When Steve Cox, owner of Superior Concrete Specialist, started his business, he knew he needed a financial partner — a bank to get him and keep him on the right track, and support his business and personal financial goals.
“I thought the best way to find a good business banker was to ask people I do work for as a subcontractor,” says Steve. “A trusted contractor referred me to Linda Zimdars at Oak Bank. I reached out to Linda through email, and we made an appointment to meet. At our first meeting, we discussed what I would need to apply for a business loan and start a banking relationship. Right away, I noticed something different. She really listened to me.”
At the time, Steve had worked with other financial institutions throughout Madison, but felt something was missing. He wanted more than just a banker. He needed an advisor, someone to establish a relationship with, someone to guide him through the process in obtaining the needed equipment and working capital loans.
Steve and Linda made a game plan for the next year on what financial information he would need to support his credit requests. “We started with a line of credit where we got to know each other,” says Linda. In a short amount of time, the line of credit turned into a couple of loans for equipment and a working capital line of credit.
“I really appreciated working with Oak Bank’s Treasury Management Specialist, Stephanie East,” says Steve, “Stephanie set up my business with all the business banking electronic services I needed to save me time. Now, I can view my financial accounts and even do transactions on my phone at a job site.”
Oak Bank offers a variety of resources and tools to enable business owners to solely focus on their customers, employees, and running their business. Among those resources are the experienced and knowledgeable banking partners at Oak Bank. Steve knows he can always pick up the phone and call Linda any time if he has a concern or a question. “The way Oak Bank handles things is like night and day compared to other institutions,” notes Steve. “They anticipate what you need and provide the expertise and products to help you more in those areas.”
“What’s been really refreshing is that Oak Bank is a package deal. If I call Linda and she isn’t available, I can talk to another person at the bank and get assistance. No long, back and forth email chains,” explains Steve. “I can get my answers relatively quickly, making things happen in real time when I need it.”
Since partnering with Oak Bank, Superior Concrete Specialist has experienced smooth and steady growth. In its second year in business, Superior Concrete Specialist doubled its gross revenue. And in its third year, the company’s sales will triple. “Linda asked me what my vision was, and I appreciated that she took it to heart and knew what someone in my position needs,” says Steve. “I appreciate that even if it’s something I don’t want to hear, she tells me because that’s the reality of life and business. I have taken Linda’s financial advice and made positive changes that helped my business.
“The direction and backing I have gotten at Oak Bank have exceeded my expectations and has helped me reach my financial goals,” continues Steve. “With Oak Bank’s support in getting the equipment and working capital I need, I know I have a financial partner, a real member of my team. Having them as a partner makes all this possible.
“After experiencing firsthand the ease and expertise of business banking with Oak Bank, it was a no-brainer to begin talking to them about my personal financial goals,” Steve adds. “This included building my dream home. When I needed a village, Oak Bank surrounded me with support and guidance.”
Oak Bank takes pride in helping you achieve your financial goals. Our business advisors build long-term relationships and work to understand your business and its unique needs. Knowing what makes your company unique allows our team to design tailor-made solutions for you.
“Oak Bank understands a small business’ financial needs and is willing to use creativity to find solutions,” says Steve. “They offer unparalleled client service and there is no guesswork. They are an absolute pleasure to have in my corner.”
