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Business Customer Testimonials

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At First National Bank and Trust, we're focused on Family Business because we are one! We treat our customers and communities like family by providing exceptional service and Sound Advice. Don't take our word for it... read below to see what our customers have to say about us.
Give us a try. We'll treat you like family!

Hear What Our Business Customers Have to Say


"We enjoy the First National Bank and Trust team in Darien because they treat us like family. We had never heard of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) until Sarah Berryman brought it to our attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciated that they were looking out for us.

At that time, the tresses in our arena were broke, two out of three tractors needed repair, and we needed to buy hay as we were filling up the heaters more often due to the cold weather.

First National handled everything in a professional manner and the process was stress-free. Because we felt like they were looking out for our best interest, and treated us like family, we would recommend them to other small businesses."

- Sandy Anderson
Five O Stables


"During the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application, communication was great. Jose made every step easy to follow with no complications or delays.
Our home recently caught on fire on top of the COVID-19 pandemic, so the PPP funds helped me keep my business afloat during this tragic time.

I would recommend FNBT 100% for their customer service. You’re treated with respect and as a priority. Being with FNBT for more than 10 years, I’m content that they have people like Jose on their team who go above and beyond to help any way possible."

- Juan Iniguez
JJ Care Landscaping & Snow Removal LLC


"I appreciated the prompt service I received during my Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application and loan forgiveness process. The team at the Clinton office exceeded my expectations with their quick feedback and follow-through.

The PPP loan made it possible for me to pay my employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking the pressure off of me, since I knew I had money to pay my business expenses.

I would recommend FNBT to other small businesses for their local application processing and decision-making, resulting in quicker loan approvals and a more personable experience compared to big banks."

- Mary Gilbank-Peterson
Shorewest Realtors


"I value FNBT for its friendly people, fantastic customer service, and knowledge of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help local, small businesses with the intimidating application process. Jamie Hibbard was referred to me by another business owner and was truly a lifesaver. She made the loan process painless and I no longer felt lost and overwhelmed by the pandemic situation.

Because of the PPP loan, I was able to pay myself, so that I could buy groceries and pay bills to keep my small hair salon operating during COVID-19.

I give nothing but rave reviews for FNBT and will continue to refer family, friends, and clients to them!"

- Lisa Brown
LIS of Rock County


"During the progression of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application, First National Bank and Trust was there to answer any questions that we had. Christina worked with us every step of the way to ensure that the loan forms were properly filled out and information necessary to meet the loan forgiveness requirements was provided. I felt confident that the bank was looking out for my business’ best interests.
  
I would recommend First National Bank to other family-owned businesses, because I trust them. I also appreciate being able to call and speak with a live and knowledgeable bank representative when necessary.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, like many small businesses, we were affected. Having been informed by First National Bank that the PPP loan was available to us, helped me to adjust to the changes in my workplace, while giving me financial peace of mind."  

Henrik Nor
Nor Decorating


"We could not have asked for more prompt or better service with our Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Jose was exceptional with getting everything for our PPP loan set up and moving forward.

We needed the extra income during the hard times of the COViD-19 pandemic to keep our business operating. I would recommend First National Bank and Trust to other small businesses, and already have."

- Jeanne and John Squires
Squires Waterjet LLC


"I truly appreciate First National Bank and Trust's commitment to maintaining the small town, personal atmosphere that I value. Walworth Branch Manager, Christina Dean, continues to be a phenomenal help to me as I am sure she is to many others. When the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) became available to small business owners like myself, Christina guided me through a daunting PPP application by patiently breaking down each step. She answered all of my questions in a very timely manner. Christina followed up by helping me through the PPP forgiveness application.

As an Interior Designer, a component of my work requires that I go into my customers’ homes and meet with them in my office. Neither one of these scenarios was an option as the COVID-19 virus spread. The PPP loan allowed me to continue to support the day-to-day expenses of my business.

I would absolutely recommend First National Bank to other small, family-owned businesses for their personal atmosphere and exceptional customer support."

- Cynthia Wilson
CB Wilson Interior Design


"I cannot say enough nice things about working with Sarah Berryman and her team at the Darien branch of First National Bank and Trust. Everyone always has a smile and they are eager to assist with all of my needs. The team goes over and above to assist you.

During the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application process at First National Bank, they exceeded my expectations. It was a stressful and uncertain time, but they made the process very easy, smooth and stress free. The PPP loan we received helped carry us through the unknown times of COVID-19.

I would personally recommend First National Bank and Trust to any family owned business, as they are always there to answer any questions and assist with needs that arise."

- Kim Cobb
Cobb Carpentry LLC


"Christina Dean at First National Bank and Trust was simply AMAZING to work with during the application process of my Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. Her attention to detail and rapid replies to any questions I had was admirable. She also assisted me in attaining some of my bank records in order to complete the forgiveness part of the PPP application. The personal attention and timely response made the loan process seem quick and easy!

