By Shefali Kapadia
Leslie Weist knew she was assuming significant risk when she decided to secure a loan two years ago to construct a new building for her small Ohio-based business, Michael Byrne Manufacturing. So, it was critical to be able to count on the financial institution she chose as her lender.
Picking the right bank is “a major decision and undertaking,” says Weist, vice president of operations at the company. “Having a banking partner that you trust makes a big difference.”
While Michael Byrne Manufacturing already had a relationship with Park National Bank going back decades to when Weist’s grandfather ran the manufacturing company, it was the personalized service that ultimately compelled Weist to work with the Ohio-based bank on the loan. The bank’s account manager took the time to visit Michael Byrne’s manufacturing site and offices to discuss finances, and let Weist know about loan options available through the state of Ohio, which helped her secure a lower interest rate for the loan. And throughout the process, Weist never felt she was on her own: “Having someone local that you can call, meet with face-to-face … you really do build that relationship,” she says.
That personal touch not only won over Weist, it also helped Park National Bank earn the ranking of No. 1 bank in Ohio on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Banks in Each State 2024.
SHEFALI KAPADIA 