<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4



                              THE LEAP GROUP, INC.



              REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT, DATED FEBRUARY 18, 1997,
          BY AND BETWEEN THE LEAP GROUP, INC. AND MANUFACTURERS BANK,
     FOR A LINE OF CREDIT OF UP TO $8,000,000,  AND RELATED DOCUMENTATION.
<PAGE>
 
                                PROMISSORY NOTE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Principal     Loan Date   Maturity   Loan No.     Call       Collateral       Account     Officer       Initials
<S>             <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>              <C>         <C>           <C> 
$8,000,000.00   02-18-1997  02-17-1998                            30                           DD
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Note: References in the shaded area are for Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular
       loan or item.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 
Borrower:  The Leap Group, Inc. (TIN: 36-4079500)       Lender:          Manufacturers Bank
           22 West Hubbard St.                                           1200 North Ashland
           Chicago, IL 60610                                             Chicago, IL 60622
====================================================================================================================================

Principal Amount:   $8,000,000.00      Initial Rate:   7.562%                  Date of Note:   February 18, 1997
</TABLE>

PROMISE TO PAY.  The Leap Group, Inc. ("Borrower") promises to pay to
Manufacturers Bank ("Lender"), or order, in lawful money of the United States of
America, the principal amount of Eight Million & 00/100 Dollars ($8,000,000.00)
or so much as may be outstanding, together with interest on the unpaid
outstanding principal balance of each advance. Interest shall be calculated from
the date of each advance until repayment of each advance.

PAYMENT.     Borrower will pay this loan in one payment of all outstanding
principal plus all accrued unpaid interest on February 17, 1998. In addition,
Borrower will pay regular monthly payments of accrued unpaid interest beginning
March 18, 1997, and all subsequent interest payments are due on the same day of
each month after that.  Interest on this Note is computed on a 365/360 simple
interest basis; that is, by applying the ratio of the annual interest rate over
a year of 360 days, multiplied by the outstanding principal balance, multiplied
by the actual number of days the principal balance is outstanding.  Borrower
will pay Lender at Lender's address shown above or at such other place as Lender
may designate in writing. Unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law,
payments will be applied first to accrued unpaid interest, then to principal,
and any remaining amount to any unpaid collection costs and late charges.

VARIABLE INTEREST RATE. The interest rate on this Note is subject to change from
time to time based on changes in an independent index which is the Three Month
London Interbank Offered Rate (the "Index"). The Index is not necessarily the
lowest rate charged by Lender on its loans if the Index becomes unavailable
during the term of this loan, Lender may designate a substitute index after
notice to Borrower. Lender will tell Borrower the current Index rate upon
Borrower's request. Borrower understands that Lender may make loans based on
other rates as well. The interest rate change will not occur more often than
each first day of each calendar quarter. The Index currently is 5.562% per
annum. The interest rate to be applied to the unpaid principal balance of this
Note will be at a rate of 2.000 percentage points over the Index, resulting in
an initial rate of 7.562% per annum. NOTICE: Under no circumstances will the
interest rate on this Note be more than the maximum rate allowed by applicable
law.

PREPAYMENT. Borrower may pay without penalty all or a portion of the amount owed
earlier than it is due. Early payments will not, unless agreed to by Lender in
writing, relieve Borrower of Borrower's obligation to continue to make payments
of accrued unpaid interest. Rather, they will reduce the principal balance due.

LATE CHARGE. If a payment is 10 days or more late, Borrower will be charged
5.000% of the regularly scheduled payment or $25.00, whichever is greater.

DEFAULT.     Borrower will be in default if any of the following happens: (a)
Borrower fails to make any payment when due.  (b) Borrower breaks any promise
Borrower has made to Lender, or Borrower fails to comply with or to perform when
due any other term, obligation, covenant, or condition contained in this Note or
any agreement related to this Note, or in any other agreement or loan Borrower
has with Lender. (c) Borrower defaults under any loan, extension of credit,
security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in
favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of
Borrower's property or Borrower's ability to repay this Note or perform
Borrower's obligations under this Note or any of the Related Documents. (d) Any
representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by Borrower or on
Borrower's behalf is false or misleading in any material respect either now or
at the time made or furnished.  (e) Borrower becomes insolvent, a receiver is
appointed for any part of Borrower's property, Borrower makes an assignment for
the benefit of creditors, or any proceeding is commenced either by Borrower or
against Borrower under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws.  (f) Any creditor
tries to take any of Borrower's property on or in which Lender has a lien or
security interest. This includes a garnishment of any of Borrower's accounts,
including deposit accounts, with Lender. (g) Any guarantor dies or any of the
other events described in this default section occurs with respect to any
guarantor of this Note. (h) A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's
financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance
of the Indebtedness is impaired. (i) Lender in good faith deems itself insecure.

