Steinhauser, a custom label printer located in Newport, Kentucky, has plenty of bragging rights. They’ve been family-owned for over a century, they’re 100% women-owned, and it has been designated a “Best Workplace in the Americas” by their industry’s trade association. Steinhauser specializes in printing custom product labels for the beverage, specialty foods, personal care and household markets.
“We started as a commercial printer. Then we transformed into a label printer focused on pressure-sensitive labels and shrink sleeves for consumer product markets,” says Tara Halpin, Steinhaus’s CEO.
“Things have advanced so significantly in the printing industry. To stay relevant and competitive in the industry, you really have to invest heavily in technology.”
If you check your shower, laundry room or refrigerator, you may find a product with a label printed at Steinhauser. Some of their customers include Kao, Procter & Gamble and Braxton Brewing Company.
“Steinhauser is considered a small business, and, in that respect, we can be very nimble and show strategic agility for our customers,” Halpin says. “But we have the technology of our large competitors, which gives us a right to win significant business. Our vision is to deliver an exceptional experience to everyone every day. I believe our customers feel that experience from the first time they connect with us, all the way through the journey of our relationship.”
Halpin credits their continued success due to nurturing smart business relationships. One of those teammates is Billy Wersel at First Financial Bank.
“Our relationship with Billy started a couple years ago, and we developed a great respect for each other,” Halpin says. “It just made sense for both of our companies to work together.”
Wersel is the commercial banking team lead at First Financial. He is uniquely qualified to work with businesses like Steinhauser.
“I grew up in a small business family and have seen firsthand the challenges associated with being a business owner,” Wersel says. “It’s led me to always being passionate when helping others. Now that I’m a banker, I have a platform to help entrepreneurs like my father and grandfather. It’s very rewarding to me.”
The quality of service Wersel and First Financial provide made them an obvious choice for Halpin.
“Billy and his team have been world-class from the very first meeting we had together, and I know this level of service will continue,” Halpin says. “They are genuinely interested in helping our company grow and achieve our strategic goals. They provide commercial banking services to us, including an operating line of credit and loans on capital equipment.”
Wersel takes this relationship very seriously.
“It is my duty not only to be the face of the bank to Steinhauser but to be the face of Steinhauser to the bank,” Wersel says. “By taking a vested interest in my clients and understanding their needs, I become a strong advocate to help them achieve their financing needs.
“I strive to provide a very hands-on approach when it comes to serving my clients and want to provide key insights into why the bank thinks the way we do. I bring a high level of energy and focus each day, and my clients know they can count on me to always provide honest feedback in a timely manner.”
Wersel takes pride in working to see things from Steinhauser and other local businesses’ points of view.
“To be a consultative adviser in this industry, you need to understand the way banks make credit decisions and businesses function,” Wersel says. “It’s really the foundation on which I’ve built my career.
“First Financial Bank is uniquely positioned in the Cincinnati region. All our key decisions are made in this market. Our size can bring the best of both bigger and smaller banks; we have the big bank technology and capabilities while keeping that hands-on, community bank approach.
“We’re truly able to deliver on the promise of being creative, consistent, flexible and responsive.”
Halpin consults with Wersel often. “We frequently talk about the business, and they are always offering ways to support us,” Halpin says. “And that, in my mind, is what makes this relationship a true collaboration.”
Interested in seeing how First Financial Bank can meet your business needs? Email Billy Wersel at William.wersel@bankatfirst.com or call 513-919-3008.