I was having a difficult time with my bank. They were giving me the run around on a couple of issues and taking their time in getting back to me if they eventually did so.
Then a Branch Manager from a bank I have no relationship came in from nowhere. He was talking about wanting to partner with local CPAs for when they had business clients come in with their records in a mess, so the CPA’s could get hired to assist in cleaning up the records and helping the bank’s clients.
It was refreshing. Bankers if they do come by, which is not often any longer they want me to push their products to my clients. Essentially so they will not have to. Not a good tactic for a possible collaboration.
I was also told by the banker that they were also willing to work with start-ups. All other banks require a minimum of three years before they are willing to talk to a business client for more then a credit card and checking account. Unless they can sell more products that the client may not need.
I really liked this banker; his take was very refreshing. He freely stated what he could do and what he could not do. I referred a couple of clients who were also have difficulties with their bankers, especially after the whole PPP debacle.
Now the branch manager has left. The bank itself is not following up as the manager did. All banks have basically the same product, the parameters vary slightly, but the products are basically all vanilla. It is the person who makes the difference.
I am going to miss that branch manager, I followed up with him since he left, but don’t know his new position. But I may have clients follow him, so long as he is truthful and up front about what can and can’t be done by his bank.