Founded in 1908 as First State Bank, Happy, Texas, the bank operated solely in that community during its first 81 years. In 1990, J. Pat Hickman, Chairman and CEO led a group of investors in forming Happy Bancshares, Inc. as they purchased the bank. The generically named First State Bank changed its name to the unforgettable Happy State Bank in 2002.

Today the $3.2 billion bank operates 35 branches, one loan production office and the GoldStar Trust Co. in 25 communities with 700 employees, spread from the Texas Panhandle/South Plains to Dallas/Ft. Worth. Of the 475 banks operating in our state today, Happy State Bank is the 18th largest.

The bank has been recognized in several national and state-wide publications for its unique corporate culture. The Happy Bank has won many awards and recognition (including from the United States Treasury Department) for financial literacy training via its “Kid’s Bank” program, now in 34 elementary schools. It received the Torch Award from the Better Business Bureau for its outstanding ethical business standards.

In his 2015 book, “Non-Negotiable. The Story of Happy State Bank & The Power of Accountability,” author Sam Silverstein documents how the bank’s uncompromising corporate culture has fostered the ability to experience record setting growth, provide an excellent return to its stockholders, create a unique and wonderful place to work – all while focused on giving dynamic, personal banking service to its customers, friends, and neighbors