Serving Community One Cup at a Time: Meet First Federal Customers Gary and Katie Robey

There’s something special about a great cup of coffee. It can be the start of a busy morning, a chance to catch up with a friend, or simply a small moment of joy in the middle of a hectic day. For Gary and Katie Robey, coffee has also become a way to connect with their community.

The Robeys are franchise owners of Ellianos Coffee and First Federal Bank customers. Their approach to business is rooted in the same thing that inspired them to become franchise owners in the first place: creating a welcoming experience for the people around them.

“I loved the idea of building a place where people could get a great drink and a friendly start to their day. Coffee brings people together, and I wanted to bring that experience to our community,” Katie shared.

 More Than Just Coffee 

Katie said what she loves most about being an Ellianos franchisee is the people. “I love getting to know our customers, watching our team grow, and seeing how much a small interaction at the window can mean to someone,” she said. 

That people-first philosophy is also what makes their Live Oak location special. “Our team knows so many customers by name and remembers their orders. We care about what’s happening in our community and want people to feel welcomed every time they pull through.”

Running a franchise means there’s always something happening behind the scenes. “There’s no such thing as a typical day!” Katie said. “I might be checking in with managers, working on schedules and inventory, helping solve a problem at a shop, or planning something fun for our customers.” She says her favorite part is “being in the stores with our team and strategizing on how to be our best!”

Growing With a Local Banking Partner

The Robeys first became First Federal Bank customers in 2019, when they chose First Federal as their SBA partner.
For Katie, choosing a bank wasn’t simply about finding a place to handle the company’s banking needs. She wanted a relationship with a team that understood the realities of running a local business. “I wanted a banking partner that understood local businesses and that I could build a real relationship with. Having a team I can reach out to when questions come up matters to me,” Katie said.

As their business has grown, that local relationship has remained important. “It’s been helpful to have a local banking team we can turn to for our day-to-day banking needs and questions along the way,” she said.

The Value of Local

For small business owners, having someone they can call and talk with directly can make a meaningful difference. Katie said that’s one of the biggest benefits of having a local banking relationship. “It means working with people who understand the communities we serve. I appreciate being able to have a conversation with someone local who knows our business,” she said.

Katie described the First Federal team as “approachable and easy to work with” and said she appreciates having people she can contact directly when she has a question or needs help.

Celebrating Local Businesses

At First Federal Bank, we’re proud to work alongside local business owners like Gary and Katie Robey. Their story is a great reminder that successful businesses aren’t built on products and services alone. They’re built on relationships, community, and people who care.