A pair of family-owned businesses, the relationship between STAR Bank and the New Haven-based Ternet Farms is a natural fit.
But the reason that relationship works so well goes beyond that initial similarity.
STAR Senior Commercial Banker Chris Stark has been managing Ternet’s relationship for the better part of two decades, and the two have been growing alongside one another since the relationship began.
We're Local Too
Ternet Farms has been “Growing for the future” for four generations. When they needed a banking partner to help them thrive, they turned to Chris.
“I’ve seen their youngest son Garret go from a younger student in school to now sitting in our meetings going over financials. At STAR Bank, we don’t simply provide banking services — we build relationships. We care about our local farmers because we’re local too.”
We're Here for You
STAR has helped Ternet finance their operating needs on a daily basis though an operating line of credit, and also helped them purchase and upgrade their machinery and equipment, as well as purchase some farm ground.
“We’re a small family business and working with STAR Bank has been a great experience because in our business, people work with people.” Said Rob Ternet, co-owner of the farm. His wife Kim, co-owner of the business added, “When switching banks, we really didn’t hesitate even with all of the changes that had to occur. . . STAR Bank cares about our local farm.”
Growing for the Future
It’s been a steady growth over the years, and STAR is proud to have played a role in that growth. Farming is a relationship business. People still rely on a handshake. A locally-owned bank can make quick decisions on a local level based on the relationship, not the balance sheet.
“STAR Bank’s approach to commercial banking is different from other institutions in that we really take a hands-on approach to the client and a personal relationship with that
client,” said Stark. “We really want to get to know the need and how we can help them achieve that, right here in Fort Wayne.”
At STAR Bank, we’re growing for the future, just like Ternet Farms. We’re proud to partner with this family farm and honored to help them thrive.
Chris Stark
Senior Commercial Banker
Chris is a Senior Ag/Business Banker for STAR and has been in banking for over two decades, the last few with STAR. He came to STAR after spending 18 years at Wells Fargo, all in Ag commercial banking. Chris works with farmers, agribusiness owners, and business owners on helping meet their financial needs, which can be through helping their operating with operating lines of credit, equipment notes, real estate purchases, or business acquisitions. He can also help their depository needs as well. He earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University in Agribusiness and Applied Economics, followed by his Master’s Degree. He is also a graduate of the Indiana Banker’s Association Commercial Lending School.