BarnettBates is a leading fabricator of aluminum grating and steel architectural fencing, headquartered in Joliet.  The company contacted Leaders after outgrowing their longtime bank and choosing a larger bank, with which they began moving toward deal specifics.  "They (the new, larger bank) started changing things - negatives for us that weren't expressed before.  It didn't seem like a good basis for going forward," says Bob Barnett, president of BarnettBates. 

BarnettBates and Leaders Bank then began to develop a relationship.  "We felt BarnettBates was honest, direct and hardworking," says Carter Huhta, president of Leaders' Hoffman Estates Banking Center.  "That was reinforced with each meeting."

Leaders now provides a line of credit, commercial mortgage, equipment loan, and the convenience of depositing checks electronically, instead of shipping them, as previously required.

"We have operating money to deal with disconnects between customer payment and vendor payment.  We've also gone forward with confidence to expand sales activity," Barnett says.  "Personal attention is key.  Leaders is trying to build a relationship that lasts, as we are."

Willow Springs-based TEC AIR is a designer and manufacturer of plastic air movement components and systems, and serves industries from automotive to yard care.

TEC AIR president Bob McMurtry had kept the same bank for 17 years before turning to Leaders Bank.  After joining forces with Leaders, he noticed a difference in customer service and responsiveness.  "Bigger banks are very much institutionalized, and the kind of inflexible organizations you'd expect them to be," he said.  "Leaders, from our perspective, seems to be very customer service oriented, very flexible in crafting solutions, and very quick to respond.  It's smaller, quicker, nimbler and more creative."

"Leaders developed a comprehensive package of solutions for TEC AIR, including mortgage lending, capital lines of credit, cash management solutions, web access solutions and fraud protection measures," Mr. McMurtry said.

Leaders Bank vice-president Ross Thomson said the financial package for TEC AIR is a prime example of the value Leaders Bank can provide customers.  "Quick and thorough follow through, competitive fees, flexible terms, a relationship focus and innovative cash management solutions combined for a seamless transaction," he said.  "We look forward to continuing to provide TEC AIR with the service they deserve."

 

International Contractors, Inc. (ICI), a family-owned construction management company headquartered in Elmhurst, builds retail, restaurant, education, and municipal/industrial facilities nationwide.  Since 1982, ICI has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving customers, which include Wal-Mart retail stores and Fields Automotive car dealerships.

ICI really cares about its customers.  From the start, we recognized that Leaders shared our core value system and that was important to us," said Bruce Bronge, ICI's President.  "Leaders surpassed our expectations with off-the-charts service and innovative new ideas.  It's refreshing to get that level of service from a bank.  And, the transition was painless.  This was critical due to the complex nature of our business, which relies on many payables and receivables to run smoothly."

ICI currently uses Leaders' Treasury Management services, including convenient Remote Deposit, Automated Sweep, and the RSVP money market account for managing large balances.  ICI also has a working capital line to meet their needs.

"One of our key goals was maximizing ICI's interest income through our comprehensive Treasury Management services and their previous bank didn't address that," said Jim Conlin, Senior VP of Commercial Banking.  "Now, ICI's balances are working for them at all times.  It's this proactive attention to detail that sets Leaders apart; that's one more thing we have in common."

All Weather Products has been providing substrate materials to the graphic arts industry for more than 60 years.  Headquartered in Elk Grove Village, All Weather Products has grown from being a supplier of paper and cardboard for silkscreen printers, to being a leading distributor of dozens of products serving the offset, screen, sign, and digital print industries.

"It's our goal to offer the highest-quality service and support to our customers.  Leaders Bank shares our commitment in providing excellent service and that makes them the right banking partner for us," said Bill Rossi, President, All Weather Products.

Before moving to Leaders, Mr. Rossi went through bank consolidations and didn't like the results.  "What sets any situation apart is the relationships that you have.  With Leaders, I've received great responsiveness.  Their ability to be more hands-on than larger banks is a great asset to a private business owner," said Mr. Rossi.

Leaders Bank supplies All Weather with a line of credit allowing them to keep adding product offerings for an ever-changing industry, even as they rely on the flow of receivables for smooth operation.  Leaders also provides the efficiency of Remote Deposit.

