KNOWLEDGE HUB

Running a restaurant means juggling a million things at once. Running 10 Popeyes locations across the Greater Richmond region? That’s a whole different level of busy. For franchise owner Pedro Lujan, every minute counts—and every dollar saved on expenses goes right back into keeping his restaurants running smoothly.

The Challenge

Margins in the restaurant industry are notoriously tight. Pedro knew he couldn’t afford inefficiencies, but banking was becoming one of his biggest headaches. His previous bank charged fees on nearly everything, and moving cash safely from 10 stores required an expensive armored truck service.

On top of that, Pedro couldn’t risk employees leaving stores every day to make bank runs. It was time-consuming, costly, and risky.

The V1BE Solution

Switching to V1BE changed everything.

Instead of paying thousands for armored trucks, Pedro’s stores now rely on V1BE’s no-fee cash pickup and delivery service—sometimes every single day. The service has been seamless, and Pedro says the V1BE team feels like an extension of his own staff.

“We can’t afford to have employees leaving the store to drive to the bank every day. Having V1BE has been a blessing.” – Pedro Lujan

District Store Manager Michael Watkins agrees:

“V1BE makes my life easier! It gives me peace of mind to know that our money is being taken care of.” – Michael Watkins

The Impact

With V1BE, Pedro has eliminated fees, saved time, and created a safer, more efficient way to manage cash across his stores. His employees can stay focused on what matters most — serving customers and growing the business.

The best part? V1BE delivers all of this with zero fees and friendly drivers who represent Primis with professionalism every time they stop by.

See Their Story

Hear directly from Pedro and Michael about how V1BE transformed their business:

https://youtu.be/GioghjuRfiI

Check fraud is nothing new, but it's becoming more aggressive. Criminals are targeting small businesses by stealing, altering or forging checks to access funds that aren't theirs. If your business writes or receives checks, here's how to stay protected without changing how you operate.

Common Check Fraud Tactics

• Mailbox theft: Thieves steal outgoing mail, wash checks and rewrite them to new payees or amounts.
• Check washing: Using chemicals, fraudsters erase ink to change the payee and dollar amount.
• Counterfeiting: Your business details are copied and used to create fake checks from scratch.
• Internal theft: Employees or vendors misuse blank or signed checks.

Protecting Your Business

• Use pens with fraud-resistant ink: Regular pens are easy to wash. Use black gel ink or pens marked "fraud-resistant."
• Set up Positive Pay: This tool flags any check that doesn't match your approved list before it clears.
• Secure your physical checks: Lock up blank checks, never pre-sign them and limit who has access.
• Monitor your account: Check your transactions daily and set up alerts for cleared checks or large withdrawals.
• Avoid putting checks in unsecured outgoing mail: Drop them inside the post office or hand them off directly whenever possible.

Bonus Tip

If you ever see a check cleared for an unexpected amount—or a payee that doesn't match—call us immediately. Time matters in stopping fraud.

Running a small business takes hustle, heart — and a thousand moving parts before lunch. At Primis, we’re proud to support the businesses that keep our communities moving. Whether you're managing daily cash flow, planning for growth, or just trying to make banking easier, we’ve got smart solutions built for you.

Smarter Banking for Small Business Owners

Your money should work just as hard as you do.

• Business checking that pays you back—earn cash rewards or competitive interest
• Simple, transparent accounts—no hidden fees or minimum balances
• Open an account online in minutes—skip the paperwork, get back to business

Banking Delivered, Literally

When you're too busy to step away from the shop, we bring the bank to you.

• Free delivery for deposits, cash, debit cards, and more
• Handled by real Primis team members — not third-party couriers
• Available to businesses in most of our Virginia, DC, and Maryland service areas

Always-On Tools and Real Support

From mobile banking to business growth tools, Primis gives you the support you need when you need it.

• Talk to real people who answer the phone
• Explore resources to help grow, save, and protect your business

This Small Business Week, We're Celebrating You

You’ve got dreams. We’ve got the tools to help you chase them. Ready to see what’s possible? Let’s connect.