AllCare Foot & Ankle is very grateful for 1st Constitution and their commitment to the community during this challenging Covid-19 pandemic. As a physician relocating back to my roots of the Jersey Shore I still had my big bank that I used while living in Phoenix for 15 years. We were struggling with the big bank to get an application in for a PPP loan; 1st Constitution was very proactive and willing to support a local women owned small business to give us an opportunity to get the SBA loan to help keep our practice and our employees working throughout this crisis. The COVID-19 epidemic has presented all of us with my challenges. Despite these challenges 1st Constitution has stuck to their mission of maintaining a superior level of service through these difficult times. Susan and James truly went above and beyond to show they were dedicated to providing us a positive experience. I was shocked to receive secure emails at 11pm and during the Easter Holiday weekend to be sure necessary documents were submitted to meet the deadlines. More than ten weeks have passed and I still am waiting for an email from the big bank. As a growing company with a commitment to provide the Jersey Shore with excellent medical care we couldn’t be more pleased with the choice we made to quickly change our banking needs from big bank to a local community bank. 1st Constitution is making great FOOTPRINTS in our community
Dr. Allison Cheney Podiatrist and Female Small Business Owner
AllCare Foot & Ankle LLC
1806 State Highway 35 S
Suite #103
Oakhurst, NJ 07755
P:732-695-3668
F:732-784-4286
I have always loved being a customer at 1st Constitution Bank but I am especially thankful for all the help I received during the Covid-19 crisis. As a small business owner, I applied for, and received a PPP loan through the bank and was so impressed by the prompt attention given to my situation by both the branch staff and the lending representative! Even though the Covid-19 situation was new to all of us, the entire 1st Constitution staff never made me feel uncomfortable asking questions and was extremely helpful throughout the entire process. Special thanks to Christie Brown, Assistant Manager, and Keith White, Manager, in the Little Silver branch as well as James Robertson, VP of Commercial Lending for all their help!”
Barbara Jones
Healthy Glow Airbrush Tanning
1st Constitution is the Best Bank Ever! Not only has this Financial Institution given me several years of superior customer service out of the Rocky Hill Office, the employees go above and beyond to assist customers even during the most challenging times. The Covid-19 Pandemic caused a financial burden on many businesses including my own. However, 1st Constitution Bank’s lending department made it a priority to assist me in applying for the Government’s Payment Protection Plan loan. Lori Bernardi , VP Commercial Lender, guided me through the tedious steps in the PPP application to ensure accuracy and approval. I am grateful for the Bank’s willingness to help to fulfil my financial needs. Thank you, 1st Constitution!
Ken Nierenberg, Princeton Airport
I want express my sincere appreciation to all of the staff at 1st Constitution for all of the assistance they provided to jaZams in applying for the PPP Loan program. We have been banking with 1st Constitution for 25 years. Throughout all that time the bank has been a crucial asset to the health of our business. That was exemplified in the commitment to service in the late hours and during weekend days (and nights) to make sure our PPP Loan was processed. The PPP lifeline has made it so our business could remain open and viable through these difficult days. 1st Constitution made that possible and we are forever grateful.
Joanne Farrugia, Owner
We been banking with 1st Constitution Bank for over a year now, and they always have great customer service, from day to day banking needs to special requests. With the pandemic, they helped us with PPP loan process, not only were they responsive to us in a timely matter during the most chaotic time, but kept in communication with us during the process. We highly recommend them to any business.
Justin
Cornerstone Management
I am writing this letter to express my gratitude for my recent experience with the Hopewell branch of 1st Constitution Bank.
I have known the manager, Wendy Andreotta, of this branch for many years as she has been a customer of ours since before we moved into our current location adjacent to the bank. Recently, she had been asking The Peasant Grill to bring our business banking and merchant services over to 1st Constitution. Although we had no real issues with our then current bank, PNC, we felt we should dis-cuss the move. We decided after meeting with Wendy that the move would make sense not just for banking but for a better relationship with our neighbor as we share parking and a driveway.
Wendy and her assistant manager, Alex, walked me through opening my accounts and I must say they made it painless. Additionally, Lori from commercial banking helped us apply for and receive a PPP loan. The professionalism and communication between Wendy, Alex, and Lori has been unsurpassed and brings me back to times when people actually cared about their jobs.
I now have two business accounts as well as a personal account and I am in the process of refinancing my mortgage with 1st Constitution.