"With All Weather, we delivered financing that really matched their needs, offering flexible terms and the ability for them to grow," said Carter Huhta, Banking Center President for Leaders Bank's Hoffman Estates location.  "They needed a partner who would listen and understand their business.  With our commitment to customized solutions and good communication, Leaders provided the perfect fit."

Filmquest is the premier merchant supplier and converter of QuestarTM polyester (PET) film.  Headquartered in Bolingbrook, Filmquest supplies converters that print, coat, laminate, and metallize PET film for industrial, electrical, packaging, graphics, and medical applications.  To secure industry leadership, Filmquest sought to acquire merchant converter Film Products Corp., film broker Patison Trading, and a 65,000-square-foot Bolingbrook facility to centralize operations.  Filmquest needed a responsive, resourceful bank to finance this sophisticated deal, which would triple their size, enable more value-added services in-house with improved equipment for a credit line, commercial mortgage, equipment term loan, and capital expenditure line. 

"Leaders' entrepreneurial focus, real estate expertise, and personalized service approach made the acquisition process smooth,"said John Felinski, President, Filmquest.  "It's refreshing to have a relationship with bankers who understand our needs and growth opportunities.  Had it not been for Leaders' ability to get this fast-track deal done on time, we would have lost the opportunity.  They really came through." 

"The Filmquest transaction required quick absorption of information and understanding of a complex deal, business, and industry.  Success depended on multiple areas of our bank collaborating closely," said Ross Thomson, Leaders' VP of Commercial Banking.

"Our financing package for Filmquest is a terrific example of the value we can provide to our customers and marketplace.  We were able to provide Filmquest with the business expertise, financial resources, and specialized service needed in this transaction.  We accomplished this within a very limited timeframe," said John Prosia, Leaders' Executive VP of Commercial Banking.  "Leaders Bank is pleased that we were able to help our good customer, Filmquest, with their transaction."

Recently, AG needed a banking partner to help fund construction of two single-story office-warehouse buildings in Aurora's White Oak Business Park along the I-88 corridor.  Totaling 74,450 square feet of building space, the project required a $4,250,000 loan.  Leaders Bank stepped in to help.    

"Leaders reacted swiftly to our needs and didn't burden us with lengthy, unnecessary negotiations--they made everything easy," said Tony Chirico, who founded AG Real Estate Investors in 1999.  "Not only did they establish a one-on-one relationship, Leaders provided competitive fees and flexible terms.  They delivered a loan that helps a business our size stay competitive--Leaders really came through."

When commercial real estate firm, Hardison & Associates, was searching for a new bank two years ago, they had very specific needs.  They wanted in-depth expertise in commercial real estate, competitive loan rates, and reliable customized service--three things their previous bank didn't offer.

"Leaders supports our business model, meeting our needs and those of our clients, who are high net-worth private investors seeking opportunities in commercial properties," said Brad Schreiner of Hardison & Associates.  "Because their Senior VP of Commercial Real Estate, Chris Cernek, is a seasoned banker and well-versed in our industry, they've helped us identify the best possible financing option for each property." 

Hardison has seven commercial real estate loans with Leaders for three Chicago-area office buildings, two shopping centers, an apartment complex, and one commercial condominium.  They also use Leaders for operating accounts (theirs and their clients), additional credit lines, money market accounts, and online banking, which facilitates the receipt of rent payments from their tenants.

"Leaders offers comprehensive expertise, flexibility, and stability.  Other banks didn't know our business and had high turnover, which made them difficult to work with.  Leaders is different," explained Mr. Schreiner.  "Chris Cernek and his team have been an invaluable resource from the start.  They are there for us every step of the way, from property survey through purchasing.  They deliver the responsive service we need."

All commercial banks are not alike when it comes to customer service.  Getting the service you deserve means finding a bank that puts your business first.

Exclusive Windows, Inc., a $20 million supplier of windows, doors, and custom millwork to residential and commercial customers, had been underserved for years by a big commercial bank.  They finally turned to Leaders for more personalized service and specialized expertise.

