I had been banking with a large Chicago-Based bank for a number of years. Over a three-year period, M&M Bank called on me for my business. I had never heard of the bank — they were a tiny little bank in the middle of nowhere. Then, during a particularly hairy building purchase, my big bank gave up. They pulled out of the deal 48 hours before I was to close. Left high and dry, I called up the M&M banker to see what he could do. Within 10 minutes, Merchants and Manufacturers Bank responded saying they could help. I had a $2 million check in my hands on the day of the closing — that night I fired my previous bank.

When my partner and I started our company in 2000, we needed a bank that could take a unique approach to lending. We needed bankers that could focus on us as individuals and judge us based upon what we've done in our industry — not on what kind of track record we had in running a business. We knew we'd be successful; we just needed a lending partner that believed in us. After meeting with 11 different banks, we knew that M&M Bank was the clear choice. We told Larry Foy that we were facing a lawsuit from our old employer (which we won, as we knew we would); he looked past this challenge and saw an opportunity. Every business challenge we've faced since, we've been able to count on M&M Bank to be there for us — especially our biggest crisis following 9/11. The Bank worked with us to develop a plan to get through a period where other exhibit houses went out of business.

The M&M Bank’s people make a difference – their advice, recommendations and lending power has fueled our growth by enabling us to buy another business. They understand the importance of getting to know their customers – and they are fun to work with.

When I met with M&M Bank “they didn’t talk like bankers – they talked like businessmen and really understood the needs of business owners. Within a few days, I switched my banking to M&M Bank, all predicated on a handshake. I’ve been with them since the fall of 2006 and they’ve done everything they said they would do.

We were referred to M&M Bank by our CPA when we mentioned that we weren’t happy with our previous bank. We needed a bank that was able to move quickly and decisively – M&M Bank fit the bill. The Bank has allowed us to take advantage of fast-changing situations that helped us grow. If you are looking for a great partner as a lender, go see these guys.