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Located In:
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* Greenville
* Cumberland
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Higher Standards and Service
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 | | Anthony Botelho, President, CEO and Senior Loan Officer |
Freedom National Bank has restructured its Business Banking Department as part of its plan to continually improve customer service. The move maintains the department's high standards for diligence while at the same time processing applications and delivering dollars to customers more quickly. A key piece of the change involves President and CEO Anthony Botelho. As Senior Loan Officer, he is personally involved with every customer and participates in all commercial loan decisions. Botelho says he hopes to maintain double-digit growth in the bank's commercial business, noting that business is now up 13 percent over last year. "I am committed to keeping the bank focused on serving closely held and family-owned businesses throughout our marketplace," Botelho said. "We want to make the most of our ability to be trusted business advisors in good times and challenging times for existing and new customers," he added. "At the same time, no matter how much we grow, we will never lose sight of who we are and where we came from. We'll always be the local bank that knows your name and cares about your business."
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Portfolio Management Reinforces Commitment to Customer Service
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The recent reorganization of Freedom National Bank's Business Banking Department has elevated the department's emphasis on customer service, and members of the team are thrilled with the results of the new portfolio-management approach.  | |
Laura Stack
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"Our hands-on, highly accessible service makes us a partner and not just a banker," said Vice President Laura Stack. She added that the department has become so nimble in decision making and so flexible in customizing products and services, that customers have often been "pleasantly surprised." Stack and Maria Caetano, Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer, cite two examples of "personalized portfolio management" in action. Caetano points to a local pediatrician who needed a consumer loan to purchase a vacation home in Florida. In a matter of hours and at no gain to Freedom National, the team sent the doctor 10 referrals of banks doing business in the Sunshine State. Meanwhile, Stack describes the joy of a hotel owner and loyal Freedom National Bank customer whom the bank offered an interest-rate break when his sales fell off. The team successfully re-amortized his loan, saving him more than $500 per month, and closed the deal before his next payment came due.
 | | Maria Caetano |
"The part that I really love about being a portfolio manager is that you get to grow with your customers," says Caetano. "You go through the ups and downs with them and you work things through together. I can't imagine a better job than helping people achieve their dreams."
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Hats Off to Better Business Banking
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 | For Jason Ouhrabka of Korber Hats, there
is no 'lid' on business potential |
When Jason Ouhrabka's business loan came through last January, allowing him to purchase what he calls his "dream company," his relationship with us had only just begun. "I'm in touch with Freedom National Bank all the time," he explains.
Jason's company, Korber Hats in Fall River, Massachusetts, has been making straw and felt hats since 1919. When the previous owner announced that he would sell upon his retirement, Jason saw a perfect match in the making. He'd been looking for a factory in the fashion industry, where he had experience. And his priorities aligned with the identity of Korber Hats: The new venture would allow him to run a great American company, emphasize business ethics and provide classic products that are always in style.
After choosing Freedom National Bank, Jason tapped into the broad expertise of the business banking team. The team handled all SBA requirements. When the seller got cold feet at the 11th hour, the team offered winning advice on how to complete the deal.
Today Korber Hats uses remote check deposit, online banking and other Freedom National Bank services. Feeling both confident and inspired, Jason is now looking to expand internationally. "The Freedom team is so good at what they do that I've picked up their good habits," says Jason. "I'm trying to do for my customers and prospects what my bank does for me."
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Copyright © 2013 - All rights reserved. Freedom National Bank - Greenville, RI Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender
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