Palm Springs, CA

HCN Bank, formerly The Bank of Hemet, is expanding into Palm Springs with a commitment to restoring true community banking across the Coachella Valley. Founded in 1974, the bank has spent five decades growing from local roots in Riverside County to a boutique business bank serving clients across California.

To better understand HCN’s plans for the region, I sat down with Leonard Macias, Market President at HCN Bank and a Coachella Valley native with more than two decades in the banking industry.

Here is the full interview:

Eric Gray – What inspired HCN Bank to expand into Palm Springs, and what makes this market an ideal fit for your boutique banking model?

Leonard Macias – “Because community banks are needed for small and medium-sized businesses to prosper, and Palm Springs and the surrounding cities have been abandoned by these local banks. Over the last 20+ years, the landscape of banking in the Coachella Valley has drastically changed. All the small community banks, the ones that truly knew their customers, are gone. Some merged with larger institutions; others were swept away during the 2008 financial crisis. Regardless of the reason, what we’re left with today is a void. Most of the financial institutions here are headquartered out of state, and the few smaller ones that remain aren’t rooted in this valley. That sense of local connection, of banking with someone who understands your world, it’s missing.

That’s exactly why HCN Bank chose to expand into Palm Springs. We’re not here to be another name on a building. We’re here to bring back what was lost, a true community bank, one that’s deeply invested in the people, the businesses, and the spirit of this valley. Palm Springs isn’t just a market to us; it’s a place that mirrors our values. It’s full of entrepreneurs, creatives, retirees, and investors who want more than transactional banking. They want relationships. They want trust. They want a financial partner who sees them, hears them, and builds with them.

Our boutique banking model was made for this kind of community. We offer personalized service, tailored solutions, and a level of care that’s hard to find in today’s banking world. Palm Springs gives us the chance to do what we do best, to serve with intention, to connect with purpose, and to build something lasting. This isn’t just a business decision. It’s a homecoming. It’s about restoring a sense of place in banking, where people matter, where service is personal, and where the community comes first.”

Eric Gray – HCN Bank has deep roots dating back to its founding as The Bank of Hemet in 1974. How do you plan to bring that “friends and family” community spirit into a new market like Palm Springs?

Leonard Macias – “HCN Bank was born out of community. Back in 1974, when we were The Bank of Hemet, we weren’t just opening accounts, we were building relationships. It was a grassroots movement. Local business owners and community leaders came together to build something they felt was missing: a bank created by the community, for the community. We knew our customers by name, we celebrated their milestones, and we stood by them through every season. That ‘friends and family’ spirit isn’t just part of our history, it’s the foundation of everything we do.

Bringing that same energy into Palm Springs isn’t a challenge, it’s a calling. This city is full of people who value connection, authenticity, and trust. We’re not here to be transactional. We’re here to be transformational. That means showing up, listening deeply, and offering banking that feels personal, not corporate.

We plan to embed ourselves in the community, not just as bankers, but as neighbors. You’ll see us at local events, supporting small businesses, and partnering with organizations that make a difference. We’ll build our team with people who live here, love it here, and understand what makes Palm Springs special. And most importantly, we’ll treat every client like family, because that’s who we are.

Legacy isn’t about looking back. It’s about carrying forward what matters most. And in Palm Springs, we’re not just expanding. We’re coming home to a community that shares our heartbeat.”

Eric Gray – You describe HCN as a “boutique business bank.” What does that mean in practical terms for local business owners and investors here in the Coachella Valley?

Leonard Macias – “When we say HCN is a ‘boutique business bank,’ we’re not talking about a trendy label, we’re talking about a philosophy rooted in history, relationships, and real service. Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley were built on boutique businesses. Think back to the late ’30s through the ’60s — the Colony Palms Hotel, Movie Colony Hotel, Holiday House, Palm Springs Plaza, Desert Fashion Plaza, and Jensen’s Finest Foods, which traces its roots to the 1940s. These weren’t just businesses, they were experiences. Each one was unique, yet they all shared that small-town, ‘everyone knows your name’ kind of service. Even banking had its own boutique flavor back then, with Coachella Valley Savings and Loan serving the community in a way that felt personal and local.

That’s the spirit we’re bringing back. Boutique business banking means creating a relationship-driven experience that’s different from the mega banks. It’s not about call centers or cookie-cutter branches. It’s about knowing your banker, having their cell number, and trusting that they understand your business, not just your balance sheet.

When I started in banking, my mentors painted a picture of a time when bankers were true advisors. They’d sit down with business owners over coffee, lunch, or dinner, and really dig into the story behind the business. They understood the challenges, the dreams, and the nuances. And when it came time to grow, expand, or pivot, the banker was right there, not just with funding, but with insight and support.

That’s exactly how I work today. My clients call me directly on my cell. I visit their businesses. I show up to their family events, support their schools, and stand beside the organizations they care about. Because boutique banking isn’t just about financial services, it’s about being part of someone’s journey.