It any default, other than a default in payment, is curable and if Borrower has
not been given a notice of a breach of the same provision of this Note within
the preceding twelve (12) months, it may be cured (and no event of default will
have occurred) if Borrower, after receiving written notice from Lender demanding
cure of such default:  (a) cures the default within fifteen (15) days; or (b) if
the cure requires more than fifteen (15) days, immediately initiates steps which
Lender deems in Lender's sole discretion to be sufficient to cure the default
and thereafter continues and completes all reasonable and necessary steps
sufficient to produce compliance as soon as reasonably practical.

LENDER'S RIGHTS.    Upon default, Lender may declare the entire unpaid principal
balance on this Note and all accrued unpaid interest immediately due, without
notice, and then Borrower will pay that amount. Upon default, including failure
to pay upon final maturity, Lender, at its option, may also, if permitted under
applicable law, increase the variable interest rate on this Note to 6.000
percentage points over the Index. The interest rate will not exceed the maximum
rate permitted by applicable law.  Lender may hire or pay someone else to help
collect this Note if Borrower does not pay.  Borrower also will pay Lender that
amount. This includes, subject to any limits under applicable law, Lender's
attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit,
including attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings
(including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction),
appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services. If not
prohibited by applicable law, Borrower also will pay any court costs, in
addition to all other sums provided by law. This Note has been delivered to
Lender and accepted by Lender in the State of Illinois. If there is a lawsuit,
Borrower agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the
courts of Cook County, the State of Illinois. Lender and Borrower hereby waive
the right to any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought
by either Lender or Borrower against the other. This Note shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois.

RIGHT OF SETOFF.     Borrower grants to Lender a contractual possessory security
interest in, and hereby assigns, conveys, delivers, pledges, and transfers to
Lender all Borrower's right, title and interest in and to, Borrower's accounts
with Lender (whether checking, savings, or some other account), including
without limitation all accounts held jointly with someone else and all accounts
Borrower may open in the future, excluding however, all IRA and Keogh accounts,
and all trust accounts for which the grant of a security interest would be
prohibited by law. Borrower authorizes Lender, to
<PAGE>
 
02-18-1997                        PROMISSORY NOTE                         PAGE 2
                                     (CONTINUED)

================================================================================

the extent permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on
this Note against any and all such accounts.

COLLATERAL. This Note is secured by a Security Agreement covering all Business
Assets of The Leap Group, Inc., located 22 West Hubbard Street,  Chicago, IL
60610.

LINE OF CREDIT. This Note evidences a revolving line of credit. Advances under
this Note may be requested orally by Borrower or by an authorized person. All
oral requests shall be confirmed in writing on the day of the request. All
communications, instructions, or directions by telephone or otherwise to Lender
are to be directed to Lender's office shown above. The following party or
parties are authorized to request advances under the line of credit until Lender
receives from Borrower at Lender's address shown above written notice of
revocation of their authority: PETER VEZMAR, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER; R. STEVEN
LUTTERBACH, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER; FREDERICK SMITH, VICE CHAIRMAN
AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER; GEORGE GIER, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT; AND JOSEPH
SCIARROTTA, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT. Borrower agrees to be liable for all sums
either: (a) advanced in accordance with the instructions of an authorized person
or (b) credited to any of Borrower's accounts with Lender. The unpaid principal
balance owing on this Note at any time may be evidenced by endorsements on this
Note or by Lender's internal records, including daily computer print-outs.
Lender will have no obligation to advance funds under this Note if: (a) Borrower
or any guarantor is in default under the terms of this Note or any agreement
that Borrower or any guarantor has with Lender, including any agreement made in
connection with the signing of this Note; (b) Borrower or any guarantor ceases
doing business or is insolvent; (c) any guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise
attempts to limit, modify or revoke such guarantor's guarantee of this Note or
any other loan with Lender; (d) Borrower has applied funds provided pursuant to
this Note for purposes other than those authorized by Lender: or (e) Lender in
good faith deems itself insecure under this Note or any other agreement between
Lender and Borrower.

