First National Bank's President Brad Oakes grew up just an hour away from Independence in nearby Yates Center, KS. His family has owned First National Bank since the mid-1980s.  At that time, the bank was still located just in Elk City, Ks.

Brad was busy establishing himself in the banking business as he gained 12 years of experience working in loan departments at two large, multi-regional banks in the Pueblo, and Broomfield, Colorado area. In 1996 Brad and his family decided to move to Independence and  Brad assumed the position of president and CEO of First National Bank in Independence and Elk City.

"I had grown tired of the big banks and how they operated, how they treated people," Brad said. "I wanted the experience of running a bank that focused on personal service and customer relationships."  We now are capable of delivering products and services to our customers with high levels of service and flexibility.  The big boys in banking continue to struggle with quality vs. quantity issues, and the recognition of who the customer really is.  At FNB we specialize in knowing our customers and their needs. 

The new banking facility is now open in Pueblo at the corner of Outlook Blvd, and Hwy 50 West. The bank is a full service branch with a great staff ready to serve both existing and new clientele.