of its footprint into one of Mississippi’s fastest-growing areas.
