At The Union Bank Company we provide business solutions built on relationships. We feel it's important for us to get to know your unique business, so that we can become your financial partner in helping your business grow.


Commercial Loans & Lines of Credit
Whether you're just establishing your business, expanding your operation or looking for solutions to keep up with supply and demand - we've got excellent financial resources to take your business further.

Ag Lending & Lines of Credit
With many of our locations being in the heart of farming communities, Ag lending is very important to us. We have a very strong understanding of farm operations, with our CEO, our Chief Lending Officer, and some of staff being involved with farming themselves.

Equipment Loans
Regardless of your business size, we have financing options available to help you with your equipment needs, to ensure your business is running efficiently.

Commercial Real Estate
Whether you're buying your first business or expanding, our experts can help you finance owner-occupied and non-owner occupied commercial properties.

Meet our Commercial Lending Team

Northwest Ohio

Mark Honigford
Commercial Relationship Officer - Team Lead
O: 419-692-2010 x4810 | C: 419-303-1199

 Mark has nearly 40 years of banking experience with over half of them assisting local businesses with their lending needs. Earlier in Mark’s banking career he was a branch manager helping customers with consumer and residential loans. With his breadth of knowledge and diverse commercial background, Mark works with business customers of all sizes in Allen, Putnam, Van Wert, Auglaize and Shelby counties. Mark attended Rhodes State College at OSU on the Lima Campus and attended the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado. Mark and his wife have three children and three grandchildren.

 
 
Justin D. Burris
Commercial Relationship Officer
O: 740-672-3597 | C: 419-957-4831
 
 

Justin has over 20 years of banking and commercial lending experience. He works with clients in the tri-state area (Ohio, Michigan, Indiana) in a variety of businesses. He has sat on boards for the United Way of Wood County, Children’s Hunger Alliance, Rotary International of BG, as well as The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce. `He graduated from Bowling Green State University with an M.B.A.  He is married with 4 kids and they have lived and worked in Wood County for the past 17 years.  He has coached his kids in football, basketball, baseball and softball and enjoys cheering them on in all they do.  He also is an active member of H20 church in Bowling Green.


 

Chase H. Doll
Commercial Relationship Officer
O: 419-229-6500 x4718 | C: 419-674-6147

Chase has over 10 years of banking and commercial lending experience. He specializes in Investment Real Estate, having personal experience as he owns and helps operate a family real estate investment company. Chase works with business customers in Allen, Hardin, Logan, Auglaize and Putnam counties. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from University of Northwest Ohio. Chase was born and raised in Hardin County, an alumni of Hardin Northern High School. He also sits on the local Hardin County Board of Health. Chase and his wife have two children.

 
 
 
 
John Eckel
Commercial Relationship Officer
O: 419-692-0058 x5203
 
 

John has 27 years of experience in lending—commercial and agriculture. John has lived in Bowling Green his whole life and is extremely dedicated to the community. He graduated from The College of Business Administration at Bowling Green State University, and he is currently a board member of the City of Bowling Green Revolving Loan Fund. He is also a lifelong member of St. Aloysius Church in Bowling Green where he is the president of the finance council, and he operates a 4th generation family farm north of BG. John is married, has two children, and outside of these endeavors loves to attend his children’s sporting events and work on the farm.

 
 

Rick Rosado
Commercial Relationship Officer
O: 419-228-2144 x4714


Rick has worked with local businesses for their commercial lending needs for nearly 30 years, excelling in Commercial and Investment Real Estate. Aside from his commercial lending experience, Rick is also knowledgeable about credit and cash management. He works with businesses in Allen, Auglaize, Shelby, Logan, Montgomery, Hancock and Warren Counties. Rick raised his family in the Shawnee area of Lima and he works out of our Lima Shawnee location. Rick holds a B.B.A. from the University of Cincinnati, in fact his entire family are either an alumni or current student of the University of Cincinnati. Go Bearcats!

Central Ohio

Daron S. McGuire
Central Ohio Market Leader
O: 740-549-3400 x7649 | C: 614-905-1247

Daron has been in banking for more than 30 years, a majority of that time spent helping business customers with their lending needs. What sets Daron apart is that he takes the time necessary to fully understand his customers’ needs, goals and objectives and then working with them to craft specific solutions to those needs. Daron holds a BA in Business Administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, an MBA in Business Administration from Ashland University, and is a Certified Treasury Professional. Daron and his wife reside in Lewis Center. They have two adult children, two puppies, love serving at their church and helping others.


