Tara Creek– Faison, North Carolina
In this client spotlight, we hear directly from Lee and Amanda Graham, owners of Tara Creek, and Amy Turner, their Marketing & Operations Manager, as they share how their partnership with Farm Bureau Bank helps power their vision and deepen their roots in the Faison, North Carolina community.
What started as a family turkey farm has blossomed into Tara Creek: a stunning, 50-acre year-round destination for weddings, corporate events, Christmas trees, barrel races, and rodeos.
“Here in Duplin County we still have banks that you can walk into, but very seldom do they come to you. In the case of Farm Bureau Bank, if I need something I’ll see Dave pull up to the farm. I don’t have to ride to town or go sit in a lobby to wait; I have a banker that is coming to me to help with my needs right away.”
-Lee Graham
Owner of Tara Creek
When the Grahams lost their turkey contract, they suddenly faced a turning point for their family farm. Instead of stepping back, they chose to think bigger, reimagining their land as a place for weddings, rodeos, barrel races, and community gatherings. To make that leap, they needed more than just financing. They needed a banking partner who would take the time to understand their vision and help bring it to life.
That’s where Dave Kesterson, Eastern North Carolina Market Executive, came in. Dave didn’t just sit behind a desk; he went out to the farm, met with the Grahams and Amy Turner, and listened to their plans for the future. He heard not only the challenges they were facing but also the passion they had for what Tara Creek could become. By tailoring financial solutions and offering steady guidance, Dave built a relationship rooted in trust, ensuring that the Grahams had the support they needed at every stage of growth.
With Farm Bureau Bank by their side, Tara Creek has grown into exactly what they dreamed of. From upgrades like adding air conditioning in the barn for weddings and corporate events, to working their way to becoming one of the most well-known horse arenas in Eastern North Carolina, they’ve expanded with confidence. What began as a challenge has now become a story of growth, resilience, and community.
Our team understands that every business has its own story, its own challenges, and its own dreams. By meeting our clients where they are, we’re able to provide more than just financial services; we provide a partnership. We’re proud to stand alongside Tara Creek, supporting their vision every step of the way.
To learn more about Tara Creek, visit www.taracreek.com.
Tags: Customer Stories, Testimonials