Index

Consultation & Support

We know that businesses deal with a wide variety of financial issues on any given day. Some of them are complex; some are simple but require quick answers. Some involve long range planning. That's why we have an extensive support system for our business clients. It includes:

A Partnership with your Business Banker

Benchmark believes that behind every successful business owner there's a trusted banker dedicated to helping that owner navigate the rough waters of the business world. That's why having a banker who specializes in businesses like yours and who you can call for answers or advice or assistance - or even just to talk to - can make such a difference for you.

Support from your Branch Manager and Team

Your business banker is not the only Benchmark representative who is ready and able to help you. He is supported by a team of professionals at the branch where you have your account. Each of these individuals, from the manager to the drive-thru teller, knows your community - many were born and raised here - and understand the importance of championing local businesses.

Assistance from Benchmark's Financial Consultants

When it comes to investments, insurance, and long-term planning, Benchmark knows that expertise is important. That's why we have experienced consultants on staff to help you with this portion of your financial strategy. Your business banker can introduce you to your financial consultant for retirement, investment, and insurance services.

Free Financial Consultation

Our consultants will be glad to evaluate either your business or personal financial situation or both, including a retirement analysis, and make recommendations for you. This service is free of charge and without obligation. Either your business banker or your branch manager can set up an appointment for you.

Meet the Business Bankers

Our business bankers are Mark Thackston, who covers Halifax County and Clarksville, Lee Minix and Joyce Yeatts, who cover Farmville, Crewe, Blackstone and Victoria, and Steve Creedle, who covers South Hill, Lawrenceville, Chase City and Kenbridge. The team is headed up by Ken Reeves.

Mark Thackston

Mark has lived in South Boston all his life except for going to Virginia Military Institute and then law school at Washington & Lee. He has several years of legal experience but says he has now found his niche helping area businesses become financially strong. He is president of the local YMCA , serves on the board of Danville Community College and is also a Major in the National Guard. In case you recognized the name, Mark's dad is South Boston's mayor!
 

Lee Minix

Lee was born in Lynchburg, grew up in Campbell County and now lives in Farmville. A graduate of Virginia Tech, he also received a certificate from the RMA Lending School at East Carolina University. He has over 8 years of business banking experience, is the chairman of the Farmville Chamber of Commerce, and is a sporting enthusiast.

Joyce Yeatts

Joyce was born in Farmville and now lives in Rice on a cattle farm which she helps her husband run. She also helps with family-owned rental properties. That's all when she's not at Benchmark where she specializes in business lending. She has over 35 years of broad banking experience but has spent most of her career on the commercial side. Over the years, she has taken numerous lending courses.

Steve Creedle

A native of South Hill, Steve graduated from Brunswick Academy and then went on to William and Mary where he earned a BA in business management. In 2006, he received an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He serves on the board of the CMH Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce, for which he served as President in 2006. He is also a member of the Board of Governors for Leadership Mecklenburg.

Ken Reeves

Ken has over 25 years of business banking experience and has been with Benchmark since 1991. A graduate of East Carolina University in Greenville, NC with a BS in Business Administration, he has also taken many banking courses and classes. He completed the Risk Management Association's Consumer Lending Program, courses at the Wilson School of Learning and several executive-level lending symposiums. He lives on the shores of Lake Gaston.

Meet your branch team

Select the town where your business is located or where you prefer to maintain your primary account: Blackstone, Chase City, Clarksville, Crewe, Farmville, Halifax, Kenbridge, Lawrenceville, South Boston, South Hill, Victoria.

Meet the Consultants

Our financial consultants are Larry Hodnett, who covers Halifax County, Farmville, Clarksville and Chase City, and Scott Neher, who covers South Hill, Lawrenceville, Lunenburg County, and Nottoway County.