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A1 Restaurant Equipment: Building Success Beyond Banking

When Justin Silcock and his partners took over A1 Restaurant Equipment from his father 14 years ago, they faced an unexpected challenge—their existing bank wasn't confident in the next generation's ability to succeed.

"When we took over the company from our parents, the prior bank was nervous about second-generation ownership," Justin recalls. "They didn't want to release my dad from liabilities, which just wasn't going to work for us."

That's when they reached out to First Federal Bank. After one meeting, the response from First Fed was refreshingly simple: "Shouldn't be a problem." Days later, they were set up and ready to go.

A1 manufactures restaurant furniture and serves as a kitchen equipment dealer for the restaurant industry, handling everything "from the front door to the back door." As the business has grown over its 30+ years, First Federal has remained a consistent partner.

"First Federal was there from the very beginning," Justin explains. “As young business owners, we needed help from the banking industry. Initially, we needed a line of credit, and as we grew, they supported our day-to-day operations. They've been there every step of the way."

The personal touch makes a significant difference in their banking experience. "I don't even know the phone number for First Fed—I know my banker’s cell phone number. Any problem, anything I need, I call him directly."

Justin's loyalty to First Federal is summed up in his frequent joke with the team: "Until you tell me no, there's no reason to look anywhere else." That hasn't happened yet, as First Federal has continued to support not just A1, but Justin's other community development projects in Burley as well.

First Fed’s technology has also streamlined their operations. "Having a mobile check scanner has been a game-changer since we're located outside of Burley. Their app is hands-down one of the best banking apps I've ever used."

For Justin, First Federal represents shared community values. "We're local here. Our kids go to school here. It's always nice to see the First Fed banner at all the schools—they're supporting our kids, so why wouldn't we support them as our bank?"