He cashed out everything during the pandemic — left a guaranteed paycheck to raise $30M and buy a bank that didn't exist yet. Five years later, it's quadrupled.

In this episode, recorded live in Baton Rouge on our Louisiana Podcast Tour, host Joshua Wilson and co-host Scott Shea sit down with Scott Gaudin, President & CEO of Currency Bank. Scott traces his path from folding towels and parking cars under Nick Saban at LSU to acquiring a community bank charter and building it into a $260M concierge business bank owned by 143 shareholders. It's a story about mentorship, "the process," and the math of buying, growing, and selling banks in the lower middle market — for founders, family operators, and the advisors who guide them.

🎯 What We Cover:
- Why he left a secure role to raise $30M and buy a bank during COVID
- The "acquire a charter" strategy vs. starting a bank from scratch
- How 200+ Zoom meetings built a 143-shareholder base
- The economics of buying a $62M bank at 15x earnings
- Choosing your own boss — and getting a "PhD" in banking
- Buying and selling branches: the b1BANK and Commercial Capital deals
- Why he treats employees as the asset in every acquisition
- Acquisition lending for advisors and insurance books of business
- Lessons on mentorship, confidence, and serving your community

🤝 Connect with Scott Gaudin:
🌐 https://www.currency.bank
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-gaudin-56606760

🤝 Connect with Co-Host Scott Shea:
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/escottshea/

🙏 Special thanks to Venue Host Jeremy Beyt, CEO of ThreeSixtyEight, for hosting our Baton Rouge Podcast Tour.
🌐 https://www.threesixtyeight.com/
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-beyt/

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FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk.
🔗 https://www.famergers.com/

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Disclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only.

Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services.

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