By accessing the noted link you will be leaving our website and entering a partner site which is hosted by another party. Please be advised that you will no longer be subject to, or under the protection of, the privacy and security policies of our website. We encourage you to read and evaluate the privacy and security policies of the site which you are entering, which may be different than those of ours.
Paul Swydan grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. So, when he was at a crossroads in his media career, he looked into opening an independent bookstore in Acton, as the town’s prior independent bookstore recently closed. Like most entrepreneurs, he jumped in with both feet and set about learning all about running a bookstore, including attending a bookstore boot camp. In just 10 months, he went from thinking about it to opening The Silver Unicorn Bookstore.
“I knew it was important not to let too much time pass between when the old bookstore closed and the new bookstore opened,”
“...because after a certain period of time, people’s buying habits begin to change. I had to push to get the store open quickly. That meant finding the right people, and the right bank, to help me accomplish what I needed to, on my timeline. Unfortunately, a lot of the banks I talked to, were like, ‘yeah, yeah, we’ll get back to you,’ but I couldn’t afford to wait around.”
"Northern Bank was the first bank to take my idea on its own merits."
“Other banks just gave us a pat answer based on some rule, like, ‘we just don’t do loans for retail.’ Even if you can show them that it’s going to be a profitable business, they didn’t care. Northern Bank was willing to look at the idea and evaluate it on its merits. They took the project seriously.”
“They also made the loan process quick and painless for us,” Paul continued. “It was a very smooth and easy experience. We never really had any worries about it, because they took care of everything. I would highly recommend Northern Bank to other small business owners. In fact, I’d give them a 10 out of 10 for loan service.”
Leaving the door open for the next chapter.
“"We don't have any immediate plans to grow the business. When the next opportunity presents itself, I would absolutely approach Northern Bank again for another loan. At that point, I wouldn’t consider talking to someone else. I’d rather just keep doing business with the people at Northern Bank that I know will treat me well.”
In addition to running The Silver Unicorn Bookstore, Paul is very involved in the Acton community. He spearheaded the refurbishment for Gardner Field in West Acton. He regularly supports local youth and community organizations, sets up a specific sale each year in the store to raise funds for the food pantry, and collaborates with other local business owners to fundraise for schools. “We have to be good stewards for the community and our employees,” he said. “Without the community’s support our business wouldn’t exist.”
When Jon Erickson, owner of J. Erickson Plumbing and Heating LLC, was frustrated with his experience at a “big bank”, he turned to Northern Bank for a personal relationship focused on customer service.
For Chilacates, having a partner that understands family business and shares their passion for success made all the difference.
For one business, it chose Northern Bank for its online banking and local community feel.
Contact us now to learn more about how Northern Bank can help you realize your goals and dreams.