![]() |
|||
|
|
||
|
Spring Lake Park, MN – Ten years ago Your Exchange founder Scott Bennett had a choice of where he wanted to live and start his new business. He sat down with his investors and contemplated many locations of where to do the launch."Underbanked consumers of Anoka County were being completely under-served in this market," said Bennett. "This area has an incredible demand for these services and if we do this right and treat um’ right Your Exchange will be a vital financial solution to a neglected consumer base." Bennett had come up with the idea to test launch a first location inside of the old Lincoln Pawn in Coon Rapids. From the get-go it was a success. In short time small lines began to form. Most customers were just looking for someplace that they could get their check cashed without going through rigmarole and overaggressive fees. Those lines started to grow and Bennett seeked to innovate the industry. Ideas of expansion were only his first train of thought as he saw what was working, compassionate customer service. "We treat all of our customers as respected members of the community and members of the YE family," said Bennett. "We looked at several locations in Anoka County and also surveyed our current client base and found that people were coming from all ends of the county," noted Bennett. Your Exchange expanded to a six store operation in five years. In order to better serve his customers Bennett opened locations in Fridley, Spring Lake Park, Blaine, Coon Rapids, and Champlin. He opened these stores on a different model than the standard of typical “check cashing” stores. The goal was to make the customer experience excellent and memorable from the moment you walk in the door. It worked and soon enough Your Exchange became that neighborhood name. "Those years didn’t just fly by," explained Bennett. Your Exchange suffered growing pains as many families and business did in the financial collapse of 2008. The "check cashing" industry was taking a double dose of pain as payroll systems deployed new services to deliver payment. Bennett also started a consulting company in 2008 and began working with other businesses that offer related services across the Midwest. While helping other companies he quickly realized that a change was needed fast for his own. Your Exchange restructured internally and closed three of its locations. "They were hard decisions," said Bennett. "Looking back we certainly are better positioned now to serve our customers." Your Exchange provides an added array of services and products to its repertoire. One of their more popular new services is buying old or unwanted gold and silver jewelry. "The price of gold is high so people are cashing in," noted Travis Carr, a lead teller at the Blaine location. Your Exchange has begun celebrating its anniversary with a host of promotions and events. "This community means a lot to us, we have a strong history of philanthropy and will continue to give back." noted Bennett. In addition to "Free Money Orders" and the in store gift card giveaways, Your Exchange has been hosting community ribbon cuttings with the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce at all three locations. "We’re constantly working to innovate with the industry and the needs of the local community," said Bennett. "Looking forward to the next 10 years!"
|
| ©2005 - 2011 Website Design & Hosting by www.ManagementSpecialties.com |