Praying for all those affected by the devastating tornado in Franklin.
SouthStar Bank has opened an account dedicated to relief efforts for the Franklin tornado and pledges to match contributions up to $25,000. Donations can be made at any branch. If you wish to make a contribution by check, it should be made out to Franklin Tornado Victims Relief. Debit or credit card donations can also be processed over the phone, please call SouthStar Bank Franklin at 979.828.4168. #FranklinStrong
SouthStar Bank
At SouthStar Bank, we honor our 100-year Texas heritage by focusing on community values and personal relationships coupled with flexible, common-sense lending. From basic personal checking and savings to complex multi-million dollar commercial loans, you can count on our experienced professionals to help you meet your goals.
While we’re continually striving to offer the very best in service, convenience and security, our founding commitment remains the same: To provide friendly, flexible financial services where we live and work – Texas Style!
Featured Projects
Arbogast Homes
"I have had the great pleasure of working with Larry Weisinger and his team at SouthStar Bank on several large, complex custom home projects. Larry delivered exceptional service, great value, and a long term partnership to each and every client. I have been so impressed, I had Larry and SouthStar Bank finance my personal home as well."
– Tod Arbogast, President, Arbogast Homes
Sommerfeld Construction
“I’ve worked with Brent Gibbs at SouthStar Bank to finance construction of several high-end residential projects, including the spec home we are showing during this year’s Parade of Homes. From our first call through the final draw, they consistently make the process easy and straightforward – even when the project is not. The professionals at SouthStar Bank clearly understand builders and their needs, and deliver as promised.”
—Marvin Sommerfeld, President, Sommerfeld Construction
Triple B Hardware
Four years ago, Tony Bielamowicz of Bremond decided to expand the family cedar mill into a hardware store to serve the communities’ need for rural living supplies. After extending his building shell, he turned to SouthStar Bank for several loans including inventory, an eye-catching digital street sign, and later a forklift. Along the way, he enlisted SouthStar to set up his merchant services (credit card acceptance) account. Tony’s never met a stranger, and greets customers with free refreshments and expert DIY advice.
"SouthStar Bank is a fantastic business partner. Norman and Justin check in regularly, and I’m comfortable asking for just about anything a bank provides. They made it a priority to understand my vision for a true mom-and-pop store where folks can come in for a part and some fix-it advice. Their help got us selling and keeps us going. Thanks in part to SouthStar, business is great!"
—Tony Bielamowicz, Owner, Triple B Hardware.
Custom Gym and Retail Store Fronts
Supplied funding to established business partners for land acquisition and construction of a 9,000 square foot, two-story retail building in Lakeway, TX. The new facility will house the partner¹s BodyWise Gym along with two retail storefronts for tenants.
"After experiencing nothing but hassles trying to work with two large banks we've had relationships with for years, an associate suggested we try SouthStar. It quickly became clear that SouthStar cares about local business and the benefits we anticipated from owning our own building. We were surprised at how easy the process was and how important they made us feel every step of the way."
—Kay Sconci and Don Hardwick, BodyWise and Donkay Real Estate.
Bank Held Mortgage
Provided a dynamic young professional with a bank-held jumbo mortgage to purchase this non-traditional River Hills (Austin) residence on an oversize wooded lot featuring sweeping views.
“After months of searching for a lender who would finance a self-employed, 27-year old first-time homebuyer, I was on the verge of giving up. After many exhausting ‘NO's’, an associate recommended I visit with SouthStar Bank. I was immediately impressed with their ability to look beyond the standard paperwork and consider the individual behind the application.
Other lenders said ‘you don’t quite fit the box and should start small’. The team at SouthStar Bank assured me that because they set their own lending criteria, the jumbo loan I needed was quite workable. We’ve enjoyed our new home for several months now! If you’ve been turned down because a banker doesn’t ‘get’ your vision, give SouthStar Bank a call!” — Jonathan Twaddle, Homeowner
Multi-Duplex Student Housing
Provided approximately $1.5 million in interim to permanent funding for the development of a multi- duplex student housing project in Waco, TX.
“After years of dealing with faceless people and bureaucratic attitudes we were looking for a bank with a personal interest in our financial matters. SouthStar Bank’s professional approach and personal touch really makes the difference. They took the time to understand our banking needs and provided working capital for our student housing project.” — Rudy and Ramiro Yepez
Office Warehouse
Funded approximately $850K for the vertical construction of a 6,000 sq. ft. owner occupied office warehouse in Georgetown, TX. Plans call for six additional flex-space buildings at 6,000 sq. ft. each.
“Our support network advised us to ditch the big bank and partner with a regional institution that remembers names, recognizes potential and has the resources to support growth. SouthStar Bank embodies these characteristics. They took the time to understand our goals and offered invaluable perspective. We value our relationship.” —Daniel and Christie Dance, Almighty Rentals
Acreage and Custom Home
Provided a Hearne, TX client with funds for the purchase of a 454-acre ranch and construction of a 4,100 sq. ft. custom home. SouthStar will convert the interim note to permanent financing, once construction is complete.
“When we decided to build our ranch home and needed funding we knew we wanted to deal with Norman Koch at First Star Bank, which is now known as SouthStar Bank. We knew from the many years of previous bank/business dealings that he could be trusted. He reassured us he could make the deal happen. He put us in touch with Joe Scarpinato at the Hearne branch assuring us we would like working with him and have no problems. We are happy to say Norman was right. Joe and Norman worked together and made what can be a tedious process go very smoothly and kept us in the loop on progress. It was a happy day for us when we were able to begin building. Thanks to Joe and Norman for making this such a smooth transaction." — Gary and Janie Gray
Fuel Stop / Convenience Store Complex
Provided funding to an investment group planning a travelers' outpost near Franklin, TX. In addition to gas pumps and a convenience store, the facility includes two leasable retail store fronts and covered diesel islands out back.
"Mudd Creek Country Store was established in 2014 to provide Franklin, TX area residents and travelers with food, drinks, fuel and a friendly place to drop in for a visit. The bankers at SouthStar understood our vision and recognized the project’s incredible potential. Together, we worked through the details and SouthStar financed the project. SouthStar lived up to their reputation as flexible, common-sense bankers. Our Mudd Creek Chop House and Chicken Express restaurants have been particularly well received by the community. Come in and have a taste! We look forward to a long, prosperous relationship with our community and SouthStar Bank." — David Archibald, Owner, Mudd Creek Country Store and Chop House
Office Warehouse Development
Supplied proceeds for the purchase and development of a 12-acre multiphase project in NW Austin, consisting of 10 buildings and totaling 60,000 sq. ft. Also, funded site work for an additional 12 buildings, totaling 72,000 sq. ft.
"SouthStar has been an incredibly vital asset and a loyal partner for many years now. As our project continues to grow and change ─ adding phases to meet market demand and increase profitability ─ they have been unwavering in their willingness to fund land acquisition, site development, and vertical construction. We are grateful to have such a strong personal banking relationship within our community." —Karl Haussmann, Realtor / Developer, NW Austin Office Warehouse Complex