YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
As senior vice president and director of guaranteed lending for Legacy Bank and Trust, Dustin Royster sees a variety of clients in lending, but he focuses on commercial and government lending projects.
“One of the more rewarding parts of my job is seeing business owners pursue and achieve their dreams and having the opportunity to share in their successes,” he says.
Although he’s been at Legacy Bank only since 2018, Royster has over 17 years’ experience in different aspects of banking and finance. He previously worked at The Bank of Missouri for 16 years.
Bringing his experience to Legacy Bank, Royster started a U.S. Small Business Administration lending division at the bank.
“In our first year, Legacy Bank was recognized by SBA’s Kansas City Regional District Office as the fiscal year 2018 newcomer of the year,” he says. “This was particularly impactful to the company and our clients as it demonstrated our significant participation in the SBA program in our first year.
In 2018, his first year at Legacy Bank, Royster’s total business banking portfolio exceeded $25 million. Previously, in 2017 his banking portfolio totaled $50 million and in 2016 $40 million.
Within the industry, Royster is a participant in the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders, an organization providing support and advocacy for members focusing on government guaranteed lending programs.
“I recently completed the NAGGL lender diploma program and am currently working towards completion of the advanced diploma program,” he says.
Outside of the office, he serves on the board of directors for the Republic Area Chamber of Commerce, previously serving as president and treasurer. Also, he has been a member of the Republic Kiwanis club since 2008 and has previously held the offices of secretary, treasurer, chairman of the finance committee and board member.
Royster says he tries to make sure all his clients can find what they need from his advice and financial assistance to help grow their businesses.
“My role is not transactional, but one where the client can view me as their bank partner and a trusted adviser, someone that can provide value-added solutions to support their needs of their business, “ he says. “Over the years, I have provided financing assistance to countless clients and have had the joy of watching them pursue and achieve their goals as a result.”
One of his clients, Flat Creek restaurant, which has locations in Cape Fair and Republic, says Royster meets the very definition of a trusted adviser.
“(Royster) is a true professional and a partnership that we greatly value in our business,” says Josh Rasmussen, with Flat Creek restaurant. “He has always believed in our vision and took a chance on us. I can say without question that he has been instrumental in our success. His network runs deep, and I know there are many others that would make the same claim.”
Utah-based gourmet cookie chain Crumbl Cookies opened its first Springfield shop; interior design business Branson Upstaging LLC relocated; and Lauren Ashley Dance Center LLC added a second location.
