Making The Switch To Bank Local: Sloan Paving & Fisher’s Rental
As Fisher’s Rental celebrates 30 years in business, the company has decided to make a shift by banking locally with Fleetwood Bank. Located in Berks County, Fisher’s Rental has been a trusted supplier of rental equipment for Reading, Blandon, Fleetwood, Temple, and the surrounding Berks County area since its founding in 1994. What started as a small operation with just two employees, $140K worth of equipment obtained with an SBA loan, and a third of an acre of land has grown into a thriving business with 28 employees and a 12-acre facility.
Fisher’s Rental offers a wide range of services, including equipment rental, landscape supplies (like mulch, stone, and topsoil), as well as concrete and construction materials. The company has consistently expanded its inventory, now boasting modern, eco-friendly equipment, such as battery-powered excavators and buggies, to better serve its customers. They plan to continue to expand to provide more equipment services and materials for their customers.
In addition to its core rental services, Fisher’s Rental also operates a subsidiary, Sloan Paving. This division has grown from a modest driveway paving company into a nine-person crew capable of handling milling, paving, excavation, seal coating, snow removal and trucking — all in-house. While their business originally catered primarily to residential clients, the company now serves a 70% commercial and 30% residential customer base.
Although Sloan Paving works on projects locally, they have also completed jobs across Pennsylvania and beyond, including in Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. Despite their growth and regional reach, they remain committed to their roots as a family-owned and operated business.
This year, as part of their commitment to the local community, Fisher’s Rental will be participating in the annual Oley Valley Community Fair. They will have an outdoor space where they will showcase some of their rental equipment, allowing fair attendees to see first-hand the tools and materials that have helped shape their business. Sloan and Traci, the owners of Fisher’s Rental, recall their own high school years when they participated in the senior stand at the fair. Now, they enjoy experiencing the fair with their children and grandchildren while reconnecting with old friends and classmates each year.
The Difference of Banking Local
In April, Fisher’s Rental took a significant step by transitioning their banking to Fleetwood Bank. Dissatisfied with the direction their previous bank was heading towards, particularly the lack of personal connection, the decision to switch to Fleetwood Bank was driven by a desire for a more personalized banking experience. The owners appreciated the ease of knowing who to call if any issues arose and the comfort of having a bank that truly understands their business needs.
While the decision to switch was straightforward, gathering the necessary corporate paperwork—such as articles of incorporation, EIN verification, and the operating agreement — proved to be somewhat inconvenient. In fact, it’s a process that often catches many business owners off guard, as many people don’t even know where their EIN verification is. (A useful tip: Usually your accountant or attorney will have this information if you don’t know where to find it). As the owner noted, “The hardest part was gathering all the info. It’s there, but it’s a cumbersome process.” Despite the challenges, the owners firmly believe that the switch has been, and will continue to be, worth it.
One of the key reasons for choosing Fleetwood Bank was the long-standing relationship Fisher’s Rental had with Kevin Bieber, Relationship Manager at Fleetwood Bank. After meeting with Kevin, Jim Loshnowsky (Oley Branch Sales Manager), and Curin Romich (VP of Business Development and Cash Management), they felt confident that Fleetwood Bank was the right choice for their business. The personal contact and the vigilance of Fleetwood’s team in monitoring their accounts have been invaluable. The transition on the bank’s side has been smooth, with Fleetwood’s staff always available to answer questions and provide assistance.
By choosing to bank locally with Fleetwood Bank, Fisher’s Rental is reinforcing its dedication to supporting the local economy and community that has supported them for three decades. Their decision to bank local underscores their values as a company, as they plan to remain family owned and operated.
