First Merchants Bank

“In 2013, when we wanted to expand our business, First Merchants was there to help us make a splash. We had purchased some land in Valparaiso and wanted to build another facility there. Originally, we were paying for the construction ourselves, but needed extra financial support to realize our vision. First Merchants stepped in, reviewed our finances, and approved a loan large enough to help us finish the project. Thanks to First Merchants, we completed construction and now have a beautiful facility in Valparaiso.”

“As a First Merchants customer for about 15 years, it’s hard to pick just one moment that they “made it happen.” When we joined First Merchants in 2001, our finances were not where we wanted them to be. For some banks, Caribbean Pools was a risk. However, First Merchants doesn’t see customers as numbers on a page, but as people, and it was because of our people that they believed in our business. They trusted that, given the right financial support, we could improve over time. Today, we’ve increased revenue by more than 10 times, and we look forward to continued growth in the future.”

““We are thrilled to work alongside Letha and Wendy in order to help them reach a positive and successful outcome. Our ‘helping you prosper’ approach to serving them helped them enjoy the benefits of the better future they wanted for their business,” Bob said. “They are true role models for their community, and we wish them continued joy, success, and pride in their business.””

““First Merchants Bank and Bob advocated for me throughout the process,” Letha said. “It was a difficult loan and a rollercoaster of a process, but I knew Bob had my back.””

“First Merchants has certainly become our bank of choice and we leverage a number of their products and services - not just here, but also at our locations in California, Arkansas and Connecticut. It’s reassuring to have a bank partner that sees the world the way I see it.”

“Without First Merchants taking the time to understand our business, I'm not sure this would have happened. That grinder has not only helped expand our business, but also provides a well-needed back-up to another grinder we own. Having a line of credit that allowed us to move quickly was critical to making the deal.”

“There are many ways to bank for business with First Merchants. Theirs is the only one I trust.”

“When you sign with HD Mechanical, you sign with me. It’s the same with Kevin and John at First Merchants. You think this kind of banking relationship doesn't exist anymore, but these guys will do whatever it takes for you when you need it.”

“We were blessed with a really good first year, and I’m in talks for potential nationwide contracts. First Merchants has helped us purchase the property, too, and improving infrastructure will be crucial for even greater profitability.”

“Handshakes built on honesty and hard work. That’s how I do business, and it served my employers well for over 20 years. After I made the decision to start my own business, an 11th-hour setback jeopardized my plans. But First Merchants quickly stepped up to keep the deal, and my dream, alive.”

““First Merchants believes in taking a chance – First Merchants believed in me,” she shared. “David was so personal, he saw my passion. He told me, ‘Whatever you need, we will help you.’ And he kept his word.””

“You can't buy trust. You've got to earn it. By offering me an easy merger and exciting new opportunities, First Merchants has certainly earned mine.”

“Citizens only gave me trust, urgency and attention. First Merchants has, too, and the changeover was extremely smooth because they share the same values and principles.”

“I've seen my fair share of mergers. It's likely to happen if you stick with the same banking experts for years. When I followed senior vice president Scott Steinwart and vice president Scott Casbon to Citizens Financial Bank, and moved all of my personal and business accounts, I knew of a possible merger with First Merchants Bank. Not only was it the smoothest transition I've ever had, but their newly available services will help me retain and attract top employees.”

“Our success didn’t happen overnight – we’ve grown every month and just now got to the point where we’re not sweating at night. But it’s been worth it.”