Union Center National Bank has opened a branch on the corner of Harrison and Nassau streets, the former location of the Cool Vines wine store. It is one of 16 bank branches in the state operated by the 90-year-old bank.
The private bank services several local private schools, as well as commercial real estate and special investment services. The two-person office also does residential and commercial mortgage financing, and provides a no-fee debit card that can be used anywhere in the world.
Vice President Erez Hevroni, who is in charge of the Nassau Street branch, said private banking clients invest $500,000 or more. Clients can come in to the bank’s office and get “wealth coaching” advice over a cup of espresso brewed in the office.
Hevroni is licensed in investment and is an accredited asset management specialist, among other credentials. However, he didn’t start his career with banking in mind. Hevroni grew up in Israel, where his father is a medical mechanical engineer. Back in Israel, he served in the Israeli Defense Force as a paramedic, and later became a physical therapist. When Hevroni came to America 10 years ago, he discovered he didn’t like the way physical therapy was practiced in the United States. He said insurance companies interfered with treatments too much.
Hevroni switched to a banking career, starting off at Merrill Lynch as a financial advisor. Later, he moved to Wachovia, and later Wells Fargo, where he managed five bank branches in Hunterdon County. He opened the UCNB Nassau Street branch in June. He and his wife live in Titusville, and all four of his children attend private school in Yardley. Hevroni says this is what got him involved in banking for private schools. He says the bank helps schools finance campus renovations, handles cash management, and has a special program that donates money to the schools based on their assets with the bank. The bank also has a loan program that helps parents pay tuition.
Hevroni said he finds it easier to help people as a banker than as a physical therapist. “Insurance companies will not pay for the right treatments for the client,” he said. “I’m big on doing the right thing for the client, and with wealth coaching, you really can do what’s right, especially with the relationships we form.”
Union Center National Bank, 344 Nassau Street, Princeton 08540; 609-924-2015; www.ucnb.com.