GENERAL PROVISIONS. Lender may delay or forgo enforcing any of its rights or
remedies under this Note without losing them. Borrower and any other person who
signs, guarantees or endorses this Note, to the extent allowed by law, waive
presentment, demand for payment, protest and notice of  dishonor. Upon any
change in the terms of this Note, and unless otherwise expressly stated in
writing, no party who signs this Note, whether as maker, guarantor,
accommodation maker or endorser, shall be released from liability. All such
parties agree that Lender may renew or extend (repeatedly and for any length of
time) this loan, or release any party or guarantor or collateral; or impair,
fail to realize upon or perfect Lender's security interest in the collateral;
and take any other action deemed necessary by Lender without the consent of or
notice to anyone. All such parties also agree that Lender may modify this loan
without the consent of or notice to anyone other than the party with whom the
modification is made.


PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS NOTE, BORROWER READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL THE PROVISIONS OF
THIS NOTE, INCLUDING THE VARIABLE INTEREST RATE PROVISIONS. BORROWER AGREES TO
THE TERMS OF THE NOTE AND ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF A COMPLETED COPY OF THE NOTE.


BORROWER:

The Leap Group, Inc.


By:    /S/ Peter Vezmar
   -------------------------------------------------------
   Peter Vezmar, Chief Financial Officer

 

By:  /S/ Frederick Smith
   -------------------------------------------------------
   Frederick Smith, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer

================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
                RIDER TO THE LEAP GROUP, INC. NOTE (the "NOTE")

                 DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 18, 1997, BY AND BETWEEN 

       THE LEAP GROUP, INC. ("BORROWER") AND MANUFACTURERS BANK ("BANK")

                   IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $8,000,000.00


     The Borrower shall pay all interest on amount outstanding under the Note as
provided herein. Interest shall be payable monthly in arrears, commencing on
February 18, 1997 and continuing on the first day of each month thereafter, with
a final payment of all outstanding amounts due under the Note, including, but
not limited to principal and interest if not sooner paid, on February 17, 1998.
The amounts outstanding from time to time shall bear interest calculated on the
actual number of days elapsed on the basis of a 360 day year, at a rate equal to
the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus -2- percent (the sum of which
is named Adjusted LIBOR and is defined below).


     (a)  Adjusted LIBOR shall apply to the outstanding principal balance of the
borrowing under the Note identified by the Borrower to bear interest at Adjusted
LIBOR (as hereinafter defined). For purposes hereof, Adjusted LIBOR shall mean a
rate of interest equal to 2.00% per annum in excess of the per annum rate of
interest at which U.S. dollar deposits in an amount comparable to the
outstanding principal amount of the loan and for a 90 day period on the 1st
business day of January, April, June and October are offered generally by
LaSalle National Bank (rounded upward to the nearest 1/16 of 1.00%) in the
London Interbank Eurodollar market at 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) banking
days prior to the commencement of each Interest Period, such rate to remain
fixed until the next interest reset date (approximately one calendar quarter
later). For purposes hereof, "Interest Period" shall mean the three month period
adjusted on the 1st day of each calendar quarter.

     The Bank's determination of Adjusted LIBOR as provided above shall be
conclusive, absent manifest error. Furthermore, if the Bank determines, in good
faith (which determination shall be conclusive, absent manifest error) prior to
the commencement of any Interest Period that (a) U.S. dollar deposits of
sufficient amount and maturity for funding this loan are not available to and of
the three (3) largest Chicagoland banks in the London Interbank Eurodollar
market in the ordinary course of business, or (b) by reason of circumstances
affecting the London Interbank Eurodollar market, adequate and fair means do not
exist for ascertaining the rate of interest to the applicable to this loan, the
Bank shall promptly notify the Borrower and such LIBOR loan shall automatically
convert on the last day of its then-current Interest Period to a loan bearing
interest at the Reference Rate.

     If, after the date hereof, the introduction of, or any change in any
applicable law, treaty, rule, regulation or guideline or in the interpretation
or administration thereof by any governmental authority or any central bank or
other fiscal, monetary or other authority having jurisdiction over the Bank or
its lending office (a "Regulatory Change"), shall, in the opinion of counsel to
the Bank, make it unlawful for the Bank to make or maintain any LIBOR loan
evidenced hereby, then the Bank shall promptly notify the Borrower and such
LIBOR loan shall automatically convert on the last day of its then-current
interest quarter to a loan bearing interest at the Reference Rate.

