Scooter’s Coffee, a Deerwood Bank Client Success Story

Scooter’s Coffee is one of the fastest-growing drive-through coffee franchises in the country, with more than 900 locations across 32 states. In Central Minnesota, Scooter’s Coffee has become a local favorite, with locations in St. Cloud, Sartell, and Sauk Rapids serving customers seven days a week. Known for its coffee, energy drinks, smoothies, dirty sodas, and breakfast items, Scooter’s takes pride in the quality behind every cup. The company sources its beans directly from micro-farms in Central America, working hand in hand with farming families rather than through coffee dealers. It also pays above-market prices to ensure the highest quality for its customers. Owner-operator Sarah Ressemann leads a team of 90 staff members across all three locations. 

Searching for a Better Way 

Before working with Deerwood Bank, Sarah had worked with banks that lacked expertise, led her down paths that weren’t right for her business, and ultimately left her feeling frustrated. She’d worked with credit unions and large national banks, but she never found the trust she was looking for. 

The breaking point came during a transaction involving land leases. Sarah was nearly through the closing process with a national bank when she learned they couldn’t fund the deal. Attention to detail was lacking, the timeline fell apart, and she was left scrambling. 

“I felt like I got taken advantage of because I’m not an expert in banking,” Sarah said. “But I shouldn’t have to be.”  

A Partner She Could Finally Trust 

A mutual friend referred Sarah to Deerwood Bank, and the difference was clear from the start. Instead of navigating call centers and dealing with people in different time zones, Sarah found a real person to talk to: Mike Frey, Deerwood’s VP of Business Banking. 

“With Deerwood, everything is crystal clear,” Sarah said. “I never feel out of the loop or unclear about what’s going on.” 

Deerwood reviewed Sarah’s existing loan structures and discovered she was locked into unfavorable rates that were changing every quarter. By understanding the right programs and partnerships, the Deerwood team was able to secure lower rates, saving Sarah money on both interest and loan payments. 

The results were felt across all three locations. In St. Cloud, Deerwood helped Sarah refinance and purchase the land beneath her shop, saving her more than $4,000 per month. In Sartell, she refinanced her loan. In Sauk Rapids, Deerwood financed a new construction project. 

More Than a Bank, a Real Relationship 

For Sarah, what sets Deerwood apart isn’t just the numbers. It’s the relationship. 

“Mike can tell you my kids’ names and where they go to school, and vice versa,” Sarah said. “It’s way more personal. Relationships matter.” 

Sarah appreciates that Mike lays out all her options and explains them in a way she can understand, rather than steering her toward whatever benefits the bank most. She’s experienced that same level of support throughout her SBA loan process, with Mike checking in regularly and coordinating with both the SBA and Sarah every step of the way. 

“It’s something I used to stress about all the time, and now I never even think about it,” Sarah said. “It’s just been so easy with Deerwood.” 

Brewing Growth for the Future 

With more predictable banking and a partner who understands her business, Sarah has been able to focus on what matters most: her staff, her customers, and her community. Scooter’s has built a culture where employees stick around, and Sarah has even encouraged members of her team to open accounts with Deerwood. 

As a family business, with her husband and children involved in day-to-day operations, Sarah values working with a bank that shares her values and treats her like a friend rather than an account number. 

“Being able to talk to a person, that’s everything,” Sarah said. “Deerwood always does right by the customer.” 

Today, Scooter’s Coffee continues to grow its customer base across Central Minnesota, backed by a banking partner that knows the community and knows Sarah by name.