Tom Sansone
Columbus Business Development Leader
O: 740-549-3400 x7642 | C: 614-571-3593

Tom has over 30 years of banking experience, with a majority of that time being in commercial lending. Tom is also a member of credit, loan policy and pricing and asset/liability committees. His involvement with these committees extends his knowledge to all facets of commercial banking, however he does pride himself in his experience with Investment Real Estate and C&I Lending. Tom is committed to providing the highest level of customer service to businesses in Central Ohio. He accomplishes this by being responsive, setting expectations, and delivering solutions on a timely basis. Tom holds a BSBA from The Ohio State University in Accounting and Finance. He also earned his CPA certificate. Tom was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, an avid fan of OSU sports and Columbus Blue Jackets. Tom enjoys spending time with his family, especially supporting his son in Special Olympics.


Rob Cotner
Commercial Relationship Officer
C: 614-439-7785

Rob has over Tom has over 25 years of banking experience. He prides himself in taking a consultative approach with his clients and prospects. Rob started his banking career as a Personal Banker, worked his way up to General Manager over a couple of branches, and then took the leap into Business Banking. His work experience has provided him the ability to help his clients in all facets of their financial needs. Rob was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and enjoys camping with his family every summer.



Rob Gray
Commercial Relationship Officer
O: 740-549-3400 x7142 | C: 614-581-9754

Rob has nearly 30 years in banking experience, over half of those helping business customers with their commercial lending needs. Rob’s banking experience also extends to the retail side of banking. Having an expertise in financing, commercial & industrial lending, as well as SBA lending, Rob is able to provide lending solutions to businesses of all sizes in Franklin, Union, Madison, Marion and Delaware counties. Rob is a graduate of The Ohio State University, majoring in Finance. He is a recreational golfer and enjoys college and professional football.


Dan Myers
Commercial Relationship Officer
O: 614-269-4400 x1006

Dan is from Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University and specialized in finance. Dan joined our team in 2021 while still attending school, he began his banking career with us through the Junior Lending Program. He has completed this program and is looking forward to helping people achieve their financial goals and to serve the community in his role as Commercial Relationship Officer. He is excited to further his career at The Union Bank Company!


Dean J. Vande Water
Relationship Manager Commercial Real Estate
O: 740-383-8232 | C: 614-420-6088

Dean has been in banking for more than 30 years, working in commercial lending for a majority of that time. Having additional experience in credit administration, business banking and special assets has provided Dean with the ability to help businesses of all sizes with a complete business relationship. Dean specializes in Commercial and Investment Real Estate for businesses in Franklin and surrounding counties. Dean is a graduate of Miami University with a Bachelor of Science in Business with a Major in Finance. Dean has been a lifelong resident of Central Ohio. He and his wife have three children and are actively involved with Olentangy Orange High School through athletics and performing arts.


Tina M. Fiero
Portfolio Manager
O: 740-549-3400 x7640 | C: 740-334-9558

Tina has over 10 years of experience working in commercial lending. Prior to joining The Union Bank Company, Tina was a commercial loan closer for a brokerage firm. Tina's previous involvement and current focus on commercial loan closing ensures that our clients will experience an efficient loan process from start to finish. Tina is an avid golfer and lifelong gardener. She is also a wife of 20 years and a rescue dog mom to a treeing walker coonhound named Buddy.












Business Education

Funds To Build Your Business

Building a business costs money, usually more than you can generate from your operating revenues alone. Securing the funds you need will require careful planning and preparation.

Whether you're a fully operating business looking to add a new truck to your fleet or to build a new location, or if you're just starting out, you'll need money to turn your plans into reality. It might help to work with an accountant to calculate estimated costs for reaching the next level of development.

The Basics
Before you borrow, list your basic business expenses. Each time you expand your business, these costs are likely to increase.
  • Employee salaries
  • Rent
  • Electricity, heating, air conditioning and fuel
  • Paper and other supplies
  • Purchasing or leasing operating equipment
  • Decorating or remodeling costs
  • Legal and professional fees
  • Insurance
  • Taxes
  • Machinery and power tools

Give Yourself Some Credit
One option to increase your funds is to get a line of credit, which is a type of loan that gives you short-term or seasonal funds.

Basically, a line of credit is very similar to a credit card, with the notable exception that interest on a line of credit is lower and may be tax deductible. You borrow cash, using your business assets as collateral, and pay back the principal and interest on any outstanding balance each month.

A long-term credit loan usually lasts up to five years, and is helpful if you want to have money for operating costs until your business turns a profit. Lenders typically require that you provide collateral or sign a promissory note on this type of loan and pay it back in installments. Of course, you should always be wary of getting into unnecessary debt or borrowing more than you can afford to pay back.

Do You Qualify?
If you're thinking about taking a loan to build your business, there are several qualifications that banks and investors normally expect from you, as the owner, and your business. Before you apply for a loan, make sure that you can provide potential lenders with the following:
  • Business plan
  • Balance sheet and income statement
  • Cash flow projections
  • Profit and loss reports
  • Personal financial statements for all business partners
  • Credit report
  • Personal income tax returns
  • Information on business debts

What is a Business Line of Credit and how is it used?

