Right away, I could tell she understood me and my business.
“When I first met Ben, I was immediately struck by his passion — not just for medicine, but for helping people,” recalls Claudine, Relationship Manager, CIBC Business Banking. “He had this clear, strong vision and I could see he was building something much bigger than just a business.”
But interestingly, when I first talked with Claudine about purchasing the building and moving my existing mortgage from a different financial institution, she said I should wait.
“When he first considered purchasing his building, I gave Ben the honest advice not to switch to us at that point,” says Claudine. “The penalties he would have had to pay to the other financial institution would have cost him too much. And for me, it’s not about making the sale, it’s about doing what’s right for the client and putting them first."
A few months later, I decided to make the move. I didn’t look at it as a penalty, but as an investment in my business. It was surrounding myself with people who were going to help lift me and our business.
Claudine walked me through every step of buying the building, from the financials and paperwork to the strategy. She matched my communication style and respected how I work. I’m with my patients all day, so she provided the information I needed by email or voicemail, which allowed me to stay focused on my business.
One of the things that’s gotten me to where I am in life is trusting my gut, especially when it comes to people. First impressions can change. But with Claudine, I never wavered. She saw my dream and wanted to help make it happen.
“It wasn’t about getting his business, it was about supporting his dream,” says Claudine. “And I truly believe in what he’s doing. Helping Ben build this practice and seeing the way it touches lives — that makes me proud to be a small part of it.”
