BEARD & BOWLER

The Exception

A corporate story we took because
the trust part was the point

We’re known for medical & medtech work, & that focus is deliberate. Once in a while, a corporate video storytelling project shows up that still fits our lens, with a person at the center & a decision that actually matters.

This page holds the current one.

Current Exception

Company: First Hope Bank
Hero: Lou, a second gen business owner carrying employees, family, plus legacy.
What was at stake: A new facility built for the long haul, plus a bank that felt like a real partner.

Why this cleared the bar

This one was easy to respect.

  • Lou needed a partner, not a process.
  • At the bigger banks, “layers” looked like more emails, more waiting, more friction.
  • The distance showed up as silence between emails.
  • First Hope listened before they evaluated, so the questions got better, plus the plan got clearer.
  • The deal sat outside their usual scope. They could’ve said no. They chose creativity instead.

This film gave First Hope a simple way to show what they look like when someone is making a big call & needs steadiness on the other side of the table. It also gave Lou a moment that felt steady, personal, super clear.

  • Supported a new facility built for long term growth
  • Put language to why people call First Hope Bank first
  • Reinforced trust through a real story, not a tagline

The video plays like documentary production, less pitch & more proof.

Same lens, Different kind of yes.

A door we keep open


The Hero Grant is for organizations doing work that carries weight. If your story actually carries weight, start here.

Explore the Hero Grant