By Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce
What is your full name?
Thomas E. Bates, Jr.
What is your profession?
I am President and COO of Legends Bank in Clarksville, TN and have been a banker in the Middle TN area for approximately 30 years.
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I am a proud product of the Cheatham County Public School system and received my Bachelor’s and Master’s from Middle TN State University with an emphasis in Finance.
Why did you choose your current profession?
My current profession really chose me. I met an FDIC recruiter at a college career fair while working on my MBA. I was fortunate in that I was able to work from the Nashville office of the FDIC instead of relocating to another area of the country. My FDIC tenure led to a stint at First American National Bank in downtown Nashville, then to Clarksville as a commercial lender. I had the good fortune to be able to assist Billy Atkins with the founding of Legends Bank and as we prepare to celebrate our 17th anniversary this year, I am extremely proud of our efforts.
Where are you from originally?
I am from Nashville and my family relocated to Cheatham County where I attended both grade school and high school.
How long have you been in Clarksville and what brought you here?
I moved to Clarksville in March of 1996 to work with the Clarksville office of First American National Bank.
Tell us about your family.
I am incredibly blessed to have a loving and supportive family. My wife Debbie manages all the household affairs so that I can focus on the bank. She is truly the foundation of our family. My oldest daughter Lauren is an Investment Analyst in Birmingham. My son, Kyle, graduates in May from MTSU in Electronic Media Production and will be touring with various musical acts. My youngest daughter, Amanda, graduates from Pope John Paul II High School this year and will be attending Birmingham Southern College in the fall.
What do you like most about Clarksville?
Clarksville is such a welcoming community with so much to offer. The Cumberland River, Austin Peay State University, the historic downtown and Ft. Campbell are all factors in the great quality of life we have in Clarksville. We have a good retail corridor along Wilma Rudolph and Tiny Town Road and an impressive industrial base with industries from several different countries. We are truly blessed to be part of the vibrant middle TN economy.
If you could have any other profession what would it be?
I have been very happy with my career in banking; however, being the “Voice of the Blue Raiders” would be a good alternative. Getting paid to watch and talk about sports all the time, especially at your alma mater, would be fun.
What is your favorite meal?
It’s hard to beat a good steak.
What is the easiest and most difficult part of your job every day?
Managing the numbers comes easiest to me because I’m just naturally a numbers guy. I may forget a name but I rarely forget a number. The most difficult part is managing employees. Balancing employee morale and happiness with business goals and expectations can occasionally be stressful.
What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
All time favorite movie is The Shawshank Redemption. For TV, I am a big Walking Dead fan.
Who is your role model?
I have had many mentors during my career, but my role model would have to be my dad. His calm demeanor and dedication to his family is amazing. For a man of view words, he has taught me a lot by his actions. I consider him a direct influence on my work ethic and fiscal frugality.
What has been the toughest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life?
I took a position early in my career that was not a good fit and I had to move my wife and two young children twice in one year, both times to new towns and ended up with two houses in the process. Fortunately, that second move is what got me to Clarksville. Faith and family truly get you through the rough patches in your life.
How would you like your life to look 10 years from now?
I am very happy with my life today, so I don’t think that I need to make any big changes. It would always be nice to spend more time at the beach.
When and to where was your last vacation?
I took my daughter to Universal Studios over spring break this year. I don’t know if that qualifies as vacation since I was exhausted when I got back to work. For relaxation I look to the Florida Gulf Coast or Punta Cana, D.R.
What is your favorite pastime or hobby?
While I enjoy tennis and golf, I am most happy spending time with my family, especially at the beach.
What advice can you give others juggling a family and career?
Try not to sacrifice one for the other. It’s important to be focused on your business to be successful but you have to carve out time for family obligations. A good family foundation is a factor in the success of your career. If your home life is healthy, you can be more focused on your work and career.
What is something most Clarksvillians wouldn’t know about you?
I spent a summer in college as a caricature artist at Opryland Theme park.
If you could leave one message to the Clarksville community what would it be?
As my dear friend, Pastor Jimmy Terry always says, “Clarksville is a great place to live!” After almost 20 years in the community, I think he is correct. Make the most of your community and be involved and engage in civic affairs. The community is only as good as you make it.