Relationships Matter
By Michelle Vasquez | Photography by David Teran
Although Bank of Texas is relatively new to San Antonio, it has a long history. Its roots date back to 1910 when the original Bank of Oklahoma was founded on Tulsa’s oil fields. Today, the bank operates in eight states and does business as Bank of Texas in Texas.
Eventually, leadership saw that to truly be “Bank of Texas,” they needed a presence in Central Texas—specifically San Antonio. They built that presence by hiring a local team of seasoned bankers who understand the city and its people, organically growing the business one client at a time.
According to Leah Schoenfeld, SVP of Private Wealth Banking, personal relationships and community roots guide this approach. “We are a relationship-based bank, and many of our bankers are from San Antonio originally or moved here for school,” she says. “The passion for our great city runs deep.”
Schoenfeld believes this familiarity allows the bank to combine the capabilities of a large institution with a personalized, boutique feel. Bank of Texas meets complex financial needs—from corporate banking to private wealth management—offering innovative resources and approachability.
Corporate banker Addyson Brooks, who focuses on companies with annual revenues over $20 million, sees a perfect fit between the bank’s growth and the city’s momentum. “We came to San Antonio in 2023, and it was the perfect time for a bank that’s not too big and not too small,” says Brooks. “Because of our financial strength, we compete with big banks, but we have the agility of a regional bank to craft specific solutions.”
For Schoenfeld and Brooks, Bank of Texas’s unique ability to serve personal and business banking needs under one umbrella is what sets it apart. “When we’re talking about what makes our bank different, it all comes back to the people,” Brooks says. “Everyone here cares so much about the city and our customers. We value relationships over just returns and are passionate about making San Antonio a better place.”
Brooks finds tangible satisfaction in seeing the bank’s impact. “When I drive through San Antonio, I see projects and businesses we helped finance,” she says. “You realize you have your fingerprints all over the city—it’s cool.” She believes this involvement generates economic benefits—from jobs and opportunities to housing and nonprofit support—while preserving San Antonio’s unique culture.
Beyond serving clients, Bank of Texas invests in the community through volunteerism, philanthropy, and partnerships. “Our bankers are involved in the community,” Brooks says. The bank’s “Dollars for Doers” program donates to organizations where employees volunteer, encouraging engagement. Team members work with the San Antonio Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity and maintain ties with the San Antonio Zoo and Opera San Antonio, among many others.
Schoenfeld highlights these partnerships: “Our key partnerships are with the San Antonio Zoo and Opera San Antonio. We have a yearlong sponsorship with the Zoo, and they’ll be part of the grand opening of our new branch location. And, of course, we can’t wait for Fiesta.” As a subsidiary of BOK Financial, the bank also taps into a strong philanthropic engine, focusing on Education, Basic Needs, Economic Development, and United Way.
Schoenfeld, who assists high-net-worth clients, emphasizes that the bank’s blend of technology and personal connection makes it stand out. “Smaller banks might lack capabilities. Larger banks might be hard to reach. I like that we have the best of both worlds.” In a city where personal connections matter, she aims to be a trusted advisor: “I hope clients think of me first whenever there’s a need. If it’s outside my expertise, I’ll bring in a partner who can help.”
By delivering a full range of financial solutions—from business acquisitions and treasury operations to wealth management—Bank of Texas strives to be a committed partner in San Antonio’s continued success. The bank’s leadership believes this fusion of local knowledge, relationship-driven service, and comprehensive capabilities will shape a prosperous future for the institution and the community it serves.
Visit www.bankoftexas.com for more information.