     If any Regulatory Change (whether or not having the force of law) shall (a)
impose, modify or deem applicable any assessment, reserve, special deposit or
similar requirement against assets held by, or deposits in or for the account of
or loans

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
by or any other acquisition of funds or disbursements by, the Bank; (b) subject
the Bank or any LIBOR Loan to any tax, duty, charge, stamp tax or fee or change
the basis of taxation of payments to the Bank of principal or interest due from
the Borrower to the Bank hereunder (other than a change in the taxation of the
overall net income of the Bank); or (c)impose on the bank any other condition
regarding such LIBOR loan or the Bank's funding thereof, and the Bank shall
determine (which determination shall be conclusive, absent manifest error) that
the result of the foregoing is to increase the cost to the Bank of making or
maintaining such LIBOR loan or to reduce the amount of principal or interest
received by the Bank hereunder, then the Borrower shall pay the Bank, on demand,
such additional amounts as the Bank shall, from time to time, determine are
sufficient to compensate and indemnify the Bank for such increased cost or
reduced amount.

     Interest after maturity (whether by reason of acceleration or otherwise)
shall be paid on the unpaid balance at the rate of the LIBOR Rate plus 2
percent.



DATE:   FEBRUARY 18, 1997


MANUFACTURERS BANK                             THE LEAP GROUP, INC.         
                                                                            
an Illinois Banking Corporation                                             
                                               By: /S/  Frederick Smith    
                                                  --------------------------
                                                                            
                                               By: /S/  Peter Vezmar       
                                                  --------------------------
                                                                            
                                               Attest:  
                                                       /S/  Colleen Correra 
                                                       ---------------------    


                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                         COMMERCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  PRINCIPAL       LOAN DATE      MATURITY    LOAN NO.   CALL   COLLATERAL   ACCOUNT   OFFICER  INITIALS
<S>               <C>           <C>          <C>        <C>    <C>          <C>       <C>      <C> 
$8,000,000.00     02-18-1997    02-17-1998                       30                   DD
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note:  References in the shaded area are for Lender's use only and
       do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item.

Borrower:      The Leap Group, Inc. (TIN: 36-4079500)       Lender:   Manufacturers Bank
               22 West Hubbard St.                                    1200 North Ashland
               Chicago, IL 60610                                      Chicago, IL 60622
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>

THIS COMMERCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE LEAP GROUP, INC.
(REFERRED TO BELOW AS "GRANTOR"); AND MANUFACTURERS BANK (REFERRED TO BELOW AS
"LENDER"). FOR VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, GRANTOR GRANTS TO LENDER A SECURITY
INTEREST IN THE COLLATERAL TO SECURE THE INDEBTEDNESS AND AGREES THAT LENDER
SHALL HAVE THE RIGHTS STATED IN THIS AGREEMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE COLLATERAL,
IN ADDITION TO ALL OTHER RIGHTS WHICH LENDER MAY HAVE BY LAW.

DEFINITIONS. The following words shall have the following meanings when used in
this Agreement. Terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the
meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code. All references
to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of
America.


     AGREEMENT. The word "Agreement" means this Commercial Security Agreement,
     as this Commercial Security Agreement may be amended or modified from time
     to time, together with all exhibits and schedules attached to this
     Commercial Security Agreement from time to time.

     COLLATERAL. The word "Collateral" means the following described property of
     Grantor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, whether now existing or
     hereafter arising, and wherever located:

          ALL INVENTORY, CHATTEL PAPER, ACCOUNTS, EQUIPMENT AND GENERAL
          INTANGIBLES

     In addition, the word "Collateral" includes all the following, whether now
     owned or hereafter acquired, whether now existing or hereafter arising, and
     wherever located:

          (a) All attachments, accessions, accessories, tools, parts, supplies
          increases, and additions to and all replacements of and substitutions
          for any property described above.

          (b) All products and produce of any of the property described in this
          Collateral section

          (c) All accounts, general intangibles, instruments, rents, monies,
          payments, and all other rights, arising out of a sale, lease, or other
          disposition of any of the property described in this Collateral
          section.

          (d) All proceeds (including insurance proceeds) from the sale,
          destruction, loss, or other disposition of any of the property
          described in this Collateral section.

          (e) All records and data relating to any of the property described in
          this Collateral section, whether in the form of a writing, photograph,
          microfilm, microfiche, or electronic media, together with all of
          Grantor's right, title, and interest in and to all computer software
          required to utilize, create, maintain, and process any such records or
          data on electronic media.

