When Kathy Boivin and Shanna Dorey decided to take the plunge into opening Celebrations Unlimited, the easiest part was deciding where to go for financing.
“I really like that Franklin Savings Bank is a small, hometown bank. I go in and they all know me,” said Shanna. “It’s a banker and a friend,” added Kathy.
Stephen Boivin, Kathy’s husband who owns the building, said he has called on Franklin Lender Jack Ellrich for every project he’s ever done. “He makes it easy.”

FSB’s Jack Ellrich, Stephen and Kathy Boivin and Shanna Dorey at Celebrations Unlimited, Farmington’s new party supply store

Howie’s Welding and Fabrication Inc. didn’t always bank with Franklin. When the Jay company was smaller and needed to build an addition to grow the business, their old banker wouldn’t fund it. They were pleased to find Franklin was willing to invest in Howie’s. As the business has grown, so has the relationship with Franklin Savings Bank.
“Franklin Savings is like a partner with us, like family,” says Mary Howes, president of Howie's Welding, who runs the company with her husband and operations manager, Tim DeMillo.
But the value of a good banker goes beyond helping a company grow when times are good. Business can be cyclical and sometimes there are slow periods. “It is feast or famine. Franklin has always helped us through the slow spells,” says Mary.

Tim DeMillo and Mary Howes with Jay Branch Manager Lorna Niedner

Why bank at Franklin?
"Franklin was the bank that listened to the little guy," says Pete Dougeneck, who runs the Skowhegan Subway restaurant with his wife Carla and three children. Pete and Carla searched to find a town that was growing but still had traditional values. Skowhegan fit the bill.
"The big banks found it hard to believe we could give up big city business for small town Skowhegan." Franklin's Commercial Lending VP Mike Mansir and Skowhegan Branch Manager Sally Dwyer understood. "I knew right then and there it was going to be a pleasure. It's all about family to us," said Pete.

Subway owners Pete and Carla Dougeneck with Skowhegan Branch Manager Sally Dwyer

Why bank at Franklin?
It came up at a SAVES board meeting. One member asked, "Why don't we bank locally?" Once upon a time, the bank that served Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Services Inc. in Farmington was local. But it had long since sold out to a larger out of state financial institution.
So Judy Rawlings, Executive Director at SAVES, switched the nonprofit organization's deposit and line of credit accounts to the Hometown Bank. "We're a small organization. Our business isn't going to make a big difference to Franklin Savings Bank, but we try to do as much local business as possible," says Rawlings.
"Everyone at Franklin was great. It was easy to make the switch."

Franklin Customer Service VP Dee LaPlant with Judy Rawlings of SAVES

Bob and Karen Thorndike have plenty to do running Thorndike and Sons excavating and trucking, Maine-ly Trees logging and woodlot management and their 120-head family Angus farm in Phillips. They don't need headaches from their bank.
That's why they bank at Franklin Savings Bank. They had been with another bank that had changed hands a few times. Their financials were good but Bob was told the bank wanted larger or smaller businesses and he had 30 days to pay off his loans. “I was in between what they wanted to deal with.”Another bank told Bob his business was welcome as long as times are good. “You never know what’s coming at you in this business, weather, market conditions... Sometimes in the spring, we go three months without working. We need a bank that’s here for us when we aren’t making money.”Things were different at Franklin. “They said, ‘If you’re here for us in the good times, we’ll be here for you in the bad times.’ If you’re having hard times, you need a bank that will work with you and Franklin Savings Bank always has.”

Karen and Robert Thorndike with FSB Commercial Lender, Vice President Mike Mansir.

Sometimes you need something and you need it quick.
Once upon a time, while on a business trip in Detroit, Matt Timberlake needed to buy an expensive vacuum truck. At the time, the family industrial cleaning business, Ted Berry Co. in Livermore, used to bank with another bank, but that bank wouldn't return their calls.
Back home, Jim Timberlake called Franklin Savings Bank and received the backing needed to make the purchase quickly. The Timberlakes switched all their accounts to their Hometown Banker and have been happy ever since."It's not an everyday thing, but sometimes you need a quick response," says Linda Timberlake, whose father started the business in 1972. "When I need money and I need it now, I don't want to jump through too many hoops."

Matthew, Linda and Jim Timberlake with Franklin's Lorna Niedner

As far as Kevin Vining is concerned, Mike Mansir is Franklin Savings Bank’s Best Asset.
With Mike’s help, he bought E.L. Vining & Son from his father 22 years ago. Since then, it’s grown 32 times in size. The Farmington contractor now employs between 60 and 70 people.“He’s always been great to deal with, through good times and bad. That’s what makes a great relationship, knowing you can count on him regardless,” says Kevin.

Commercial Lender Mike Mansir with Kevin Vining

The Lumber business has been a major part of the Puiia family since 1952, when Tom Puiia's parents, Nick and Dot, built their Rumford lumber yard. Much has changed since then. The Rumford yard is gone and, since 2004, Tom has been running a new yard and store in Mexico. Where did he go for financing? Franklin Savings Bank, of course.
"Why would anyone bank anywhere else?" says Tom, owner of Puiia Lumber Co. Inc. "I've always banked with Franklin, ever since I started working for my father in the 1970s. It's a fun place to go. I usually know everybody."