In short, The Hopewell branch of 1st Constitution Bank is;
“MAKING BANKING FUN AGAIN”
Sincerely,
Barry J. Klein
Owner of The Peasant Grill Hopewell
My name is Joe DiTorrice and I am a Career Agent with New York Life Insurance Company and the owner of DiTorrice Associates an insurance Agency in New Brunswick, NJ. COVID 19 hit businesses hard – big and small. As a small business owner, the folks at First Constitution treated me like a Fortune 100 Company every step of the way for my PPP Loan. Starting with Wendy Mantz, who referred me to Joe Gorga (Senior VP) and then wrapping things up with Karen Timmons in the loan department. It was smooth sailing even though this was new territory for all those involved. Special thanks to Joe Gorga who has the patience of a Saint and was bombarded with loans during these trying times. You were all great!
Thank you,
Joseph L. DiTorrice LUTCF, CLTC
120 Albany St. Tower II Suite 405
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732.249.2433 Phone 732.249.4849 Fax
When the Payroll Protection Program rolled out, I called 1st Constitution Bank as we had just rolled all our business accounts over to them. The process looked to be daunting. Our loan officer was phenomenal, often available for the simplest to the most complex of questions while we gathered all the documents and prepared our application. We received our loan and it has helped tremendously. We are most appreciative of the service we always receive with 1st Constitution.
Doug Brown
General Manager
Brown’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
Brown’s HOME: Custom home remodeling from a name you can trust
Family owned and operated for nearly 50 years
732-741-0694
www.brownshc.com
I am a small business owner in Fair Haven. I was introduced to 1st Constitution Bank and Tina Hungrige back in 2015. At the time, I was working with another bank, but felt like the move to 1st Constitution would be beneficial to our business, and I felt welcomed and cared for by Tina and her co-workers. Tina knew at the time that my husband’s and my goal was to purchase the building that our business was housed in. Tina guided us through the process, which took much longer than any of us ever predicted. When the appraisal for the property came in low, Tina was instrumental in setting us up with the NJ Economic Development Authority, who was able to help us finance the difference in the down payment. We were able to purchase our business building in 2018.
When this pandemic hit and made it clear that there would be drastic changes in the business landscape, I immediately reached out to 1st Constitution Bank & Tina. I was assured that the bank was willing to help my small business in any way possible. I was able to defer some payments & was able to open a small line of credit. As soon as the information regarding the PPP Program came out, Tina was in contact with me & guided me through the application. I was the first person I know who had the application from my own bank. As I completed the application, Tina was in touch with me via email all WEEKEND! When my application wasn’t approved in the first go-round, I was nervous, but I knew that I was in the best hands possible with Tina. I got the PPP loan after the 2nd round of funding. I was able to reinstate the payments I had asked to defer, and I didn’t need to use the line of credit. I am grateful & our business is now on solid footing, and I believe we can get through this economic situation. I can’t speak highly enough of 1st Constitution Bank, Tina Hungrige, and all the employees in the Fair Haven, Rumson & Shrewsbury branches who have been working so hard since the beginning of this pandemic to keep their customers safe & healthy & on solid economic ground.
Patti Balderas
Owner Tavolo Pronto
1st Constitution Bank has been our bank for several years now and we really appreciate the great relationship we have with them, particularly with the team in the Fair Haven branch.
Applying for the PPP loan through 1st Constitution Bank was a smooth and pleasant experience. 1st Constitution was proactive with the Paycheck Protection Program loans, getting the information to me expeditiously my lender James Robertson was extremely responsive during the process. In these tremendously challenging times it is comforting to be able to pick up the phone and talk to someone who really wants to help me. I know James Robertson and the entire lending team worked tirelessly for weeks to help small businesses like mine.
Harvey L Shooman
Fair Haven Hardware
To 1st Constitution Bank,
Thank you for everything in helping us get qualified for the PPP loan. Lisa Borghese went above and beyond in navigating us through the paperwork. My company, as well as employees, are very grateful for everything Lisa and the bank has done in securing the loan. In this very stressful period that our employees and their families are going through, it is very comforting to them to know that they will still collect their paycheck.
Thank you,
Joe Fiore
Fiore Paving
This is Steve Whalen from Lucky Leo’s. I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful experience it was working with Brian Masterson the loan officer at your bank. Brian literally took me by the hand and walked me through each step of the PPP Loan and also worked very closely with my accountant. Brian and the rest of the staff at 1st Constitution really put me at ease in these otherwise very troublesome times. It’s really great having your team behind me and gives me great confidence in going forward. Please express our appreciation to Brian and thank him for his continued support.
My name is Kenneth and I own a small business in Monmouth County. Working with its 1st Constitution Bank for my PPP loans was simply a great experience. My lender and bank were totally invested in getting me the financial help I needed to keep my business healthy.