In my business, I deal with government buildings and schools, both of which closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This brought my sales to a complete stop! The funds I received from the PPP loan aided me in maintaining my contacts and operational expenses to keep my business going.
 
My customer care experience at First National Bank was first rate and having a direct relationship with a bank representative made the process easy.  I would absolutely recommend First National Bank and Trust to other small businesses."

- Tom Hausner
Thomas Hausner & Associates


"What I liked most about working with First National Bank and Trust during the course of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan was their exceptional service. They exceeded my expectations by making the whole loan process as smooth as possible and completing it in a timely manner.

The PPP loan I received helped me to hire and retain employees during the financially hard times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I would recommend First National Bank to another family-owned business, because they made my loan process a personable experience. Nakia was amazing!"

- Dave Cook
Dave Cook Radon Services


"Working with First National Bank and Trust is like working with family. Throughout the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application, they provided fast and friendly service to assist us with receiving COVID-19 relief for our farm business.

The PPP loan helped our family farm to endure the hard times of the pandemic by providing funds for our employee payroll and other essential operating needs, such as utility bills.

I would certainly recommend First National Bank to all of my friends and family because of our positive, personable loan experience."

- Roseann Ellis
Ellis Farms


“We have banked exclusively with First National Bank and Trust (FNBT), because we love its friendly atmosphere and appreciate that employees know customers by name. The staff is always looking for ways to support us with new ideas or options, and is eager to quickly resolve any issues we may have. We also think FNBT’s extensive involvement in the community is wonderful.

When we purchased our most recent building downtown, Dan Mowers went above and beyond to make sure it went smoothly. He was knowledgeable, kind and just as excited as we were to close the deal. This makes our relationship feel more like family.

We recommend FNBT to everyone we know for personal and business banking. In talking with other business owners, we believe we get the best service and a great value. Locally owned and operated, First National is business-friendly and family-focused.

FNBT will be our bank for life!”
 
- Stephanie Knueppel, LPC
Stateline Mental Health Services


“We have always felt like family with First National Bank and Trust (FNBT). My grandparents and parents were customers when each of them owned the mattress business and worked directly with the Eldred family to start the partnership. The Eldred family was also a customer of ours and purchased mattresses from us. When I was growing up, Gerry White, who has since retired in 2008 after 40 years of service, was our relationship manager and would stop at our shop frequently to ensure business was going well.
 
Today, whenever my family needs anything, we call Jessica Hernandez and she takes care of it. We do not have to call an 800 number and wait hours for assistance. Jessica has helped us with previous credit card processing and pin pad issues. She actually came into our store to troubleshoot these issues for us, even spending time on the phone with technical support and helped us get a new card processing pin pad. I don’t know of too many other banks that would provide that kind of service!
 
I recommend FNBT all the time. I think family owned businesses benefit from its high level of customer service, low fees, and single point of contact for questions or assistance.”
 
- Ryan Poppie, Owner
Beloit Mattress Co.


“We were with our previous bank for 20 years when our old bank merged with another bank and the personal customer service vanished. We felt like we were just an account number, so we decided to explore other banks. We are glad we found First National Bank and Trust (FNBT). Bonnie Gundry and her team at the Rockton branch have given us the personal customer service we were looking for and invited us to many bank functions throughout the year, which has made us feel like family.

We also like FNBT's competitive rates and many convenient locations. I have recommended FNBT to other family owned businesses and give it a five star rating.”
 
- Brad Oler, President
New Haven XR Solutions, Inc.



“I enjoy working with First National Bank and Trust (FNBT) because it is a local bank, not a branch of a huge, corporate bank. I feel I have more of a personal, family-like relationship with FNBT and I am comfortable calling if I have a problem or need anything.
 
Diane Gustafson told me the team at FNBT would make changing banks as painless as possible, but I know these things are rarely simple. Well, Diane was right and FNBT made the transition from my former bank easier than I ever thought it would be. She even suggested I utilize a remote check deposit machine, which is very convenient and saves me time not having to take multiple trips to the bank to make deposits each month. My former bank never suggested this. FNBT has even called me personally to approve a payroll I had forgotten, which saved me from an employee mutiny! There really is a big difference in personalized customer service when using a local, family-focused community bank.”
 
- Troy Greenberg, Owner
Greenberg Casework Co.



"Dave Marshick and his team helped make the transition of our bank accounts painless. In fact, we had intended to move every single loan, but after the bank reviewed one particular mortgage, they recommended not refinancing it due to the time and expense involved.  The bank would have benefitted if we moved the mortgage and I was willing to do it, but they put the customer first instead of profit, and I appreciated that.  
 
When it comes down to it, banking products are similar everywhere, but I believe it’s the people you work with that make a difference.  Business banking with First National Bank and Trust (FNBT) is more personal, and as a small business owner, I like to do business with other family-owned small businesses.  I’d recommend FNBT to any family business owner who feels the same.”

- James McGovern, President
Raptor Enterprises