In practical terms, for business owners and investors in the Coachella Valley, boutique banking means having a partner who’s invested in your success. It’s about personalized advice, real accessibility, and a relationship that goes far beyond the transaction. It’s banking the way it used to be, and the way it should be.”

Eric Gray – HCN Bank has a strong focus on commercial real estate lending and treasury management services. What types of clients or projects do you anticipate serving in Palm Springs?

Leonard Macias – “We’ve specialized in commercial real estate (CRE) lending for the last three decades. In fact, one of the key reasons for our name change from The Bank of Hemet to HCN Bank was due to our nationwide focus on CRE. We wanted to remove any geographic barriers in our name. CRE will always be a core product for the bank, but so is helping local business with operating lines and other business-related loans. Businesses in the desert will have financial needs, and we want to be their first call. Our loan clients are thus comprised of both investors (seeking properties to purchase or refinance) and businesses (looking for loans to build their businesses).

We’ve also been in the treasury management business for well over three decades. These tools allow a business to better manage their cash flow, liquidity, and risk, especially given the increased level of fraud. Some of the services include ACH origination, positive pay, remote deposit capture, zero balance accounts, and lockbox services.

The bank has catered to the school districts, cities, and other municipalities, in addition to the medical sector and non-profit organizations.”

Eric Gray – The bank also serves public agencies, school districts, and nonprofits. Do you see opportunities to support local civic and educational organizations in Palm Springs?

Leonard Macias – “Absolutely! Supporting public agencies, school districts, and nonprofits isn’t just something we do, it’s something we’ve built our bank around. These organizations are the backbone of any thriving community, and in the Coachella Valley, they play an especially vital role in shaping the future, preserving the past, and serving the present.

At HCN Bank, we’ve developed specialized products and services tailored to the unique needs of civic and educational institutions. We understand the complexities of public finance, the importance of cash flow management for school districts, and the mission-driven urgency that nonprofits operate under. Our treasury solutions, lending programs, and advisory support are designed to be flexible, responsive, and deeply aligned with their goals.

But beyond the technical side, what really matters is the relationship. We don’t just want to be the bank that holds your funds; we want to be the partner who shows up at your board meetings, supports your fundraisers, and understands the heartbeat of your mission. Whether it’s helping a school district streamline its operations or working with a local nonprofit to secure funding for a new initiative, we’re here to listen, collaborate, and deliver.

The Coachella Valley is full of organizations doing incredible work, and they deserve a bank that’s just as committed to their success. We see tremendous opportunities to serve, support, and stand beside the civic and educational leaders who make this valley extraordinary.”

Eric Gray – Many banks have consolidated or shifted away from community engagement in recent years. How does HCN’s growth strategy differ, and how does it stay true to its original mission?

Leonard Macias – “It’s true, in recent years, we’ve watched as many banks have consolidated, scaled up, and drifted away from the communities that once defined them. Branches have closed, decisions have moved out of state, and relationships have been replaced with 1-800 numbers and automated responses. But at HCN Bank, we’ve chosen a different path, one that leads us closer to people, not further away.

Our growth strategy is rooted in connection, not just expansion. We don’t grow for the sake of getting bigger, we grow to serve better. Every new market we enter, like Palm Springs, is chosen with intention. We look for communities that value relationships, where our boutique model can make a real difference, and where we can become part of the local fabric, not just a name on a building.

Staying true to our original mission means remembering where we came from. HCN Bank was founded in 1974 by local business owners and community leaders who wanted a bank that understood their needs, a place where trust, accessibility, and partnership weren’t perks, but promises. That legacy still guides us today. We build real relationships with our clients. We show up. We listen. We celebrate their wins and stand by them through challenges.

There are still some amazing smaller organizations here, and I don’t want to take away from any of them. But we will be one of the few that was born in Riverside County, headquartered in Riverside County, and operates in this amazing county we call home. That matters. It means we’re not just nearby; we’re part of the story.

While others are pulling away, we’re leaning in. We believe that community engagement isn’t a marketing strategy, it’s a responsibility. And as we grow, we’re not losing our identity. We’re amplifying it, one handshake, one conversation, one relationship at a time.”

Eric Gray – Looking ahead, what does success look like for HCN Bank in Palm Springs over the next five years — both in business and community impact?

Leonard Macias – “This is one of my favorite questions, not just in banking, but in life. I’ve always believed that looking ahead isn’t just about forecasting numbers; it’s about imagining impact. It’s about building something that lasts. And for me, success in Palm Springs over the next five years means creating a legacy, one rooted in service, relationships, and community.

I’m new to this incredible organization, and I say with full sincerity: I’m one of the lucky ones. Coming from the world of mega banks, joining HCN Bank was a culture shock, in the best way possible. I didn’t just join a company; I was embraced by a family. That shift changed everything for me. It reignited my purpose and gave me a vision that I now carry with pride.