A Business Line of Credit provides a business with access to money that can be used for various expenses to assist in the operation of your business.

How It Works
This revolving line works similar to a credit card, in which interest begins to accumulate when funds are drawn. As the balance is paid, it is again available to be borrowed.

Most businesses use their business line of credit for short-term operational expenses like ordering supplies, increasing inventory or payroll.

Maintaining good standing on your line of credit may build your business credit rating and better position your business for future financing.

Is it a good idea to get a business line?

Business owners are facing unprecedented times brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, making businesses ask themselves if getting a business line of credit is a good idea.

Short-Term Expenses
A business line of credit is meant for short-term business expenses that you will repay within months or a few years. Since most credit lines have a variable interest rate, keep in mind that if you miss a payment your interest rate could rise.

The Best Fit For Your Business
When deciding if a business line of credit is right for you, work directly with a business lender. Together you can select the option that fits best for your unique business needs. Most lenders will review your:
  • Ability to repay
  • Credit history
  • Earnings and savings
  • Collateral
  • Purpose of the loan

Understanding Business Credit Scores

Business credit scores are a lot like consumer credit scores. The higher the score, the better the chance of securing financing. Higher scores typically mean being charged a lower interest rate on financing as well.

Some agencies that provide business credit scores are Experian, Equifax, FICO and Dun & Bradstreet. Businesses cannot typically access their credit reports for free, however there are some ways to access a free business credit summary through these agencies.

Business credit score factors are:
  • Payment history
  • The amount of credit you're using compared to the amount of credit you have available.
  • Business size
  • Credit mix

Young Farmers - Where to Begin

Whether you're taking over the family farm or purchasing land to start your own farming operation, thinking about financing can become overwhelming.

Choosing a Lender
Often times when searching for an Ag Lender it's nice to keep rates in mind, but to also find a lending partner that cares about the growth and success of your farm, and that can offer some sound advice along the way.

There are USDA programs and agriculture grants available to farmers that can get you off to a great start as well. Getting involved with the National Young Farmers Coalition can help you stay informed about the alternative funding that may be available to you.

Developing a Farm Business Plan
Just like any other business, a farmer should develop a business plan as well. Your farm business plan should include your business goals, why you think you can achieve them, and a laid out plan for doing so. Think of your business plan as a work in progress, not an end product. You'll want to revisit your plan regularly as your farm grows.

Many business plans will also include an enterprise budget in which you'll project costs and returns for your farm production practice. Creating this budget will help you develop a viable farm business plan. There are many calculator tools available online to help you develop a budget for your particular farming operation.

Equipment Leasing vs. Buying

Leasing equipment can be a great options for businesses that don't have access to unlimited capital or who need equipment that will need to be updated on a regular basis, whereas purchasing equipment is likely better for established businesses that need equipment for a long-term period. Every business is different, so it's always important to weigh the pros and cons before making your decision.

Leasing Pros:
  • Less initial expense.
  • Easier to upgrade, especially if technology is a factor.
Leasing Cons:
  • Higher overall cost.
  • Required to pay for the entire lease period whether you use the equipment or not.

Buying Pros:
  • Gain ownership, thus increasing assets that can be used as collateral for other financing.
  • Tax incentives, consult your tax professional regarding depreciation deductions. 
Buying Cons:
  • Higher initial expense, could require a down payment of about 20%.

The Best Time to Purchase Equipment

Whenever you're thinking of purchasing new equipment, you should first talk with your tax professional and to also reevaluate your business plan. Your business plan should always be a work in progress. So when making big purchases, you need to determine what assets and equipment are absolutely essential to running your business efficiently and effectively.
  • How will this purchase add value to your business in the long term?
  • Will it improve productivities and lead to increase profits?
  • Does current equipment need upgraded in order for you to stay competitive in your market?

Once you determine what equipment is needed, it's time to do you research. There's nothing wrong with comparison shopping to find equipment that will best serve your needs.

Deciding on a time to purchase equipment will likely vary depending on the type of business. If you're operating a seasonal business, you'll likely find cost savings by purchasing your equipment in the off season. Consider searching locally at liquidation sales, estate sales and auctions which may turn up some gently used equipment at a better cost.

Connect with a Commercial Lending Expert.
Our Commercial Lenders are truly relationship bankers, and they are ready to get to know you and your business.
 
SBA Resources.
Small businesses have a variety of SBA and other governmental lending programs available to them, and our SBA Team can help.

Your time is valuable. Through Treasury Management we offer convenient digital business banking options customized for your business needs.