In a quiet suburb where the American Dream still plays out in manicured lawns and picket fences, lived Mark Nugget, a small business owner and devoted family man.
He ran the local hardware store that was more of a community hub than a commercial establishment. Friendly and earnest, Mark had built relationships that extended beyond his business.
Mark was a simple man, and took care not to overextend his credit. However, as all things eventually do, their worn-out family car finally gave out, and it was time for Mark to buy a new one.
But this wasn't just any car – Mark was chasing a dream : a car that could haul tools for his business, yet comfortable enough for family vacations and adorned with the features his children admired.
He needed $25,000, and his old friend Jim at Smalls Credit Union seemed like the perfect person to approach.
Smalls Credit Union was the family owned local establishment that Mark and his father before him did business with. Smalls had helped them get their first business loan, and the Nugget family always had friends within the Credit Union.
Mark's good credit score and rapport with Jim painted a picture of an effortless transaction.
However, as we'll see, life's pathways aren't always straight and narrow....
Storyline 1: The Path Not Taken
Jim had been there supporting Mark’s business since day one. Today however it would be a completely different story:
- "Mark, I wish I could help, but our policy for first-time loan requests caps at $10,000," Jim explained, pain in his eyes.
- "I don’t get it Jim, you know I'm good for it!" Mark protested.
- "I know, Mark, and I've done everything I can. But my hands are tied," Jim's voice was heavy with regret.
But Mark needed the car badly.
Searching through the web one dark night, he quickly found Bigsby Bank, a financial institution outside his home town, but who would be able to support the loan he needed.
They offered him the loan, but in return, they took all of Mark's banking business from Smalls Credit Union.
The connection between Jim and Mark waned, reduced to friendly nods in passing.
Years later, they found themselves at the same diner, and memories flooded back.
"Remember when I needed that car, Jim?" Mark's voice was wistful.
Jim sighed, "Yes, Mark. I wish things had been different."
They smiled, understanding what was lost and never to return…
The End (?)
Storyline 2: The Road Through Quilo
Smalls Credit Union was a very small establishment. Having weathered an innumerable amount of market crashes and tough times, they had survived through rules and limits that did not allow them to extend their credit, even towards customers they know well.
Times were tough again, competition was harsh for small financial institutions.
Thankfully, Roger Smalls, the Credit Union CEO had been a visionary.
He had partnered with Quilo, a network of Credit Unions and Community Banks that gave his Credit Union the powers of a large financial institution.
It was the power of the network that allowed Jim to come back with the following that day:
- "Mark, I've got good news! We can offer you the entire amount right away!" Jim's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
- "Really? That's fantastic, Jim!" Mark's face lit up
The Quilo Network had empowered Smalls Credit Union to match and surpass the might of Bigsby Bank.
Mark got his car and continued to be a loyal client.
One day, Jim spotted Mark's new car and couldn't help but admire it. He wondered how different things could have been if Smalls Credit Union hadn't been part of the Quilo network.
"Looking good, isn't it, Jim?" Mark's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"It's perfect, Mark. Just like our friendship."
They shared a smile, both knowing what they'd gained.
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These two contrasting narratives depict not only a personal journey but also a tale of modern banking. Through the lens of Mark and Jim's friendship, the stories showcase the human element in financial decisions, and how innovations like the Quilo Network can affect not just business relationships but personal connections as well.
In a world where small community banks compete with massive institutions, the real winners are those who keep their relationships intact, understanding that people like Mark aren't just clients – they're neighbors, friends, and part of the fabric that binds a community.
Book a call with us today to see how Quilo can help you improve your current ALM strategy!