     EVENT OF DEFAULT. The words "Event of Default" mean and include without
     limitation any of the Events of Default set forth below in the section
     titled "Events of Default."


     GRANTOR. The word "Grantor" means The Leap Group, Inc., its successors and
     assigns

     GUARANTOR. The word "Guarantor" means and includes without limitation each
     and all of the guarantors, sureties, and accommodation parties in
     connection with the Indebtedness.

     INDEBTEDNESS. The word "Indebtedness" means the indebtedness evidenced by
     the Note, including all principal and interest, together with all other
     indebtedness and costs and expenses for which Grantor is responsible under
     this Agreement or under any of the Related Documents. In addition, the word
     "Indebtedness" includes all other obligations, debts and liabilities, plus
     interest thereon, of Grantor, or any one or more of them, to Lender, as
     well as all claims by Lender against Grantor, or any one or more of them,
     whether existing now or later; whether they are voluntary or involuntary,
     due or not due, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, liquidated or
     unliquidated; whether Grantor may be liable individually or jointly with
     others; whether Grantor may be obligated as guarantor, surety accommodation
     party or otherwise; whether recovery upon such indebtedness may be or
     hereafter may become barred by any statute of limitations; and whether such
     indebtedness may be or hereafter may become otherwise unenforceable.

     LENDER. The word "Lender" means Manufacturers Bank, its successors and
     assigns.

     NOTE. The word "Note" means the note or credit agreement dated February 18,
     1997, in the principal amount of $8,000,000.00 from The Leap Group, Inc. to
     Lender, together with all renewals of, extensions of, modifications of,
     refinancings of, consolidations of and substitutions for the note or credit
     agreement.

     RELATED DOCUMENTS. The words "Related Documents" mean and include without
     limitation all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements,
     environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds
     of trust, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now
     or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness.

RIGHT OF SETOFF. Grantor hereby grants Lender a contractual possessory security
interest in and hereby assigns, conveys, delivers, pledges, and transfers all of
Grantor's right, title and interest in and to Grantor's accounts with Lender
(whether checking, savings, or some other account), including all accounts
held jointly with someone else and all accounts Grantor may open in the future,
excluding, however, all IRA and Keogh accounts, and all trust accounts for which
the grant of a security interest would be prohibited by law. Grantor authorizes
Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all
Indebtedness against any and all such accounts.

OBLIGATIONS OF GRANTOR. Grantor warrants and covenants to Lender as follows:

     PERFECTION OF SECURITY INTEREST. Grantor agrees to execute such financing
     statements and to take whatever other actions are requested by Lender to
     perfect and continue Lender's security interest in the collateral. Upon
     request of Lender, Grantor will deliver to Lender any and all of the
     documents evidencing or constituting the collateral, and Grantor will note
     Lender's interest upon any and all chattel paper if not delivered to Lender
     for possession by lender. Grantor hereby appoints lender as is irrevocable
     attorney-in-fact for the purpose of executing any documents necessary to
     perfect or to continue the security interest granted in this agreement.
     Lender may at any time, and without further authorization from Grantor,
     file a carbon, photographic or other reproduction of any financing
     statement or of this agreement for use as a financing statement. Grantor
     will reimburse Lender for all expenses for the perfection and the
     continuation of the perfection of Lender's security interest in the
     collateral. Grantor promptly will notify Lender before any change in
     Grantor's name including any change to the assumed
<PAGE>
 
02-18-1997               COMMERCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT                    PAGE 2
                                  (CONTINUED)
================================================================================

     business names of Grantor. This is a continuing Security Agreement and will
     continue in effect even though all or any part of the Indebtedness is paid
     in full and even though for a period of time Grantor may not be indebted to
     Lender.

     NO VIOLATION. The execution and delivery of this Agreement will not violate
     any law or agreement governing Grantor or to which Grantor is a party, and
     its certificate of incorporation and bylaws do not prohibit any term or
     condition of this Agreement.

