Greater Reading Chamber Commerce Quarterly Summer 2017 - 38

small business matters continued
whenever my brother and I want to expand to another barbershop,
we could consider those options down the road."
Advised to visit a smaller bank for his next attempt, Albert
followed this lead. When meeting with representatives at Bank
#2, he explained the scenario that had occurred with the first bank,
and provided his completed business plan and cash flow analysis.
Although initially he received a more hopeful response, he was still
rejected in the end. At this time, Albert began to table his plans for
a shop of his own. The property he had identified had come off
the market, and after being rejected twice - he considered taking
a break from pursuing this idea. However, Albert did one crucial
thing during this time - he began to discuss his dreams with some
of his most trusted customers. What Albert didn't know was that
one of his customers would soon become his biggest advocate, Mark
Schlott - VP Operations, COO, RM Palmer, and Chamber Board
Member.

prepared. After a couple of meetings, they intended for me to meet
Larry Rush, former bank executive, and they wanted me to treat it as
though he was a loan officer." Albert went on to recall that with each
45-minute meeting they had, Tim and Albert would work through
details on the business plan and financials. When Tim felt Albert
was ready, after approximately five meetings, they brought Larry
in... and, Albert "passed" with flying colors. Larry was impressed,
and recently said of the experience, "It was refreshing that Albert
was such a diligent young man. He knew the value of the property
Albert initially met with Tim Friedman, SCORE Representative. and what he was getting, and saw it was a quality location for him.
As he remembers, "It was a process - they really wanted me to be We worked together to make sure the business plan and cash flow
"I had always cut Mark's hair," Albert recalls. "So one day when he
came in, I explained to him what had been happening. During this
conversation, I mentioned I had reached out to the Chamber, but
hadn't been able to connect with someone just yet. Mark basically
said - give me your information, and I will make sure the Chamber
connects you to the right resources. I think within a day, someone
had called me back. On that day, they connected me to SCORE,
and we set up a time to meet."

We've been named a Top Business.
We couldn't have done it without you.
Customers Bank is proud to be named one of the Top Businesses by the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Thank you to the Berks County community and the many
businesses that have entrusted your banking needs to
Customers Bank. Our success is tied to your success, and we
will never stop working to help you achieve your business
goals.

We are proud of our roots here in Berks County and remain
committed to supporting the needs of the area and its many
dedicated service organizations. We look forward to being
an important part of your business - and your community -
for years to come.

customersbank.com

38 COMMERCE QUARTERLY SUMMER 2017

http://www.customersbank.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Greater Reading Chamber Commerce Quarterly Summer 2017