Better interest earnings and the ease of Online Banking convinced individual members to become business members.

When we say credit unions are more competitive than banks, we’re not exaggerating. Just read what one of our newest members reports: “We earned more interest in three days at Consumers than in a month at our old bank,” said Tony Baweja.

Tony is the CFO of Blank Canvas Consulting, a firm owned by his wife, Mary Jo Baweja, MA, LLP. Last March, the couple moved their personal checking and savings accounts to Consumers. Shortly after, they moved her business accounts, too. Keep reading to learn more about Blank Canvas Consulting and the couple’s experience of transferring their accounts. (Spoiler alert: It was easy!).

Blank Canvas Consulting helps others succeed

Mary Jo is the president and principal consultant at Blank Canvas Consulting. For over 30 years, she’s used her expertise as a clinical and organizational psychologist to help businesses develop effective leaders and teams. Her clients range from enterprises with as few as 25 employees to more than 700—mostly in West Michigan. They range from manufacturing and health care firms to finance and banking to retail and other service industries.

“I diagnose communication and personality styles,” Mary Jo said. “As an impartial observer I see dynamics [clients] can’t see. I can say things to the CEO that others might not want to say.” The ability to have difficult conversations is key to Mary Jo’s work in coaching individuals and helping teams move past dynamics that keep them bogged down.

As a sole proprietor, Mary Jo looks for ways to streamline work, including her business banking.

Drawn in by better interest rates

Highly competitive money market rates are what first attracted Mary Jo and Tony to Consumers. They liked the guaranteed one-year special that was available when they joined because they would be earning more interest than at their old bank. Plus, their Consumers money market is more flexible than a CD. When Tony saw the interest compounding by May his reaction was, “Holy cow! This is beautiful!”

Switching was easy

Like many business owners, Mary Jo felt some hesitancy about switching her business accounts from a bank to Consumers. Would it be a hassle? Some of her clients pay with automatic ACH deposits and some with paper checks. She didn’t want changes in her banking to interfere with Blank Canvas Consulting’s receivables.

After talking to Ann Callahan at our Gaines Township office, Mary Jo quickly learned there was nothing to fear.

“They gave me a kit with a checklist,” said Mary Jo. The rollover went smoothly, and no deposits were missed.

Banking how they want

After the switch to Consumers, Mary Jo discovered that banking at Consumers is truly hassle-free.

“I love the Online Banking. It’s easy! You could do it in your sleep!”

When she gets paper checks, the Online Banking app allows her to take a picture with her phone to make the deposit. She can make deposits from any location at any time it’s convenient for her.

Tony, who has used a bank since he was five years old, wasn’t sure at first about Consumers’ in-office service provided through TellerPlus+. After getting familiar with the system, he’s now at ease with it.

“There’s a live person, just not in the room,” he said. He also noted that someone in person is always available at the office to answer questions.

We’re so proud to have Mary Jo and Tony as individual members and Blank Canvas Consulting as a business member!

 

 

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