Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire Southstar Bank’s parent company. Click HERE to learn more from SouthStar Bank President & CEO David Kapavik.
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I am pleased to share the news about our bank’s future. The Dinsdale family, owners of Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc., have signed an agreement to acquire SouthStar Bank. We will join an established family of community banks. The transaction will occur early next year, but we will continue operating under the SouthStar Bank name through 2027.
I will continue to serve as President and CEO, and our management team and staff will remain the same. I understand you may have concerns or skepticism about the change in ownership. But you have my commitment to continue taking care of you, as we have for the past 31 years I have served as President. I can say this confidently because the family buying the bank already operates their other banks with the same values as SouthStar.
On behalf of Executive Vice President of Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc., Matt Dinsdale, I want to share the following message: “Under Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc., SouthStar Bank will continue to operate with local management, local decision-making, local teams, and local control, reflecting both organizations’ shared commitment to community banking. Our heritage and values will continue to build on SouthStar Bank’s strong established foundation for its employees, customers, and communities.”
SouthStar Bank will remain the same great bank, with the same 5-star customer service tradition that you know and love that sets us apart from other financial institutions. Our Team and I are genuinely excited about this opportunity and confident in the future it creates for our customers and the communities we have proudly served since 1920.
The branches and employees, who know you by name, will continue serving our customers. For daily questions or concerns, please continue to contact and visit your local branch or reach out to any of our loan officers who regularly help you.
As a personal guarantee, I am also listing the Moulton branch phone number so you can call me if we are not living up to my commitment to serving you as we always have. I welcome your call at 361.596.4611.
Thank you for your continued business and support!
Moulton, TX: Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire Southern Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of SouthStar Bank of Moulton, Texas. SouthStar Bank has a total asset size of $1.35 billion with 16 full-service locations in Central Texas, including Austin, Bee Cave, Brazoria, Bremond, Calvert, Franklin, Georgetown, Gonzales, Harker Heights, Hearne, Kerrville, Leander, Moulton, Round Rock and Shiner. In addition, they have one loan production office (LPO) in Austin.
Executive Vice President of Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc., Matt Dinsdale, is proud of how the two banks align: “Under Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc., SouthStar Bank will continue to operate with local management, local decision-making and local control, reflecting both organizations’ shared commitment to community banking. Our heritage and values will continue to build on SouthStar Bank’s foundation for their employees, customers and communities.”
CEO of SouthStar Bank, David Kapavik, said, “I am honored for our team to be able to join another great family bank with a common culture, background, and community bank philosophy. SouthStar Bank makes a great fit for the Pinnacle Bank family strategically and geographically to serve customers in the Texas market.”
The branches and employees of SouthStar Bank will continue serving customers throughout the acquisition. Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc. has noted that they are proud to add additional locations, including SouthStar Bank’s established team.
The purchase is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in January 2027. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
About Pinnacle Bancorp:
Founded in 1938, Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc. is a family-owned $20.2 billion regional banking organization operating in eight states with 164 branches. The company adheres to a community bank philosophy that values local decisions and local control.
Whether you’re purchasing commercial real estate, expanding your business, renovating an existing location, or investing in income-producing property, understanding the commercial lending process is essential. At SouthStar Bank, we work with Texas business owners and investors every day who have questions about qualification requirements, down payments, interest rates, and timelines.
What Is a Commercial Loan?
A commercial loan is financing designed to help businesses achieve their growth goals. Commercial loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
Unlike residential mortgages, commercial loans are evaluated based on several factors, including financial performance, cash flow, collateral, and the specific purpose of financing. SouthStar Bank’s local expertise gives our lenders a unique understanding of regional market dynamics and the economy, supporting a smooth, informed process as you seek commercial financing.
What Credit Score Is Needed for a Commercial Loan?
There is no universal minimum credit score for commercial financing, but as with traditional loans, established credit histories and demonstrated financial responsibility can help you qualify.
While your credit score is important, with commercial loans, lenders will also evaluate:
Business revenue and cash flow
Existing debt obligations
Industry experience
Available collateral
Down payment amount
A strong overall financial profile can help improve your approval prospects and potentially lead to more favorable loan terms.
How Much Is Required for a Down Payment?
Commercial loan down payment requirements often range from 10% to 30%, depending on the loan type, property type, and borrower qualifications.
Factors that may influence your required down payment include: whether the property is owner-occupied or an investment property, property risk profile, business financial strength, and loan program requirements.
An experienced lender can help determine the best financing structure for your specific project.
