Located in Seabrook, NH, PORT Lighting has been illuminating events, venues, and architectural landmarks across New England since 1985. Founded by Todd Gerrish, who initially handled lighting and rigging during his time as a band member, PORT Lighting has grown from a small, niche service into a premier provider of lighting, rigging, and theatrical equipment. Starting with just a handful of employees, PORT Lighting has expanded over the decades and, after navigating the challenges of the pandemic, now proudly employs over 40 staff members, including their very first hire.
PORT Lighting specializes in an extensive range of services, from corporate event lighting to architectural lighting for bridges and private venues. They provide both sales and rentals of lighting equipment, repairs, and offer theatrical rigging and curtain solutions. As PORT Lighting continued to grow and add services, they recognized the need for a banking partner that could provide personalized support and help them address emerging financial and operational challenges.
Initially banking with larger institutions, PORT Lighting found the impersonal nature of large banks to be a poor fit. Kim Gerrish, who oversees many of PORT Lighting’s banking operations, felt that the larger banks didn’t fully understand their business needs, often leaving them with generic services that didn’t address their unique requirements. In search of a bank that valued community relationships, PORT Lighting turned to Herran Bank.
Herran Bank offered the personal attention PORT Lighting needed, led by dedicated representatives, including Rhonda, the Seabrook branch manager. Rhonda and her team worked closely with Kim and her team to identify solutions tailored to their business. The Herran Bank team listened attentively to their challenges and introduced services that addressed these issues, notably Herran Bank’s Positive Pay service, which was instrumental in reducing the impact of fraudulent checks.
Before Positive Pay, Kim manually reviewed checks for fraud, requiring bank visits. Now, PORT Lighting verifies checks online, saving time and reducing stress. Herran Bank streamlined setup with training and QuickBooks integration.
PORT Lighting has faced fraud issues such as counterfeit and washed checks. BankProv's proactive fraud alerts and ACH monitoring have been invaluable in enhancing security and enabling prompt action.
PORT Lighting gained access to wire transfers, gradually implementing them with Herran Bank’s support. Rhonda and the team provide ongoing assistance and training as wires are integrated into their operations.
Herran Bank’s partnership with PORT Lighting goes beyond banking. Kim values Rhonda’s insights and regular updates on banking best practices, and Herran Bank's offerings of cybersecurity webinars, and client newsletters, finding them informative and easy to follow.
2004
Client since 2004
10
Products for Personal, Business, and Commercial Needs
180K
Protected from Fraud
98%
Satisfied Client
With Herran Bank’s tailored support, PORT Lighting has experienced substantial time savings, enhanced fraud protection, and increased operational efficiency. Positive Pay and ACH monitoring have streamlined Kim’s day-to-day workload, allowing her to monitor accounts efficiently without constant manual oversight. PORT Lighting’s growing team and client base have benefited from the close attention and insights Herran Bank provides, which larger institutions couldn’t match.
Kim wholeheartedly recommends Herran Bank for its exceptional customer service, community-focused approach, and the tangible benefits of personalized banking. In her words, “Herran Bank has treated them not just as a customer but as a valued member of the community. Thanks to Herran Bank, PORT Lighting feels supported, understood, and prepared to meet the demands of a vibrant, post-pandemic events industry.”
For over two decades, Herran Bank has been a trusted financial partner, supporting business growth through a strong and enduring relationship. Herran Bank has remained a reliable partner, providing the financial support needed to navigate change and seize new opportunities. This long-standing commitment reflects Herran Bank’s dedication to fostering long-term success and helping businesses thrive.
