About Sonata
Sonata Bank is a tech-forward financial services company led by experienced banking industry leaders. As both an FDIC-chartered bank and digital first financial services company, Sonata provides a full suite of banking products and services to two distinct customer segments:
- To business and personal banking customers in the Middle Tennessee.
- To quick service restaurant (QSR) franchisees and their employees across the United States.
A vision rooted in a shared passion for customer experience
The Sonata journey began with Dan Dellinger and Farzin Ferdowsi.
The two share a passion for banking and for how banks can do more to improve the lives of their customers.
Dan, a 30-year Nashville banking industry executive, was Sonata's founding chief executive officer until his retirement in April 2025.
Dan, a 30-year Nashville banking industry executive, was Sonata's founding chief executive officer until his retirement in April 2025.
Farzin is the chair of Sonata's board of directors. His banking history runs deep in Middle Tennessee. He first worked with Dellinger while serving on the board at Premier Bank of Brentwood and later as an organizer of Reliant where he served as chair of the board of directors for 13 years. Prior to organizing Premier Bank, Ferdowsi held similar roles at Brentwood National Bank (now Wells Fargo).
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In April 2025, veteran banking executive Wendell Bontrager was promoted to Chief Executive Officer following Dellinger's retirement. Bontrager, who previously served as Sonata's President and Chief Lending Officer, is a seasoned executive with over 34 years of commercial banking experience who supported Ferdowsi and Dellinger in cofounding Sonata in 2022. He specializes in building high-performance teams, developing organic growth initiatives, and leading organizations ranging from a de novo bank to a multi-state bank with $4 billion in assets. Prior to joining Sonata, Bontrager served as president and board member of Wichita, Kansas-based Equity Bank.
With a focus on serving the quick service and fast casual restaurant industry, Sonata is an FDIC-chartered bank and a digital-first financial services company that provides a full suite of banking products and services for business and personal banking customers in the Middle Tennessee market.
Sonata Bank has grown to $270 million in assets, while achieving loan, deposit, and monthly revenue growth. Sonata ranked among the top four U.S. banks in its asset range for loan growth in 2024, #1 among Tennessee banks for loan growth in 2024 and 2025 and was a leader in deposit growth among Nashville banks in 2025.
Focus on community banking in Middle Tennessee
Sonata Bank delivers full-service community banking to businesses and individuals across Middle Tennessee, with our Brentwood office serving as headquarters for the region.
The bank has assembled a talented team of experienced bankers who are deeply committed to helping their customers succeed and have proven track records in these markets. Sonata's strong operations team serves as the cornerstone that ensures delivery of an extraordinary customer experience, contributing to Sonata's position as the top-ranked commercial lender in Tennessee and the #1 fastest-growing bank in Nashville by deposits according to 2024 FDIC data.
Sonata Bank was nominated for a 2026 Best Places to Work award by the Nashville Business Journal and named a finalist in the 2026 NEXT Awards in the business and professional services category.
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Simplifying Cash Management for Growing Businesses
Sonata Bank provides modern banking and treasury solutions designed to help businesses manage their finances with greater efficiency, visibility, and control. Through a relationship-focused approach and technology-driven solutions, Sonata supports businesses with complex financial needs.
A key component of Sonata’s strategy is Treasury Management, with solutions designed to simplify day-to-day financial operations and cash flow. Cash Consolidator helps automate cash movement across multiple accounts, reducing manual transfers and providing greater visibility into available funds. Together with Sonata’s suite of treasury services, these capabilities help businesses streamline processes, strengthen financial oversight, and more effectively manage their cash as they grow.