51 YEARS IN FINANCE Tommy Sladecek’s Banking Legacy Community Legacy

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

When 15-year-old Russell Buckley needed a car loan, his dad took him to Jarrell’s Eagle Bank where then Vice President Tommy Sladecek helped him buy his first car. Forty-three years later, despite moving an hour away to Lampasas, Russell has stayed with Eagle Bank for the same reason many other clients have made the financial institution their home – familiarity and trust. “It was easy with Tommy because he knew me,” Russell says, adding that they both grew up in Jarrell and went to church together. Since then, Tommy has helped him secure multiple car loans and a home loan, guiding him through major life purchases along the way.

Stories like Russell’s have been Tommy’s favorite part of his job over the last 51 years before his retirement in January. 

“I’ve met a lot of customers and I think I’ve helped a lot of people. I think that was the most enjoyable part – seeing that you can help somebody either buy some land or build a house. Over 51 years and three-and-a-half months, I’ve been able to see all these people I grew up with and help their kids and then their kids. It’s the best thing about staying here that long.”

That consistency is what made Tommy such a valuable member of the bank team, Vice President Jason Furr says. “When you’re a small financial institution in a small town, people appreciate that. They want to be able to go in and recognize the face they talk to.”

“Everyone that comes in here knows Tommy,” bank teller Sylvia Velez adds during his retirement party at the end of January. “He’s the cornerstone of the bank. Everyone will remember him and will be sad to see him go.”

In 1973, Tommy began his banking career as a bookkeeper at First State Bank (now Eagle Bank, a branch of Round Top State Bank) and moved up the ranks over the years, serving as assistant cashier, cashier, vice president, president, and director. Before retiring, he served as the Jarrell branch’s senior vice president and advisory director.

Beyond banking, Tommy has been an active member of the Jarrell and Williamson County communities, serving as vice president of the Williamson County Emergency Services District #5, secretary-treasurer of RVOS Farm Mutual Insurance Lodge #10, and finance council president for Holy Trinity Catholic Church. His past roles have also included Jarrell ISD school board member, director of the Jarrell Chamber of Commerce, and treasurer of the Jarrell Economic Development Corporation, among others.

After decades of serving the Jarrell community, Tommy is looking forward to slowing down – at least a little. He and his wife Cindy plan to enjoy some well-earned time off by going on several cruises and camping trips as well as building their new home in Jarrell, right next to their three kids and four grandkids.