Will Harding seen at his office in Cullman.

The reasons Will Harding lives in Cullman, in his own words, is a list that goes on and on.

As he was graduating from Auburn in 2006, there was no doubt that he would return to the place he felt stands out among other communities.

“Cullman is a special place with top-notch churches, schools, recreation, healthcare, public

safety, economic development and the list goes on and on,” said Harding, a commercial lender and Vice President of loans at Merchants Bank.

In his role at Merchants Bank and several boards and organizations, Harding sees an opportunity to preserve the characteristics of Cullman that make it home and build pathways to a better quality of

life for others. In recent years, his willingness to step up for the community has led him to serve on the Cullman Regional Foundation, the Cullman Parks and Recreation Board, and the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Cullman.

“I hope I can be a small part of carrying on the advancements that Cullman has seen over the years,” Harding said. “I believe in civic duty. Cullman’s greatest asset is its residents, and when you have different groups working together you can accomplish almost anything.”

Whether helping a business owner or farmer to be successful through his position as a loan officer or serving on a board, Harding embraces the idea that past success is best complimented by building, not resting, on past accomplishments.

“I know past performance is no indicator of future results, but our community has advanced in countless ways over the last few years, and I strongly believe we will continue to do so,” Harding said. “We have great future potential in areas of technology, education, and attracting businesses and industry.”

With a wife and two children, Harding sees even more purpose in staying involved in the boards that create a place that attracts business. He was particularly proud to see Cullman Parks & Recreation win the top agency award in the state. That, to Harding, means quality of life is on the rise and a reason to stay involved.

“Everyone has mentors and people you look up to along the way. I have had the privilege of learning from some of Cullman’s finest, and when you see the hard work that got them to where they are it can be a motivator,” Harding said. “Certainly my parents have instilled hard work as a priority and that getting knocked down or going through tragedy in life will give you a choice to roll over or get back up and persevere.”

This article first appeared in the Spring edition of Cullman Magazine.