Why a Banking Executive Chooses to Pay More: JD Mealor on Community, Expertise, and Leading Through Change
What makes a seasoned banking executive willing to pay more for running shoes when cheaper options are just a click away? For JD Mealor, Division President of Cadence Bank, the answer reveals everything about his approach to business, leadership, and community building in North Georgia.
The Truck Keys That Changed Everything
During a recent episode of North Georgia Business Radio, JD shared a story that perfectly captures the value of genuine community relationships. While attending a 5K race at Lake Lanier with his family on a cold, windy evening, JD’s wife needed to feed their six-month-old son before the race began.
Zach, owner of Big Peach Running Co. on Spout Springs Road, didn’t hesitate. “Here’s the keys to my truck,” he said, handing them over so Lindsay could feed little JP in a warm, private space.
“Even if it costs me more to get shoes there, I want this kind of shoe store to be in my community,” JD explained to host Phil Bonelli. “I’m so excited to go and write a check for shoes from this individual.”
Expertise Over Convenience: A Business Philosophy
The running shoe store story illustrates a broader principle that JD applies throughout his banking career. While consumers can purchase nearly anything online at discount prices, they sacrifice something invaluable: expertise and genuine care.
“I could go get money anywhere,” JD noted. “But if I go to Cadence Bank, they’re gonna help me structure a loan that fits my business. In the same way, when I went to Big Peach Running, they perfectly dialed up exactly what I needed based on my running style and terrain.”
This philosophy extends to every business interaction. Whether you’re working with a general contractor, financial consultant, roofing company, or division leader of a bank, expertise matters. You want people who are genuinely good at what they do—and who care about you as more than just a transaction.
Leading Three Markets Through Major Change
As Division President overseeing Gainesville, Athens, and Augusta for Cadence Bank, JD faces the significant challenge of navigating the bank’s acquisition by Huntington. Rather than resisting change, he’s embracing a leadership approach centered on one key value: “Embrace reality.”
“What is, is,” JD explained, sharing a principle he learned from his first banking job at BB&T (now Truist). “I can’t outrun change, so let’s embrace it and bring it with confidence and positivity to our community.”
JD’s focus for 2026 centers on two priorities: finding the right system to run his team effectively across three dramatically different markets with distinct personalities, and being a cheerleader for the new brand. “If I’m at the water cooler complaining about change, that’s not leading,” he emphasized.
A New Year’s Challenge for Business Leaders
As 2026 approaches, JD issued a powerful challenge to business owners and leaders: take time for intentional reflection. Get out of the office, find a quiet coffee shop or state park, and reflect on your wins, losses, and learnings with a pad and pen.
Most importantly? “Ask three people who know you and your business from the outside: What are they seeing? What are my blind spots? What can I improve on?” JD advised. “Ask a customer, ask a teammate, ask a trusted advisor—and then build that into your plan.”
For JD Mealor, success isn’t about finding the cheapest option or resisting inevitable change. It’s about building relationships with experts who care, embracing reality with confidence, and continuously seeking ways to improve.
Connect with JD and The Cadence Team:
Connect with Phil Bonelli:
https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/
https://www.instagram.com/hopewellfarmsga/
https://www.hopewellfarmsga.com/
Connect with Beau Henderson:
https://www.facebook.com/RichLifeAdvisors
https://www.facebook.com/NorthGARadioX
This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors
Hopewell Farms GA
Roundtable Advisors
RichLife Advisors
Cadence Bank
Highlights of the Show:
Highlight #1: “The Truck Keys Moment” – Community Over Convenience Start Time: 31:15 | End Time: 34:54 JD Mealor shares the powerful story of Big Peach Running Co. owner Zach lending his truck so JD’s wife could feed their baby during a race. This moment perfectly illustrates why expertise and genuine relationships are worth more than discount prices. JD explains: “Even if it costs me more to get shoes there, I want this kind of shoe store to be in my community.”
Highlight #2: “JD’s 2026 Priorities – Leading Through Change” Start Time: 35:09 | End Time: 37:29 As Division President overseeing Gainesville, Athens, and Augusta, JD outlines his top priorities for the new year. He discusses finding the right system to run his team across dramatically different markets and embracing the Cadence-Huntington merger: “I can’t outrun change, so let’s embrace it and bring it with confidence and positivity to our community.”
Highlight #3: “Embrace Reality – A Leadership Philosophy” Start Time: 37:29 | End Time: 40:00 JD and Phil dive deep into the critical leadership value that guides major decisions: “Embrace reality – what is, is.” JD explains why leaders can’t sit at the water cooler complaining about change. Plus, he issues a powerful New Year’s challenge: get out of the office, reflect on your wins and losses, and ask three people about your blind spots.
Highlight #4: “Expertise in Every Industry Matters” Start Time: 32:49 | End Time: 34:54 Why do people need expertise from local businesses? JD breaks down how this applies to every industry—from running shoe stores to banks to contractors. “People want, people need expertise. Whether it’s a roofing company or a division leader of a bank, you get good at what you do. You want expertise, and you want people who care about you.”
Highlight #5: “The New Year’s Reflection Challenge” Start Time: 39:49 | End Time: 40:24 Phil and JD wrap up with actionable advice for planning 2026. Take time to get away from the office, reflect with a pad and pen on your year, and most importantly: “Ask three people that know you and your business from the outside—what are they seeing? What are my blind spots? What can I improve on? Ask them purposely, and then build that into your plan.”
