We couldn’t be more excited to see firsthand how our OZK team makes an even greater impact on valued clients like Opu Probiotics. With a variety of competitive loans and financial solutions, we’re here to empower local businesses, so you can grow with confidence. #BankOZK #CommercialLending #BusinessBanking #Entrepreneurship
Pilot Episode #sharktank Alum 🦈 │ 📺 GMA, Dr. Oz, Today Show │ Founder Ava the Elephant® & Opu Probiotics® │ Special Needs/Disability Advocate │ Wife, Mom x4 & Cancer🎗Survivor
Bank OZK supporting us (Opu Probiotics) means it's essentially supporting our local probiotic factory, our chocolate factory, our packaging factory, our employees from Lionheart Life Center, our customers and our local community! BIG IMPACT. Our small business has managed to stay debt-free for over 2 years. Buy inventory, sell, buy inventory, sell, and around and around we went....We were very proud of this fact until earlier this year when we SOLD OUT of 3 of our 4 products - for over two months. It was brutal. During that time I had hit a breaking point and I was considering giving up some equity in my company in exchange for an investment. I sat down with a mentor of mine (who is much smarter than I am!) and she reminded me of the VALUE of having majority equity in my company. She encouraged me to talk to my bank about a business line of credit instead. This would allow me to hold onto all of my equity, but place much larger purchase orders going forward. I was already banking (personal and business) at a bank that I loved, Bank OZK. I met with their commercial lender, Kris Reece, and he walked me through everything. The process has been seamless and today we signed on our first line of credit for the business. A few years ago this would have made me very nervous, but I feel a great peace about it. Imagine your company thriving, but having to pull back on selling to make sure you don't sell TOO MUCH. I have literally been watching our pallets shrink at our warehouse & what should feel like a victory is instead nerve-racking. Not where you want to be as a CPG brand. P.S. I don't get paid (or a better rate 🤣)to tell you love and appreciate this bank. I share because I want YOU to know which banks are supporting small business growth in the USA!
Positive🌞 Well versed🧠 Self-disciplined⏱️ Finance Professional💪
2moWhat a great post! So nice to hear about your business, challenges and how you overcame them!! Thanks for sharing.