An Interview With Doug Parkey, Crossville, Tennessee Market President

What’s your story? Where did you grow up and have you always lived in Tennessee?
I grew up in Somerset, Kentucky and lived there all my life until moving to Tennessee in 2013. I am the youngest of four kids and my parents and siblings (one brother and two sisters) still live in Somerset along with seven nieces and nephews and 13 great-nieces and nephews. My wife and I have been married for 21 years and have three daughters; a sophomore at Belmont University, a senior at Stone Memorial High School and a freshman at Stone Memorial High School.

How did you get into banking?
Right after graduating from college, I went to work for a small community bank in Somerset and they put me into their management trainee program where I was able to be involved in all aspects of the bank over an 18-month period.

What is your favorite part about your job?
Working with customers to help them achieve their dreams.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

What do you like best about being a community banker?
The feeling that I am investing in the success and prosperity of my community.

As a Market President, what’s your vision for FirstBank in Crossville? 
Our goal is to make FirstBank a household name here.

Describe Crossville, Tennessee in three words.
Conservative and laid back.

What is your home town known for?
Crossville is known as the golf capital of Tennessee.

What do you like best about life there?
The deep history of our community especially the Homesteads and the small-time quality of life plus proximity to larger cities like Nashville, Knoxville and Atlanta.

What’s your favorite lunch spot there?
Fortes

If we got in your car and turned on some music, what are some songs that would be on your playlist, CD or favorite radio station?
Contemporary Christian music

If you could give your 20-year old self one piece of advice, knowing what you know now, what would it be?
Don’t take yourself so serious, enjoy the little things in life and always let God guide your path.

Have you ever had a mentor who made a difference in your life? How so?
My parents would be my mentors because of the values they instilled in myself and my siblings with such traits as integrity, character, humility, strong work ethic, accountability but also traits like love, laughter and faith.

What’s your life motto?
I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.

Describe your perfect vacation.
Cruising somewhere around the world with my wife and 3 daughters. We have cruised to Caribbean, Alaska and Hawaii and we want to go to the Mediterranean next.

Do you prefer indoor or outdoor sports?
Outdoor, my favorite sports are golf, baseball and college football which are all outdoor sports.