Grand Office Supply improves their bottom line with a Consumers line of credit

While trends in office supplies have changed tremendously since Pete Cortese and his wife Pam opened Grand Office Supply 25 years ago, one thing has not—their stellar customer service. Personalized service keeps them at the top of their game in a very competitive market. They care for their customers with one-on-one dedicated consultants and the convenience of online ordering. When it comes to banking, Pete wants to be treated the with the kind of care he shows his customers. Two years ago, that wasn’t happening.

“I had a beef with customer service at our old bank. Deposits were not credited until the next day, which was a big deal for me,” Pete said. This frustration led him to consider alternatives. Around the same time, Consumers opened an office around the corner in Grandville. It wasn’t very long until Business Development Manager Jeremy Prins stopped in to introduce Pete to the Credit Union’s business services.

Deposits credited same day

“Jeremy was very friendly and easy to work with. He explained that at Consumers, money in the bank is credited that day,”* Pete said. This was a huge advantage for Grand Office Supply and made Pete seriously consider changing banks.

“Consumers is a true business partner,” Pete explained. “We now help with their office supplies for their 20 locations, too.”

A line of credit that pays for itself

Another factor that convinced Pete to switch was the availability of a line of credit.

“It’s tough for smaller businesses like us to get loans,” he said, further mentioning how Jeremy mentioned Consumers could help with that.

“It’s not easy to procure a line of credit [like the one we have with Consumers],” Pete explained. “It makes running our business and managing our payables much easier, especially at month end.

“Now we can rely on having cash on hand to pay our many suppliers right away, which not only improves our relationships with them, but also allows us to take advantage of early pay discounts. This is huge for us.”

A financial institution with enviable tech

Pete is also pleased with Consumers’ technology—online, mobile and in the office.

“They’re up to date on tech,” Pete said. “Consumers is probably the most modern institution in the area. They have the newest equipment and programs.”

How does Pete feel about banking now?

“It’s a very nice relationship with Consumers. Everyone at the Grandville location is very friendly.” And Consumers feels the same way.

“Working with Pete and Grand Office Supply has been great!” said Jeremy. “He has a strong business, and it shows after 25 years in an ever-changing industry.”

We’re so proud to have Grand Office Supply as part of the Consumers family! If you’re a business owner who’d like to bank with a team who cares about your business as much as you do, call us at 800-991-2221. We’re here to help you grow your business!

*Certain restrictions may apply. See Membership Handbook for Funds Availability Disclosure. Federally insured by NCUA

Pictured: Consumers Business Development Manager Jeremy Prins (left) poses with Pete Cortese, owner of Grand Rapids Office Supply