Tom Puiia chats with Franklin's Rumford-Mexico Branch Manager Diane Perry and Commercial Lender Rich Allen.

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.

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.

"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.

Kurt Moody with Mike Mansir

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.”

FSB Executive Vice President Peter Judkins and commercial lender, Vice President Mike Mansir, with Nancy and Jay Marshall.

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.”

FSB’s Mike Mansir in the greenhouse with Robin Jordan and her son, Mike.

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.”

Scott Millbury, David Haley and Ken Hale with Rangeley Branch Manager Leeanna Wilbur

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.

Mike Mansir with Bill Marceau

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.

Erik and Cheryl Dickson with Franklin's Rich Allen

"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.”

Bob and Karen Rowe with Mike Mansir

Rangeley is a classic small town, comfortable and easy-going. For small business owners, those traits are just important for their bankers.

It’s one reason Jim Jannace, owner of Nancy’s Gifts and Jannace’s Backwoods Clothing and Custom Embroidery, chooses Franklin Savings Bank.

“It’s a small town bank. I’ve always felt very comfortable at Franklin Savings Bank. They make us feel at home,” says Jim. “When you call down there, everybody knows who you are. You can call Leeanna anytime you need help.”

Jim Jannace, Deanna Lemieux and Leeanna Wilbur of Franklin Savings Bank look over Jannace’s new custom embroidery operation in Rangeley.

When you’re starting a small business, working with the “Hometown Banker” is definitely the way to go.

Just ask Roger and Melinda Soucy, who own the local Puroclean franchise. Having run the business for five years for his parents, Roger knew the ins and outs of fire and water damage restoration and reconstruction, but business financing was a new path in life. He took his financial advisor’s recommendation and went to see Franklin Savings Bank.

“We’re very comfortable at Franklin Savings Bank.”

Roger and Melinda Soucy

Todd Richard and Marty Farnum love what they do. After all, their business, Northern Lights Hearth and Sports in Farmington, has become the place to go for people who want to make informed purchases of woodstoves and outdoor gear.

But previous financial dealings took the fun out of it. “We were supposed to feel good, but we felt like we’d been through the wringer,” said Marty. The rate seemed low at first, but by the time they closed the loan, more documents were needed, requiring additional legal work, and the price tag for out-of-pocket expenses grew substantially.

They decided to give Franklin Savings Bank a shot. “It was nice. It was simple, quiet and it was done,” said Marty. And working with the only locally-owned bank in Franklin County means more than quick response from their bankers. It means supporting local business. “We rely on our community to support us and we support the community,” said Todd. “That’s the key.”

Todd Richard and Marty Farnum with Franklin's Peter Judkins and Mike Mansir

Running a small business was nothing new to Dennis Daniel. The Rumford native had owned or operated several over the years. But it wasn’t until he sat down with Rich Allen of Franklin Savings Bank to work out the financing for his new venture, Ellis Pond Variety, that he understood how much easier it is to do business with a community bank.
"Easy in, easy out. We were very relaxed. You didn’t get that corporate feeling,” he said, noting that he felt like just a number to the big bank where he used to do business. This deal needed to be closed very quickly and Dennis was surprised when Rich was able to pull it together within a month. “Everyone was amazed at how fast it went.”

Dennis Daniel with Rich Allen

Bob Pidacks is a “Hands-On” kind of guy.

He knows heavy equipment and how to successfully run R.S. Pidacks Inc. in Livermore, the only three-stage portable rock crushing plant for hire in Maine.

Since he was 19 and bought his first bulldozer, Pidacks learned he can count on Franklin Savings Bank to work out the financing details.
“I hate paperwork. What I do is make this machine run. They’re best at financing. I say ‘this is what I want to do’ and they take care of it,” says Pidacks. “Franklin Savings Bank simplifies things. They help you get through the red tape.”

Bob Pidacks with Rich Allen and Peter Judkins

When it comes to running a convenience store, the key word is “convenience,” for the owners as well as the customers.

That’s why Mexico One Stop owners Gary Collins and Renee DiConzo choose Franklin Savings Bank as their bank. “Others have knocked, but we’re not switching,” says Gary.

“Whatever we need is just a phone call away. You pick up the phone and it is taken care of instantly. The service is outstanding,” he added.

“Everything is easy with Franklin Savings Bank,” says Renee.

Gary Collins and Renee DiConzo

When it comes to running a convenience store, the key word is “convenience,” for the owners as well as the customers.

That’s why Mexico One Stop owners Gary Collins and Renee DiConzo choose Franklin Savings Bank as their bank. “Others have knocked, but we’re not switching,” says Gary.

“Whatever we need is just a phone call away. You pick up the phone and it is taken care of instantly. The service is outstanding,” he added.

“Everything is easy with Franklin Savings Bank,” says Renee.

Gary Collins and Renee DiConzo

Why would anyone bank anywhere else?