A banker who gives solutions
Unhappy with the customer service at their old financial services provider, the Ozarows went by mutual referral to Bank of Texas, where they found the relationship-focused (rather than transaction-focused) financial services provider they were looking for.

Aware of Empire Baking’s short deadline for purchasing the building, the Bank of Texas commercial banking team immediately got to work. Since the husband and wife had never purchased a commercial building before, Bank of Texas worked hard to support them each step of the way, even having a credit officer meet them at the bakery as opposed to in the bank.

The result: Bank of Texas was able to help the Ozarows secure a SBA (Small Business Association) loan in an astounding 41 days, from start to close. During that time, Bank of Texas provided Empire Baking Company with information explaining the terms of the loan and walked them through the entire process, so they completely understood it.

These efforts led to a relationship based on trust that continues today. “We’re relationship people. If you can’t trust the people, you can’t trust the process,” Meaders said.

A partner for entrepreneurs
Today, Bank of Texas provides Empire Baking Company with not only the loan, but also Treasury, 401(k) and payroll services. However, what matters most to the Ozarows is having Bank of Texas by their side to respond to their ideas as their business grows.

“We’re entrepreneurial. We come out with ideas that we want to pursue, and the Bank of Texas team lets us know very realistically if we should pursue them,” Meaders said. “It’s a real team game, which helps us be a more vibrant business.”

Shared values: Determination & dedication to getting the job done right
When Bank of Texas was striving to get Empire Baking Company’s SBA loan completed in a little over a month, commercial banking team members worked late and on weekends to get the job done.

“It’s a real team game, which helps us be a more vibrant business.”

Meaders Ozarow, Founder, Empire Baking Company

Similarly, baking and delivering naturally leavened bread is a 24-7 business. Since natural bread has a short shelf life of two-to-three days, Empire Baking delivers the bread to its wholesale customers themselves—on the very same day that it’s baked. That way, the customers get the maximum shelf life from the bread. In order to make this possible, there’s usually someone in the bakery working day and night.

Bank of Texas has been there for Empire Baking Company during challenging times as well, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. As soon as the pandemic started, the Ozarows called Bank of Texas and asked what they should do. Not only did team members provide advice, they also helped Empire Baking Company secure PPP loans as soon as they became available.

And when the commercial banking team can’t provide solutions itself, team members connect the Ozarows with people and companies that can. For instance, the commercial banking team introduced them to a payroll automation company and referred them to a Bank of Texas mortgage banker when they wanted to refinance their home mortgage.

Throughout these interactions, one of the things that’s impressed the Ozarows the most is “just how friendly and helpful Bank of Texas has been about everything.” It’s no wonder that, when asked which three words she would use to describe the bank, Meaders responded with: “Solutionsorientated, knowledgeable and partners.”

Meanwhile, Bank of Texas and the Ozarows have a solid banking relationship that’s not built on transactions alone. “With your doctor, banker, tax accountant and lawyer, you want a relationship of trust, not just a business transaction,” Meaders explained. “Trust feels like a friendship.”