     ENFORCEABILITY OF COLLATERAL. To the extent the Collateral consists of
     accounts, chattel paper, or general intangibles, the Collateral is
     enforceable in accordance with its terms, is genuine, and complies with
     applicable laws concerning form, content and manner of preparation and
     execution, and all persons appearing to be obligated on the Collateral have
     authority and capacity to contract and are in fact obligated as they appear
     to be on the Collateral. At the time any account becomes sub1ect to a
     security interest in favor of Lender, the account shall be a good and valid
     account representing an undisputed, bona fide indebtedness incurred by the
     account debtor, for merchandise held subject to delivery instructions or
     theretofore shipped or delivered pursuant to a contract of sale, or for
     services theretofore performed by Grantor with or for the account debtor,
     there shall be no setoffs or counterclaims against any such account; and no
     agreement under which any deductions or discounts may be claimed shall have
     been made with the account debtor except those disclosed to Lender in
     writing.

     LOCATION OF THE COLLATERAL. Grantor, upon request of Lender, will deliver
     to Lender in form satisfactory to Lender a schedule of real properties and
     Collateral locations relating to Grantor's operations, including without
     limitation the following: (a) all real property owned or being purchased by
     Grantor; (b) all real property being rented or leased by Grantor; (c) all
     storage facilities owned, rented, leased, or being used by Grantor; and (d)
     all other properties where Collateral is or may be located. Except in the
     ordinary course of its business, Grantor shall not remove the Collateral
     from its existing locations without the prior written consent of Lender.

     REMOVAL OF COLLATERAL. Guarantor shall keep the Collateral (or to the
     extent the Collateral consists of intangible property such as accounts, the
     records concerning the Collateral) at Grantor's address shown above, or at
     such other locations as are acceptable to Lender. Except in the ordinary
     course of its business, including the sales of inventory, Grantor shall not
     remove the Collateral from its existing locations without the prior written
     consent of Lender. To the extent that the Collateral consists of vehicles,
     or other titled property, Grantor shall not take or permit any action which
     would require application for certificates of title for the vehicles
     outside the State of Illinois, without the prior written consent of Lender.

     TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING COLLATERAL. Except for inventory sold or accounts
     collected in the ordinary course of Grantor's business, Grantor shall not
     sell, offer to sell, or otherwise transfer or dispose of the Collateral.
     While Grantor is not in default under this Agreement, Grantor may sell
     inventory, but only in the ordinary course of its business and only to
     buyers who qualify as a buyer in the ordinary course of business. A sale in
     the ordinary course of Grantor's business does not include a transfer in
     partial or total satisfaction of a debt or any bulk sale. Grantor shall not
     pledge, mortgage, encumber or otherwise permit the Collateral to be subject
     to any lien, security interest, encumbrance, or charge, other than the
     security interest provided for in this Agreement, without the prior written
     consent of Lender. This includes security interests even if junior in right
     to the security interests granted under this Agreement. Unless waived by
     Lender, all proceeds from any disposition of the Collateral (for whatever
     reason) shall be held in trust for Lender and shall not be commingled with
     any other funds; provided however, this requirement shall not constitute
     consent by Lender to any sale or other disposition. Upon receipt, Grantor
     shall immediately deliver any such proceeds to Lender.

     TITLE. Grantor represents and warrants to Lender that it holds good and
     marketable title to the Collateral, free and clear of all liens and
     encumbrances except for the lien of this Agreement. No financing statement
     covering any of the Collateral is on file in any public office other than
     those which reflect the security interest created by this Agreement or to
     which Lender has specifically consented. Grantor shall defend Lender's
     rights in the Collateral against the claims and demands of all other
     persons.

     COLLATERAL SCHEDULES AND LOCATIONS. As often as Lender shall require, and
     insofar as the Collateral consists of accounts and general intangibles,
     Grantor shall deliver to Lender schedules of such Collateral, including
     such information as Lender may require, including without limitation names
     and addresses of account debtors and agings of accounts and general
     intangibles. Insofar as the Collateral consists of inventory and equipment,
     Grantor shall deliver to Lender, as often as Lender shall require, such
     lists, descriptions, and designations of such Collateral as Lender may
     require to identify the nature, extent, and location of such Collateral.
     Such information shall be submitted for Grantor and each of its
     subsidiaries or related companies.

     MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF COLLATERAL. Grantor shall maintain all
     tangible Collateral in good condition and repair. Grantor will not commit
     or permit damage to or destruction of the Collateral or any part of the
     Collateral. Lender and its designated representatives and agents shall have
     the right at all reasonable times to examine, inspect, and audit the
     Collateral wherever located. Grantor shall immediately notify Lender of all
     cases involving the return, rejection, repossession, loss or damage of or
     to any Collateral; of any request for credit or adjustment or of any other
     dispute arising with respect to the Collateral; and generally of all
     happenings and events affecting the Collateral or the value or the amount
     of the Collateral.