"Before Leaders, our large bank made it tough to get the service we needed.  They'd happily lend us an umbrella, so to speak, until it started raining," said Tom Lavins, owner of Exclusive Windows.  "There was no end to the red tape.  We hit one dead-end after another." John Prosia, Leaders' Executive VP of Commercial Banking, has worked closely with Mr. Lavins for five years.

"Leaders empowered Exclusive Windows with much-needed working capital financing, a commercial real estate loan to acquire their current building, and now Remote Deposit.  We even extend our service to their employee and family banking needs.  For example, Leaders provided Mr. Lavins with first home mortgages for personal properties in the Carolinas," said Mr. Prosia.  "Everything changed when we discovered Leaders Bank.  They made banking easy and affordable, even with our complicated loan needs.  They're intelligent, experienced people--and top-notch business advisors," said Mr. Lavins.

American Science & Surplus, Inc. (AS&S), a mail-order and retail provider of eclectic science-related products, discovered Leaders Bank after years with an institution that was acquired by Bank One and Chase. Fed up being a small fish in a big pond stirred by the industry’s acquisition frenzy, AS&S jumped to a smaller pond where people, not numbers, come first. “We were tired of being bounced from one bank loan officer to the next and not getting the hands-on, personal service we deserve,” said Philip Cable, President of AS&S, a 60-employee company in Niles with stores in Chicago, Geneva, and Milwaukee. “We wanted frequent, reliable contact with our bank, someone we can count on every day, who cares enough to understand our unique treasury management and credit needs.”  “Leaders immediately established a positive relationship that’s more about people than interest rates,” said Mr. Cable, who bought AS&S six years ago.

“Leaders has the personal touch and right blend of solutions, including Remote Deposit for swifter funds availability and Positive Pay fraud prevention.” 

Leaders’ Treasury Management and Commercial Loan teams are helping AS&S implement solutions that streamline operations, collections, and disbursements. AS&S will soon have “Remote Deposit” scanners at all locations, so they can deposit checks electronically for 100% funds availability by next business day.

Ogden Lincoln Mercury, a premier automotive sales and service provider with multiple dealerships, chose Leaders Bank for its commercial banking needs three years ago. They’ve been a loyal customer ever since. A family-owned company in Westmont, Ogden Lincoln Mercury has multiple loan and depository accounts with Leaders that are helping them grow their business. By providing real estate acquisition loans, construction and end-loan financing, and working capital for their dealerships, Leaders has financially empowered Ogden Lincoln Mercury, enabling them to expand into a state-of-the-art facility in Westmont. “Leaders Bank is pleased to provide Ogden Lincoln Mercury with the financing needed to finish their new dealership, which will offer added service capabilities, a brand new showroom for customers, and a great environment for employees,” said John Prosia, Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking, Leaders Bank.  Leveraging Leaders Profile to manage their accounts electronically, Ogden Lincoln Mercury expedites inbound and outbound financial transactions. Using this Internet banking service, they complete 10-15 electronic transactions daily, eliminating 300 paper checks on average monthly. As a result, they’re freeing up internal resources while streamlining payment and collection.  “With Leaders Bank financing and electronic banking services, Ogden Lincoln Mercury is ideally positioned to grow their business and increase their sales long-term,” said Mr. Prosia.

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The banking relationship began last year with Arro Transport, a division of Arro Corporation. As the comfort level grew, Arro moved forward to bring their whole corporate relationship to the bank.  Arro Corporation can now easily manage its total financial position around the clock with Internet access using Leaders Profile, a free online banking service. They also take advantage of Leaders’ Lockbox, which speeds the conversion of receivables into available cash, as well as Leaders’ Sweep-to-Loan service, which lowers interest expense by automatically “sweeping” excess funds to pay down their line of credit.

"Arro Transport has performed flawlessly as a client, and we look forward to serving Arro Corporation as a whole," said Jim Conlin, Senior VP of Commercial Lending at Leaders Bank.  "One of our largest cash management deals to date, the Arro partnership is a full commercial banking relationship that represents a positive, long-term direction for Leaders Bank.  We're committed to helping companies like Arro manage their financial position while maximizing earnings on their cash."