What Documents Will I Need to Apply?
Preparing documentation in advance can help streamline the lending process.
Common documents include:
Business tax returns
Personal tax returns
Profit and loss statements
Balance sheets
Bank statements
Personal financial statements
Property information and leases, if applicable
The exact requirements vary based on the transaction and the borrower’s financial profile. Our experts are always happy to discuss your situation and help determine what exact documentation you will need for your loan.
What Is Loan-to-Value (LTV)?
Loan-to-Value, or LTV, measures the loan amount compared to the value of the property being financed.
For example, if a property is valued at $1 million and the loan amount is $800,000, the LTV is 80%.
Lenders use LTV to assess risk, and lower LTV ratios often strengthen a borrower’s financing position.
Can Startups Qualify for Commercial Financing?
Yes. While established businesses may have an advantage due to operating history, startups can still qualify for financing.
Lenders may place greater emphasis on personal credit history, industry experience, business plans, financial projections, and available collateral.
Working with a lender who understands your business goals can help identify available financing options.
Why should I work with a local Texas commercial lender?
A local lender understands regional market conditions, property values, and the local business environment. Community banks like SouthStar Bank provide personalized service, local decision-making, and tailored financing solutions designed to support Texas businesses and commercial real estate investors.
Partner with SouthStar Bank for Your Commercial Financing Needs
Every commercial lending opportunity is unique. Whether you’re purchasing owner-occupied real estate, refinancing an existing property, expanding operations, or investing in commercial property, SouthStar Bank’s experienced local lending team can help guide you through the process.
By understanding commercial loan requirements and preparing in advance, you’ll be better positioned to secure financing that supports your long-term business goals.
While most Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are limited to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, Self-Directed IRAs (SDIRAs) can offer you a variety of investment options to diversify your portfolio and put your retirement funds to work. This advantage lets SDIRA account holders invest in areas of expertise while still enjoying the tax benefits of a retirement account.
A Self-Directed IRA is a retirement account that allows investors to hold a broader range of investments than traditional IRAs. While the tax benefits and contribution rules are generally the same as traditional or Roth IRAs, the key difference is investment flexibility.
With a Self-Directed IRA, eligible investments may include:
Real estate
Precious metals like gold or silver
Private equity or venture capital
Tax liens
Private loans or promissory notes
Why Invest in What You Know?
One of the most common investing principles is to leverage your knowledge and experience. If you have spent years working in real estate, construction, lending, or business ownership, you may have insights that help you evaluate these investment opportunities more effectively.
For example, a real estate professional may be able to identify undervalued properties, assess market trends, and understand local demand better than someone investing in publicly traded securities. Likewise, an experienced entrepreneur may be more comfortable evaluating private business opportunities than analyzing stock charts.
Investing in familiar asset classes can help investors make more informed decisions and potentially identify opportunities that align with their expertise.
Diversification Beyond Wall Street
Market volatility can make investors reconsider whether to concentrate all retirement assets in traditional securities. A Self-Directed IRA offers an opportunity to diversify across multiple asset classes.
Diversification does not guarantee profits or protect against losses, but spreading investments across different sectors and asset types may help reduce overall portfolio risk.
For many retirement savers, combining traditional investments with alternative assets creates a more balanced approach to long-term wealth building.
Investors often choose Self-Directed IRAs for several reasons:
Greater Control and Flexibility
With a SDIRA, you decide where your retirement funds are invested based on your own research and expertise.
Access to Alternative Assets
SDIRAs open the door to investment opportunities that are unavailable in many traditional retirement accounts.
Tax Advantages
Traditional SDIRA: Contributions are tax-deductible, and growth is tax-deferred until withdrawal.
Roth SDIRA: Account holders make contributions after tax, but qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
Portfolio Diversification
Diversifying your investment portfolio is a common principle that can help balance against potential volatility in traditional markets available to basic IRAs.
Take Control of Your Retirement Strategy
If you are looking for a retirement strategy that aligns with your experience and investment goals, a Self-Directed IRA may be worth exploring. SouthStar Bank’s dedicated IRA team is always happy to discuss your situation and determine if a SDIRA is right for you!
A Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) is a retirement account that offers the same tax advantages as a traditional or Roth IRA while allowing investors to hold a broader range of alternative assets.
What can I invest in with a Self-Directed IRA?
Depending on IRS guidelines, Self-Directed IRAs may invest in real estate, private lending, private equity, tax liens, certain precious metals, and other alternative investments.
Can I buy real estate with a Self-Directed IRA?
