As Tampa Bay continues to grow, businesses and individuals alike are looking for financial partners that understand the local market and are committed to the communities they serve.
During a recent interview with Inside South Florida, Meloe Barfield, EVP and Tampa Market Executive at Amerant Bank, shared her perspective on relationship banking, Amerant’s expanding presence in the Tampa Bay area, and the importance of staying connected with the people and businesses that help communities thrive.
Growing Alongside the Tampa Bay Community
Expanding into a new market starts by building relationships. Early connections within the community help shape a foundation for future growth.
As Tampa Market Executive, Meloe’s role focuses on helping Amerant grow across the region while building relationships with local businesses, community leaders, and residents. Those relationships help create opportunities to better understand market needs and support the people who live and work there.
“My primary role is building relationships and helping the bank grow its market share. As much as I can, I try to be out in the community just getting the word out about how great we are.”
— Meloe Barfield, EVP, Tampa Market Executive
Amerant’s continued investment in Tampa reflects its commitment to becoming an active part of the community and supporting the region’s long-term growth.
A Banking Experience with a Personal Touch
As banking continues to evolve, many clients still value accessibility, responsiveness, and the ability to work directly with people who understand their goals.
Meloe believes one of Amerant’s strengths is its ability to combine the capabilities of a larger institution with the personalized approach often associated with a community bank.
With a strong presence across Florida and approximately $10 billion in assets, Amerant offers a broad range of banking solutions while maintaining a relationship-focused approach to serving clients.
“We can service the client and give them as much as they need, but give it to them in a hometown feel.”
— Meloe Barfield, EVP, Tampa Market Executive
That balance allows clients to access the resources they need while working with a team that takes the time to understand their unique circumstances.
Banking the Whole Relationship
Business owners often have financial goals that extend beyond their companies. Decisions made for a business can influence personal plans and priorities, and long-term objectives.
According to Meloe, Amerant’s approach is centered on understanding the full relationship rather than focusing on a single need or transaction. By getting to know the client and their goals, the bank can help connect them with the appropriate resources as those needs evolve over time.
This relationship-based philosophy helps create a more seamless banking experience and encourages conversations that extend beyond day-to-day banking activities.
Staying Connected Through Community Involvement
Being part of a community means showing up and supporting the organizations that bring people together.
One example is Amerant’s partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays, which reflects the bank’s commitment to the region and its residents. Through partnerships and community engagement efforts, Amerant continues to strengthen its presence throughout Tampa Bay while creating opportunities to connect with clients outside of the banking center. This partnership further includes custom Rays debit cards for Tampa residents.
These relationships help reinforce the local connections that remain an important part of Amerant’s culture.
Looking Ahead
With banking centers in Tampa and plans for an additional location in St. Petersburg, Amerant continues to expand its presence across the Tampa Bay area.
For Meloe, growth is ultimately about building lasting relationships and remaining engaged in the communities the bank serves. As Amerant continues to invest in the region, the focus remains on understanding clients’ goals and supporting their success
Learn More
Amerant’s commitment to Tampa Bay continues to grow alongside the businesses and communities that make the region unique. As the bank expands its presence across the market, building relationships remains at the heart of that growth.
To learn more about Amerant Bank and its Tampa Bay locations, visit our site.
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