Business View Magazine | Volume 9, Issue 2

86 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2 institutions. “We realized that we might not be able to make every single transaction, but we really work hard to find the value, the merits, and the opportunities to help people grow,” he adds. “We want to see people succeed.” With an increase in customer adoption, Centinel Bank had to rely on existing technology while they limited in-person banking to appointment only. They also partnered with a Fintech company, StreetShares, updating their systems to be more efficient and user friendly. Reyes reports, “They were phenomenal. They provided us a solution. From our customers, we got a lot of positive feedback on how easy the process was, and that the technology was very efficient and intuitive. For us, it delivered a solution that was world class at a time that people needed simplicity.” Initially this new technology was used to assist with the PPP program but moving forward the bank will use it in the small business loan process. Although virtual banking became necessary for many during the pandemic, Reyes admits, “Technology is not for all customers. We have had to be very multifaceted in finding ways to serve the variety of our customer base. We were able to do that, but technology was one that was a very fast moving curve, and I’m glad we were ready for it.” With a mission to help make their communities better places to live and work in, Centinel Bank gives back through charitable giving, high school scholarships, support of the arts, and volunteer work. Working with students to promote financial literacy is one way that the bank serves the community. Reyes explains, “We had a team of employees that for years were providing what we called financial fitness training. We had employees in all levels of school, providing these courses and teaching the basics of balancing a check book, budgeting, or understanding the importance of your credit. We also did some fun things with elementary