GTT or Gone to Texas was a familiar slogan in the 19th century and it seems to be happening again. The latest example is a bank. Irvine, California-based First Foundation Inc. (NASDAQ: FFWM), a financial services company with two wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, First Foundation Advisors and First Foundation Bank, on April 5 announced an expansion into Texas with the relocation of its principal executive office to Dallas. The company will occupy space at The Crescent. The move to Texas aligns with First Foundation’s strategic goals of expanding into major markets that present great opportunities for banking, trust, and wealth management, and with the expansion into its fourth state moves First Foundation into the regional bank category, according to a news release from the bank. “The Dallas-Fort Worth area today reminds me of what Southern California was like 30 years ago, where First Foundation started, and for me personally, it is nice to return to Texas as my roots are in the South,” said Scott F. Kavanaugh, CEO of First Foundation Inc. “Texas has such a business-friendly environment which gives us confidence in being able to serve the communities of Dallas with our high standard of exceptional client care. This also is a natural expansion for our company and marks a milestone as we enter our fourth state and truly become a regional bank. We are excited about offering our services to more clients and building meaningful relationships with those who seek financial guidance from our team of dedicated professionals.” Click to read more at www.fortworthbusiness.com.