Customers

For Joseph Ribkoff Incorporated, TD is always in style. The internationally known women’s apparel designer has been a loyal customer of the bank for more than 50 years. Built on a great fit and a certain je ne sais quoi, the relationship is now stronger than ever.

Based in Dorval, Quebec, the company’s roots are wholly Canadian – all garments are proudly designed, sewn and produced locally, a unique feat in today’s fashion world. And like TD, Joseph Ribkoff has an international reach. Joseph’s name is known in more than 40 markets around the world, and for the fourth consecutive year, Joseph Ribkoff Inc. is the official designer for the Miss America organization.

Over the years the company has established itself as one of the premier apparel manufacturers in Canada and one of the leading exporters in the national fashion industry. TD has supported the company in their growth every step of the way. But why hear it from us? Listen to Joseph tell his story.

Finding a cure for cancer doesn’t happen overnight, so it’s beneficial to have a strong relationship with a financial partner who is in it for the long haul. Knowing that TD understands their mission helps Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) do what they do best – groundbreaking, life-changing research.

The world-renowned bio-medical research facility in Cold Spring Harbor, New York doesn’t just rely on TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank® for its high credit rating and competitive pricing. For CSHL, and for TD, it’s about more than just the numbers. It’s also about reputation and relationship.

Established in 1890, CHSL is a research and education facility focused on understanding genetically driven diseases and developing targeted treatment solutions. While the organization’s relationship with TD Bank isn’t quite as historical as the lab itself, Chief Operating Officer Dill Ayres believes 2009 was the beginning of a very special partnership.

“TD is now our largest bond holder and controls our main operating account,” he said. “The bank stepped up, gave us attractive terms, and we keep awarding them new business. They’ve made life easier for us.”

Following the financial crisis in 2008, Dill was looking for a reputable bank that could offer what he called ‘a lost art’ in the financial service industry: great customer service.

“I wasn’t just looking for the best price on this transaction, but for a bank and group of people who were interested in building a long term relationship with us and would be there when we needed them in the future,” said Dill.

Enter TD. New to the bio-medical market at the time, the bank jumped in head first, eager to understand CSHL’s needs. Dill was impressed and continues to be. He values TD’s dependability, flexibility, and willingness to grow with the facility. The high credit rating doesn’t hurt either.

“I have a good feeling about the TD relationship because they care about us as customers, and they care about what we do,” said Dill. “We’re a non-profit with a mission to conduct important research in human health. We’re trying to cure cancer, we’re trying to change lives, and TD understands that.”

Brookfield Asset Management knows real assets – the company has owned and operated commercial property, renewable power and global infrastructure assets for its clients for over 100 years. What else powers Brookfield’s success? A multi-decade relationship with TD Securities.

“TD Bank Group is one of our key financial partners,” said Kelly Marshall, Managing Partner at Brookfield. Toronto-based Brookfield Asset Management relies on TD for strategic advice, capital, and investment banking services to support all their core operations.

It is a long-standing relationship with ties throughout all levels of the organization. TD’s Peter Giacomelli serves as quarterback, directing the Brookfield team to people across the bank who can help serve their needs, including Sante Corona on the equity capital markets desk, Harold Holloway in renewable power investment banking, Frank McKenna, Deputy Chairman of TD and Chairman of Brookfield, and Ed Clark, Group President and CEO, TD Bank Group.

Brookfield relies on TD’s support even in challenging times, like the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009.

“TD Bank Group is one of our key financial partners,” said Kelly Marshall, Managing Partner at Brookfield. Toronto-based Brookfield Asset Management relies on TD for strategic advice, capital, and investment banking services to support all their core operations.

“We greatly value our relationship with TD. We look forward to building on it as our operations continue to expand globally.”

Ironhand Drilling’s relationship with TD may have begun with a cold call, but their connection with the bank has been warm from the start.

Based in Calgary, Alberta, the private company has eight drilling rigs that operate primarily between company headquarters and Fort St. John, British Columbia. Located in a drilling ‘sweet spot,’ the oil and gas drilling contractor’s rigs are constantly in demand.

“We started the company six years ago and have significantly grown our capital assets since,” said Ironhand founder, President and Chief Executive Officer Wade McGowan. “Our banking requirements have clearly changed, and TD is the direction we moved in.”

Recognizing TD as a high performer compared to our peers, Ironhand drilled down and found our competitive pricing and ability to understand issues facing the exploration and production industry were essential strengths that would contribute to their business success. And so, two years ago, they made the switch.

“We made the move because of the complexity of services TD offers,” said Wade. “As we started to move forward with the business, we wanted a bank that had the flexibility and depth of service to help us through those growth stages.”

Ironhand values the fact TD can meet all their banking needs, minimizing the ‘search and sort’ effort that other financial institutions can bring to the table. TD has the ability to execute in the nuanced oil and gas sector.

“We don’t just want premium service,” he said. “We want to have a relationship with the individuals who maintain our account and we experience that with TD.”

When Steven Fenster and his family found themselves in a car accident this past spring, they never thought it would lead to a lasting impression with their insurance provider, and a couple of new cuddly friends.

“It’s a small thing that makes TD stand out from everyone else,” said Steven from his home in Thornhill, Ontario.

Earlier this year, TD Insurance (TDI) launched a special program –called the “TDI Cares” bear – to help children of customers who have experienced difficult situations. To date, the team has dispatched more than 300 stuffed animal teddy bears to youngsters across Canada who have been involved in auto accidents or residential property loss. Steven Fenster’s children, Kira and Jacob, were two of those recipients.

“A week after our car accident, we received this package in the mail from TD with two teddy bears accompanied by a beautiful letter,” said Steven. “I thought it was unbelievable; completely different from any other insurance experience.”

Touched by the small gift, Steven and his wife Ingrid took the time to write a note to TD Insurance, thanking them for sending the bears and making their children grin from ‘ear-to-ear’, and also for delivering exceptional customer service and providing a ‘VIP’ experience.

“The first question the claims analyst asked me was ‘is your family okay?’ It was a breath of fresh air.”

Ingrid agreed. “The teddy bears, along with amazing service from day one, were the extra touch that makes TD stand out from everyone else.”

Since the unfortunate event in May, Steven has had to make two more claims with TD Insurance. Both were handled as well as the first – quickly, conveniently, and hassle-free.

“I just want to say thank you,” says Steven. “Thank you for making it so easy, and thank you for making my family feel special.”