One America Bancorp Expands Banking Operations with Acquisition of Hopeton State Bank

On June 23, 2025, One America Bancorp Inc. (referred to as "One America"), a newly established bank holding company, made headlines by acquiring Hopeton State Bank, a financial institution valued at $26 million located in Woods County, Oklahoma. This crucial acquisition marks the commencement of One America's ambitions to create a robust community bank, emphasizing service to rural locales in Oklahoma while targeting the potential of commercial banking in Dallas.

Leading this transaction is Bruce Ware, a businessman based in Dallas and the principal investor in One America. Ware will take on the roles of Executive Chairman and CEO, showcasing his commitment to steering the newly formed entity toward success. As part of the continuity in leadership, Trent Goss, the current President of Hopeton State Bank, will continue in his position, ensuring a smooth transition and the retention of local expertise.

In a strategic move to reinforce the bank's foundation, Ware has galvanized a coalition of investors from diverse industry backgrounds. This assembly of investors is dedicated to revitalizing community banking in areas often neglected by larger financial entities. Beyond simply acquiring Hopeton State Bank, this group is also infusing significant capital to broaden the bank’s lending capabilities. Their focus seeks to enhance support for small businesses, agricultural financing, and families working in Woods County, Oklahoma, thus fostering economic growth and stability in these communities.

Simultaneously, One America is setting the groundwork to achieve long-term developments in Texas. The bank plans to establish a significant presence in Dallas, a move that will support its ambition to cultivate strong commercial banking relationships within the dynamic Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Bruce Ware articulates a two-fold strategy that underpins One America’s vision: "We see tremendous opportunity both in rural Oklahoma—where strong banks still play a vital role in economic life—and in the vibrant commercial corridors of North Texas, which remains one of the fastest growing MSAs in the country." The objective is clear — One America Bancorp is designed to thrive in both arenas while building on the impressive legacy of Hopeton State Bank, which has served the community for over a century with dedication and resilience.

The acquisition has successfully navigated through all required regulatory approvals, ensuring that One America can now begin its journey to reposition community banking in its targeted regions. In this process, the bank has been advised by the Denver-based legal firm Otteson Shapiro LLP, alongside Eide Bailly LLP for financial considerations, positioning itself with expert guidance through these critical transitions.

In conclusion, the establishment of One America Bancorp Inc. signifies a commitment to creating a modern, mission-driven banking platform deeply invested in rural Oklahoma, while inviting growth opportunities in Texas. The company aims to provide personalized banking experiences for communities and businesses frequently overlooked by larger financial institutions, thereby fulfilling its mission and invigorating the local economies it serves. As the banking landscape rapidly evolves, entities like One America Bancorp hold the potential to redefine community engagement and financial support in both rural and urban settings.