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A Spring Bank Customer Feature 

The best part about opening a branch in Red Hook? Getting to know and be in service to Brooklynites—starting with our first customer, Nico. 

Five years ago, Nico, a TV and film music writer, moved from Manhattan to live in Red Hook. Not only did he relocate during the chaos of the pandemic, Nico was undergoing a few personal transitions. He knew Red Hook would be a great neighborhood to start his new beginning. The first time Nico visited Red Hook was in the back of a pick up truck in the early 90’s with a writer friend.

“Red Hook was not a place many people visited back then, and there were few small businesses. In fact, Sunny’s, the iconic bar and roots music venue, was only open once or twice a week and with no liquor license. And, it was cash only, at the end of the evening.” explains Nico. “There was a unique neighborhood quality then, that continues.” 

As soon as Nico moved to Red Hook, he quickly plugged into the community. From hosting meals, to getting involved in community issues, and joining local boards like the Red Hook Business Alliance, he was eager to give back. 

“This community has helped me in so many ways. Red Hook has helped me focus on purpose, within a community. It’s a neighborhood where everyone’s dogs know each other’s names,” Nico muses “We are a very purposeful, organized and tight knit community.” 

After Nico’s father passed away, he was left with some capital. His brother guided him to take out a CD (Certificate of Deposit) to accelerate his savings. He knew he was fed up with decades of experiencing the impersonal nature of much larger banks. Just one block from his house, he stopped by our branch, and introduced himself to ReyJane, our Red Hook Branch Manager. He was ready to open a checking account and explore personal savings account options.

“From day one, the team at Spring Bank was so welcoming. I am involved locally in various public service efforts, and the fact that they invest in the local community created a lot of value for me. It’s exactly the way a bank should be run. Right from the beginning, Spring Bank has become an important part of our community,” says Nico. 

We are so honored to work with you, Nico, and the entire Red Hook neighborhood. As we celebrate our first Brooklyn anniversary, we hope you’ll get to know more about our everyday, affordable banking products like our personal checking account, and high-interest savings.