At Southern Bank, relationships are built on more than numbers — they’re built on years of shared work, trust, and connection. For Wilmington-based East Coast Contracting, that partnership began with a handshake and has only grown stronger over the past 15 years.
Inside Southern’s Wilmington office, the atmosphere during filming felt easy — more like a catch-up between friends than a conversation about business. East Coast Contracting President Jennifer Hobbs and Southern Bank Vice President and Commercial Banker Lenny Smith traded stories about past projects, market changes, and even family milestones. Their conversation reflected a bond built on mutual respect and genuine care — the kind of connection that defines Southern’s business-banking philosophy.
“In 15 years, we’ve more than doubled in size and Southern Bank has been there every step of the way,” Hobbs remarked.
A Partnership Built on Trust
Smith remembers those early days just as clearly. “Initially, you had low needs,” he said. “That kind of led into more of a full relationship with what the bank brings to the table — the financial services.”
That trust deepened as both sides grew. “My first impression of you, Lenny, was that you were incredibly genuine and just a good person,” Hobbs said. “It’s an easy relationship.”
Over the years, East Coast Contracting has faced economic downturns, industry changes, and even a pandemic — but the connection never wavered. “We’ve been through a lot,” Smith said. “Through the downturn, during that period … through COVID when everybody was trying to figure out what was going on. Those have been some big milestones in Wilmington. Our region has grown tremendously over the last 15 years and it’s really been a pleasure working with you guys.”
Evolving and Growing Together
When the market shifted, Hobbs and her team pivoted from private to public projects — and Southern helped make that possible. “We were able to transition from doing a lot of private work to public work,” Hobbs said. “And Southern Bank helped us in terms of having a lot of credit for the bonding company to be bonded to, to bid that municipal work.”
Smith noted that open communication was key to making those moves smoothly. “It’s never been forced,” he said. “You know your business very well … It helps me as a banker make sure that I’m doing the right thing for you and being an advocate for you guys on every side.”
As the business expanded, Southern continued to provide solutions that save time and simplify operations. “Everything we’ve needed from Southern Bank as far as growing with us — remote deposit, Positive Pay — those types of things have saved us time as far as administrative work and really made business a lot easier,” Hobbs said.
More Than a Bank — a Community
The partnership goes beyond banking. From supporting the Hobbs family’s Type 1 diabetes fundraisers to joining local boards and sponsoring community events, Smith and Southern have stood by the Hobbs family outside the office. “Southern Bank is at our gala every year,” Hobbs said. “You’ve supported our family and our walks every year with your family — it’s a great relationship.”
That mutual support extends to the next generation as well. “Your company is kind of unique in the fact that it’s you and your husband and you got your son,” Smith said. “We all know him on a first-name basis … and that’s going to help down the road as things transition and grow.”
Rooted in Strength and Connection
For Hobbs, Southern’s 125-year legacy means peace of mind. “Growing up in a small town in eastern North Carolina, Southern Bank was a staple in our area,” she said. “The people who are still in control are people that come from the same walk of life that my husband and I come from, and appreciate the same values that we have.”
Smith echoed that sentiment. “For a bank to be around 125 years is saying something,” he said. “It helps us help you and help business clients in our markets — to do that for 125 years is a great achievement.”
Hobbs added, “We feel very comfortable keeping money in Southern Bank. The fact that 125 years means you’re not going to sell out tomorrow or go out of business … You know the game, you know what your people need, and you’re serving those needs.”
What started as a business relationship has become a true friendship — and a partnership that continues to grow with their community.
As Smith put it, “It’s good to have a win-win relationship and help each other succeed.”
“I would call it exactly that,” Hobbs said. “A win-win relationship.”
At Southern, your story, like Hobbs’, matters. Whether you’re building a business, expanding your team, or preparing for the next generation, we’ll be by your side with local guidance and modern solutions. Explore Southern’s business banking options today.
