In this episode of A Good Pour, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dillon Lamberth, a guy who wears two big hats—Assistant Vice President at Farmers Bank in Portland and County Commissioner for District 4 in Sumner County. His heart for this community shines through, whether he’s at the bank helping someone get their first home loan or making decisions that affect the county’s future.
Finding His Way to Banking
Dillon’s journey into banking started with family. His grandfather was a banker at Farmers Bank before founding Vol State Bank, so naturally he grew up around the world of finance. He initially majored in accounting but quickly realized that wasn’t where his heart was. “I asked too many questions and talked too much to be an accountant,” he laughs when reflecting on his shift to finance. Graduating during the tough economic climate of 2009, he managed to land a summer internship at Farmers Bank, and the rest is history. What keeps him passionate about his work? Helping people. Whether it’s financing their dream home or starting a small business, Dillon loves being a part of the milestones in people’s lives.
Life on the Farm
When he’s not working at the bank, Dillon is all about family and farm life. He and his wife live in Cottontown on their family farm with their two young children. They’re raising cows, horses, pigs, donkeys, and goats—offering their kids a hands-on rural upbringing. His love for the land and family values run deep, and that’s a huge part of what drives him in his public service.
A Leap Into Local Politics
Dillon’s entrance into politics wasn’t planned. A fan of shows like The West Wing and inspired by federal politics, he hadn’t considered local office until a friend left the County Commission. “There are a lot of people with bad intentions here in Sumner County, and I didn’t want the county I grew up in and am raising my kids in to head in a direction I didn’t value.” He stepped up to make sure the community he loves continues to thrive, aiming to protect what makes Sumner County such a great place to live and raise a family.
Politics With Purpose
What stands out about Dillon’s approach to politics is his focus on doing good work rather than making a lot of noise. In a time when it seems easier to divide than to unite, he leads with respect and kindness—even when there’s disagreement. “God didn’t call me to be a jerk,” he says, reminding us all that civility and compassion are still the way forward.
Dillon’s dedication to his community is evident. He listens to his constituents and works on real issues—whether it’s concerns about property, local businesses, or schools. In a world of finger-pointing and divisive rhetoric, his focus on collaboration and respect is refreshing.
Challenges and Looking Ahead
The current political landscape isn’t easy, and Dillon knows it well. One of the hardest parts of his role is navigating the potential impact on his young children, who are growing up in an era of social media scrutiny and personal attacks. “The number one question I get is, ‘Are you going to run again?’ and I always say, ‘I don’t know,’” he admits. Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful about Sumner County’s future.
One of the things Dillon is passionate about is the need for the different towns and cities in Sumner County to work together. Each community brings something unique to the table. “Portland wouldn’t be in good shape if we didn’t have Hendersonville in the mix and vice versa,” he notes. He’s focused on making sure that Sumner County’s growth benefits everyone, not just a select few.
Community Banking: More Than Just Numbers
As a community banker, he believes in supporting local businesses and encouraging people to get to know their bankers. Local banks, he says, offer a personal touch that’s often missing with larger institutions. “There’s a huge value in knowing who’s handling your money and understanding that they care about your community just as much as you do.”
Closing Thoughts
Dillon Lamberth is someone who doesn’t just talk about making a difference—he lives it. Whether he’s helping a family get a loan for their first home or making thoughtful decisions as a County Commissioner, his heart for Sumner County is clear. It’s about doing what’s right for the community, ensuring it remains a great place for the next generation.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or maybe a good pour of something else!) and tune in to this episode to hear more about Dillon’s journey and his vision for a better Sumner County.