I don’t want HCN Bank to be just another bank in the Coachella Valley. I want it to be the bank of choice. When people hear our name, I want them to think of trust, of connection, of a vision that was born right here in this community. Over the next 18 to 24 months, I plan to dive headfirst into the place that raised me. Palm Springs isn’t just where I work, it’s where I grew up. It educated me, gave me a career, and shaped the person I am today. Now it’s my turn to give back.

My parents came here as immigrants, choosing this valley over larger cities like LA or San Diego. They saw opportunity here, and they were right. This community gave me a home, a future, and a sense of belonging. That’s why I’m so passionate about making sure HCN Bank becomes part of the fabric of this valley. Not just a financial institution, but a true community partner.

In five years, I see us with two or three locations, maybe even a microbranch on the east end to better serve that side of the valley. But more than buildings, I see relationships. I see a bank that shows up at school events, supports local nonprofits, and helps small businesses grow. I see a team that knows its clients by name, that answers calls with care, and that builds solutions around real lives.

HCN Bank was born just on the other side of this mountain. And now, on this side, we’re continuing our mission of community-first banking. We’re not here to follow trends, we’re here to set a new standard. One built on heart, history, and a deep commitment to the people who make this valley extraordinary.

Success isn’t just measured in deposits or branches. It’s measured in impact, in how deeply we’re woven into the lives of the people we serve. And five years from now, I want HCN Bank to be a name that feels like home.”

Eric Gray – You’ve spent more than two decades working with large organizations right here in the Coachella Valley and were born and raised in the region. How does your personal connection to this community influence the way you’re leading HCN Bank’s presence in Palm Springs?

Leonard Macias – “You know, this is the first time someone’s asked me that question, and hearing it out loud — two decades, wow. It’s surreal to think I’ve spent the last 24 years in this industry, right here in the Coachella Valley. I always say this: Palm Springs raised me. Palm Springs educated me. I went to all the local schools in the Palm Springs Unified School District, and Palm Springs gave me a career.

My CEO jokes that I’ve ‘come to the dark side,’ meaning I’ve joined a smaller banking organization. I used to laugh at that line, but when I sat down to reflect on it, I finally understood what he meant.

The truth is, I spent 24 years with the mega banks. And to be clear, they’re not all bad. They’re my competitors now, but I’ll never forget that those institutions made me a banker. They taught me about checking accounts, savings accounts. I didn’t even know what the word ‘mortgage’ meant until I joined Wells Fargo at 21 years old, just a kid trying to play grown-up in a financial world. When people say, ‘fake it till you make it,’ that was me. And I’m grateful they saw something in me and gave me a chance.

But here’s the thing. My success wasn’t handed to me. I defined it. I knew I had to be sharper, hungrier, more committed than the next person if I wanted to truly stand out. Over the years, I realized banking had evolved into a sales machine. Most mega banks say they care about relationships, but they’re pushing quotas. It’s like a car dealership. You’ve got annual lending goals, deposit targets, and if you don’t hit them, you’re on disciplinary action.

So, when you see a TV ad that says, ‘we’re in your corner,’ yes, they are — because they need your ‘relationship’ for their quota. Let me ask you something. Why were those same banks pushing online banking and digital tools so hard in the 2000s and 2010s? Because they wanted you to ‘do it yourself.’ Fewer tellers, fewer bankers, less payroll. That’s not relationship banking. That’s efficiency banking.

Today, most branches run with four or five people, all doing multiple jobs, and they’re still told to hit impossible numbers. Somewhere along the way, the ‘relationship’ disappeared. By my final year in that world, I was burning out. I thought about leaving banking altogether. Then I found HCN Bank.

I’ll be honest. I didn’t even realize a place like this still existed. I had been conditioned by a corporate culture that valued production over people. Joining HCN Bank was like rediscovering why I fell in love with this profession in the first place.

My strength has always been relationship-building, and that’s not something you can teach. You either care about people, or you don’t. I genuinely care. I’ve always said, people don’t bank with a bank. They bank with people. And when I look back, many of my clients have followed me across career moves because they know I deliver something rare today — personal service. If a client ever has to call an 800 number, that means I’ve failed as their banker. My clients have my cell. It starts with me, and it ends with me.

And beyond banking, I’m blessed. I have an incredible wife who’s supported every crazy career move — I met her in banking — and I have five amazing kids who watch how I lead, how I work, and how I handle change. I want them to see that I don’t settle for comfort. I seek discomfort because that’s where growth happens.

At the end of the day, I’m grateful for HCN Bank, for my roots, for this valley. Palm Springs isn’t just where I work. It’s who I am. This is where I was raised, where I met my wife, where my kids were born. My parents had a vision when they came here in 1980, and today I get to carry that forward by helping build a community bank that truly belongs to the Coachella Valley.

This is an amazing market that I get to call home.”