What happens when COVID-19 halts your thriving business?

Here's the story of local entrepreneur Mary Neaf, founder and owner of Florida State Distributors, who, like many, had to navigate her business through the pandemic's unexpected turns.

A strong start

43 years in the making, Florida State Distributors is a family-owned business that specializes in fun + high-quality souvenirs for theme parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, and more — and Neaf built her empire behind an emphasis on strong, genuine relationships.

Starting small in Orlando, Neaf instilled a service-oriented culture by consistently going above and beyond for each client. This dedication to relationships resonated with her partners, and her business grew quickly as Neaf fostered a network of meaningful connections.

The business flourished, and Neaf strategically opened branches in Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong, establishing a strong global presence.

When trouble hit

A big wrench came in 2020, when the world was thrown into disarray by COVID-19, and the business faced a sudden, unexpected challenge. The big bank Neaf had been working with faltered under the weight of the crisis, and slow communication turned into months of frustrating silence.

So Neaf turned to longtime associate Guy Michel, Senior Vice President and Relationship Manager with the Bank of Central Florida. With Guy's guidance, Neaf took a leap of faith and pivoted to Bank of Central Florida, a financial institution that, like her, prioritized genuine connections and personalized service.

Together, Mary and Guy navigated the turbulent waters of the pandemic, working collaboratively to refinance and replace Florida State Distributors' line of credit.

"He was there for us," Neaf said. "I feel like he became a part of our team, unlike the experience in other banks. With Guy, we were no longer just an entity, but we had a genuine relationship."

Keep reading to see the game plan that got Neaf through. And if you need financial support for your business, see how Bank of Central Florida can help.

The game plan

Neaf saw herself in the Bank of Central Florida's commitment to personalized banking. Unlike the faceless interactions she had experienced with larger institutions, she now had a direct line of communication with Guy.

They secured equipment and vehicle financing, and ensured her business was well-equipped to meet the anticipated demand for souvenir products as the U.S. recovered from COVID.

This newfound partnership proved immensely beneficial, streamlining the decision-making process and expediting loan approvals. Neaf’s financial inquiries and concerns were met with prompt and transparent responses, allowing her to refocus on steering her business toward continued success.

Her success is a testament to her ability to forge strong business relationships and a willingness to embrace creative solutions. Neaf established herself as a leading figure in the souvenir industry, all while maintaining a strong sense of family and service-oriented values.

As Neaf continues to drive her business forward, her story reminds aspiring entrepreneurs that success is not merely about financial gains, but also about building meaningful connections and fostering a culture of excellence.

If you're a small business looking for an institution with similar values, consider calling the Bank of Central Florida.