Customer Closeup No Two Banks are Alike

Julian Zettler discovered an interesting fact recently when he was shopping for a new business loan: No two banks are alike.

The first bank he visited was his company’s longtime, regional bank in Orange County. “What I didn’t expect was for the bank to try to sell us a loan package that didn’t fit our needs,” said Zettler, the Controller for Anaheim-based manufacturer Zet-Tek.

He then turned to Plaza Bank in Irvine.

“I’ve been Zet-Tek’s controller for 21 years and have completed a lot of loans during that time,” Zettler explained. “But I’ve never had a loan close as fast and as smooth as the one we got through Plaza Bank.”

With business strong at 20 employees and new bookings steady, Zet-Tek wanted to expand its services and upgrade the facility where it makes world-class medical and electronic components. And Zettler needed a one-stop shop where he could both refinance Zet-Tek’s building and pay off a term loan with another bank.

 

“Plaza Bank could look outside the box,” he said. “The other bank could not. They kept pushing us into a specific loan that didn’t fit our goals.”

He says another significant difference with Plaza was its staff. Loan officer Todd Massas listened to Zettler and his needs. Todd gave Zettler and Zet-Tek several options.

“We had a choice and Todd gave us some great advice on where we stood financially and what we might do for our business,” Zettler said. “It was a warm, working relationship. Todd was looking out for us, not the other way around.”

Once Zet-Tek found the right loan, the deal took about a week to close. There were “no gotchas” or hidden costs either, Zettler said. “That’s unheard of. We’re used to having issues with our banks and having loans held up.”

Since closing its loan, Zet-Tek has refurbished its building, the roof, parking lot and electrical systems. Upgrading the building’s electrical system also allowed the company to add new equipment to make its precision components. Revenues are projected to rise 20 percent this year.

In fact, Zettler was so impressed with the process, Zet-Tek has switched its business banking accounts to Plaza Bank.

“In 21 years, I’ve seen everything in banking,” Zettler said. “The support staff at Plaza for our new business account and line of credit is amazing. They are right on the ball and within a week of closing I had one of their vice presidents visit my office to speak directly with me. That’s a hands on approach that I have not seen for many years. He told me, ‘We will make it work for you,” and I believe him.”