Expert insights from Angie Propp, VP Cash Management Sales Manager

For many business owners, managing cash flow is about more than making sure money is coming in and going out on time. It’s about creating efficient processes, protecting company funds, and having the right tools in place to support growth. According to Angie Propp, Vice President Cash Management Sales Manager at Highland Bank, effective cash management combines operational efficiency with proactive fraud prevention, helping businesses work smarter while reducing risk.

What Cash Management Can Do for Your Business

Cash management is often misunderstood as simply managing a business checking account, but it encompasses much more. At its core, cash management is about helping businesses optimize cash flow, streamline processes, accelerate receivables, simplify payables, and protect funds from fraud. 

For business owners juggling day-to-day operations, these tools can save valuable time while improving financial visibility. Services such as ACH payments allow businesses to automate vendor payments and collections, reducing the need for paper checks and minimizing manual administrative work.

Whether a company has two employees or two hundred, cash management solutions can be tailored to fit their operations and gain greater control over their finances while freeing up time to focus on growth.

The Growing Threat of Fraud and How to Protect Your Business

While efficiency is an important benefit of cash management, fraud prevention has become an even greater priority for businesses today. According to Angie, fraud attempts have increased significantly over the years and have become increasingly sophisticated.

One of the most common tactics she sees involves email compromise. Fraudsters can gain access to vendor or customer email accounts and send seemingly legitimate requests to change payment instructions. Businesses may unknowingly send payments to a fraudulent account if proper verification procedures are not followed.

Check fraud and unauthorized ACH debits are also common concerns. Criminals can obtain account information from mailed checks or previous transactions and attempt to create counterfeit checks or initiate unauthorized payments.

Angie says one of the biggest warning signs is urgency.

“It is important to slow down and take the time to vet what you’re doing. Make sure you’re not changing payment information without verifying first.”

For that reason, Highland Bank’s fraud prevention tools are designed to give businesses greater control over outgoing and incoming transactions. Positive Pay helps protect against check fraud by comparing issued check information, including payee, amount, date, and check number, against checks presented for payment. If something doesn’t match, the business is notified before the item is processed.

ACH fraud protection tools provide similar oversight by allowing businesses to block unauthorized ACH debits, set approval parameters, or require notification before transactions are processed. This enables business owners to review activity before funds leave their account.

Beyond technology, Angie encourages businesses to establish internal controls such as dual approvals and separation of duties. Having multiple people involved in payment processes can significantly reduce both internal and external fraud risks.

Common Misconceptions That Can Put Businesses at Risk

One misconception Angie frequently encounters is the belief that banks automatically monitor every transaction on behalf of their customers.

While banks provide monitoring tools and support, business owners remain the first line of defense when it comes to protecting their funds. Reviewing account activity, responding to alerts, and following internal procedures are essential responsibilities that help prevent losses.

Another common misconception is that fraud only happens to large companies or businesses with significant assets. Angie stresses that organizations of every size are targets.

Whether a business has a small accounting department or a larger finance team, fraud prevention measures offer valuable protection and peace of mind. In many cases, the cost of implementing fraud tools is far less than the potential financial loss resulting from a single fraudulent transaction.

A Customized Partnership Built Around Your Business

At Highland Bank, cash management isn’t a one-size-fits-all service. Angie and her team begin by understanding each client’s processes, challenges, and goals before recommending solutions designed specifically for their business.

With more than 30 years of banking experience, Angie works closely with businesses of all sizes to identify solutions that fit their unique needs. “Every business is so individualized,” Angie says. “That’s why I like to meet with clients, hear about how they do things, and then give them suggestions on how we can partner with them and help customize their cash flow.”

The implementation process is designed to be simple and convenient. Through virtual meetings, Highland Bank’s cash management team guides business owners through product selection, user access, dual-control setup, and training. Ongoing support is available whenever staffing changes occur or a refresher is needed. Clients can choose from hands-on training, written manuals, or online videos based on their preferred learning style.

From fraud prevention tools and ACH solutions to automated sweeps, payment processing options, and online payment capabilities, Highland Bank’s Cash Management Team helps businesses create customized solutions that support efficiency, growth, and security.

Ready to Strengthen Your Cash Management Strategy?

Angie believes one of the greatest benefits of working with a community bank is having a trusted partner who can help evaluate existing processes and identify opportunities for improvement.

If you’d like to learn how Highland Bank can help streamline your operations and safeguard your business funds, connect with Angie Propp and the Cash Management Team. They’ll work with you to understand your unique needs and recommend solutions that help your business operate more efficiently and with greater confidence.

