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As CFO and part owner of Schow's Incorporated, Kent Schow helps manage one of Idaho's most established agricultural equipment dealers. Founded in 1949 by Kent's grandfather Richard in the Rupert area, Schow's has grown from a single location to eight facilities across southern Idaho and into the Treasure Valley, serving farmers, ranchers, and truckers with agricultural equipment, trucks, parts, and service.

That remarkable growth journey has been supported by a banking partnership that spans decades. "We've been with First Federal over 20 years," Kent explains. "When we started with them, we were looking to build, and they really helped us get into the building we're at in Heyburn."

The contrast with their previous banking experience was notable. "Before First Federal, it seemed like you would walk in and wouldn't be recognized, or didn't feel like we were having our needs met," Kent recalls

What keeps Schow's loyal to First Fed is the unwavering consistency and responsiveness that comes with true community banking. "Our banker has always been very consistent and helpful for us. If we ever need anything, we just call him, and he helps us," Kent notes. That personal attention proved crucial during a potential fraud situation. "A lot of other bankers wouldn't have gone as far as they did. They really stepped in, took control of the situation, and helped us get to where we needed to be."

First Fed's comprehensive technology solutions streamline Schow's daily operations across their multiple locations. "We really like their remote deposit capability—it's helped us avoid making trips to the bank. We also use the ACH features for electronic payroll, and we just started using their merchant processing."

Daily operations begin with First Fed's online platform. "The first thing I do most days when I get to work is go to their website and check our accounts," Kent says. "They've been very good at helping us keep our accounts secure."

For Kent, First Fed represents essential qualities that mirror Schow's own values: "We've expanded our business to eight locations and into the Treasure Valley, where First Fed has moved to now. We felt like they've moved along with us."