Liberty Bank recently closed on its 6,000^th small business loan – a loan awarded to Vecchitto’s Italian Ice in Middletown. The financing helped the beloved business purchase a new batch freezer, and it marked a milestone moment for America’s fifth oldest bank, which turned 201 this spring.  

Like Liberty, Vecchitto’s has a long history in Middletown. Established in 1930, it has served tasty treats for nearly a century. 

“You don’t see that as often anymore,” Joe Vecchitto said, crediting his loyal customers for the business’ success. “The best part is seeing the third and fourth generations coming in. That’s very special to us.”

Vecchitto owns the seasonal shop on deKoven Driven – and a similar storefront in Old Lyme – with his cousins. His grandfather was the founder, and he says the family’s next generation is already showing interest in the business. “I feel strongly it will be here for years to come,” he said.

That’s why a new freezer was such an important purchase. It helps to ensure the business’ longevity.

Vecchitto first asked teammates working at Liberty Bank’s Middletown branch about securing a loan. His direct contact at Liberty then became Business Banking Officer Sebastian Liseo, who grew up in Middletown and frequented Vecchitto’s as a child.

However, it takes more than one person to draft and finalize a loan. Behind every loan, there is a team – a team of banking officers, underwriters, loan documentation specialists and others who work together to ensure that customers get what they need.

“It is a joint effort,” Liseo said.

Throughout the loan process, Vecchitto said he was pleased, especially with the customer service he received. It was a smooth process with good communication, he said.

That communication continues to this day.

“It is definitely a partnership,” Liseo said. “I like to check in. These business owners trust us and know that they have someone to call when they have questions. We value that trust, and I want businesses like Vecchitto’s to know we care and want them to succeed.”

At Liberty, Liseo is part of a team dedicated to helping small businesses. This team helps businesses secure financing, but they also mentor and educate. They consider themselves to be partners in the process and find joy in watching a business grow and succeed.

To learn more about small business loans offered by Liberty, click here.

In addition to the on-the-ground support throughout the loan process, Liberty also tries to help current or aspiring small business owners through its Academy for Small Business, a series of free classes that provide individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to start and grow their business. These classes address everything from time management and financial planning to risk management and insurance.

About Liberty Bank

Established in 1825, Liberty Bank has over $9.0 billion in assets, 51 retail banking offices across Connecticut and Massachusetts and over 900 teammates. As a full-service financial institution, Liberty offers consumer and commercial banking, treasury management, home mortgages, business loans and investment services.

Watch the full video on Vecchitto's Italian Ice here: Customers of Liberty | Vecchitto's Italian Ice