Expert insights from Ben Hangge, SVP Commercial Banking Manager

Buying or selling a business is one of the most significant financial decisions a business owner can make. Whether the goal is growth, expansion, succession planning, or retirement, acquisition financing can help turn opportunity into reality.

Highland Bank’s SVP Commercial Banking Manager, Ben Hangge, has spent more than a decade helping business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors navigate acquisition financing. Through every transaction, his focus remains the same: helping clients understand their options, prepare for the process, and achieve their long-term goals.

Unlocking Opportunity Through Acquisition Financing

Acquisition financing provides funding for a change in ownership of an operating business. It can support everything from an entrepreneur purchasing their first company to an established organization expanding into new markets through strategic acquisitions. It is also commonly used to facilitate succession planning, ownership transitions, and employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), helping business owners create a path forward while preserving the legacy they’ve built.

Today’s business landscape has created growing interest in what many call entrepreneurship through acquisition, where buyers acquire existing businesses rather than starting from scratch. According to Ben, this approach has become an increasingly important driver of small business growth, allowing entrepreneurs to build on an established foundation while creating opportunities for future expansion.

As buyers begin exploring acquisition opportunities, one of the first realities they encounter is that every transaction is unique. Funding structures, equity requirements, and timelines can vary significantly based on the size of the business, the complexity of the transaction, and the financing solution selected. While some transactions may require a larger capital investment from the buyer, others can be structured to make business ownership more accessible.

The timeline is equally important to understand. Although every acquisition follows its own path, financing is only one piece of a larger process that often involves negotiations, due diligence, legal review, and coordination among multiple parties. Having experienced advisors involved early on can help set realistic expectations and keep transactions moving forward efficiently.

SBA vs. Conventional Financing

While both financing options can support a business acquisition, the right solution depends on the transaction size, the buyer’s experience, and available capital.

SBA financing is often a strong fit for entrepreneurs looking to purchase a business but who may not have substantial capital available. Backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, these programs are designed to increase access to financing and help make business ownership more attainable for qualified buyers. As an SBA Preferred Lender, Highland Bank can make certain lending decisions on behalf of the SBA, helping create a more streamlined and efficient process for borrowers.

Because SBA loans typically require a smaller equity contribution than conventional financing, they have become a popular option for first-time business owners pursuing entrepreneurship through acquisition. Instead of building a customer base, team, and operations from the ground up, buyers can acquire an established company with existing infrastructure and cash flow. SBA financing can help bridge the gap between a buyer’s available capital and the funding needed to complete an acquisition.

Conventional financing is commonly used for larger acquisition opportunities or buyers with greater access to capital. These transactions typically require a larger equity investment and place a strong emphasis on the company’s ability to generate cash flow.

Unlike commercial real estate loans that rely heavily on property value as collateral, acquisition financing is largely centered on cash flow. Lenders want to understand how the business will support debt repayment while continuing to operate and grow successfully under new ownership.

The financing structure ultimately depends on several factors, including the purchase price, financial performance of the business, available equity, and the buyer’s overall goals.

Setting Yourself Up for Acquisition Success

Whether you’re preparing to sell a business or looking to purchase one, preparation can play a major role in the success of the transaction.

For sellers, attractive acquisition candidates are businesses that can operate successfully beyond the current owner. Buyers often look for experienced management teams, diversified revenue streams, stable financial performance, and documented processes that support a smooth transition. Businesses that show consistent growth and are not overly dependent on one customer, employee, or owner tend to be more attractive in the marketplace.

For buyers, preparation means taking the time to fully evaluate opportunities rather than rushing into the first available deal. Understanding financial performance, management structure, customer concentration, growth opportunities, and industry dynamics can help uncover risks before closing and lead to more informed decisions.

Ben also emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with experienced advisors. Acquisition transactions frequently involve attorneys, accountants, bankers, and other professionals who each play a critical role in the process. Working with advisors who understand acquisitions can help identify potential challenges early and create a smoother path to closing.

“Preparation and having the right advisory team in place are critical,” Ben says. “Whether you’re buying or selling, working with professionals who understand acquisition transactions can make all the difference.”

Expert Guidance That Goes Beyond Closing

After more than a decade focused on acquisition financing, Ben has worked with everyone from first-time business buyers to experienced investors and private equity groups. One lesson has remained consistent throughout those transactions: no two deals are exactly alike.

Acquisitions often involve unexpected challenges, shifting timelines, and complex deal structures. Having an experienced banking partner can help clients navigate those situations, identify solutions, and maintain momentum throughout the process.

