As a leader in the banking industry, Laurence H. Staples was known for his business acumen and visionary leadership. He was one of the first in his industry to recognize the need to innovate and try new ideas. His innovations were not theoretical, but practical, and utilized economies of scale and synergy to produce results.

As chairman of the board and president of York County Savings Bank of Biddeford, Staples expanded its market by developing an aggressive branching strategy. Within a short time, the bank grew from a single office to a multi-branch bank covering most of York County. During that time, Staples also assumed a leadership role at the state level, serving as chairman of the board of the Savings Banks Association of Maine and the National Association of Mutual Savings Banks, a national trade organization devoted to guiding and shaping the financial services industry.

He also served as chairman of the board and director of Coastal Savings Bank of Portland, and director of Pepperell Trust Company and Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

In addition to his activism in the banking industry, Staples was deeply committed to his community and served in a wide variety of roles. He acted as treasurer and trustee of Thornton Academy from 1959 till 1986, and also served as treasurer of Sweetser Children's Home and director of both Webber Hospital and Maine Charities Foundation of Portland. Staples was also a director and treasurer of the Dyer Library Association/York Institute Museum and a trustee of Laurel Hill Cemetery.

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