Andy Clifton
Senior Vice President
Farmers and Merchants Bank, Sylvania, GA
Central Group Rep., Leadership GBA Board of Directors
Published Nov. 7, 2024
Q: What led you to a career in banking?
A: My journey into banking began with Ogeechee Valley Bank, now Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company, in Millen. They were looking for a part-time teller and believed I would be a great fit. At just 15 years old, I started working at the bank, officially hired as a part-time teller three weeks before my 16th birthday. During those initial weeks, a friend would drive me to work after school, and my mom would pick me up at 5 p.m. Throughout high school and college, I gained experience in various roles within the bank. I worked as a teller, operated a proof machine, served as a customer service representative, processed loans, and became the credit analyst for our SBA department during my senior year. With seven years of part-time experience and a finance degree from Georgia Southern, I was presented with the opportunity to become a lender. Since then, I have embraced every chance to further my education, pursue promotions, and explore different roles within the bank. Banking continues to be a fulfilling career for me, and each day brings new opportunities and challenges that I eagerly anticipate.
Q: What was the most useful piece of advice you received from a mentor?
A: As a young lender, I had the privilege of working with Charles Lee, who was the Market President for Queensborough in Screven County. With over 30 years of banking experience, he provided invaluable mentorship during my early years. One key piece of advice he shared was that the essence of banking lies in the ability to connect with each customer on their level. Whether interacting with someone highly educated or someone with limited literacy, it’s crucial to communicate in a way that they understand and appreciate.
Q: What is something you absolutely love about your job as a banker?
A: The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in my community. Whether it’s helping someone build their dream home, expand their business, or navigate a challenging life event; being a banker allows me to form lasting relationships while making a real difference in people’s lives every day. It’s about more than transactions -– it’s about building trust and supporting the dreams and goals of the people I serve.
Q: What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
A: I’m a car guy. Growing up, my family’s hobby was drag racing. In high school and college, I held an NHRA competition license and fielded a car that was capable of 140 mph in the ¼ mile. Today, my Harley keeps me off the drag strip. My wife has told me she’d never ask me to sell it for fear that I’d buy a race car.
Q: First tap/click of the day.
A: I cannot stand a cluttered inbox, so I clear out the junk email that came during the night.
Q: Podcast that you recommend?
A: I enjoy listening to true stories. One of my favorites is “In the Red Clay” about Billy Sunday Birt and the Dixie Mafia.
Q: Book that you love/has made an impact?
A: The Bible. We just experienced Hurricane Helene, the most damaging storm my area of the state has faced in my lifetime. In reflecting on this, I think about Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s account of Jesus calming the storm. Imagine Jesus commanding a hurricane to cease, and the winds obeying instantly. WOW!