Our region has become a destination for folks from around the country. Good climate. Close, but not too close, to big cities. Water (don’t laugh – a real asset). Lots of things to do, such as outdoor activities, arts and festivals. And pretty nice locals.
So, it was not surprising when I got a phone call from Roy Richmond at the Kingsport office at 5:10PM last Thursday after our Board Meeting. Roy was talking with a couple from California who were moving to our area.
Roy went on to explain that the couple were building a nice, new home in Rogersville. And they did not need to borrow any money to build it.
They had asked the builder to recommend a bank, and the builder strongly suggested PVB and Roy.
The folks from California called Roy, and the wife told Roy he had 10 minutes to convince her to bank with PVB. Roy waited a few seconds, and when the lady asked, “Are you still there?” he replied, “Yes ma’am, but I will only need 5 minutes to convince you to bank with us!“
Roy did his usual great and detailed job, highlighting our deposit, loan, electronic and investment services. Then the lady (who had worked 20 years for a large bank in California) asked about our bank rating.
That’s where I came in.
Roy asked me if I could talk to them about the rating of our bank and our financial strength.
So at 9:00AM on Friday (6:00AM California time), Roy called the couple.
Sitting at Roy’s desk with him, I shared our bank history (directing the couple to our website for even more information). I told them about our 5 star rating from Bauer (also on our website).
Then, I shared that our Investment person (Allen) was salaried, not commissioned.
As I sat at Roy’s desk, I watched and listened as he closed the deal. Asking if he could go ahead and get their SSN’s so he could open the account, their address to send their debit cards, and related ID’s so he could document the file.
The response was yes, yes and yes.
A checking account was opened for a California couple at 6:00AM their time. Folks who will not be moving to Rogersville for a year (when their home will be completed) will soon be PVB customers.
It takes good products and services to attract customers.
But it takes knowledgeable folks who believe in our mission to close the deal.
Don’t believe me?
Give me 5 minutes and I will convince you.
Stay safe.
– Leton
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“Letters From Leton” is a blog series comprised of the weekly updates that Leton Harding – President, Chairman, and CEO of Powell Valley National Bank, shares with the Bank’s team members. These newsletters are full of uplifting anecdotes and intriguing insights that are applicable beyond the Bank, so we want to share them with you.
