Small Business Success Story

Avie Croce, Principal of Avie Croce Law

“When it comes to customer service,Bradford Unity Bank takes it to the next level. I just love the fact that if something happens, I can text my representative and get a response. Where else can you get that kind of service?”

Avie Croce knew she wanted to be a lawyer since she was a little girl playing in her grandfather’s office. Even at a young age, she picked up on his commitment to treating his clients like family.

Avie’s plans were put on hold after she started a family of her own; after her daughter graduated college, Avie went back to school herself to study law and carry on the family tradition.

Her legal career started at the State Attorney’s Office, then a private practice. But Avie always knew she wanted to work for herself.

“You don’t have a lot of freedom when you work for somebody else,” she said. “I work for my clients, so they’re my employers — but I like having the freedom to craft how I want to do things. Having your own practice allows you to do that.”

In July 2007, Avie started practicing law out of her home. Before the end of the year, though, her growing client list necessitated the move to a proper office. By May 2008, she was ready to put down roots for her business by purchasing her own space in Daytona Beach, Florida.

With that new space came a new neighbor:Bradford Unity Bank .

“They came over and talked to me about opening an account,” Avie recalled. “I liked that it was close and that I could just walk over and make a deposit.”

Avie first transferred her business accounts toBradford Unity Bank . Later, she refinanced the mortgage for her office through a combination of commercial and Small Business Administration loans. Her loan officer provided timely and consistent updates, and explained all the necessary documentation steps so Avie understood what needed to happen for the loan application to be approved.

“We’re in a better position than ever because my overhead is lower.Bradford Unity Bank was able to help me get loans at a lower cost, so I could pay more toward the principal,” she said.

Bradford Unity Bank no longer operates a branch in Daytona Beach near Avie’s office, but she enjoys knowing that the exceptional service she received in person is only a call or text message away.

“When it comes to customer service,Bradford Unity Bank takes it to the next level. I just love the fact that if something happens, I can text my representative and get a response. Where else can you get that kind of service?” she said.

Today, Avie Croce Law is thriving. In fact, Avie has been able to divert some of her profits into real estate investments.Bradford Unity Bank helped her establish deposit accounts for that business, as well.

“I’m very happy,” said Avie. “I’m not working 24/7, yet I’m making enough to be comfortable and support my employees.”

AndBradford Unity Bank is there to support her, every step of the way.