Catalyst Exhibits

Catalyst Exhibits, a Wisconsin-based trade show and event company, switched its commercial banking relationship to Johnson Financial Group (JFG) after its previous bank was acquired. CEO Scott Hanna chose JFG for its relationship-driven approach, seamless bank conversion process and long-term commitment to clients. Today, Catalyst continues to benefit from a trusted commercial banking team that delivers responsive guidance and ongoing business partnership.

For Scott Hanna, CEO of Catalyst Exhibits, switching banks was not a decision he made lightly. It can be disruptive and time-consuming. When you have spent years building trust with the people managing your company's finances, you do not walk away from that easily.

But when the time came, Scott knew exactly what he was looking for and he knew it the moment he met the commercial banking team at Johnson Financial Group.

"You look at the people first," Scott said. "The location, the technology, all the offerings were there. But I think ultimately it does come down to the relationship."

How Did Catalyst Exhibits Find the Right Banking Partner?

Catalyst Exhibits was not actively looking for a new bank. For years, the company had been banking in Illinois. But when their bank was acquired by another company, Catalyst suddenly found itself in the market.

Scott entered the process with clear eyes. He and his team evaluated their options and paid close attention to both the commercial product offerings and the people sitting across the table.

Johnson Financial Group checked every box. But it was the caliber of the commercial banking team, SVP Commercial Banking, Ash Noble, along with SVP Regional President Southeast, Tom Moore and SVP Treasury Management Sales Manager, Rob Hogan that ultimately tipped the scales.

"At the end of the day, you want to work with people you like, people you're comfortable with. You can't put a price on that," said Scott.

Scott had known Ash casually around town for years. They ran in overlapping circles and knew many of the same people. That familiarity mattered. So did the fact that the entire commercial banking team operated with integrity.

"I get they're in sales," Scott said. "But they do it the right way. And that was important."

What Does a Smooth Business Bank Transition Look Like?

Anyone who has ever switched banks for a business knows the dread that comes with it. New account numbers, vendor updates, ACH setups — the administrative weight of it can be overwhelming.

Scott's team braced for it but thankfully, the transition was surprisingly smooth.

"My director of finance and my accounting manager were very impressed with the conversion to Johnson Financial Group," said Scott. "It was painless. It was seamless. The support was there."

Scott credits the JFG treasury management team, alongside Rob, for making a stressful transition feel almost effortless.

What Keeps a Commercial Banking Relationship Strong Over Time? 

What has kept the relationship strong is the ongoing investment. The JFG team does not disappear after the deal is done. They show up. This means regular off-site check-ins, business reviews and active community involvement.

"There's continuous dialogue, which is great," Scott shared. "Hey, how's it going? What's going on with business? Hey, here are some things we have going on. Let's talk. It just continues to strengthen."

That is what Scott Hanna was looking for all along: People he could trust to show up long after the paperwork was signed.

If you are navigating a bank conversion or simply wondering whether your current banking relationship is working as hard as it should be, the conversation with JFG is worth having. Connect with an advisor today.