Team Campus

About Bank Independent

Bank Independent’s story began in 1947, when a group of local farmers came together to open The Bank of Leighton and restore banking services to their community. Over the years, the bank grew through expansion, acquisitions, and a continued commitment to serving North Alabama. Since becoming Bank Independent in 1982, we have built on that strong foundation while staying true to our community banking roots. Today, with nearly 700 team members, 33 traditional Sales Offices across North Alabama, an on-campus Deshler Tiger Branch, and the Digital Sales Office, we are committed to providing the best service, designing the most desired products, and creating an excellent experience for every customer.

 

Bank Independent Team Campus

Bank Independent’s new Team Campus brings together 234 team members from five locations across Lauderdale and Colbert counties into one shared workplace designed for collaboration, efficiency, and long-term growth. The Team Campus is not a customer-facing sales office and does not replace any existing Bank Independent sales offices.

Construction began in October of 2023 and was completed in November of 2025. The campus is located on a 50-acre parcel at the corner of Reservation Road and newly renamed Independent Way. The development includes a 97,419-square-foot main campus building and a 12,000-square-foot warehouse. The facility is equipped with an advanced building automation system that optimizes performance, efficiency, and occupant comfort, as well as an 82 kW solar power system.

Fast Facts

• Main building: 97,419 square feet
• Warehouse: 12,000 square feet
• Campus site: 50 acres
• Team members housed on campus: 234
• Capacity without refiguration: 351
• Capacity with refiguration: 384
• Team members consolidated from: Five locations across Lauderdale and Colbert counties
• Construction started: October 2023
• Completed: November 2025
• Location: 530 Reservation Road, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661

 

Bank Independent Quotes

Macke Mauldin, Bank Independent, CEO

“When Thomas Edison and Henry Ford visited to The Shoals in 1921, they envisioned a city stretching 75 miles east along the Tennessee River. Later, Presidents Roosevelt, in January of 1933, and Kennedy, in May of 1963, reminded us that prosperity is built on collaboration. Today, Bank Independent is proud to honor that legacy as we open our Team Campus—created to serve our team, customers, and communities for generations to come.”

“Our Team Campus stands as much more than a new building—it’s a powerful testament to our faith in North Alabama, the incredible people who call it home, and the bright future we are creating together. This campus celebrates the dedication of past, present, and future Team Members at Bank Independent. From our roots in Leighton to our expanding presence throughout the region, we remain committed to the belief that when North Alabama unites, everyone thrives. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant community for generations to come.”

“The fact that our campus is located on former TVA property adds special significance. This land symbolizes a legacy of vision, progress, and service to the people of the valley. Today, we are proud to continue that legacy—honoring the past while creating new opportunities for the future through meaningful jobs, sustainable investment, and a lasting commitment to the communities we serve.”

‘When we unveiled our Team Campus during our 75th anniversary celebration in 2022, it marked not only a significant milestone but also a bold promise to our community. Today, that vision has come to life. This campus is a testament to Bank Independent’s progress and unwavering commitment to the people and communities of North Alabama. As we embark on this exciting new chapter, our Team Campus empowers us to support and uplift our region for generations to come.”

 

Penny Camp, Bank Independent, Chief Administrative Officer

“This Team Campus is first and foremost an investment in our people. We wanted to create a space where our team members feel supported, connected, and equipped to do their very best work. When we give our teams the environment and resources they need to thrive, it naturally strengthens the service we provide to our customers.”

“For our team members, this campus represents opportunity, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. It brings people together in a way that helps us work more efficiently and more effectively across the organization. That ultimately benefits our customers, because it allows us to respond faster, serve better, and continue delivering the kind of relationship-based banking they expect from Bank Independent.”

Preuit Mauldin, EVP Credit Administration

“This Team Campus reflects Bank Independent’s long-term commitment to North Alabama and to the people we serve every day. It represents thoughtful planning, strong stewardship, and a clear investment in the future of our organization. By creating a space that brings our teams together and supports greater collaboration, we are better positioned to serve our customers well and continue meeting the needs of a growing region.”

John Bowling, Bank Independent, VP Facilities

“This Team Campus represents a great deal of planning, hard work, and commitment from many people across our organization. We were intentional about creating a space that is functional, welcoming, and built to support our team members every day. It is rewarding to see it now serving its purpose—bringing people together and helping position Bank Independent to better serve our customers for years to come.”

