A (personal) business banking thread: I’m lucky to know a number of excellent, active OKC small-business-focused bankers, who I gratefully rely upon for info and advice. But I need to give a shout-out to @okcbanker. He’s seen us through good times and bad for many years. 1/7

Shawn and his bank don’t widely market, and they’re typically only relationship-based lenders. But if you’ve considered changing your business banking relationship, you should reach out to him. 2/7

Beyond simply being great to work with, he had helped advise/finance our longtime owner for years. Then last year he helped ME figure out how to BE the owner; to buy the company I’d managed for 18 years. He helped me fully understand all of the numbers and possibilities. 3/7

Then, as this crisis hit, he began to advise me on how to get through it. One advantage in dealing with a local community banker is that individually they are more invested in the success of your business than would be a large corporate lender; there’s no question in my mind. 4/7

When the PPP first became available, and as I watched many - even folks I know and greatly respect - struggle to access this loan, he made it simple, and quickly got us an answer. While - via social and other media - we all watched many others flail. And perhaps, fail. 5/7

I don’t much like publicly discussing personal things, money or behind-the-scenes management stuff, but I think it’s important to share in this instance. If your business banking relationship leaves ANYTHING to be desired, I can recommend @okcbanker without reservation. 6/7

We spoke late last week, and he said FNB has some PPP loan capacity. If you’re still on the outside looking in, consider changing banks. I’m lucky to know a few bankers I’d happily, confidently do business with. But he is the only one I can recommend from actual experience. 7/7