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Kenny and Ron Jacques
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Brothers Kenny and Ron Jacques have been in business a long time and Franklin Savings Bank has been with them all the way."If it weren't for Frankin Savings Bank we wouldn't be here," says Kenny, who owns the Ski Depot in Jay with brother Ron. "They were willing to take a chance on us," adds Ron.
"Franklin has been our Hometown Bank since our first business, a paper route." In those days, they saved their earnings to buy their skis. Now, after 10 years with the Ski Depot, the year-round ski and kayak shop has grown far beyond Western Maine, thanks to Internet sales. Those seeking a more personal touch find the top notch customer service a major draw. "Our customer service mirrors Franklin Savings Bank customer service. People want that," says Kenny.
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Winderosa CEO & Production Manager Jay Windover, General Manager Lolisa Bonney, Franklin Lender Rich Allen, Winderosa VP Research and Development Rachel Carignan, Franklin President & CEO Peter Judkins, Executive VP Debbie Rowe, and Rumford-Mexico Branch Manager Diane Perry .
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Sometimes, you just need to look out the window to let a brainstorm in.
In the early days, when Winderosa was a campground, Rachel Carignan noticed the many snowmobiles that whizzed by. The idea of selling snowmobile parts made a lot of sense. Over time, Winderosa has transitioned to manufacturing snowmobile gaskets and sales have grown steadily since 1990.The family-owned business in Peru has always looked ahead. But in order to get where they want to go, "You need a bank. You need the best," says Rachel.
Winderosa's banker is Franklin Savings Bank. "We look at the bank as helping us, not just taking our money. They come and talk to us and find out what we need," says Lolisa Bonney. "When we need a piece of equipment, they understand our situation and go to bat for us," adds Jay Windover.
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Kurt Moody with Mike Mansir
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"I don't know why people would bank anywhere else."
"I've never done business with anyone else," says Kurt Moody, who recently launched Kurt's Lawn and Property Care. "Whenever I need something, I call Mike and I get it. I don't have to jump through hoops."
Kurt believes he has had just about every product Franklin Savings Bank offers over the many years he has been a partner in a construction business. He had always dreamed of owning his own lawn care business and when the time came to put the plan together, he brought it to his Hometown Banker.
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FSB Executive Vice President Peter Judkins and commercial lender, Vice President Mike Mansir, with Nancy and Jay Marshall.
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Being Franklin County's only locally-owned bank means a lot to Nancy and Jay Marshall, who own Carrabassett Marketing and Printing in North Anson, as well as Nancy Marshall Communications.
“The biggest thing for me was the local decision-making. I never knew who to talk to at my previous bank,” says Jay. “We want to bank with people we know and have known for a long time,” says Nancy. “I like to feel like my bankers know what I’m going through. They know how hard it can be and are there to celebrate when we have success.”
“FSB is totally connected with the greater Franklin County community. We feel that way too.”
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FSB’s Mike Mansir in the greenhouse with Robin Jordan and her son, Mike.
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Starting a new business has much in common with gardening. Both require nurturing as they grow from tender to strong. Robin Jordan knows about both. When she decided to open Robin’s Flower Pot in Farmington with her husband Jim, son Mike and daughter Kelly, she chose the Hometown Banker.
“We like the service, and the caring attitude of the people at Franklin Savings Bank,” she said. “Jim and I have always wanted to do something like this. We just had to wait until the right time,” said Robin. Commercial lender Mike Mansir is caring and personable and listened to what might have seemed like a wild idea. “He’s given us a chance maybe someone else wouldn’t have.”
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Scott Millbury, David Haley and Ken Hale with Rangeley Branch Manager Leeanna Wilbur
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Consistency. Local control. Local service.
These are things that make a difference to M & H Logging and Construction. The Rangeley-based company has seen many other bankers come and go since it began operation in 1981. But through it all, owners Scott Millbury and David Haley and general manager Ken Haley have known they could count on their Hometown Banker to be there when it counts.
“If ever there is a problem, Leeanna is there,” says Scott, of Rangeley Branch Manager Leeanna Wilbur. “A small bank has more local control. Leeanna doesn’t need to call out of state for approval,” said David.
“Leeanna showed a lot of interest in our needs, the ups and downs of our business. She’s able to work with us and not send in someone from away,” said Ken. “She cared and wanted to do business with us.”
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Mike Mansir with Bill Marceau
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It takes a Community Banker to know the Community.
Recognizing potential in people is something that sets Franklin Savings Bank apart from other financial institutions. When Bill Marceau was “the new guy” in town, most lenders didn’t give a second look to his ambitious projects. Mike Mansir of Franklin Savings Bank did and he hasn’t looked back. Bill’s bustling Foothills Management now handles hundreds of rental units in dozens of buildings and he continues to count on Franklin Savings Bank for flexible, responsive, convenient and, best of all, friendly banking.
‘Franklin Savings Bank has been a great partner for Foothills Management,” says Bill.
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Erik and Cheryl Dickson with Franklin's Rich Allen
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It was Franklin Savings Bank's "can-do" attitude that clinched the deal for Erik and Cheryl Dickson of Erik Designs.
When they were expanding their sign and graphics business 12 years ago, some banks stalled in giving them an answer.
Our banker said "'We'll take care of you' and he did," says Cheryl. "For a young couple just starting out and scared to death of a big debt, he made us feel comfortable."
"It's our Hometown Bank. You talk to the people who make the decisions," added Erik.
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Bob and Karen Rowe with Mike Mansir
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"Franklin Savings Bank believed in us from the beginning of the whole loan process," says Bob Rowe, who recently opened Rowe Auto Service on Farmington Falls Road. "It was 'Go' from the moment we met Mike," says Karen Rowe, of commercial lender Mike Mansir.
"Never once did they make us think this wasn’t going to work or the loan wouldn’t go through. Mike stayed in touch and was always accommodating. We feel this is personal banking at its best and thank Franklin Savings Bank sincerely for helping make our dream of owning our own business come true.”
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