The words “Rooted in Relationships” came later; we built the habit and lived it. During my time as President and CEO, teams stepped up, offices backed each other, and client service was our north star. Ten years into retirement, that spirit stays with me. What makes me most proud isn’t a single milestone; it’s how our culture matured into clear values and a distinct identity. We clarified who we were, sharpened our delivery, refreshed our brand, and kept the client at the center of every decision. That clarity gave our associates a renewed sense of pride in representing Cypress Trust Company. As Cypress celebrates 30 years of trusted relationships across Florida, I’m grateful for the many hands that built and sustained this institution—and confident in the momentum ahead. My reflections are from Cypress Trust Company, the predecessor to Cypress Bank & Trust. While I had no experience with the rebranded company after banking services were added, I can see it is building momentum and succeeding beyond what we imagined. Here’s to the next chapter—serving with integrity, listening first, and helping clients grow for generations to come.