This week we are throwing it back to one of our favorite episodes featuring Jesse Cole. Jesse is the founder of Fans First Entertainment and owner of the Savannah Bananas. The Bananas have sold out every game since their first season and have a waitlist for tickets in the thousands. The team has built a social media following in the millions including becoming known as TikTok’s favorite team with over 2 million followers. Jesse has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, MSNBC, ESPN, HBO Real Sports and once at his son’s show and tell. He is the author of two best selling books, Find Your Yellow Tux and Fans First. He’s been featured on over 1000 podcasts and delivers keynote speeches all over the world sharing the Fans First experience.

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. 

SouthState Bank, N.A. – Member FDIC

 

Recent Episodes

08/04/25

How Colony Bank is Investing in the Future with Christian Ruppe

Today we talk with Christian Ruppe, Chief Innovation Officer of Colony Bank in Georgia. Christian talks about the strategic technology and innovation initiatives Colony has invested in to continue serving their customers with excellence. VIEW AGENDA AND REGISTER FOR THE ELEVATE BANKING FORUM HERE The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely…

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07/28/25

How to Create a High-Performing Digital Strategy with Matt Quale from Forbright Bank

Today Chris Nichols sits down with Matt Quale, who serves as President of Digital Banking at Forbright Bank. He has decades of experience in consumer experience, technology, and financial services, having held leadership roles at Texas Capital Bank, Bask Bank, Brighthouse Financial, MetLife, American Express, WebMD, McKinsey, ConAgra, Coca-Cola, and General Mills. Chris and Matt…

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07/21/25

How Lenders Can Use LinkedIn to Create Value for Your Bank with Owen LaFave

Today we bring on Owen LaFave, Market President at the Bank of Tampa. He tells us all about how he uses LinkedIn to create value for himself and his bank. Owen’s advice in today’s episode could inform your LinkedIn strategy to create value for your clients and to meet new prospects.   Learn more about…

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07/14/25

How to Lead Your Bank as It Scales with SouthState Executive Mark Thompson

Today SouthState’s own Mark Thompson, Banking Group President of Florida, joins us. With over 40 years of banking experience, he shares a wealth of knowledge with us. We discuss the current landscape for commercial lending, what to look for when hiring commercial lenders, and how to keep the “small feel” in a growing bank.  …

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07/07/25

How the Best Commercial Lenders Navigate Economic Uncertainty with Sim Cheema

Today we bring back Sim Cheema, who works on our ARC Team here at SouthState. We talk about the current Fed policy, the economic environment, and what all that means for you and your lenders at your bank.   Learn more about ARC here. Learn more about the Community Bank Summer Performance Series here.  …

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06/30/25

The Top Banking Trends Going Into Q3

Today our own Chris Nichols sits down with Nathan Stovall from S&P Global Market Intelligence. They discuss current trends in the banking industry including the outlook for deposit growth and costs, the forecast for credit quality, bank M&A, regulation, and many other great topics. Learn more about The Deposit Conference! The views, information, or opinions…

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