Navigating finances as a business owner can feel just as demanding as running the business itself. When Theresa Saxton, owner of Fitness Success in North Yarmouth, ME, set out to renovate her personal training studio, she was looking for a path forward—and a partner who understood her business.
Theresa sat down with Camden National Bank Community Banker, June Usher Wallace, to talk about her experience building and growing her business.
June: What brought you to Camden National Bank?
Theresa: I was referred to Camden National Bank from a friend of mine, and I had been trying for a number of years to refinance this space. It’s an interesting, eclectic space with it having mixed use. It had never worked, and Camden National Bank took a chance on me. You guys were able to help me get a little bit of financing to do some very necessary work in the building.
The ceiling had been falling down since I installed it 22 years ago, and it needed to be replaced. You guys helped me make that happen, and it's beautiful now. I remember when you first reached out and said, “Let's break this down, talk through it, and figure it out.”
June: I’m so glad that we made it happen and make it work.
Theresa: Especially for a small business, when you have a lot of equity in the building, but the numbers still have to be read a certain way.
You guys said, “We know what's happening here. We’ve got this.” And it was the first time in 22 years that I felt like “I'm going to be ok because I do actually make sense to a bank and they will help me get some resources and financing.”
June: So piggybacking off of that, what were your expectations interacting with a bank, and how did we meet or exceed those?
Theresa: You exceeded my expectations. Because here's someone who was willing to sit down and have a conversation with me, and say: “Hey, this is what we see has been happening,” and explain it to me in a way where I could understand what other banks had been saying “No” to.
Suddenly, it was very clear that how I do my filing had a clear impact. There were enough resources to do this, but we just had to look at things a little differently.
June: Yeah, it's not as straightforward. Thankfully, we know how to look at the whole picture, looking at all of the numbers to make it work for you.
Theresa: It's really validating as a small business owner to have an incredibly supportive partner, and just a huge sigh of relief to be able to do what I need because I have the resources to do it.
June: What gives you confidence in Camden National Bank as your long-term partner?
Theresa: I have reached out many times with little questions. You guys are always available to answer questions, and every time, there has been a positive response. It is the support that makes me really excited to have a long-term relationship.
Because I do like to support local banks, and I am very grateful to have a new relationship with Camden National Bank.
June: One thing, when I emailed you that my banking center manager, Dave, and I wanted to come out and see you. And you responded: “You want to see me?!” Can you tell me why that was your response?
Theresa: Yeah, I panicked. I was thinking, “What did I do wrong? I'm paying off my loan, and I'm super responsible. Why would they want to come see me and see my space? Are they worried that I didn't spend the money appropriately?” I had this whole list in my head.
So, it was really sweet when you were like, “No, we just want to visit. You're in good standing, and we just want to see the space.”
That was really awesome, and again, that's why people should choose community banks if they can. Like I said, I've tried a lot of different refinancing options, and this was a huge, huge shift for me.
June: So very exciting. One last thing before we wrap up: I know you are obviously very connected in the community and know a lot of other small businesses in the area. If another small business were looking for a bank, what would you say about working with us?
Theresa: I would say that if you like working with a local bank and want a really close working relationship, I would absolutely recommend Camden National Bank. I’ve loved it.
June: I love that. Thank you. Thank you for hosting us at your studio.
Theresa: Thanks for coming to see my space.
Whether you connect with June or any of our other financial experts, local business owners are encouraged to call, email, or visit Camden National Bank for support and assistance. Meet our Community Banking team →
