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For six decades, CMI Corporation (CMI) of Franklin has been the cornerstone of quality gear relied upon by both rock climbers and rescue teams for their safety. From ascenders and carabiners to ropes and harnesses, CMI products are crafted with care by skilled workers in the Pendleton County community.

Initially encountering obstacles from other banks in the area, CMI sought financial support to establish their corporation—enter Grant County Bank.

Roy Harman, at the helm of Grant County Bank (GCB), readily extended assistance, offering not only financial backing but a trusted partnership that would carry on into the present day.

We sat down with Kris Kirk CMI’s Sales Manager to learn more about the 45-year partnership with GCB. Read on to learn more about how the partnership has flourished:

Q: How long have you entrusted Grant County Bank as a partner?

Kris: CMI has been banking with GCB for 45 years. Right after we moved here we had one product that was made in Pennsylvania and the supplier was notoriously late on delivery. The company wanted a letter of credit from us to get moving. 

When we approached another local bank in Franklin they asked for a lien on my grandfather's house to get the Line of Credit. My father (current President of CMI) wasn’t happy with that deal so he went to GCB and sat down with Roy Harman, who asked for something as collateral and it was decided that we would put up some stocks as collateral. 

Q: What services do you use?

Kris: We currently have loans and a checking account with GCB.

Q: How has GCB worked with you to ensure tailored solutions over the years?

Kris: Many moons ago, CMI wanted to have a stainless steel cup for the outdoor market. The cost was about $15,000 to get it done. My father talked to Roy Harman and he said he would have to go before the board of directors. The loan was approved and we had the new cup made. 

It is the personal touches that have kept us as loyal customers to GCB.

Q: Why do you choose GCB over other options?

Kris: Our local bank would not work with us when we were a fledgling company. Any dealings would have been extremely difficult. 

GCB bent over backward to help us. Today, our products are recognized all over the world. We sell to police, military, firefighters, swat teams, Disney cruise lines, Aerosmith, Zac Brown Band, and Cirque du Soleil, just to name a few. We simply would not be where we are today without the backing and trust of GCB.

Q: What would you say to someone else who is considering GCB’s service?

Kris: If someone else is considering GCB, I would simply tell them that GCB is the best place to bank.

Q: What has GCB’s solution done for you?

Kris: GCB solutions for us have been instrumental in helping CMI to grow into one of the worldwide leaders in rescue equipment.

Q: Is there anything that you would consider GCB the “best” or “only” at? What does that mean to you personally?

Kris: GCB has the best service. Their staff is always friendly and we know several of the employees on a personal level there beyond the confines of business. Business in general is a two-way street. GCB has always been good to CMI and CMI has always been good to GCB.

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One takeaway is clear: GCB's commitment to service excellence has been the cornerstone of CMI's success story. From tailored solutions to going above and beyond, GCB goes beyond transactions and balance sheets, setting them apart from other financial institutions.

Want to learn how GCB can tailor solutions to suit your business needs? Contact Us today.