Fred Booker is known for dressing to the nines.

“In high school, when most kids had on jeans and sweatshirts, I had on a suit and a tie,” Booker said. “My motto was: Dress for success.”

Booker’s dash for the dapper won him the Best Dressed title in his senior class. It also helped him rise from stockroom worker to top salesman and assistant buyer for a men’s clothing store as a teenager.

Today, Booker is a branch manager for Regions Bank in Germantown, Tennessee. He still uses his skill for creating the right combination.

“It basically goes back to getting to know a customer to find a need and matching that need with an outfit,” Booker said. “When I worked in clothing, I’d ask, ‘Where are you going? What are you trying to accomplish? What is your personality?’ Then I’d build the outfit around that.

“It’s the same thing with banking. I get to know a customer, see what’s going on in their life, give them the guidance and education behind it, and match that solution with their need.”

Booker’s knack for meeting and exceeding customer needs has made him a repeat company top performer during his 21 years at Regions. He often mentors fellow associates, helping them find and follow the right path for building their careers. He also volunteers to help organizations like the Junior League, United Way and the Germantown Chamber of Commerce meet fundraising, outreach and community service goals.

Citing his keen ability to identify a need and fill it – while dressing for success – Regions presented Booker the Better Life Award on Wednesday. The Better Life Award is the top honor given to a Regions associate for outstanding dedication and job performance, as well as exemplary involvement and commitment to the community.

In addition to the Better Life Award, Regions donates $1,000 in the name of the recipient to a nonprofit organization of the winner’s choice. Booker chose the Mid-South Parkinson’s Disease Support Group. The organization provides education and support to Parkinson’s patients, their families and caregivers – just the right fit for Booker’s family right now.

“After showing symptoms for the last couple of years, my dad was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease,” Booker said. “When I told my parents about the Mid-South Support Group, they got excited about getting involved. I look forward to doing whatever we can to help families like us to navigate this life-changing disease.”

Watch a video about Booker on the Regions Financial YouTube Channel.