Southern Hospitality Goes A Long Way

If there's one thing South Carolina knows – aside from football, grits and sweet tea, of course – it's good ol' southern hospitality. We wave and say “Hi, ya'll!” We offer to help our neighbors. We return what doesn't belong to us. These characteristics are more than just tradition; they're a way of life.

George Jebaily, one of our Florence branch customers, recently told us how happy he is with the spirit of southern hospitality he and his family are welcomed with each time they walk through our doors. Naturally, we wanted to learn more.

George's roots are firmly planted in South Carolina. A West Florence High School grad, he went on to study at USC, eventually earning his law degree. George and his wife, Debbie, live in Florence with their 16-year-old son, Kirk. Their 19-year-old daughter, Kayla, on the other hand, is currently attending Clemson. The family is actively involved in the community – particularly with the redevelopment of Downtown Florence and through Jebaily Law Firm, which his brother, Ron Jebaily, established in 1969.

George points out that the similarities between the Jebaily Law Firm's commitment to personal service and First Reliance's commitment are both comforting and rewarding.

His relationship with the bank goes back to the very beginning. Both of his parents had a longstanding relationship with Paul Saunders, and when the idea of First Reliance first came to be, they knew the kind of service that they would receive.

“When I think of First Reliance, I think of personal service. I think of individual attention, care and concern toward the customers. And that's a culture my family believes in and what my family has always received at First Reliance. It's an old time feeling of having a personal banker.”

And that famous southern hospitality goes a long way: “Everyone there is wonderful. There's a culture of warmth and friendliness that permeates throughout the whole bank. If I ever have a question or concern, I know I can call Paul Saunders, and he frequently calls me just to touch base. Now that's personal service.”

George and his family have several accounts through First Reliance and George is quick to point out just how appreciative he is of the support his family has received.

“The employees at First Reliance treat everyone who walks in those doors with respect. Our family is appreciative on a personal level as well as a business level.”