During this difficult time all parties worked together to make sure I had direction, they were easy to get in touch with at all times. It almost was as if it was their business. I was so impressed with the care and personal service it was almost too good to be true. They made it all work out and continue to be my partner on an ongoing basis.
I understand for the first time how your relationship with a bank is so important and they showed me why we work together. I wanted to write this to say thank you for supporting me and giving me hope it will all work out.
Kenneth Snyder
Evolution
Just a note to say what a great experience I had dealing with 1st Constitution Bank to secure the PPP loan. The funds came in at a very crucial time, it helped to keep my business operating, and our employees paid during this trying time. Lisa and the staff in Long Branch were tremendous in helping me with the loan.
Thank you 1st Constitution Bank,
Adam Hilsen, owner Hilsen Pest Control
To staff at 1st constitution bank I would like to exceptionally thank Allison Martinez for helping me with my PPP loan/grant. It was a pleasure dealing with her. She worked with my accountant and overall it went very well. Thank you very much.
Robert (Bobby) Kostrewa, owner of Tranz Connection
Just about anyone familiar with Long Branch knows Caputo’s Pastry Shoppe, a traditional made-from-scratch Italian bakery that has been making life sweeter for area residents since 1960. 1st Constitution has been my bank since they opened their location in Ursula Plaza, Long Branch. I can’t thank them enough for their assistance in obtaining a PPP Loan to help pay my employees. As a family business, our employees are treated like they are part of our family so we were thrilled to continue to support them.
The process for obtaining the PPP Loan went smoothly thanks to Lisa Borghese, the commercial lender, Kevin Ertel, the Branch Manager, and the rest of the excellent staff in the Long Branch office. I look forward to working with them during and after this pandemic.
Joseph Caputo, Owner of Caputo’s Bakery Inc.
This has been a particularly difficult time for our practice due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Without 1st Constitution Bank, from the bank manager to all the people who processed and help me with obtaining the Paycheck Protection Program Loan, we would be out of business. All those people from 1st Constitution worked relentlessly to get us the loan and helped us with existing loans. Needless to say, the folks at 1st Constitution Bank got us through this unpredictable mess like we were family. I will always be grateful to them.
Scott L. Kay, M.D.
Princeton Otolaryngology Associates, P.A.
1st Constitution Bank has been our bank for many years now and we really appreciate the great relationship we have with them, particularly with the excellent team at the Plainsboro branch.
Applying for the PPP loan through them was a smooth and pleasant experience. I am so thankful for the outstanding support I received throughout the whole process from Tim, Svenja, Wendy, Joe and Antoinette.
Thank you 1st Constitution Bank for helping small businesses thrive especially during these difficult times.
Rossana Sarmiento, Operations Director for Princeton Alliance Church
My experience with the PPP loan did not start in March of 2020. It started years ago when I moved my business banking to First Constitution. Wendy and her team have not only been professional and wonderful to work with; they got to know my business and my banking needs. So, when the PPP funding became available, Wendy knew that my business might benefit. She put me in touch with Lori who worked closely with me to make sure I was taking full advantage of the program, and as a result, I have been able to bring back my staff and get back in business. Thanks Wendy, Lori, and 1st Constitution! This is what a community bank looks like!
David Demarre, Esq.
Licensed for 25 years
Serving Princeton, NJ
Corporate Law, International Law, Estate planning, Elder and Tax law
I am the owner of a small business and was looking for a bank that I could build a relationship with. After going through several other banks, I came to 1st Constitution Bank, and immediately felt the ease and support to speak with someone whenever I need to. If I had a question, they will find the answers to my questions. This became especially true when the on-going pandemic hit and I, like so many others, were terrified our doors would shut forever. 1st Constitution was proactive with the PPP loans, getting the information to me expeditiously and I was one of the first businesses to receive a PPP loan – my accountant was even impressed with the speed of the turnaround. With the help of 1st Constitution Bank, during an unprecedented pandemic, my nerves were eased by being able to get the information from my contact and having her reassurances the loan was being processed. This has left me able to focus on challenging times ahead with my customers, and while the financial concern still exists, it is far less knowing 1st Constitution Bank is behind me working to prevail me of all available options, even those that may not have existed days ago. Thank you 1st Constitution Bank!
Kathleen Caola
President, Caola & Co. Inc.
2 Crossroads Drive
Hamilton, New Jersey 08691
Ph (800) 792-8626 F: (609) 588-5247
During these challenging times, 1st Constitution staff showed patience, communication, and effectiveness. It was a pleasure applying for the PPP loan! Looking forward for future business relationships.
Thank you Joe, Wendy and Tim! Your expertise and collaboration are truly appreciated!
