How Total Wall and Signature, a division of Esquire Bank, are creating opportunities through relationships, expertise and shared values

Success in construction starts with a strong foundation. For Total Wall CEO Tony Patrick, that same principle applies to building a business.

Total Wall manufactures Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), high-performance exterior wall systems used on commercial and high-end residential buildings throughout North America. The company's products help architects, contractors and building owners create visually striking structures while improving durability, energy efficiency and long-term performance.

As Total Wall continues to grow, Patrick believes one factor has become increasingly important: surrounding the business with trusted partners who can provide guidance, expertise and support when new opportunities arise.

"It's easy to think growth is all about strategy or capital," Patrick said. "What I've learned is that growth really comes down to people. Having the right partners around you can make all the difference."

One of those partners is Signature, a division of Esquire Bank.

Bringing Innovation to Building Exteriors

Total Wall operates in a specialized segment of the construction industry, manufacturing the materials that create durable, attractive and energy-efficient building exteriors.

The company's systems serve as a modern alternative to traditional stucco applications. Unlike conventional cement-based stucco, which can be prone to cracking over time, Total Wall's synthetic systems are engineered for flexibility, durability and long-term performance.

The products also offer architects and builders greater design freedom.

"Our systems allow architects to create shapes, contours and design elements that are difficult to achieve with traditional materials," Patrick said. "At the same time, they provide durability, insulation and aesthetic flexibility that help buildings perform better over the long term."

Those advantages have helped Total Wall establish itself as an innovative manufacturer serving a wide range of commercial and residential projects. Through distribution relationships with major suppliers, the company supports projects across multiple markets while maintaining a focus on quality, performance and customer service.

As customer expectations evolve, Patrick sees innovation as a continuous process – one that also involves the expertise of trusted partners.

Growth Requires the Right Team 

While innovation drives Total Wall's products, Patrick believes relationships drive long-term business success.

As he evaluated opportunities to grow the company, Patrick recognized the importance of building a network of trusted advisors who could help him navigate new challenges and opportunities.

That search eventually led him to Signature and Vice President Erik Doucette.

From the beginning, Patrick said the relationship felt different.

"When Erik and I first met, it was clear the relationship was going to be built on trust and understanding," Patrick said. "That's how I approach business, too. When you find people who share those values, it creates a foundation for success."

Rather than focusing solely on financial transactions, Patrick found a banking team that took time to understand his goals and provide guidance beyond traditional banking services.

"Businesses often take on the personality of their leaders," Patrick said. "The relationship-first approach that Erik and the Signature team bring is something I immediately connected with because it's how I believe business should be done."

More Than Banking

For Patrick, one of the most valuable aspects of the relationship has been access to expertise and connections that extend beyond financial services.

As Total Wall continued to evolve, Signature helped connect Patrick with professionals and resources that strengthened his broader business network.

"Sometimes the most valuable thing a partner can provide isn't a product or service," Patrick said. "It's perspective. Signature introduced me to people and resources that helped me build a stronger team around the business."

That collaborative approach reflects Signature’ philosophy of relationship banking, according to Doucette.

"Our goal is to understand where a client wants to go and help connect them with the resources they need to get there," Doucette said. "That may involve banking solutions, but it can also mean introductions, strategic conversations or connecting them with professionals who can help support their growth."

Doucette believes those relationships become increasingly important as businesses encounter new opportunities and challenges.

"Business owners are constantly making important decisions," he said. "When you take the time to understand their vision and build trust, you can become a valuable resource beyond the traditional banking relationship."

Shared Values, Long-Term Vision

Total Wall’s story reflects the kind of relationship banking the bank has sought to build since its founding.

The partnership is not defined by one product, one conversation or one moment in time. It is built on shared values: trust, responsiveness, long-term thinking and a belief that relationships remain central to business growth.

For Total Wall, those values are reflected in the way the company serves architects, contractors, distributors and building owners. For Signature, they appear in the way its bankers work with clients to understand their goals and support their next chapter.

Patrick believes that kind of alignment matters.

“When you have people who understand your goals and genuinely care about your success, it changes the way you approach growth,” he said.

As Total Wall continues building its future, Patrick knows the right foundation is in place. 

And the CEO offers a simple lesson for businesses focused on building their next chapter: invest in relationships.

"The right team doesn't just help you solve today's challenges," Patrick said. "They help create opportunities for tomorrow."