On December 1, Ernst & Young LLP announced that John D. Steinmetz, president and CEO of Dallas-based Vista Bank, has been named a 2025 “Entrepreneur of the Year” national finalist, following his selection as a Southwest regional award winner in June.
Steinmetz was chosen from a group of 221 “Entrepreneur of the Year” regional winners, representing 191 companies across the U.S. For 40 years, Entrepreneur of the Year has been a premier competitive business award for ambitious entrepreneurs who are transforming industries, impacting communities and creating long-term value. Steinmetz was selected by a panel of independent judges comprised of entrepreneurs and other respected business leaders from across the U.S. The candidates were evaluated based on their proven records of building long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact, among other core contributions and attributes.
“I couldn’t be more humbled by this incredible honor,” Steinmetz says. “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 who execute on the vision daily while making Vista Bank the best place to call work.”
The national finalists and winners were announced during a celebration held at the Strategic Growth Forum, a prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. Learn more about the Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 national honorees.
Established in 1912, Vista Bank has grown 693 percent in asset size in the past decade alone. The bank reports $2.5 billion in asset size as of September 30 and operates 10 banking centers across Texas and Florida. Vista Bancshares Inc., the holding company of Vista Bank, recently announced its entry into a definitive merger agreement with National Bank Holdings Corp., the parent company of NBH Bank. Based on September 30 financials, the combined company will have approximately $12.6 billion in pro forma assets and $10.7 billion in pro forma deposits with locations spanning nine states. NBHC plans to retain the Vista Bank brand in Texas and roll out the Vista Bank brand in NBHC’s other markets, other than Wyoming, over time.
