Scott, tell us about your self – where you are from, if not from NWA – what brought you to NWA? I am originally from Jonesboro and moved to NWA six years ago when we purchased a bank based out of Siloam Springs and expanded into the I-540 corridor. I have lived in Arkansas most of my life, except the time I spent in Dallas for college.
2) Marital status, spouse’s name and children’s names? I have been married for nearly 14 years to Christie and we have a 6-year old daughter, Rylie, and a 3-year old son, Cade.
3) How did you start playing tennis? Growing up, I played many sports. Growing up, my family owned a sporting goods store and both of my parents played tennis, so I hit balls with them and played some junior tennis. I did not play competitively, but I enjoyed it in high school and college. I lived above a set of courts in Dallas, so we were able to hit balls with just minutes notice. I picked tennis back up after returning to Jonesboro and played in leagues and on teams.
4) What is your title, role and how long have you been working for Liberty Bank? Liberty Bank started in February 2001, and I am proud I was one of the first employees. I have actually worked with the ownership team with a previous bank too, totaling more than 17 years with the same company. I have enjoyed many capacities within the company and currently have the title of NWA Executive Vice President. While my daily functions obviously fluctuate with the demands of customers and employees, I am also responsible for the overall lending functions of the region.
5) How, when and why did the Liberty Bank Charity Tennis Challenge start? We started in 2008 and this year will mark our 4th Annual tennis tournament. We did not start it as "Annual," just in case we were not able to do the second one. Our team wanted to continue to support local charities and the tennis tournament was a collectively effort that has proven to be successful and a tremendous support to many organizations throughout NWA, due to the concerted efforts of numerous members of our staff. Last year alone, we had over 40 NWA Liberty Bankers involved, from brochure design to clean up.
6) How and why did you get involved in the Liberty Bank Tennis Tournament? As I mentioned above, we brainstormed to create the perfect event to support our communities.
7) How does having a well attended Liberty Bank Tennis tournament help local charities? The event is really two events in one. We want to host a tennis tournament with great player gifts and multiple skill levels to allow many to enjoy. We have had some great tennis matches in the past and look forward to more this year, in each level. However, the tennis tournament does not generate money- the funding for the charity donations comes from the auction items. We really want to have some great items combined with a nice patio party to ensure people enjoy themselves and purchase items to help support the selected charities. We have no sponsors for the event, so the overall success is based on the success of the silent and live auction.
8) You work closely with the various charities – can you mention one charity and how it helps our community? Each charity is selected by our employees, so each is extremely special to Liberty Bank. One of our first charities selected four years ago and agin this year is Hope Cancer Resources, formerly H.O.P.E. As a cancer survivor and Christie a Nurse Practitioner in Oncology for so many years, we both understand the need for support during a very difficult time of someone's life. Hope Cancer Resources provides incredible support to those in need, both patients and family members, including support for medicines, transportation for appointments, counseling, matching up with support groups, and several other resources, continuing to provide...HOPE. Working through the medical side of cancer treatments is difficult enough for many people, but the mental toll is often times as bad or worse and a strong support group is vital to success. HOPE is there to meet many needs for people that are not as fortunate as some of us to have a strong support group, whether it be family, friends, co-workers, etc...
One major thing we try not to do is conflict with any type of fund-raiser or source of revenue of the charities, which is another reason we do not have any local sponsors and search for great auction items, outside of the customary local gifts.
9) Who are the various co-workers – who like you give hours to this event? This really should be the opening of the interview because this is what makes it work. Last year, we had over 40% of NWA staff involved as well as several others from across the state. Kirby Jett in our office is a major piece to ensure the puzzle turns out as a nice picture - she spearheads the brochure, player gifts, T shirts, and registration...and coordinates many other items as the tournament planning progresses. We have many other people that work before and during the event to ensure everyone has a great time. Customer service is top priority, in our banks and in this tournament. If we do that right, everything else will fall into place and provide for success. Our staff coupled with the FAC team has proven a great recipe and I hope we can continue it for several years, growing the event and raising more awareness and much needed $$$ for charities throughout the region.
10) What are some of the activities, events and amenities of playing in this tournament? Fun, fun, and fun. We have had chair massages provided during the tournament, door prizes, and (I think) great player gifts for everyone. We strive to make sure people themselves and see the faces of our team that make it work. Come see for yourself.
11) Can you tell us more about what items will be bided on at the silent/live auction? They are still coming in, but we currently have a Dallas Cowboy package for 4 on Thanksgiving weekend, a Beach House in Charleston, SC for 6-8, a weekend for 6 at Post Familie in Altus with private tour and dinner. For silent items, we will items that will hopefully meet the needs or wants of many to increase the bids. In the past, we have had autographed Razorback items, spa packages, privately catered parties, golf packages, artwork, tennis lessons, and much more. As you can see, our goal is to raise money for the charities.
12) Tell us more about the patio party: time, event, where, attire and can non-players be brought as guests? We have worked hard to make this a good event for the players and guests. The patio party is casual (some people will walk off the court), and starts about 7:00 Saturday night, with the live auction at 8:30. We have limited it to a single guest because we have want player to enjoy the weekend fully.
13) Category winners get very handsome trophies/awards – can you describe the awards? The tournament is fun and designed for the players...from the player gifts to the customer service. We also have random drawings throughout the weekend for people to win "court prizes." The year's trophy is a very nice etched vase for each division. I thought about ordering an extra "OPEN" division trophy and including it in the auction - think that could raise some extra money...?
14) How can FAC Tennis members help you in making this charity tennis event successful? Bid often and bid high...
Seriously, FAC has been a tremendous support, both through the staff and participants form the club. We need feedback, positive and negative, to make it better each year. Comments form the past tell me we are doing something right, but I know we can always get better and raise more money to support our local charities.
15) As Liberty Bank Tennis Tournament Director what has been your best memory of the event? Man, that is difficult. I enjoy watching tennis and watching Christie play, but I honestly think the comments throughout the weekend collectively make up the best memory. I have had the pleasure of watching some great tennis, but, more importantly, I have had the pleasure of giving more than $10,000 to local charities. Some times I am the face of the tournament, but many others make it a success. Not to be corny, but the steering wheel is useless if the engine won't start and run.
16) Is this a USTA event? It is not a USTA event. I have not considered that in the past, but I will look into it for future tournaments. As I previously mentioned, we have strived to provide a great tennis tournament for players while providing a great party for all to ultimately raise awareness and the most $$$ possible for charities. If we can still accomplish those goals and meet USTA requirements, then it might be something we can add.
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