Modern Leadership and Vintage Values Meet at Ozark Bank

More than 100 Years of Legacy

Ozark Bank is nothing short of special and a rarity in modern banking. Established in 1906, it has remained under one family’s leadership for four generations. New CFO John Hedgpeth feels both the pride and pressure that come with carrying the family legacy.

“When a family business has been around for over a century, and especially one where each generation has played a meaningful role, there’s a natural pressure to honor what they’ve created,” he explains.

Beyond making his family proud, he’s committed to the customers and community who have trusted the bank for the past 120 years Keeping a bank thriving for so long is no small feat. For Ozark Bank, the key has been staying firmly rooted in its values. Hedgpeth notes that a customer-first mindset, deep community focus and conservative banking principles have guided every generation of leadership.

“A bank’s strength really comes from the trust of the people we serve,” he explains. Rather than chasing short-term gains, the bank has consistently prioritized long-term stability. Those values proved critical during turbulent times, helping Ozark Bank become the only local bank to survive the Great Depression.

While values remain constant, the banking landscape has not. Early leaders operated on handshake deals and made decisions face-to-face, but later generations navigated growing competition and regulatory demands. Today, Hedgpeth acknowledges the central role technology plays.

“Technology drives almost everything we do,” he says. “From how our customers access their accounts to how we manage risk and compliance. We have to adapt faster, really, than ever before.” Even so, the goal is clear: Use technology to enhance service, not replace the personal approach that defines the bank.

Leading the Fourth Generation Forward

Stepping into fourth-generation leadership is a responsibility Hedgpeth embraces. Balancing innovation with a conservative philosophy requires discipline and restraint. “I have to be mindful not to be the generation that takes unnecessary risk or moves too quickly,” he explains. “But I also don’t want to hold us back from evolving.” In moments of uncertainty, he leans on the values that have sustained the bank for generations.

Family businesses come with unique rewards and challenges, especially when major financial decisions are involved. For Hedgpeth, the solution is boundaries.

“You have to separate business conversations from the family relationship,” he says. “The final decision should always be the one that best serves our customers and our community.” While disagreements are inevitable, shared principles help align leadership and protect the bank’s long-term legacy.

Growth with Community at the Center

Ozark Bank’s success is evident in its financial growth. Looking back to 1966, Hedgpeth says the bank held $2.9 million in loans. Today, it boasts approximately $360 million in assets, $294 million in deposits, and $270 million in loans.

“That growth isn’t the result of rapid expansion or taking outsized risks,” he says. “It reflects consistent performance, strong customer relationships, and a conservative approach.” The bank continues to perform well, with a 1.7% return on assets and about a 20% return on equity.

Longevity like Ozark Bank’s doesn’t happen without strong community ties. The bank has supported local initiatives like financing the new Least of These food pantry, the Christian County Ambulance District, and Care to Learn student support services in Ozark and Nixa.

For Ozark Bank, community strength and business success are inseparable. “We want to continue to be the local bank that people know they can rely on,” Hedgpeth says.

Advice for the Next Generation

As a fourth-generation leader, Hedgpeth understands the challenges of stepping into family businesses. His advice begins with respect for the past.

“Take time to truly understand the tradition before you try to influence the future,” he says. Learning why certain philosophies have endured guide what comes next. At the same time, he encourages confidence and a fresh perspective. “Every generation is charged with moving the business forward,” he notes. “The key is to balance respect for what has worked in the past with introducing new ideas that ultimately make it stronger.”