Today, North Dallas Bank & Trust stands as a testament to enduring success in community banking. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, NDBT boasts impressive figures, with $1.5 billion in total assets, a team of over 160 professionals, and a network of five branches strategically located across Dallas, Addison, Frisco, Las Colinas, and Plano. This expansion reflects not only the bank’s growth but also its dedication to serving a wider North Texas region while maintaining its community-focused approach.
What truly sets North Dallas Bank apart is its consistent record of profitability throughout its entire history. This financial stability is further underscored by its prestigious 5-star superior rating from Bauer Financial, an accolade NDBT has earned for more than 30 consecutive years. This consistent recognition places North Dallas Bank & Trust among the safest and most reliable banks in America, a point of pride and assurance for its customers. Larry Miller, president of North Dallas Bank & Trust Co., emphasizes that this enduring success is “only made possible through consistent, committed ownership and is the direct result of the trust and support we receive from our customers, the clear vision of our board of directors and the expertise, commitment and dedication of our employees.”
The physical presence of North Dallas Bank also mirrors its growth and ambition. In 1970, the bank’s founding directors, Bert Fields, Porter Lindsley Sr., and W.F. English, invested in 4.85 acres of land to create a new, cutting-edge banking facility. By March 1971, North Dallas Bank opened its doors at the intersection of LBJ Freeway and Preston Road, a pivotal location that solidified its presence in the heart of North Dallas. Just four years later, in 1975, NDBT further cemented its landmark status by constructing its iconic tower, then the tallest building in Dallas outside of the downtown area. This tower became a symbol of North Dallas Bank’s ambition and its significant role in the developing North Dallas skyline.
Navigating the economic uncertainties of the 1980s U.S. stock market, North Dallas Bank remained steadfast in its commitment to responsible banking practices. This prudent approach earned NDBT national recognition as one of the “100 safest banks in the country” by Money Magazine at the end of the decade, an exclusive list that included only two Texas banks, highlighting NDBT’s financial strength and stability during a turbulent economic period.
The 1990s brought significant shifts in the banking industry with the rise of interstate and branch banking. As national banks expanded into Texas, North Dallas Bank, as a leading locally established institution, proactively sought opportunities for independent growth. Recognizing the changing landscape and the needs of its expanding customer base, North Dallas Bank opened its first branch banking center in Plano in 1994. The success of this Plano location paved the way for further expansion, with additional branches opening in Las Colinas, Frisco, and Addison throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. This strategic branch expansion allowed North Dallas Bank to extend its reach and convenience across key North Dallas and surrounding areas while maintaining its personalized service model.
In 2021, North Dallas Bank & Trust marked another significant transition with the retirement announcement of its long-serving chief executive officer, W. Michael Shipman, after more than 25 years of leadership. Larry A. Miller, the current president of NDBT, was named as his successor, assuming the role on April 1. Shipman lauded Miller’s appointment, stating, “It is fitting that during NDBT’s 60th year in business, we appoint a new leader who has long-term vision, strong management style and a customer-based approach to banking. Larry’s character, ability to innovate and proven decision-making skills will serve our bank well as NDBT begins a new decade. We are confident that under Larry’s direction and influence, NDBT will continue to raise the expectations of what a bank can be.” This leadership transition signals a continued commitment to North Dallas Bank & Trust’s core values and a forward-looking approach as it embarks on its next chapter in community banking.
