Benz Metal Products has always prioritized relationships and connections over transactions. It’s the foundation of their business.
The Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, metal fabrication company, now led by third-generation owners Jake, Joe and Jason van der Kooy, has built its reputation on trust and long-term partnerships. Every team member plays a role in building and maintaining customer relationships.
Over the past 50 years, the family-owned business has grown largely through referrals rather than traditional sales efforts. That relationship-first mindset shapes every part of the business, including the partners they choose, who are flexible and willing to adapt and grow with them. That includes Signature Bank.
Image: Brad Kranich, Senior Vice President and Division Head, Signature Bank in Wisconsin (left), with Jake van der Kooy, CEO of Benz Metal Products (middle) and Erik Doucette, Vice President of Signature Bank in Wisconsin.
Seeing more than the numbers
For much of its history, Benz Metal viewed banking primarily as a transactional necessity. The company had changed banks only twice in over 50 years.
When they ultimately switched to Signature Bank, they were struck by our approach. Rather than leading with spreadsheets and formulas, our team focused on learning the business. We asked about customers, growth plans, operations and leadership. We took time to understand how decisions are made and why.
Benz Metal said it was the first time a bank had looked beyond metrics and invested in the bigger picture. That approach aligned with how they do business.
“Signature Bank was the first bank that saw our whole story, more than just black and white numbers,” said Jake van der Kooy, CEO of Benz Metal. “Signature Bank invested in our family business, trusting how we operate. That’s an incredibly innovative approach.”
That understanding and trust didn’t begin in a boardroom. It started on the sidelines when Jake first met a Signature Bank banker while watching their sons play football.
From community connection to partnership
What began as a personal connection became a business relationship. Over time, conversations shifted from community and family to the business and its direction. There was no sales pitch and no pressure, just straightforward conversations and a clearer understanding of the business.
By the time Benz Metal was ready to explore financing for new equipment and facility expansion, the relationship with Signature was already in place. Discussions felt collaborative, not transactional. And decisions were straightforward, guided by mutual understanding rather than rigid processes.
When trust removes friction
Benz Metal said one of the most meaningful outcomes of the partnership has been the ease of working with Signature Bank. Instead of navigating layers of emails and approvals, conversations are direct. Questions are handled quickly. And the focus stays on the business.
That efficiency matters. It allows the Benz Metal team to focus on running operations, supporting customers and planning for growth rather than getting caught in administrative back-and-forth. It also reflects trust.
Benz Metal has control over its decisions, whether that means investing in equipment, upgrading technology or responding quickly to customer needs. The team knows what’s best for the business, without having to justify every move or navigate unnecessary hurdles.
That trust is especially meaningful for a third-generation, family-owned company. Benz Metal is focused on building for the long term and growing in ways that support the future of the business.
By taking the time to understand how the family operates and how decisions are made, we pride ourselves on being a true partner, not just another lender or service provider. We’re a trusted supporter of the business and the people behind it.
Building what comes next
As Benz Metal continues to grow and evolve, the company remains focused on what has always mattered most: relationships, quality and long-term thinking.
With Signature Bank alongside them, Benz Metal is positioned to continue growing while staying true to how the business has always operated. Our partnership is built on trust, shared values and a clear understanding of what matters most.
When a bank looks beyond the numbers, it can help a business build what comes next.
Let’s start the conversation
When a bank understands the story behind your business, better opportunities follow. If you’re exploring your next phase of growth, connect with Signature Bank to start a conversation about how relationship banking can support your plans. Contact us to get started.
