Can you believe it’s been 7 months since we opened our new branch in Red Hook? As the neighborhood’s first bank in over 15 years, we’ve had the honor of connecting with local residents and businesses to provide affordable banking solutions such as small business bank accounts and personal checking accounts.

Our commitment is to be of service to our new neighbors and become their trusted New York banking partner. How are we getting it done? By hiring responsive mission-driven individuals that go above and beyond for our customers.

Get to Know Israel Santana, Our Red Hook Assistant Branch Manager

Israel Santana joined us as Assistant Branch Manager with over 10 years of banking experience and a love for helping people learn about their finances. Israel was introduced to us by ReyJane Gaudin, Red Hook Branch Manager.

“When ReyJane joined Spring Bank, she let me know how great the bank is and I started researching what they’re all about. I fell in love with the mission, just as she did, and I took the initiative when I found out they were opening the new location in Red Hook,” Israel tells us.

With extensive experience in New York banking, Israel was the perfect candidate to join our Red Hook team. He has witnessed firsthand changes in the industry, which is especially important to us as we join a community that was lacking basic banking services.

“The thing I love most about banking is the people. It brings me joy informing people about their finances so that they’re not blindsided,” says Israel.

As Assistant Branch Manager at our Red Hook branch, it’s Israel’s first time working for a community bank in New York.

“This is the first bank that I’ve worked for where the mission aligns with my own personal views. I’ve been in the industry for a while and I haven’t seen a bank like Spring Bank where the mission statement really reflects the work that they do,” says Israel.

Israel’s journey is a reminder that an impactful career in banking is possible when you choose a community bank in New York that’s committed to financial inclusion and empowerment. At Spring Bank, we believe in people over profit and are lucky to have values-aligned individuals like Israel on our team.

Building Trust and Connecting with Locals

Since opening our doors in Red Hook, our priority has been to become a part of the community. Our Red Hook branch is the first financial institution in Red Hook in over 10 years and that doesn’t come without obstacles.

“The Red Hook community is very vigilant and there’s a guard up because they’ve been through so much,” Israel explains.

Of particular concern among Red Hook locals is the anticipated waterfront development project, which could impact transit and infrastructure. In an effort to build trust and listen to local voices, Israel and our Red Hook team have been attending community meetings about the redevelopment project.

“We’ve been attending a lot of the community meetings to show support in the community,” says Israel. “A lot of our customers that live in the community are actually activists and come into the branch to give us updates on what’s going on.”

Though our work isn’t done yet, we’re grateful for the strides we’ve made in gaining community trust and it’s all thanks to our amazing team. We’re more than just a bank in Red Hook – we’re active community members.

“We get a lot of attention with our mission statement because we’re a certified B Corp and we care about more than just numbers. We’re focused on helping the communities that are underbanked or not banked at all, and that attracts a lot of customers,” Israel explains.

Many Red Hook locals stop by to ask questions, often inquiring about our personal checking and savings account options, while small business owners gravitate toward our small business bank accounts.

“A lot of Brooklyn small businesses inquire about our offerings via phone calls and emails. Many folks were already interested in opening a small business bank account at our Bronx branch, but it was just a little too far for them,” says Israel.

As we continue to build trust with the Red Hook community, we’re grateful for leaders like Israel who are committed to listening to local concerns and staying active in the community.

Going Above and Beyond As Your New York Banking Partner

If you’re in the Red Hook area and looking for a friendly New York banking partner, we’re here for you – our branch is staffed by compassionate individuals like Israel who enjoy helping customers understand personal finances and answering questions:

“The best advice I can give is to stay informed and educate yourself on what’s happening on a daily basis with your accounts. Pay attention to your liquid accounts for rate increases or decreases.”

Together with our Red Hook team, Israel is working on expanding our impact and building relationships with local residents and businesses. For transparent and affordable banking solutions, including personal savings accounts, personal checking accounts, and business bank accounts, visit our Red Hook branch at 356 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, NY 11231, where you’ll be greeted by Israel and the rest of our amazing team.