Having grown up in a banking family, Billy Carroll was very familiar with the financial services industry. After attending the University of Tennessee and earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, he knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. So in 2007, Carroll founded SmartBank and has grown the bank from a start-up to a $2 billion Knoxville based Nasdaq traded company with offices in three states throughout the Southeast. “I grew up in the banking business and watched my father Bill Carroll grow a successful bank,” said
Carroll. “I try to pattern how I run SmartBank after what he taught me over the years.”
When distinguishing SmartBank from other banks, Carroll notes that it’s the culture that makes the organization unique. “As president and CEO of SmartBank, my goal is to make sure that we stand apart from other banks,” he explained. “Our team has worked extremely hard at building a great culture and a great brand.
Our goal is to build the Southeast’s next great community banking franchise. Our mission in Knoxville is to be a great place to bank and great place to work.”
As a community bank, SmartBank offers most banking services such as checking and savings accounts, small business and commercial loans, home mortgage loans and investment services. All are available, and customers receive specialized and individual care. “The vitality of our associates is the best thing about our organization,” Carroll stated. “Our team has great positive energy with a passion for serving our clients. We provide careful attention to detail and strive to deliver an excellent experience.”
Attending college in Knoxville gave Carroll a great fondness for the area. ”I love that Knoxville is a university town,” he said. “The university instills a great affection to those who live here as well as those across the nation. It helps create a sound economy in the area and puts Knoxville on the map. This benefits not only businesses in the area but individuals as well. For the future of Knoxville, I would like to see a strong emphasis on recruiting corporate relocations and start-up businesses. Knoxville is a great place to live and work.”
In addition to the University of Tennessee, Carroll has always had a strong affinity for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “Having the country’s most visited national park in our backyard is a tremendous benefit to this region,” he explained. “I always look to support the park and local park partners in giving back to our area.” In addition to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, he also supports Tremont, the United Way and the Boy Scouts. “By giving back to the community, I feel like I am not only helping those who need support, but helping the greater area at large,” he said. “Everyone benefits from giving back to their
community.”
When asked what advice he would give to those starting their career, Carroll emphasized communication. “Keep your communication skills sharp and build your personal network,” he advised. “Technology has hampered communication skills of many young adults today. I look to hire folks with great people skills. In addition, I tell people to start building their network early. Connections are critical in starting a career.”
He goes on to say that the people on the SmartBank Board of Directors are key mentors for him. “Our directors are all successful, genuine individuals I learn from on a daily basis. Surround yourself with good people, and you can’t go wrong. This goes for business as well as life.”