Can You Really Update an Aging Branch on a Small Budget—Without Ever Closing? A Magically Wonderful Branch Refresh Story

As  CEO of Mohave Community Federal Credit Union, Ann Riley was faced with a dilemma—how to update an aging branch with limited resources and a small budget. Oh, and add the stress of figuring out how to do it without disrupting clients and closing the branch.

Impossible? After calling countless firms, the project sure seemed that way.

“Months,” they all said it would take. And coordinating all the different contractors together to complete everything in an orchestrated fashion—“good luck or get a bigger budget.”

Feeling discouraged, Anne wished she could just find someone out of a TV show—a company that could magically make it all happen…and almost overnight.

Kick the typical harsh reality of branch refresh projects to the curb

For many of us, this is an all too common scene. The paralyzed feeling of not updating our branches because the project seems too complex, expensive and time-consuming.

But then…Anne remembered DBSI.

With the first phone call, everything already seemed different. 

“Yes, we can do that,” DBSI assured. “In fact, why don’t we show you different options that align to your budget and branch?”

Incredulous, Anne was quickly presented with ideas that were realistic and affordable. DBSI even met with the Mohave Community FCU board to get unified approval.

But the magic didn’t stop there. Just like Anne hoped, the refresh could happen around normal business hours.

“How about completing over an upcoming 3-day weekend,” DBSI offered.

With everything sounding so perfect, doubt began to set in. “It all almost seemed too good to be true—unbelievable really,” said Anne. But, DBSI had proven they had done this before and had the whole process mapped out, making decisions and execution easy, so Anne gave the go-ahead and cautiously proceeded.

When the Friday came for the refresh to happen, Anne was still unsure of what to expect when she would return on Monday afternoon. She eagerly waved goodbye to the DBSI crew, still wondering if they could really get it all done.

Get that new branch look and smell

Much to Anne’s amazement, Monday was a complete shock.

“When I walked up to the branch, I felt like I was on one of those home network TV shows,” exclaimed Anne. “I really couldn’t believe my eyes. The branch was a totally new space—it even smelled fresh!”

DBSI had delivered what they promised and more. In a 3-day weekend, the branch was completely updated with new furniture, cabinets, flooring, walls, paint, ceilings, lighting, and even digital signage. 

Anne’s Advice

Asked if she had any advice for other executives contemplating a branch refresh project, Ann offered this, “If you want something done right, call DBSI. I wasted so much time looking at other companies, only to be disappointed with their responses. A remodel project doesn’t have to be as stressful as you think. DBSI really has the whole process mapped out, making it easy for any financial institution to refresh their branch. I only wished I had called them sooner!”

Get Inspired

Download the fast facts on this three-day branch remodel to get ideas for your next branch transformation.