Although our markets are geographically dispersed, we compete effectively in each region due to our considerable market knowledge of each area, our placement of local management with extensive banking experience in the respective market, our strong community ties that enhance relationship development, the favorable demographic and economic characteristics specific to each market, and our broad product menu and flexible terms.
We gain operating efficiency from centralized operations, administration, and systems. The banking operations of each region, however, are distinct to its market and its clientele and led by a local management team responsible for the region’s profitable development. The California and Arizona offices operate under the Los Padres Bank brand name.
We believe this multiple market banking strategy benefits our shareholders by providing the ability to:
- Diversify the loan portfolio and thus economic and credit risk
- Capitalize on the most favorable growth markets
- Deploy elements of our diverse product mix that are best suited for each market
- Price products strategically among the markets to maximize profitability
While employing this strategy, we have expanded the number of our banking facilities significantly since we established Harrington West Financial Group in 1996. A majority of our full-service offices are concentrated on the central coast of California, from Thousand Oaks to Atascadero. Our Phoenix metro banks are located in Scottsdale, and we are developing plans to build new offices in the growing cities of Surprise, Gilbert, and the Deer Valley Airpark area of north central Phoenix.
