At Equity Bank, we know that many business origin stories start with scribbles—and we help entrepreneurs turn them into successful businesses.
Every business has an origin story. Many start as just inspired scribbles on a napkin. Like most entrepreneurs, we love a good business story about a dream, a vision and the tools and determination to make it real. Equity Bank was created and built by the leadership in place today, so we know a thing or two about starting up, growing and surviving and thriving in the face of challenges.
Here are a few of the Napkin Stories we’d like to share.
Speedy’s Convenience
John Rowe, CEO of Speedy’s Convenience in St. Joseph, Mo., has worked with his family to build Speedy’s from one location to 10 stores. John says, “We’re small enough to be in each of our stores every day. And we’re also large enough to stay on top of the main trends inside the industry.”
Speedy’s Convenience has been a family-owned and -operated business for 3 generations. “Ever since I could walk, I’ve been in a convenience store, bagging ice and bagging popcorn,” said Margaret Bruce of Speedy’s. “Now I get to help build a future for Speedy’s.” Margaret’s “A-Ha” moment was envisioning and helping build the newest Speedy’s in Kansas City, Kan.
Equity Bank is proud to work with the Rowe family to help Speedy’s continue to grow.
RitePack
Fred Schneider, visionary entrepreneur and CEO of RitePack, knows that a successful entrepreneur begins with solving a problem for a customer. “Our ability to help our customers with product development and marketing strategy, logistics, warehousing, trucking—all these things are problems for our customers that we solve on a daily basis. As long as the company’s growing, we can continue.”
RitePack COO Cory Shue notes that working with the growth-minded professionals at Equity Bank has been vital to the company’s growth: “When you have a company that’s grown rapidly like ours, it’s good to have a bank that can grow along with it.”
Warrensburg Collision
Casey Lund, entrepreneur and manager of Warrensburg Collision in Warrensburg, Mo., believes to be a successful company, preparation is crucial to execution. “Our company mantra is ‘slow down in order to speed up.’” This starts with the estimate, through parts ordering, and using communication and collaboration to ensure the company’s spirit is aligned around the customer. “Lots of eyes are better than one. Lots of minds are better than one.”
And Equity Bank is part of that team, offering extra eyes and minds. Casey says: “Banking is still all about relationships. That’s why we choose to bank local, with a bank who can rally behind us. We’ve found that in Equity Bank.”
Work with the growth-minded professionals at Equity Bank to take your idea to the next level. And take some advice from Casey: “As a healer, it’s not about me. I’m here to lead, and bring everyone together, so they can collaborate, and communicate. My job is to teach and train them to help us win.”
Share Your Napkin Story
Mark Parman, Kansas City Market President of Equity Bank, invites you to contact the bank and share your Napkin Story.
“We not only want to hear your origin story, we want to partner with you to help you continue to write the rest of your story,” he said.
Equity Bank is a full-service community bank with offices in Kansas and Missouri. CEO Brad Elliott has grown the bank from its roots in Andover, Kan. The bank offers a full range of financial solutions, including commercial loans, consumer banking, mortgage loans, and treasury management services.
Our group of bankers is experienced with small businesses and what they need—and how those needs differ. We take the time to listen to your story and help you design the best personalized products and services that will benefit you and your business.
For more napkin stories, visit equitybank.com/napkin-stories.
To share your story, get in touch at marketing@equitybank.com or (913) 323-9300.
