Case Study: Great Harvest Bread Company builds a lasting financing partnership with Stearns Bank

Great Harvest Bread Company builds a 18-plus-year financing relationship with Stearns Bank

Great Harvest Bread Company franchisees Mike and DeNae Hiltner faced challenges securing initial franchise financing to purchase land for their new store in the St. Cloud, Minnesota area, as many financial institutions were unwilling to believe in their startup. They turned to Stearns Bank for a solution.

Stearns Bank, through Vice President Tom Ethen, provided the necessary franchise financing, believing in the Hiltners when others did not. This began an 18-plus year relationship where Stearns Bank continued to support the business with equipment financing and loans for expansions and remodels. The result was a long-standing, loyal partnership characterized by fast decisions and phenomenal local service, enabling the business to mature and adapt to customer needs over two decades.

Great Harvest Bread Company