Tulsa, Okla., February 25, 2022 –Gateway First Bank opened the new flagship banking center today to the cheers of Gateway team members, and community leaders. As a part of opening, two special community programs were announced as a testament to Gateway's mission of strengthening families and communities.
The flagship banking center's convenient location is a welcoming landmark upon entering the city of Jenks. Located on Jenks' Main Street, the 3,500 square foot banking center sits near the company headquarters just off Highway 75 at 100 South Gateway Place.
The building's location, architecture, and design are an intentional reflection of Gateway's dedication to serving families and the community. The use of modern materials and glass creates an open and inviting atmosphere with a large, spacious lobby as well as a community room that is available as a meeting space. The banking center provides a place to touch down, drop by, get connected, and serve clients in a sunlit warm, and welcoming environment.
"We are thrilled to open our new flagship location that is also the "gateway" to the city of Jenks," said Scott Gesell, CEO of Gateway. "Today is the culmination of a dream to merge a successful nationwide mortgage company with an Oklahoma community bank. We promised that if allowed to turn this dream into a reality, we would expand access to banking services into communities across Oklahoma and its contiguous states."
Gateway First Bank started in 2019 with five banking centers in western Oklahoma that are cornerstone businesses in those communities. Today's Grand Opening, along with another in Oklahoma City later this month, will bring Gateway's banking footprint to eight locations, with more on the way. Other Gateway First Bank locations include Cherokee, Tonkawa, Nash, Wakita, Helena, and a microbranch in the Jenks corporate building. "I am also particularly proud of the work we are doing in North Tulsa," continued Gesell. "As a part of our mission of strengthening families and communities, this past December, we installed an ATM in the Oasis grocery store next to our new mortgage center in North Tulsa. This community is underserved in mortgage and banking services, and we are proud to be conveniently located to better serve their needs." In addition, one Saturday a month, the Gateway team provides grocery store customers with financial education and resource materials in addition to leading Financial Freedom seminars for prospective and current mortgage customers.
"The new Jenks banking center will go above and beyond in providing traditional bank branch services," said Greg Wagner, Senior Vice President/Retail Banking Executive. "The building will serve as a multi-purpose space where clients and community members can drop by and connect while fulfilling their banking needs in a warm and welcoming environment. Today is a testament to Gateway's commitment to investing in our local communities, starting right in the city we call home."
Gateway's approach in building banking centers offers clients both options of high-touch service and high-tech solutions. The banking center accommodates personal consultations with bankers in private offices to assess client needs and develop a plan to help customers achieve their goals. For clients on the go, Gateway offers an interactive drive-thru banking experience and a 24-hour ATM along with online and mobile app experiences.
The Gateway Corporate campus and surrounding area is quickly developing and will be a mixed-use space including a Candlewood Suites Hotel, Casey's General Store, medical office buildings, office space, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Vertical Limit Fitness, and South County Gymnastics.
Project partners include Gibraltar Capital, KSQ Design, CR Crawford Construction, 360 Engineering, Precision Engineering Group, Wallace, and Studio 08 Consultants.
30 Days of Giving Promotion
As a testament to Gateway's mission of strengthening families and communities, Gateway is the new 2022 sponsor of the Jenks Public Schools Foundation Bookmobile. In addition, Gateway kicked off a "30 Days of Giving" promotion.
For every new customer that opens a new checking account in person at the Jenks banking center between January 14 – February 14, Gateway will make a $100 donation to your choice of one of the following non-profit organizations.
Jenks Community Food Bank provides food and other necessities to individuals and families living in the Jenks Public School district who need temporary assistance.
Youth Services of Tulsa serves the Tulsa area homeless and at-risk youth by providing them with a support network. Their mission is to value and accept all youth, supporting and challenging them to embrace their potential.
Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa provides nutritious meals, wellness checks, and caring contact to elderly and disabled homebound individuals in Tulsa and surrounding areas. Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa has served the Tulsa area and surrounding communities for nearly 50 years.
Jenks Public School Foundation Bookmobile
Jenks Public Schools Foundation's Read the Way Bookmobile program took a retired Jenks school bus and made it into a fully functional bookmobile. A fun exterior wrap sets the tone for the colorful interior equipped with bookshelves, a book dispensing vending machine, seating, and a generator to provide air conditioning during the hot summer months. Visits are made to apartment and housing areas across the district in addition to the high school media library during the summer to provide access to reading materials and literacy support.
About Gateway First Bank
Gateway First Bank is a leading financial institution that provides banking and mortgage services for consumers and commercial customers. Headquartered in Jenks, Oklahoma, Gateway is a $1.9 billion asset sized bank with a strong mortgage operation. Gateway is one of the largest banking and mortgage operations in the United States with six bank branches in Oklahoma, over 160 mortgage centers in 42 states, and almost 1,600 employees. Learn more at www.GatewayFirst.com. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender (NMLS 7233)
Follow Gateway First on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GatewayFirstBank/), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gatewayfirst/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/Gateway1st).