Dustin Wear, Bank Independent, Facilities Project Officer

“It has been an honor to help lead this project, but this Team Campus is truly the result of the hard work, expertise, and dedication of many people. From our internal teams to the contractors, architects, engineers, and crews who brought this vision to life, so many hands helped make this day possible. Seeing the finished campus is incredibly rewarding because it reflects not only Bank Independent’s commitment to the future, but also the talent and teamwork of everyone who helped build it.

 

Floor-by-Floor Overview

Amenities and Features

The Team Campus was designed to support productivity, collaboration, wellness, and convenience for team members across the organization.

Project Partners

The new Team Campus was brought to life by a team of trusted design and construction partners.

 

Partner Quotes

Tim Busby, Senior Project Manager, Robins & Morton

“We’re incredibly proud to have delivered this transformational project for Bank Independent. This team’s collaborative approach enabled us to deliver a world-class facility that supports the bank’s growing employee base and its operations across North Alabama.”
 

Calvin E. Durham, AIA, Managing Partner, LED Architecture

"Lambert Ezell Durham Architecture has enjoyed partnering with Bank Independent on the design and construction of their new Operations Center. This milestone project, spanning more than 97,000 square feet, marks over 80 projects and 43 years of collaboration between LED and Bank Independent. Bank Independent's commitment to serve the local community is evident in this investment in the Shoals area."
 

Jasper Cornet, Senior Vice President, KPS Group

“Bank Independent was founded on family and community principles.  Over the nearly 80-year period since BI was created, the leadership and operations teams have grown and spread to occupy multiple locations in the Shoals area.  Bringing them all together in a new central setting is an important step in improving collaboration and efficiency and recommitting to the family approach of the organization.”

“KPS Group is pleased to have had the opportunity to collaborate in the upfront conceptualization, programming, and master planning of the new Team Campus for Bank Independent, as well as establishing the overall building design.  Getting to know the Mauldin family and the many dedicated members of the leadership team has been invigorating and inspiring.  It’s exciting to see BI’s new home come to completion, to set the stage for growth and service to the community for decades to come.”

Tracy Engel, Vice President/Principal, ASD/SKY

“If all of our clients were like Bank Independent, we would wonder what we ever did to get so lucky! Smart, responsive, and extra fun to work with! The level of trust and collaboration both ways made this creative project feel less like work and more like a team sport. Best people ever!”

Tony Renta, President, Renta Urban Land Design

“The Bank Independent family and its operational excellence represent a model for how a well‑run organization should function. As both a design consultant and a client, we are proud to partner with such a principled and forward‑thinking institution. Their commitment to integrity, service, and community sets a standard any entity would be wise to emulate.”

Justin Wall - President/CEO, Coldwater Landscapes

“We’re grateful to Bank Independent, an organization deeply rooted in our community, for trusting Coldwater Landscapes with the opportunity to be a part of your vision. It’s an honor to be part of a space that reflects your continued growth and commitment to the communities you serve.” 

David Arendall - Principal Consultant / Lead Electrical Engineer - Jackson, Renfro & Associates, Inc.

"I am thrilled to have been part of the design team for this state-of-the-art bank operations center. Our engineering approach centered on delivering an advanced and robust electrical system design that promotes continuous, secure operations. We complemented this core infrastructure with an efficient LED lighting design and advanced lighting controls to create a sustainable and adaptable environment for the staff.  This facility is well suited to serve Bank Independent and its customers for many years to come."
 

Bryan Mullins, President, Interior Elements  

“We are honored and deeply appreciative to have been selected as the furniture provider for the new Bank Independent Headquarters. Being part of such an important project for a respected organization is a privilege, and we are proud to help create a space that reflects their vision, values, and continued commitment to the community.”

 

 

Photo Downloads

Approved interior photography of the Team Campus is available for editorial use.

Available downloads may include:

• Interior common areas
• Collaboration spaces
• Conference rooms
• Café and fitness center
• Exterior building photography

Photos are approved for editorial use in coverage related to Bank Independent and the Team Campus.

 Team Campus Photos 

 

Media Contact

For additional information or interview requests, please contact:

Ashley Balch
Public Relations Manager
ashley.balch@bibank.com
o 256.386.5104
c 256.436.5871