Employee Spotlight: Hannah Philpot

Written by Sarah Poss on July 3, 2024. Posted in Bank News.

Our Employee Spotlight features Hannah Philpot, the Financial Services (FSR) Manager at our Algood Office. Hannah is fresh to her current role, having just been promoted this summer, but is a familiar face in our Putnam County market. She began working part-time at the bank and quickly transitioned into a full-time team member. If you visit our Algood Office, you will find Hannah with a smile on her face and a cheerful greeting. If she doesn’t know you by name already, she soon will because, to her, our customers are also part of the First Freedom family! Here’s what we discovered about Hannah in her interview,

How long have you been employed with First Freedom Bank?

My first day at First Freedom Bank was September 26th, 2022. I’m very close to my two-year anniversary!

What do you enjoy most about working at First Freedom Bank?

My favorite part of working at First Freedom Bank is the relationships I have formed with our customers. Spending time getting to know each of them has been very rewarding. I’ve heard incredible stories, learned from all walks of life, and been privy to lessons from my elders. It makes my day to know my customers by name and ask them how their grandchild’s first day at school went or if a business owner finished a job they told me about the week before. I truly enjoy showing customers that I care and that I listen to what they tell me each visit.

Get to Know More About Hannah

What is something invaluable you have learned from working at First Freedom Bank?

I have furthered my banking knowledge and gained confidence in my abilities as a banker. Banking is one of those jobs where there is always something to learn, and I have learned a lot of different skills that I didn’t have previously. I have been a part of a fantastic team that has guided and given me the courage to try new things. I am thankful for them every day.

What was your prior job before joining First Freedom Bank?

My most recent job was at O’Charley’s. I was head hostess, part of the to-go team, and a food expeditor there. That job was an excellent way for me to learn how to be a leader and handle fast-paced and high-stress situations. Before I was at O’Charley’s, I worked at a small bank in Illinois for two years. This is where my love of banking started, and that love continues to grow each day.

Do you have any hobbies?

I’m crafty, so I love to draw, quilt, and do DIY projects like clothing alterations and flipping furniture. I enjoy being out in nature as much as possible, with waterfalls holding a special place in my heart. I have several plants that I love tending to and watching grow. In the past two years, I’ve discovered a love for traveling to different cities without a plan. It sounds stressful, but it is fun to discover places naturally with no rush to get to the next place. I also enjoy going to car shows, races, and drifting events focusing on Asian and European cars.

And What Surprises Hannah

What is one fact about you that would surprise people?

I have a few things about me that surprises people, but one of them would be that I have been a Formula 1 fan for as far back as I can remember. When I was a very young girl, my dad would turn the volume up high on the TV and wake me up to the sounds of the engines starting. So, I have not attended a race in person (and I missed last year’s Las Vegas race by one weekend!). I hope to travel overseas to see one soon. I have a list of places I want to visit overseas, all related to car culture and racing.

Why do you think First Freedom has experienced so much success since its founding in 2006?

I think a large part of First Freedom’s success comes from word of mouth. When customers are really pleased with their banking experience, they will recommend us to their friends, family, or even the community. People really value and trust our opinions, so hearing about how much they love their bank is much more impactful. Everyone wants to have a good experience at their bank, and we can deliver that experience.

Hannah Describes The First Freedom Difference!

What is one way in which you feel First Freedom is different from most of its competitors?

First Freedom is different because we truly care about our customers. Time and time again, I see our employees go out of their way to help a customer with anything and I believe that is something that makes First Freedom Bank special. If a customer needs assistance making a phone call, asks for guidance on how to find something on their phone, or even wants a recommendation on something for lunch, we’ve got them covered. Our customers know they can come to us with any question, and at the end of the day, they can go home knowing they’ve been answered or pointed in the right direction.

Are you involved in any organizations, clubs, or community groups?

For the past two years, I have volunteered for Irreverent Warriors. Our mission is to bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide. Throughout the year, each of the 125+ cities will host a hike that is around 7-10 miles long. The hikes go through the city, with several stops at local establishments and well-known sightseeing areas. I have volunteered for nine different hikes across five states, and no matter where I am, I see our veterans light up just by being around people who understand what they have been through. They can make lifelong connections at these events, which turn into group outings, resource sharing, and overall friendship. I truly enjoy giving my time to an organization that hits close to home and helps our veterans bring themselves out of isolation.