What continues to drive Ben’s passion for acquisition financing is the opportunity to help people navigate important milestones, whether that’s transitioning into retirement, purchasing a first business, or expanding into new markets. He views every transaction as more than a loan, seeing it instead as the beginning of a long-term relationship built on understanding a client’s goals and supporting their growth. As financing needs evolve over time, Ben remains a trusted resource, helping business owners pursue future opportunities with confidence.

His advice for business owners considering an acquisition is simple, “Take your time, prepare thoroughly, and build a team of experienced advisors who understand the process. With the right strategy, guidance, and financing structure, acquisition financing can create opportunities for growth, ownership transition, and long-term success.”

Ready to explore acquisition financing opportunities? Connect with Ben Hangge and Highland Bank’s commercial banking team to start the conversation.

Expert insights from Angie Trocke, VP Commercial Banker at Highland Bank

For many business owners, real estate is more than a place to operate—it can be a strategic investment in the future. Whether purchasing a building, expanding into a new space, refinancing an existing property, or exploring income-producing investment opportunities, Commercial Real Estate Financing can help businesses create stability, support growth, and build long-term value.

At Highland Bank, commercial real estate financing begins with understanding each client’s goals and helping them navigate opportunities with clarity and confidence. With more than twenty years in the banking industry, Angie Trocke helps business owners evaluate how real estate ownership can support both their current needs and long-term vision.

“Commercial real estate ownership can provide added value to a business owner’s overall objectives and long-term success.”

Financing That Supports Growth and Opportunity

Commercial real estate financing can support a wide range of business needs, from purchasing a property for your own operations to financing investment real estate that generates rental income. While each scenario is unique, the overarching goal is often the same: creating opportunities for growth while building long-term value through property ownership.

Angie works with businesses across many industries and believes commercial real estate ownership can be a valuable option for a variety of organizations. For some business owners, owning their space provides greater control and flexibility. For others, real estate becomes an additional income-producing asset that can continue generating revenue long after they step away from day-to-day operations.

Some of the most rewarding commercial real estate projects arise when a business is ready to take the next step. Angie recalls helping a growing company that had outgrown its leased location and needed additional space to support expansion. Through commercial real estate financing, the business was able to purchase and renovate a larger property, creating room for future growth while building equity in a valuable long-term asset.

She has also helped businesses purchase buildings that they previously leased, giving owners greater control over their future and helping them avoid the uncertainty that can sometimes come with changing landlords, redevelopment plans, or relocation pressures. In these situations, access to the right financing and guidance can make all the difference.

Preparing for Financing and Planning Beyond the Purchase Price

Successful commercial real estate financing often begins well before a purchase agreement is signed. Angie encourages business owners to start by having conversations with their banker, accountant, and financial advisor to better understand equity requirements, cash flow expectations, and the financial commitment associated with property ownership.

Businesses that are best positioned for financing typically demonstrate healthy liquidity, adequate cash reserves, and a clear plan for the property. Depending on the project, documentation such as tenant leases, operating statements, and property expense details can help create a smoother approval process and provide a clearer picture of the opportunity.

It’s also important to plan beyond the purchase price itself. Property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance expenses, and future capital improvements all play a role in long-term ownership costs. Factoring these expenses into projections early can help business owners make informed decisions and avoid unexpected surprises down the road.

What Business Owners Should Know Before Getting Started

Commercial real estate financing often differs from what business owners expect based on their experience with residential lending. Commercial loans are typically structured differently, with shorter amortization periods and financing terms that are tailored to the property, the borrower’s goals, and the long-term strategy for the investment. Understanding these differences early can help business owners make more informed decisions throughout the process.

Borrowers frequently have questions about required equity, repayment terms, and financing flexibility. Angie emphasizes that these conversations are most productive when they happen early. Understanding a client’s plans for the property helps ensure the financing structure aligns with their goals and supports both short-term needs and long-term success.

A Relationship-Driven Perspective on Commercial Real Estate

Strong commercial real estate financing starts with open communication, clear expectations, and a trusted banking relationship. Angie believes clients should understand every step of the process—from appraisals and title work to financing proposals and documentation requirements. Frequent communication helps keep projects moving forward and allows business owners to make decisions with confidence.

Many of Angie’s conversations begin long before a client is ready to purchase a property. Those early discussions help business owners better understand what lenders look for, identify opportunities for improvement, and prepare financially before the right property becomes available. By providing education and guidance from the start, she helps clients approach commercial real estate ownership with greater clarity and confidence.

Take the First Step Toward Your Next Business Opportunity

Whether you’re considering purchasing your first commercial property, expanding into a larger space, refinancing an existing building, or exploring investment real estate opportunities, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. At Highland Bank, commercial banking is grounded in relationships, local decision-making, and thoughtful conversations that begin with understanding your goals—not just your numbers.

