The John S. James Company is a family business built on delivering promises—and cargo.
Len is the Chief Financial Officer at John. S James Company, a Customs House Broker and international freight forwarder located right by the port in Savannah, Georgia.
Since taking the helm of his family business, Len has grown the team, stayed connected with clients, remained in the community that he loves so deeply, and began working with us—the bank lucky enough to call Len a customer and a friend.
All Aboard
Six years ago, Len James was deciding whether he should make the switch to United or stick with his current bank. “I was reluctant to make the leap,” he said. What changed his mind? Well, someone who actually understood his mind.
“Our banker had actually worked in our industry,” Lynn explains. “He understood the ins and outs. He understood the cash flow demands. The business model.” We spoke Len’s language in a way his former bank couldn’t.
At first, Lynn had concerns about whether United Community Bank could offer the services his company required. After six years, our Treasury Management Solutions and Remote Deposit capabilities have proven capable of handling the large volume of incoming and outgoing cashflow John S. James manages throughout any given day.
Everything but Smooth Sailing
Len James may be the spitting image of his great grandfather—the company’s namesake—but navigating the choppy waters of 2020 is something the late Mr. James never had the pleasure of overcoming. Len describes the impact that the pandemic has had on the organization, “Our worry, of course, is for the survival of your business, and the survival of your clients’ businesses.”
Navigating the waters of the CARES Act’s Paycheck Protection Program proved a challenge for many businesses during an already stressful time. “[United Community Bank] took the lead very early on. . . they were there to help steer us through the process.” As a result, John S. James was able to continue paying their employees and serving their clients.
Delivering on a Promise
“With United Community Bank, I feel completely confident and at ease. I say I like to think about my bank, I don’t like to worry about my bank,” Len explains.
We agree and our promise is that we’ll continue to deliver exceptional service no mater the waters ahead. As Len look ahead to what’s over the horizon, we’re there to help—with our telescope in tow.
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