Why We Became Dream First Bank
Dream First Bank began its journey as the First National Bank of Syracuse, a name that traces all the way back to the early 1900s. It carried a lot of local heritage, but it didn’t reflect where the bank was headed or the impact it was having on people across the region. There’s also no shortage of “First National” banks across the country, which made the name less distinct as the bank continued to grow.
As the bank expanded across Kansas and into Oklahoma, something became increasingly clear. The organization was doing extraordinary work, earning national recognition and helping customers achieve big, meaningful goals. Yet the old name didn’t communicate the heart of what the bank does every day.
Dreams are at the center of the bank’s mission, so the leadership team set out to choose a name that reflected that purpose. The result was Dream First Bank, a name that honors the belief that every person, family, and business deserves a partner who puts their goals first.
A Legacy of Extraordinary Achievement
The rebrand didn’t create the bank’s extraordinary culture — it simply named what already existed. Over the years, Dream First Bank has earned national awards for leadership, innovation, community impact, culture, and customer service, including:
- Extraordinary Bank of the Year in 2019
- Induction into the Extraordinary Bank Hall of Fame in 2022
- Additional recognition in 2023 with another Banky Award
- A milestone year in 2025, earning six Banky Awards across thought leadership, customer service, financial literacy, philanthropy, culture, and overall community bank excellence
These recognitions highlight what the bank has long believed: community banking can be bold, innovative, and deeply human.
What Makes Dream First Bank Extraordinary
Champion of Entrepreneurs
CEO Chris Floyd often says that supporting small and mid-sized businesses has always been part of the bank’s DNA. Over the years, the team has helped thousands of entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen the businesses that anchor local communities.
Creative Approach to Lending
Dream First Bank is known for thinking creatively when it comes to lending solutions. If there’s a responsible, innovative way to help a customer move forward, the team works hard to find it. That commitment is rooted in a simple idea: if people can dream big, the bank should help them achieve big.
A Neighbor You Can Count On
The bank began as a community institution, and that spirit remains unchanged. Whether someone is planning a home project, expanding a family business, or navigating a financial crossroads, the team is there with support, ideas, and a willingness to go the extra mile.
Dream First Bank continues to grow, serving customers across Kansas, Oklahoma, and beyond, while staying true to the belief that every dream deserves a partner who shows up, listens, and helps make it real.
If you’re working toward something meaningful and want a banking partner who leans in with you, talk with one of our experts today. We’re here to help you move toward your next chapter.