Many people dream of starting their own business. Charliston Santos brought his dream to the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. But to make his dream a reality, Charliston needed a financial partner. Here, Charliston shares his story of how finding Greylock Federal Credit Union was key to his success.
I own C & A Cleaning Services. I immigrated here from Brazil 25 years ago with nothing. I came from a really poor family. We had a time when my father had to choose what to give to us to eat.
[Before Greylock,] I walked into a bank, and they wouldn’t treat me right. I walked in many, many times, asked for a credit card, for a line of credit. Just denied; they wouldn’t do it. I walked into Greylock, and I sat down with the branch manager. Right away he gave me a $5,000 credit card. He gave me the chance to go further with my business. I could buy equipment I didn’t have before. I said, ‘You know what?’ They really, really do trust me, to give me this opportunity to succeed.
I’m really proud of myself because I made it. My business has grown from two employees to 22 employees. I’m so thankful to be a Greylock member. Without their help, I couldn’t be in the position I am today.
Greylock Federal Credit Union is proud to have been there for Charliston, for his business, and for all entrepreneurs in the Berkshires and beyond. To hear more stories like Charliston’s, visit Greylock’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@GreylockFederal.
This story was submitted by Roberta McCulloch-Dews, Vice President, Greylock Federal Credit Union.
