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Why a Strong Relationship with Your Banker is Good for Business

August 2025

Why a Strong Relationship with Your Banker is Good for Business

Britni Gortner
Commercial Lending Officer

In manufacturing, every day can bring a new challenge — fluctuating raw material costs, shifting customer demand, equipment breakdowns, or changes in global trade policy. While these realities may feel unpredictable, one thing that can provide stability is a strong relationship with your banker.

Your banker is more than the person who processes your loan or sets up your accounts. They can be a strategic partner who understands your business, anticipates your needs, and helps you navigate both opportunities and obstacles.

    1. Proactive Support in Changing Conditions
      Markets move quickly, and manufacturers are often among the first to feel the impact of interest rate shifts, supply chain disruptions, or new tariffs. A banker who knows your business inside and out can offer timely advice, financial solutions, or lending flexibility before these changes significantly impact your cash flow.

    2. Faster, Smoother Access to Capital
      When opportunity knocks, whether it’s securing a large new order, expanding a facility, or investing in new equipment, speed matters. A banker who already understands your financial history, operating cycle, and growth goals can move quickly to secure the financing you need. They won’t have to “start from scratch” to get comfortable with your business, saving you precious time.

    3. Guidance Beyond Lending
      A good banker can serve as a connector, introducing you to resources, industry peers, and potential partners. They may also provide insights into treasury management, risk mitigation, and cash flow strategies that go beyond a single transaction.
    4. Support During Difficult Times
      Even the most well-run manufacturers face downturns, from economic slowdowns to unexpected customer losses. If you’ve built trust and transparency with your banker during the good times, they’re more likely to work with you to find solutions during challenging periods. 

Bottom Line
Your banker should be a trusted advisor who understands your industry, your goals, and your challenges. Like any strong partnership, it’s built over time through open communication and mutual trust. In the fast-moving world, having a banker in your corner can be the difference between reacting to problems and staying ahead of them.

Britni Gortner
Commercial Lending Officer
 
A valued member of Parkside's banking division, Britni is dedicated to cultivating meaningful client relationships. She concentrates on structuring tailored financial solutions for financing growth, equipment, real estate, and working capital needs. Leveraging a meticulous attention to detail and embodying a reliable and responsive nature, she adeptly addresses the diverse challenges and dynamic capital needs of her clients.