Cascade Bank Delivers Personalized Service for Alfy's Pizza

Everybody loves pizza. The only thing more certain than the universal bond Americans have with pizza is the vast array of opinions on what's the best style, type or flavor. Some say Chicago style is best, others like New York pizza. The one thing local folks will agree on is that Alfy's Pizza makes an exceptionally tasty pie.

Bruce and Judy Olson started making and selling pizza in the mid-1960s and incorporated as Alfy's Pizza in 1973. Their sons, Brian and Brett, literally grew up in the pizza business. They worked in the restaurants as teenagers and now their teenaged children work in the business too.

The single most important factor in Alfy's success is the fact that every employee, from bus boy to manager, is empowered to do whatever it takes to make a customer happy. Every product is 100% guaranteed - guaranteed to please or it's free.

The Olson's believe in a high quality product. Their dough is made fresh daily, and they use 100% mozzarella and the freshest ingredients, delivered out of their own commissary. "We've also chosen to keep a well-stocked, fresh salad bar, to appeal to the more health conscious customer," Brett explained.

Having grown up in the Everett area, the Olson's are also very involved in the community, especially with schools. "Having trouble motivating your student to read? Have them join Alfy's reading program to read their way to a free pizza," said Brian. "This community has made us successful, so we want to leave it a better place. There probably isn't a nonprofit in the county that we haven't helped, if not with cash, then with in-kind products.

When it comes to their bank, the Olsons look for good value, but also partnership. They like Cascade Bank because it is large enough to take care of their financial needs, but small enough so that customers get treated like individuals. They like the fact that Cascade's President and CEO, Carol Nelson, specifically came to visit them shortly after taking over the position in February 2000. Open communication and quick response are both very important to ensuring that the relationship remains solid.

"Because our business is not just about selling pizza," emphasized Brett. "We manage all the real estate where our stores are located as well, so we need a responsive banker to help us make that work." The fact that Cascade Bank is locally headquartered is also important to the Olsons according to Brian. "We like working with local businesses, because they're going to care about the local community, too."