Yes. Real estate is one of the most popular investments held in Self-Directed IRAs, including residential, commercial, and undeveloped properties.
Why do investors choose a Self-Directed IRA?
Many investors choose a Self-Directed IRA because it provides greater investment flexibility, portfolio diversification, and the opportunity to invest in assets they understand well.
Can I transfer funds from an existing retirement account?
Yes. In many cases, funds can be transferred or rolled over from existing IRAs and eligible employer-sponsored retirement plans into a Self-Directed IRA.
Are there rules and restrictions for Self-Directed IRAs?
Yes. The IRS prohibits certain transactions, including self-dealing and transactions with disqualified persons. Investors should work with qualified professionals to ensure compliance.
SouthStar Bank S.S.B. is an independent passive Custodian and is not associated or affiliated with and does not recommend, promote or advise any specific investment, investment opportunity, investment sponsor, investment company or investment promoter or any agents, employees, representatives or other of such firms or entities. Investments are not insured, have no guarantee, and may lose value. SouthStar Bank S.S.B. customers have FDIC bank deposit insurance for non-invested cash deposited into their Custodian Checkbook IRA account up to the standard insurance amount of $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category. The Bank follows the FDIC Insurance guidelines for custodians as outlined HERE.
Looking to jump start your child’s savings? Our Youth Account Scholarship could be the perfect fit! Open a Shooting Star Savings Account for your child before 10/31/26 and receive a $100 Scholarship Bonus with your $25 Minimum Opening Deposit. Starting your child’s saving journey early can be a great way to educate them financially and set them up for long term success!
Shooting Star Savings Account Details:
Ages 0-17
$25 Minimum opening deposit
No monthly service fees
No minimum balance requirement
1.00% APY*
Visit your local branch today to claim your child’s scholarship bonus! While you’re there, ask about our other Youth Account offerings along with our wide variety of accounts and lending products or learn more here!
*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Interest rates are variable and may change at any time without notice. APY valid as of 9/1/2026. Fees may reduce earnings. Not eligible for checks or debit card. One account per person. Customers currently holding a Rising or Shooting Star Account, or those who previously had a Rising Star Account are not eligible. Account changes to regular savings upon student’s 18th birthday. Scholarship Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS 1099-INT. Scholarship valid for first 1000 accounts through 10/31/26, one per person deposited into savings.
Banking at a large, national bank can often feel tedious and impersonal. At SouthStar Bank, we understand how much it means to our clients and communities to provide personal, friendly service centered on you. We take pride in getting to know our customers and strive to make their banking experience quick, easy, enjoyable, and warm. Banking is more than just a place to stash your cash; it is about trust, security, and a banking team that works hard to understand and support your individual needs.
Fall in Love with Community Banking
In a world where services are increasingly online, the people-first, relationship-focused model of community banking feels even more impactful. SouthStar Bank has proudly served the communities we live and work in for 106 years, developing a deep understanding of each community’s unique needs. Our philosophy puts the customer first and focuses on providing the best service possible while still offering the modern banking conveniences customers want. This unique combination allows for an unmatched banking experience.
Fall in Love with Local Lending
Leveraging our deep connection to and knowledge of our communities allows SouthStar Bank to make loan decisions locally, tailoring solutions to your needs and goals. We’ve developed programs for a variety of needs, whether you are looking for your first home, building your dream house, or seeking small business or commercial funding to expand or start your business. Our local teams also make loan decisions in-house, rather than an out-of-state committee typical of a national bank. This lets our lending team make decisions efficiently, using their strong knowledge of the local market and economy.
Fall in Love with 5-Star Service
SouthStar Bank’s continued focus on our customers and communities has allowed us to provide an unmatched banking experience that truly makes our clients feel like family for over 100 years. We value personal relationships and strive to build genuine rapport with our clients, with products and services to support you at every step of your financial journey. This personal approach has helped us deliver an experience that stands out and provides the trust and security you deserve. Our teams are here for you, with the expertise to guide you to the products and services that best fit your situation.
Fall in Love with Banking with Confidence
Your finances are a vital part of your day-to-day life; take the stress out of banking by having the support of a local community bank that is invested in your security and success. SouthStar Bank offers an experience that feels personal and tailored to you and your needs. We have proudly served Central Texas for more than a century, continuing to refine our products and services to grow and adapt with the ever-changing needs of our communities.
Ready to Fall in Love with Your Bank? Reach out to your local SouthStar Bank branch and join the family today!
