Holly and Matthew Anglin always dreamed of starting a poultry farm, and First Financial Bank helped make this life and career shift a reality.
The Time for Change
Based in Mississippi, Holly and Matthew Anglin had a dream of starting a poultry farm, but faced similar challenges of other aspiring business owners in finding a supportive and reliable banking partner. Matthew served overseas for several years during his military career, including time in Iraq after 9/11 when many other business owners were facing challenges with the economic downturn. The discipline and determination while in the Army would lead to the success of the poultry farm. He then returned to school to become a paramedic after the ever-growing sacrifices of being away from family, in addition to juggling multiple jobs.
This was the time for a major life and career shift.
Holly and Matthew embarked on the exciting, yet challenging journey of starting a poultry farm. They called Sanderson Farms, who had a contract open for 8 broiler houses and gave 2 to another grower, so they netted-out with 6 broiler houses. They commenced the process of securing financing, however local financial institutions couldn’t meet the complexities and intricacies required. As a result, they initially went through an out of state lender which remained for the subsequent three years. They started to generate revenue, and as Matthew states, “more money that I’ve ever made” however that bank could not accommodate all of their needs.
Matthew performed his proper due diligence and discovered First Financial Bank and connected with Michael Barnes and Lee McDill, who refinanced and offered financing of 70-acres of land. After the paperwork was signed, interest rates started to go down and Michael and Lee worked with them to modify their loan in order to take advantage of that situation and build four more houses, and a second farm.
Of course, financial challenges are only a small aspect of running a successful poultry farming business. When the Anglins’ chickens became ill due to a bad flock of broiler chickens, First Financial Bank helped them through that crisis. Matthew says “they have customers for life.”
The Anglins then completed financing for a commercial property through First Financial Bank. When someone expressed interest in purchasing the farms, the Anglins decided to sell. Then, they secured a contract with Tyson Foods for the construction of four breeder houses. As with any new venture, there were challenges and complexities – which as Matthew states “FFB has gone above and beyond. They’re down to earth, people’s people.”
“FFB has gone above and beyond. They’re down to earth, people’s people.”
-Matthew Anglin
How First Financial Helped Holly and Matthew Overcome Challenges
When the Anglin Family first contacted First Financial Bank, Holly and Matthew were well on their way to establishing their poultry business, but with loan terms that weren’t conducive to growth. They are clients and partners who overcame many similar challenges business owners face when they want to change careers or grow their business. Through multiple farm visits, before/ after work calls, weekends and holdiays – the Anglins and First Financial Bank closely collaborated to ease complexities. First Financial Bank also had with vast experience on similar projects, so they were able to leverage this knowledge and apply it to the Anglin Family business.
For over 30 years, First Financial Bank has offered financial resources and “in the trenches with you” services to poultry farmers across the country. The Anglin Family story demonstrates how First Financial Bank supports families in turning their dreams of starting a new poultry farm into reality, whether they are starting a new business or growing their existing one.
Challenges are part of the process, whether it is a poultry farm or other agricultural business.
Here are the ways First Financial Bank helped the Anglins and can help you.
High Initial Investment
Starting a poultry farming business involves a high initial investment from land/ infrastructure to equipment and stock. First Financial Bank offers competitive interest and refinancing rates. The end result – more profit goes into your pocket.
High Interest Rates
Holly and Matthew’s experience with an initial high interest rate at another bank illustrates one of the biggest challenges in starting a new business. First Financial Bank offers a wide range of flexible solutions and terms tailored to your unique situation. Whether you are buying, selling, or refinancing – First Financial Bank can help.
Forming A Long-Term Business Partner
There are lenders, and there are business partners.
The Anglins chatted with other lenders, but they didn’t provide the same level of support that was found at First Financial Bank. Starting a business is a life-changing event, and support is required during every step of the process. First Financial Bank offers a vast working knowledge of the poultry industry and know how to customize the process, so it’s best suited to a poultry farmer’s unique needs.
“They have customers for life.”
– Matthew Anglin
Final Takeaway
First Financial Bank is a top poultry farming lender in the nation for a reason. They are nationwide industry experts and trusted lenders who partner with you to start or grow your business. Starting a new business is complicated, anxiety-provoking, and risky.
At First Financial Bank, the goal is simple: to help you succeed. First Financial Bank offers reasonable financing terms and supports you throughout the process with our expertise in poultry farming.
