A Decade of Tailgating with ‘The People You Know’

Texas Regional Bank (TRB) Denton is more than just a bank—since opening its doors, it’s been part of the heartbeat of the surrounding community, strengthening ties with the University of North Texas (UNT) and the city of Denton. In 2009, a local bank started a tailgate, and when TRB acquired the branch, what began as a small and personal event between colleagues and friends evolved into a bustling and community-wide tradition uniting friends, family, and fans under one bright—mean—green flag.

Relationship banking is not just a core element of TRB’s operations within the bank. Relationships are the foundation of how TRB bankers serve and build their community, and a decade-long tailgating tradition in Denton is a shining example of how TRB bankers are connecting with their community.

Each gameday in Denton, you don’t just see customers or business associates donning their Mean Green—you see familiar faces of people you know, coming together at the intersection of local and collegiate pride and the two longstanding Texas traditions of BBQ and football.

“Nothing makes you feel more welcome than the TRB tailgate. It’s the best way to get energized for the game.” Sheryl English – Denton ISD School Board Member

‘The People You Know’

Left to Right: Wade Ford, Randy Sahm, Duke York

Wade – Class of 2014

Wade Ford, Branch Administration Officer for TRB, is another proud UNT graduate whose Mean Green streak extends into his family as well—his mother serves on the board of the UNT Athletics Department. Wade says that UNT athletics, “are close to my heart and have been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember.” But for Wade, the TRB Tailgate creates a unique opportunity that isn’t just about football. “It’s amazing to work for a company that invests in our local university. Tailgates aren’t just a way to get our brand out there—they show that we’re committed to supporting our community,” Wade explains. For him, the payoff isn’t about financial gain, but the joy of connecting with fellow fans who share his love for UNT, and Wade’s love for UNT is unchallenged; he hasn’t missed a single home football game since he was 10. If you can beat his Mean Green streak, let him know.

Randy – Class of 1989

By day, Randy Sahm is a Chief Accounting Officer at TRB, but after hours, Randy’s connection to UNT runs deep. A proud alumnus, father of two UNT graduates, part-time professor, and member of the Alumni Association board, Randy has a vested interest in both the university and the community. His passion for UNT sports is undeniable as a season ticket holder to football and basketball games year after year, but for Randy, the TRB Tailgate is about more than just the games and potential leads and clients. It’s about the relationships that he and his colleagues have cultivated. “Our trailer and shirts say TRB, but we’re not waiting in a bank for people to walk in; we’re out there connecting with people because relationships we make with our community outlast any transaction we could make,” Randy says.

Duke – BBQ Pitmaster

Duke York, Denton’s Regional President, has been involved with the TRB tailgate since it began 15 years ago. TRB Tailgates are one of the many ways he and his team maintain visibility with their customer base and build relationships with future clients. As both a community leader and the BBQ pitmaster, Duke has played a pivotal role in shaping the event in more ways than one; yet when asked about the tailgate, he’s clear it’s the team that makes the event successful, not him. Other than the hours Duke invests preparing the smoker and BBQ, he’s surrounded by a team of dedicated coworkers, friends, and community sponsors from Denton. Hours before each tailgate begins, and oftentimes even after kickoff, volunteers and friends are setting up, tearing down, serving BBQ, and connecting as fellow fans of their team and their community.

“The TRB tailgate experience at UNT stadium embodies the pride of the Mean Green. Fun and friendly folks and lick your chops BBQ every time!” -Jennifer Peace, UNT alumna

Impact of the TRB Tailgate

The TRB Tailgate is all about fostering connections. “It’s not about making a profit,” Randy states, “It’s about connecting as colleagues, friends, and fans.” Rain or shine, the TRB team consistently shows up to support UNT, Denton, and the over 20,000 fans who attend each game, and serve hundreds of plates of BBQ, all the while strengthening the bonds that unite the community.

Blending the best of Texas traditions with a shared passion for the local university and community, the TRB Tailgate has come to symbolize what it means to be invested in more than just business. “We have such a great community, and TRB is proud to be part of UNT and the city of Denton,” Wade reflects, “And this is a tradition we’re proud to continue.”

The relationships built at each tailgate benefit not only TRB and UNT, but also the city of Denton and surrounding areas, embodying one of TRB’s core beliefs that ‘we succeed when our community succeeds’. By hosting these events, TRB positions itself as more than just a business—it becomes an integral part of the city’s fabric.