C.J. Walker founded Farmers & Merchants Bank (F&M) of Long Beach more than 100 years ago based on the principles of honesty, integrity, the home, the church, and service above self. Today, fourth generation President W. Henry Walker, along with his brother Daniel, Chairman of the Board and CEO, and father Kenneth, President of the main branch, manage the bank through the lens of their founding father.

The Bank enjoys one of the strongest rates of employee retention in any organization, demonstrating the loyalty and devotion of F&M employees to the company. At last count, more than 100 employees have been with the bank for at least 15 years and an additional 65 have dedicated 20 to 30 years. When asked why they have logged so many years at F&M, employees are most likely to say they enjoy working for a company with a strong foundation built on character and concern for its employees and customers.

Following the Walker tradition of giving back to the community, the Bank continues to donate over $1 million each year to charities, non-profit organizations, and religious entities despite the state of the current economy. F&M is also committed to implementing green initiatives and most recently developed a new customer care center in Seal Beach as a sustainable infrastructure that is both environmentally responsible and resource-efficient.