History of Irondale Bank/Unico Bank

Irondale Bank Established 1901

Irondale Bank's heritage is one built on financial strength and integrity. Our corporation was chartered as a state bank on July 1, 1901. Henry Akers purchased the bank in March, 1959. At the time of purchase, there was a "telephone operation" in the top story of the building. Remodeling had begun to take place to lower the building to one level. Bullet proof glass was built into the bank, and when a customer wanted to enter, the officer or employee had to make a decision whether or not to let the customer enter the bank. If the customer looked like a good person, the employee would push a button that would open the bullet proof door to let the customer in.

In 1967, Jim Crisman became President of Irondale Bank. As the financial needs of the community grew and Irondale Bank prospered, a new bank was built in 1975, on the outskirts of Potosi, MO, located at the junction of Rt. 8 and Hwy. U. The new facility was opened on June 3, 1975 as a full service institution offering savings accounts, certificates of deposits, safety deposit boxes, loans of all types, and no service charge checking accounts.

Leon Brinkley became chairman of the board of Irondale Bank in 1979, and took on the duties of President, CEO and Chairman of the board in 1980. Mr. Brinkley continues to serve as chairman of the board and CEO. During Mr. Brinkley's tenure, the bank opened another facility in Terre Du Lac, MO. In June 1990, Mr. Brinkley became President and Chairman of Unico Bank. Unico bank is based in Kennett, MO, and has Arkansas offices in Paragould, Trumann, Harrisburg and Marked Tree. Mr. Brinkley is the president of Paragould Auto Auction, Inc., and the owner of Brinkley Farms, located in Greene, Crittenton, Lee, and Craighead counties.

Ron Stephens became President of Irondale Bank in 1990. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1960. He worked at Kennedy Space Center during the Apollo Program. He joined Irondale Bank in 1973. He is on the Board of Directors for the Washington Industrial Development Authority. He is president of the Revolving Loan Board, a member of the YMCA of the Ozarks, president of the Washington Co. Airport Board, a board member of the Fourche' Valley Trust. Ron and staff are actively involved in the economic development of the communities we serve. He is also a member of the Southside Community Church. As you can see, Mr. Stephens has always been actively involved in the local community!

On January 18, 2000, Irondale Bank and Unico Bank merged. The merged institutions name became Unico Bank. The charter for the bank remains in Irondale, Missouri. Ron Stephens continues to serve as President of Unico Bank, and Leon Brinkley serves as CEO and Chairman of the Board.