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Understanding Business from Both Sides

02/04/2025

Understanding Business from Both Sides

When David Marr advises business clients at First Federal Bank, he speaks from experience. Before joining its business banking team, he owned two companies and served as director of U.S. operations for a Canadian manufacturing firm.

"Having managed businesses of various sizes, I understand the challenges our clients face," says Marr, who joined First Fed as a Business Banking Officer in 2023. "Whether you're managing two employees or 500, each business has unique needs and opportunities."

This firsthand experience shapes Marr's approach to serving First Fed's business clients. He specializes in helping companies optimize their banking operations, from day-to-day cash management to long-term financial planning. His focus includes helping businesses streamline payment processes, maximize interest earnings, and implement security measures to protect assets.

Comprehensive Business Solutions

First Fed offers a comprehensive suite of business banking solutions. The Intrafi Cash Manager product, designed for larger companies managing substantial balances, provides both flexibility and security. "Companies maintain liquidity while ensuring their funds are FDIC-insured beyond the standard $250,000 limit – a critical consideration for businesses with significant operating capital," Marr explains.

Remote deposit capture is another key service, allowing businesses to deposit checks directly from their office. "This saves time and improves cash flow management, especially for businesses not located near a branch," says Marr. The bank also provides merchant services with competitive rates and local support.

Community Banking in Action

What distinguishes First Fed, according to Marr, is its genuine commitment to community banking. "When we say we're a community bank, we demonstrate it daily," he says. This includes active involvement in local events and consistent personal outreach to businesses.

"I spend several hours each day in the community, meeting with clients and understanding their needs," Marr notes. "Banking shouldn't be transactional – it's about building relationships and being there when businesses need us. I've had new clients tell me they hadn't seen their previous banker since opening their account two years ago. That's not how we operate at First Fed."

The bank's community involvement extends beyond business services. Marr and his colleagues regularly participate in local initiatives, from maintaining public spaces to supporting community events. Recently, the team helped revitalize a downtown park in Rupert.

Beyond his banking expertise, Marr brings an entrepreneurial mindset and creative problem-solving approach to his role. An accomplished musician who maintains a recording studio, he applies the same dedication to perfecting solutions for his clients as he does to mastering an instrument.

"If you can't find enjoyment in what you're doing, why do it?" he says, applying this philosophy to both his personal and professional interests. "I enjoy helping businesses succeed, drawing on my experience from both sides of the desk to provide the right solutions."

For businesses seeking a banking partner who understands their challenges firsthand, Marr offers a straightforward commitment: "You'll never have to worry about finding me. I'm here to help your business succeed."