Encore Bank expands into the Carolinas

Encore Bank announced Friday (Oct. 15) it has expanded into North Carolina and South Carolina with operations.

Vice Chairman and Chief Banking Officer Phillip Jett said the expansion into the Carolinas is part of a larger plan for strategic growth for Encore, which recently moved into the Alabama market.

“This is an opportunistic and strategic move for Encore,” said Jett. “Less than three years ago, we started with seven employees in one office in Arkansas, and we are now one of the fastest growing banks in the country.”

With the expansion into the Carolinas, Encore Bank is now operating in 16 markets across seven states and has approximately 200 associates.

The bank plans to open multiple locations in the Carolinas, but for now, the bank is starting with Charleston, S.C. and Charlotte, N.C. Encore Bank is also considering the Piedmont Triad, Greenville, Asheville, Columbia, Raleigh and Wilmington if the bank finds the right leaders there.

“When determining which markets to choose for expansion, our first priority is to find the right kind of leaders who have the skills and relationships to build an effective team, raise capital and build the Encore brand,” said Jett. “So far, we have been fortunate to find three experienced, innovative and talented bankers in the Carolinas to establish our presence there.”

Encore has selected Michael Sharpton as the Executive Vice President and Regional President for the Carolinas, Fallon Meyer as the Senior Vice President and Market President for Charleston and Ben Freeman as the Senior Vice President and Market President for Charlotte.

Sharpton has more than 27 years of financial services experience, managing both regional and national teams, representing a diverse mix of companies. Before joining Encore, Sharpton served as the Division Sales Executive for North and South Carolina for Wells Fargo’s Commercial Bank. Over the years he led teams at CitiCapital, Terex Financial and Altec Capital.

Meyer has more than 11 years of experience in banking. Before coming to Encore Bank, she served as Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager for Wells Fargo in Charleston, a position she held since 2013. Throughout her career, Meyer has proven herself to be a trusted expert in commercial banking having provided financial expertise to businesses across numerous industries, including manufacturing, technology, transportation, non-profit and real estate.

With more than 20 years of experience in financial services and commercial banking, Freeman has expertise in leadership and team management, business development, financial analysis and treasury management. Most recently, Freeman served as Senior Vice President and Business Banking Leader for F.N.B. Corporation.