How Cadence Bank Became a True Partner

Every family-owned business reaches a point where change is inevitable. For Louise Jenkins, co-owner of SWJ Constructors in Louisiana, keeping up proved to be a struggle with her previous bank. In Cadence Bank, she found a “true partner” that understood speed and relationships matter.

SWJ Constructors, a family-owned business in Southeast Louisiana, specializes in architectural millwork installation for large commercial projects, including residential multi-family housing, hotels and hospitals. The company is run by Louise Jenkins, her husband Sam, and their son Noah Marquez.

The Struggle for Modernization

As the company evolved over the years, Louise recognized a crucial need to catch up with technology. However, her previous banking experience was frustrating. Speaking about getting necessary details, she recalled, "It was like pulling teeth trying to get that information." She struggled for months to obtain the necessary treasury management services.

Finding a True Partner in Cadence Bank

Louise's first interaction with Cadence Bank was a phone call where she shared the difficulties she had in accomplishing her business goals. Sherry Mely, the Branch Manager of Cadence Bank’s Denham Springs location, immediately knew they could help.

"I knew that we would be able to help Louise because that's what we're trained to do. We listen to what the customer has to say, what they need, and we're able to match and satisfy that need with an array of different products."

Sherry Mely, Branch Manager of Cadence Bank’s Denham Springs location

J.P. Terrell, Treasury Management Manager for Cadence Bank, was immediately brought in. Louise felt that she had "waited too long to get her services in place," and the bank stepped up to provide immediate support.

Louise and J.P. spoke for over an hour to get a deep understanding of what would be most beneficial to her business. Within two weeks of that conversation, Louise transitioned her business banking needs to Cadence Bank.

"With my previous bank, I struggled to obtain treasury management services for months, but with Cadence Bank, within two weeks, I was operating. I was sending out ACH payments, I was inputting positive pay checks,” Louise said. She described the rapid change as "amazing."

The Cadence Difference: Relationships

While many banks offer treasury management services, Louise emphasizes that the difference with Cadence is the relationships.

She appreciated J.P.'s professional approach: "J.P. was very professional. He's like, 'What do you need, what can I explain to you?' He brought it down to a level that I could understand," said Louise. 

"We want to be a true partner, a long-term partner, and build that strong relationship and be that trusted advisor so that if things are changing, we can evolve with it," said J.P.

The team at Cadence genuinely cares, building relationships that transcend business needs.

"We almost kind of feel like family sometimes. You learn about the children, their grandchildren. And we genuinely care," said Sherry. For Louise, this sense of partnership is priceless: "I cannot describe the feeling of joy that I have. I have a true partner ... It's just been outstanding,” said Louise.

Securing the Future

Louise's family is central to her life and the business. One of her greatest comforts is knowing the family legacy is secure.

"It's wonderful to have a legacy with our son grooming to take over our business," said Louise. She feels comfortable and confident with the partnership with Cadence Bank that Noah "can handle the day in and day out much easier than I did when we first started the business. And that gives me peace of mind.”

Ready to find a true partner that evolves with your business?

Discover how Cadence Bank's Treasury Management services can simplify your operations, secure your future, and build a lasting relationship. Contact Cadence Bank today to discuss your business's unique financial needs.

This article is provided as a free service to you and is for general informational purposes only. Cadence Bank makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the content in the article. The article is not intended to provide legal, accounting or tax advice and should not be relied upon for such purposes.