     TAXES, ASSESSMENTS AND LIENS. Grantor will pay when due all taxes,
     assessments and liens upon the Collateral, its use or operation, upon this
     Agreement, upon any promissory note or notes evidencing the Indebtedness,
     or upon any of the other Related Documents. Grantor may withhold any such
     payment or may elect to contest any lien if Grantor is in good faith
     conducting an appropriate proceeding to contest the obligation to pay and
     so long as Lender's interest in the Collateral is not jeopardized in
     Lender's sole opinion. If the Collateral is subjected to a lien which is
     not discharged within fifteen (15) days, Grantor shall deposit with Lender
     cash, a sufficient corporate surety bond or other security satisfactory to
     Lender in an amount adequate to provide for the discharge of the lien plus
     any interest, costs, attorneys' fees or other charges that could accrue as
     a result of foreclosure or sale of the Collateral. In any contest Grantor
     shall defend itself and Lender and shall satisfy any final adverse judgment
     before enforcement against the Collateral. Grantor shall name Lender as an
     additional obligee under any surety bond furnished in the contest
     proceedings.

     COMPLIANCE WITH GOVERNMENTAL REQUIREMENTS. Grantor shall comply promptly
     with all laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of all governmental
     authorities, now or hereafter in effect, applicable to the ownership,
     production, disposition, or use of the Collateral. Grantor may contest in
     good faith any such law, ordinance or regulation and withhold compliance
     during any proceeding, including appropriate appeals, so long as Lender's
     interest in the Collateral, in Lender's opinion, is not jeopardized.

     HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES. Grantor represents and warrants that the Collateral
     never has been, and never will be so long as this Agreement remains a lien
     on the Collateral, used for the generation, manufacture, storage,
     transportation, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any
     hazardous waste or substance, as those terms are defined in the
     Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of
     1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601, et seq. ("CERCLA"), the Superfund
     Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-499 ("SARA"),
     the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801. et
     seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901,
     et seq., or other applicable state or Federal laws, rules, or regulations
     adopted pursuant to any of the foregoing. The terms "hazardous waste" and 
     "hazardous substance" shall also include, without limitation, petroleum and
     petroleum by-products or any fraction thereof and asbestos. The
     representations and warranties contained herein are based on Grantor's due
     diligence in investigating the Collateral for hazardous wastes and
     substances. Grantor hereby (a) releases and waives any future claims
     against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event Grantor becomes
     liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws, and (b) agrees to
     indemnify and hold harmless Lender against any and all claims and losses
     resulting from a breach of this provision of this Agreement. This
     obligation to indemnity shall survive the payment of the Indebtedness and
     the satisfaction of this Agreement.
<PAGE>
 
02-18-1997               COMMERCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT                   PAGE 3
                                  (CONTINUED)
================================================================================

     MAINTENANCE OF CASUALTY INSURANCE. Grantor shall procure and maintain all
     risks insurance, including without limitation fire, theft and liability
     coverage together with such other insurance as Lender may require with
     respect to the Collateral, in form, amounts, coverages and basis reasonably
     acceptable to Lender and issued by a company or companies reasonably
     acceptable to Lender. Grantor, upon request of Lender, will deliver to
     Lender from time to time the policies or certificates of insurance in form
     satisfactory to Lender, including stipulations that coverages will not be
     canceled or diminished without at least thirty (30) days' prior written
     notice to Lender and not including any disclaimer of the insurer's
     liability for failure to give such a notice. Each insurance policy also
     shall include an endorsement providing that coverage in favor of Lender
     will not be impaired in any way by any act, omission or default of Grantor
     or any other person. In connection with all policies covering assets in
     which Lender holds or is offered a security interest, Grantor will provide
     Lender with such loss payable or other endorsements as Lender may require.
     If Grantor at any time fails to obtain or maintain any insurance as
     required under the Agreement, Lender may (but shall not be obligated to)
     obtain such insurance as Lender deems appropriate, including if it so
     chooses "single interest insurance" which will cover only Lender's interest
     in the Collateral.

