Vista Bank's John D. Steinmetz Honored as National Finalist in 2025 Entrepreneur Of The Year

John D. Steinmetz: A Leader in Banking Innovation

Vista Bank's President and CEO, John D. Steinmetz, has recently gained widespread recognition as a National Finalist for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 award presented by Ernst & Young (EY). This recognition comes on the heels of his achievement as a regional award winner for the Southwest region announced earlier in June.

Steinmetz’s entrepreneurial journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a commitment to supporting businesses in his community. Under his leadership, Vista Bank has witnessed remarkable growth, increasing its asset size by 693% over the past decade. As of September 30, 2025, Vista Bank boasts an impressive $2.5 billion in assets and operates 10 banking centers across Texas and Florida.

In addition to leading Vista Bank, Steinmetz serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Vista Bancshares, Inc., the holding company for the bank. His emphatic leadership qualities earned him the 2024 DCEO Corporate Citizen Leadership Excellence Award and the title of Most-Admired CEO in 2019 according to the Dallas Business Journal. Beyond his formal titles, he is actively involved in several organizations, including the Young Professionals Organization (YPO) and the Chief Executives Organization, showcasing his dedication to professional collaboration and community service. He also holds a seat on the Cotton Bowl Board of Directors.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year award celebrates influential entrepreneurs across the globe, and Steinmetz was selected from a pool of 221 regional winners representing 191 companies throughout the United States. The selection process involved a thorough evaluation by a distinguished panel of independent judges—comprising fellow entrepreneurs and respected business leaders—who assessed candidates based on their track records in building long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, growth, and community impact.

Steinmetz expressed his gratitude upon receiving this honor: "I couldn't be more humbled by this incredible honor. Having spent my entire career helping entrepreneurs build their companies, I can truly say that aside from the U.S. military, there is not another group of individuals that I respect more. Receiving this recognition, among such impressive founders and CEOs, is truly a privilege that I accept on behalf of the incredible team of bankers that execute on the vision daily while making Vista Bank the best place to call work."

Founded in 1912, Vista Bank has established a reputation as a leading full-service commercial bank, originating from a small community bank to a powerhouse in the financial industry. The bank recently announced a significant merger agreement with National Bank Holdings Corporation (NBHC), with regulatory and shareholder approval pending. Upon completion of this merger, the combined entity will manage approximately $12.6 billion in pro forma assets and approximately $10.7 billion in pro forma deposits, marking a new era of growth and opportunity for both banks.

Looking ahead, NBHC plans to retain the Vista Bank brand in Texas while gradually introducing it across its other markets—excluding Wyoming—over time. This strategic approach aims to meld the strengths of both institutions, creating a robust platform for future initiatives.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year award recognizes various types of business leaders, including founders, transformative CEOs, and those who modernize legacy family businesses. It highlights the ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit of its recipients, illustrating the diverse landscape of entrepreneurship in America.

The announcement of national finalists and winners takes place annually during the Strategic Growth Forum®, a premier networking event for high-growth companies. Steinmetz’s recognition as a finalist solidifies his standing within this elite group of business innovators.

As Steinmetz leads Vista Bank into the future, his story serves as a testament to the impact of dedicated leadership in driving economic growth and supporting the broader community. Through his vision and hard work, he continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.