Martha del Rio-Lezama, Office Manager for Queenship of Mary Church
We used 1st Constitution Bank to process our SBA PPP for two of our Businesses and with Jim Erickson’s extremely helpful help the process went smoothly. We would like to Thank Jim and his staff for making this loan possible.
16 Years ago, after reinventing myself and buying into a franchised non-medical Home care agency called Visiting Angels, I was introduced to a small community bank , 1st Constitution. President Robert Mangano believed in me and the future of elder care enough to help give me the financial support I needed to get my business up and running.
Fast forward to this past March 2020 when the global pandemic began affecting the future of every small business as well as the lives of millions, especially our oldest population. I began seeing some of my clients and caregivers not only testing positive, but also dying right before my eyes.
My caregivers are the lifeblood of my home care agency, and they are my family as well.
I learned about the governments payroll protection program, and quickly called 1st Constitution Bank, in hopes they were participating, thankfully they were. Within hours, I received an e-mail of introduction to the program and was soon talking directly with real live loan officers with the bank.
Between my accountant, my payroll specialist and Brian Masterson from 1st Constitution Bank, the process was started. Brian was in constant communication with me every step of the way. I was sure I’d be lost in the volume of loans being processed, but I felt Brian was always in my corner, had a good understanding of my business, and the need for my caregivers to all be kept on the payroll as their clients were dying,. Knowing these past 16 years that all my caregivers live paycheck to paycheck, just like 48 % of the working population in America.
Within 2 weeks of beginning the process, Brian personally called me to say that my loan was approved.
Within 2 days of that phone call , the monies were deposited into my Visiting Angels account. I can’t tell you the relief that was felt within me. 1st Constitution Bank was again by my side in time of need.
I could not wait to call my caregivers that had lost clients over the past 2 months and were sitting home in complete fear of how they would pay their rent or put food on their tables. To hear their cries of joy and relief when I told them they were all back on the payroll was the most satisfying and grateful phone call I’ve ever made.
I continue to love what I do with owning a home care agency, and it’s at challenging times like we’re living in today, that confirms “making a difference” is the most gratifying gift of all.
Joe Byrne- Owner/Director , Visiting Angels, Red Bank, NJ 07701
In my 40 years of being a local business owner, I have had relationships with Community, Regional, and National Institutions. Our recent experience having to shutter four locations and now restart operations reinforces the superior service and attention that I have received in my 8+years of experience with 1st Constitution. Specifically Brian Masterson, Jim Erickson and the commercial team worked diligently to walk our business through the PPP application process and secure funding during an incredibly stressful period. Our business is part of a national franchise group and as I later found out, we were one of the 5% of owners for 2000 stores that were funded through the first round of the federal stimulus. The vast consensus of owners I spoke with stated that community banks were much more nimble and able to adapt quicker, and with more compassion. Plain and simple, this would not have occurred had it not been for the support I received at 1st Constitution.
The bank and Commercial Lending Team has supported our business operations since inception and this most recent experience reinforces my commitment to local banking relationships and 1st Constitution.
Bob Biehler
Sport Clips, Toms River, Wall, Brick and Freehold
My experience with the PPP loan program process was another reminder to me of why I do my banking with my local community bankers. In tremendously challenging times like these, I can pick up the phone and call someone that I know and that truly wants to help me. The people at 1st Constitution are who make the difference.
Jon Leidersdorff
Lakehouse Music
619 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
On Monday March 17, 2020 we were mandated by State and Federal orders to shut our doors of our restaurants because of the contagious virus Covid 19. I have been in the restaurant business for 37 years and except for Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas day we do not close our doors. What flashed in front of me was that everything I had worked for could be gone if the closure was prolonged. On April 1, 2020 the federal government announced they would pass legislation called PPP (payroll protection program) which would give small businesses funds thru the SBA to cover payroll and fixed costs. This program would be my lifeline.
Upon hearing of the program I immediately called my contact at 1st Constitution Bank. The bank is a small community bank where the employees and management know your name. I have been doing my personal and business banking with 1st Constitution for years and I knew they had an SBA loan department. Shortly after speaking with the bank I was assigned a loan officer to handle my application and questions. The day that applications were accepted my loan officer called me and advised of the steps to download and submit my PPP application. The bank and my loan officer worked tirelessly to help me and the many other customers of the bank. On April 13, 2020 my application was approved and I breathed a sigh of relief.
Thank God I was banking with 1st Constitution Bank, I never would have received this personal care with a larger bank. Thank you for saving my business I appreciate all of your help.
Victor Rallo, Jr
Birravino – Red Bank, NJ
Undici – Rumson, NJ
Surf BBQ – Rumson, NJ
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