By working with Angie Trocke and the Highland Bank commercial banking team, business owners gain a trusted partner who can help evaluate opportunities, prepare for financing, and determine how commercial real estate ownership can support what’s next. If you’re ready to start the conversation, connect with Angie today.

Expert insight from Janelle Higgins, Vice President Commercial Banker at Highland Bank

Growth rarely happens by accident. For business owners, it’s often the result of making strategic investments at the right time—investing in equipment, managing cash flow intentionally, and having access to capital when opportunity arises. When used thoughtfully, working capital lines of credit and equipment financing can do more than solve short‑term challenges—they can help businesses move forward with confidence and take their business to new heights.

At Highland Bank, these financing tools are designed to support both stability and long‑term growth. VP, Commercial Banker, Janelle Higgins, shares real-world insights from her experience working with business owners across a wide range of industries. She has seen firsthand that having access to the right financing can be transformative.

“I’ve seen clients start at a couple million in sales and triple their revenue in just a few years by having access to working capital and equipment financing.”

Financing That Keeps Businesses Moving Forward

Working capital lines of credit and equipment loans play different roles, but together they create a strong financial foundation.

A working capital line of credit helps businesses manage short‑term operating needs. It’s commonly used to bridge timing gaps—when expenses come due before receivables are collected or inventory has turned into cash. Rather than slowing operations during busy or seasonal periods, a line of credit provides flexibility and peace of mind.

Equipment financing supports longer‑term investment. These loans are directly tied to equipment purchases and are typically structured around the useful life of the asset. Financing equipment allows businesses to improve efficiency, expand capacity, or add new capabilities without tying up cash that may be needed elsewhere.

Turning Opportunity Into Momentum

In Janelle’s experience, businesses most often explore working capital and equipment financing during key moments; periods of rapid growth, seasonal fluctuations, or when aging equipment begins to hinder productivity. In many cases, new equipment enables businesses to take on work they couldn’t manage before, while working capital ensures cash flow keeps pace with expansion.

Importantly, having access to capital doesn’t mean it has to be used constantly. For many businesses, simply knowing funds are available creates confidence and flexibility. These tools act as a bridge, helping businesses respond quickly to opportunity, navigate uncertainty, and stay focused on long‑term goals.

Preparing for Financing—and Positioning for Success

Successful financing outcomes often begin well before an application is submitted. Businesses that are best positioned for working capital or equipment financing typically show steady or growing revenue, consistent cash flow, and a proven ability to service new debt.

Preparation plays a critical role. Thoughtful financial projections help business owners—and their bankers—understand where the organization is headed. Working capital lines are intended for short‑term needs, so discipline around usage is important. Equipment investments, meanwhile, benefit from careful consideration of break‑even timing and long‑term cash flow impact.

Clear financial documentation and proactive conversations can make the process smoother and more strategic. Even businesses that aren’t quite ready yet can benefit from early guidance to understand what steps will help them prepare.

Clearing Up Common Misconceptions

One of the most common misconceptions around working capital financing is that using a line of credit reflects negatively on the business. In reality, banks view thoughtful line usage as a normal and healthy part of a company’s cash flow cycle—not a sign of trouble.

Business owners also frequently have questions about structure. Working capital lines typically carry floating interest rates and are reviewed annually, while equipment loans often feature fixed rates and terms that vary based on the asset. In many cases, a substantial portion of an equipment purchase can be financed, allowing businesses to preserve liquidity while still investing in growth.

A Relationship‑Driven Perspective on Business Banking

With more than 25 years of commercial banking experience, Janelle Higgins brings a relationship‑first mindset to serving a variety of businesses. Her approach is grounded in listening, transparency, and helping business owners think through both immediate needs and long‑term strategy.

For Janelle, the strongest outcomes come from trust and open dialogue, often before decisions are finalized.

“The best banker‑client relationships are built on trust and transparency—on both sides.”

By encouraging early conversations and honest collaboration, she helps clients preserve liquidity, avoid unnecessary strain, and use financing as a strategic tool rather than a last resort.

Take the First Step Toward What’s Next

Whether you’re navigating growth, managing cash flow, or considering an investment in new equipment, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. At Highland Bank, commercial banking is grounded in relationships, local decision‑making, and thoughtful conversations that start with understanding your business—not just your numbers. By working with Janelle Higgins and the Highland Bank commercial banking team, business owners gain a trusted partner to help explore options, ask the right questions, and determine what type of financing can support what’s next.

If you’re ready to explore working capital lines of credit or equipment financing, take your business to new heights with Janelle Higgins and the Highland Bank commercial banking team today.