Why I Switched to a Bank That Gets Me

Learn how Tera and Greg honored their daughter's legacy, with help from Northwest Bank

Emotions can often play a pivotal role in financial management. But that’s never more true than when you’re exploring the best way to honor a child’s legacy.

But that’s exactly what Tera and Greg, a Linton, Indiana-based couple, were asked to do after the passing of their 17-year-old daughter, Madi. 

“Madi was my beautiful, smart and ambitious daughter who always chose to see the good in everyone,” said Tera. “She spent her days lifting others up and making sure they felt loved and cared for.”

An athlete at heart, Madi had explored many sports — softball, basketball, karate and her true passion, volleyball — performed dance and rifle as a Miner Kadet and heartily embraced both her schooling and her faith. Most importantly, she loved serving as an emotional cornerstone to her community, bringing light to those around her. 

“She connected with everyone, stood up for those who were overlooked, and reached out to anyone who seemed alone,” recalled Tera. “I was endlessly proud of the way she loved others.”

When cancer entered Madi’s life, the family was shattered. But Madi had always been a dreamer who aspired to enrich her community — and Tera and Greg set out to turn her dreams into reality.

Bringing Madi’s dreams to life

In the wake of Madi’s passing, Tera and Greg founded Madi’s Hope, a foundation dedicated to carrying forward her legacy. “Our foundation stands on three guiding values: Children, Christ and Community,” said Tera. “Our mission is to support families facing sickness and financial burdens, offering gifts, housing assistance for treatments and practical care.”

The foundation provides “Madi Packs” — carefully curated backpacks filled with toys, art supplies, electronics, gift cards, snacks and more — to children going through difficult times, and honors local graduating seniors with “Live Like Madi” scholarships as they start the next phase of their journey. Tera and Greg also launched a local food truck, Madi Moo’s, that channels 100% of its proceeds into the foundation.

Madi’s Hope helped deepen Tera and Greg’s relationship with their community. And it also brought Cathy Bohnert, Manager of the Northwest Bank financial center in Linton, IN, into their lives. 

“I’d seen Tera and Greg navigate Madi’s hospitalization and the grieving process after she passed. And, like many of our neighbors, I knew Madi as a source of light in our community,” Cathy said. “I was honored to volunteer at Madi’s Hope events and to help Tera and Greg pay tribute to Madi — and, ultimately, join the board of Madi’s Hope to help carry on her legacy.”

Linton Beauty College: A new venture to honor Madi’s legacy

With the foundation and food truck established, Tera expanded her focus to another lifelong dream: Opening a beauty college to help aspiring hairstylists, estheticians and other beauty professionals launch their careers.

Tera already had a background in the field: She’d completed her instructor licensing through another facility and established herself in the industry. When she was ready to find a location and purchase a building, though, she found herself brushed off by her existing financial institution and turned to Cathy and her banking team for help. 

Cathy began by helping Tera and Greg review their finances, building a budget with enough room for their charitable donations while supporting their lifelong financial security. She also examined their assets, explaining how their existing home equity could help them establish the beauty college. Finally, she offered trusted insights and advice at every step of their journey so they felt confident about their launch. 

“It sounds cliché, but it’s really true that where there’s a will, there’s a way, and Tera and Greg have displayed an incredible amount of grit throughout this process,” said Cathy. “They came to me with very lofty goals. And it’s my job to turn that into a realistic, actionable plan to make it happen.”

Writing a new chapter

Today, Linton Beauty College boasts thriving cosmetology, barber, manicurist and instructor programs, and expanded to offer an esthetics program in 2024. 

“Linton Beauty College has become a second home to Madi’s memory,” said Tera. “Her scripture graces our walls, her pictures surround us and the college community resonates with her spirit. We are excited for the future: Accreditation, expanded opportunities for students and the enduring reminder that Madi’s example can inspire others to pursue their dreams.”

How you can create your own light out of dark times

Ultimately, Tera and Greg’s passion, resilience and grit helped them honor their daughter’s legacy. Their incredible story serves as a guide to overcoming challenges to achieve your dreams. 

Dream big, even when in doubt

When Tera and Greg started their journey, their goals — launching a foundation, a food truck and a beauty school — loomed large. But even the biggest goals can be broken down into manageable steps, said Cathy, and small, quick wins can snowball into significant achievements over time. 

Take the unbeaten path

Everyone’s journey is unique — and your financial journey is, too. Cathy recommends discussing your goals with a trusted financial expert, even if you don’t have a firm vision of what the future might look like. “We’re there to help spot solutions you might not be able to find on your own, and let you understand all the paths available to you so you can find the best way forward," she said.

Turn to your community for help

Tera, Greg and Madi routinely showed up for their community in deeply meaningful ways — and, in return, their community showed up for them. But even if you aren’t as firmly entrenched in your community, turning to trusted advisors can help you achieve your dreams. 

“When it comes to finances, don’t be afraid to stop into your local branch or financial center just to chat,” she advises. “You don’t need a specific goal in mind. As a banker, getting to know folks in the neighborhood is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. And when you do need help with your banking, we’ve already built up a rapport that allows me to serve you even better.”

Thinking about a financial goal — or just looking to chat? Find a Northwest Bank financial center near you to stop by, meet your local banking team and potentially start the next step in your journey.