News

"If I don't know the answer, I want to find it. I want to make sure I see it through from when an issue comes to me until it's resolved."

Whenever Andrea Vazquez speaks with her business clients at First Federal Bank, her focus is clear: understand their needs and find solutions. It's an approach that has served her and First Fed customers well since she started as a part-time teller years ago to her current role as Business Banking Officer.

Her approach resonates with clients who know they can count on her. "When a customer says they can call me and know it will get done – that's what banking should be about."

Comprehensive Business Solutions

First Fed offers a robust suite of business banking solutions that often surprises new clients. "Many businesses see us as a smaller community bank and don't realize the scope of what we offer," Vazquez explains. The bank's merchant services program, for example, ranges from simple mobile card readers to sophisticated point-of-sale systems for restaurants and retail operations.

"We can set up anything from a basic card reader that connects to your phone to full point-of-sale systems with complete menus and merchandise tracking," she notes. "Restaurant servers can take orders and process payments tableside, while mobile businesses can accept cards anywhere."

The bank's ACH services provide another key advantage for businesses. "Many customers initially ask about direct deposit for payroll, not realizing ACH capabilities extend to vendor payments and payment collection," Vazquez says. "When they see they can handle multiple payment types through one service, it transforms their operations."

Community Banking in Action

What sets First Federal apart, according to Vazquez, is its commitment to building lasting relationships. "We don't see you as a number – we see you as a relationship," she says. "Whether businesses are just starting up or ready to expand, we want to help them succeed from day one."

This approach extends to daily interactions with clients. "When customers call, they know they'll get a response that day. We've had large business customers tell us they were used to waiting a week for callbacks at their previous bank. That's not how we operate."

The bank's community involvement is also a differentiator. Through the First Federal Foundation and employee volunteerism, the bank supports local schools, food pantries, and community events. Teams regularly participate in local initiatives, from stuffing backpacks with school supplies to serving ice cream at community gatherings. "Whether they're our customers or not, we want to help out," Vazquez says. "It's about being present in our community."

For businesses seeking a banking partner focused on solutions, Vazquez offers a clear commitment: "When customers call, they know it's in good hands. That trust is everything – and it's what keeps me excited to come to work every day."

Her dedication to problem-solving continues to drive her personal growth, while setting an example for others. "There's always room to learn and improve," she says. "Banking can be more than a job – it can be a career where you truly make a difference for your customers and community."

Connect with Andrea to find solutions for your business!