Bob Hurley RV
Bob Hurley RV
First Oklahoma Bank's Strong Relationships Lead to Successful Outcomes for Local Business Leaders
Bob Hurley’s success in the automotive and RV industry isn’t just about sales and service – it’s about having the right bank by your side.
With close to four decades in business, Hurley says his personal relationship with First Oklahoma Bank has proven invaluable for his day-to-day operations.
The Power of Personal Banking
“In every business, for you to be successful with the ups and downs of the way business goes, you have to have a great personal banking relationship,” Hurley emphasizes.
This philosophy has been particularly crucial in his industry, where large cash flow swings are common.
Hurley’s relationship with First Oklahoma Bank dates back to the start of his first dealership, and he’s experienced firsthand how this partnership has supported his business through various challenges and opportunities, especially when he was expanding and starting new ventures like Bob Hurley RV, Bob Hurley GMC Buick, and Bob Hurly Dodge in Ponca City.
What sets First Oklahoma Bank apart, according to Hurley, is their unprecedented level of accessibility.
Beyond Traditional Banking Hours
One notable example of the bank’s exceptional service occurred on a Saturday, when Hurley needed a substantial sum of cash urgently.
“I texted Tom [Bennett III], and Tom got me taken care of, literally in 35 to 40 minutes after that phone call,” Hurley recalls.
“I think he was on a soccer field at the time, but he made it a point to help me out.”
This level of responsiveness isn’t an exception – it’s the norm at First Oklahoma Bank.
A Team Approach to Service
The bank’s service model revolves around a dedicated team approach:
– Katy Hedrick handles personal banking needs
– Barbi McNulty manages corporate accounts
– Tom Bennett III oversees loans and major financial arrangements
What makes this team unique is their availability.
“I have all of their personal cell phones,” Hurley notes. “What other bank in town is going to give you that kind of access 365 days a year to their personal cell phone?”
Modern Banking with a Personal Touch
While First Oklahoma Bank embraces modern banking technology – offering robust digital platforms and mobile apps that Hurley’s CFO and he personally use daily – the company is still able to maintain its commitment to personal service.Â
This combination has proven particularly valuable in protecting clients from fraud and ensuring security in financial transactions.
The bank’s security measures are thorough yet practical.
“I like that no outgoing wire ever goes out unless I approve it,” Hurley explains, appreciating the bank’s double-security approach to protecting client assets.
Supporting Multiple Generations
The bank’s personal touch extends beyond business services.
When Hurley’s elderly mother faced financial scams, First Oklahoma Bank alerted her and her family right away, stepped in to help resolve the situation, and implemented preventive measures.Â
This multi-generational approach to banking service demonstrates their commitment to serving entire families, not just business accounts.
A Banking Partner for All
Despite his status as a prominent business owner, Hurley believes the exceptional service he receives isn’t exclusive to major clients.
“I would bet they treat every customer the same,” he says.
“I have a hard time buying that I’m getting some extraordinary treatment because I’m Bob Hurley. I would think that any customer that banks at First Oklahoma Bank is going to get treated the same way I do, with the dignity and respect that they always show us.”
The Value of Real Banking Relationships
In an era where many banks treat customers as mere account numbers, Hurley emphasizes the importance of having a genuine banking relationship.
“Everybody’s going to need a banker at some point in time,” he reflects. “When you come from nothing, like I did, and you work your way up, there are times that you have lots of money, and there are times that you’re broke. It’s in those times when you’re broke, you need that personal banker to take care of you.”
This philosophy of relationship-based banking has served both Hurley and First Oklahoma Bank well, creating a partnership that continues to thrive after decades of working together.
It’s a testament to the enduring value of personal relationships in banking, even in today’s increasingly digital financial world.