Fast 15: George Purvis

George Purvis started college with ideas about becoming a dentist or physical therapist.

“Three years of upper biology electives kind of burned my candle out,” Purvis said.

A casual conversation with an acquaintance from his hometown sparked another opportunity, however, and Purvis — complete with a biology degree from Arkansas State University — went to work as a teller at Cornerstone Bank. He’s now a vice president and loan officer.

“Charlie’s philosophy is to sort of work your way up, to earn an appreciation for what is done at every level,” Purvis said of Charlie Cross, the acquaintance who today is president and CEO at Cornerstone.

Purvis has done just that. About six months after his hiring, he became a loan assistant and eventually a consumer lender.

It was during this time Purvis became convinced Cornerstone is the place for him, cemented by his interest in the lending game.

“I’m still learning every day,” he said. “As I’ve grown into it more and more, I’ve enjoyed it more and more.”

It helps, Purvis added, that Eureka Springs is a dynamic place to do business. That’s true largely because new people constantly are moving to the area, whether it’s someone with a business idea or a retiree looking to build his dream house.

“It does keep it fresh,” Purvis said. “There’s always new people, new money, new life.

“It’s fun to meet people who have great ideas and the vision to carry them through.”

Purvis was promoted to his current position in 2011, and said he can’t imagine working for another bank. He and his wife, Danielle, own a Labrador retriever and Purvis said his hobbies consist of “anything outside.”

Purvis also is active in the community. He recently finished a three-year stint on the board of directors for Eureka Christian Health Outreach, and is on the board of the Carroll County Community Foundation, which “helps people who have money and assets get it to those who don’t.”

Purvis said he became involved in the organizations through Cornerstone, which prides itself on giving back to the community. That, he added, is a reflection of the “good family vibe” that permeates the bank.

“Everybody says, ‘Good morning,’” Purvis said, “and they mean it.”

— Rob Keys