     APPLICATION OF INSURANCE PROCEEDS. Grantor shall promptly notify Lender of
     any loss or damage to the Collateral. Lender may make proof of loss if
     Grantor fails to do so within fifteen (15) days of the casualty. All
     proceeds of any insurance on the Collateral, including accrued proceeds
     thereon, shall be held by Lender as part of the Collateral. If Lender
     consents to repair or replacement of the damaged or destroyed Collateral,
     Lender shall, upon satisfactory proof of expenditure, pay or reimburse
     Grantor from the proceeds for the reasonable cost of repair or restoration.
     If Lender does not consent to repair or replacement of the Collateral,
     Lender shall retain a sufficient amount of the proceeds to pay all of the
     Indebtedness, and shall pay the balance to Grantor. Any proceeds which have
     not been disbursed within six (6) months after their receipt and which
     Grantor has not committed to the repair or restoration of the Collateral
     shall be used to prepay the Indebtedness.

     INSURANCE RESERVES. Lender may require Grantor to maintain with Lender
     reserves for payment of insurance premiums, which reserves shall be created
     by monthly payments from Grantor of a sum estimated by Lender to be
     sufficient to produce, at least fifteen (15) days before the premium due
     date, amounts at least equal to the insurance premiums to be paid. If
     fifteen (15) days before payment is due, the reserve funds are
     insufficient, Grantor shall upon demand pay any deficiency to Lender. The
     reserve funds shall be held by Lender as a general deposit and shall
     constitute a non-interest-bearing account which Lender may satisfy by
     payment of the insurance premiums required to be paid by Grantor as they
     become due. Lender does not hold the reserve funds in trust for Grantor,
     and Lender is not the agent of Grantor for payment of the insurance
     premiums required to be paid by Grantor. The responsibility for the payment
     of premiums shall remain Grantor's sole responsibility.

     INSURANCE REPORTS. Grantor, upon request of Lender, shall furnish to Lender
     reports on each existing policy of insurance showing such information as
     Lender may reasonably request including the following: (a) the name of the
     insurer; (b) the risks insured; (C) the amount of the policy; (d) the
     property insured; (e) the then-current value on the basis of which
     insurance has been obtained and the manner of determining that value; and
     (f) the expiration date of the policy. In addition, Grantor shall upon
     request by Lender (however not more often than annually) have an
     independent appraiser satisfactory to Lender determine, as applicable, the
     cash value or replacement cost of the Collateral.


GRANTOR'S RIGHT TO POSSESSION AND TO COLLECT ACCOUNTS. Until default and except
as otherwise provided below with respect to accounts, Grantor may have
possession of the tangible personal property and beneficial use of all the
Collateral and may use it in any lawful manner not inconsistent with this
Agreement or the Related Documents, provided that Grantor's right to possession
and beneficial use shall not apply to any Collateral where possession of the
Collateral by Lender is required by law to perfect Lender's security interest in
such Collateral. Until otherwise notified by Lender, Grantor may collect any of
the Collateral consisting of accounts. At any time and even though no Event of
Default exists, Lender may exercise its rights to collect the accounts and to
notify account debtors to make payments directly to Lender for application to
the Indebtedness. If Lender at any time has possession of any Collateral,
whether before or after an Event of Default, Lender shall be deemed to have
exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of the Collateral if
Lender takes such action for that purpose as Grantor shall request or as Lender,
in Lender's sole discretion, shall deem appropriate under the circumstances, but
failure to honor any request by Grantor shall not of itself be deemed to be a
failure to exercise reasonable care. Lender shall not be required to take any
steps necessary to preserve any rights in the Collateral against prior parties,
nor to protect, preserve or maintain any security interest given to secure the
Indebtedness.

EXPENDITURES BY LENDER. If not discharged or paid when due, Lender may (but
shall not be obligated to) discharge or pay any amounts required to be
discharged or paid by Grantor under this Agreement, including without limitation
all taxes, liens, security interests, encumbrances, and other claims, at any
time levied or placed on the Collateral. Lender also may (but shall not be
obligated to) pay all costs for insuring, maintaining and preserving the
Collateral. All such expenditures incurred or paid by Lender for such purposes
will then bear interest at the rate charged under the Note from the date
incurred or paid by Lender to the date of repayment by Grantor. All such
expenses shall become a part of the Indebtedness and, at Lender's option, will
(a) be payable on demand, (b) be added to the balance of the Note and be
apportioned among and be payable with any installment payments to become due
during either (i) the term of any applicable insurance policy or (ii) the
remaining term of the Note, or (c) be treated as a balloon payment which will be
due and payable at the Note's maturity. This Agreement also will secure payment
of these amounts. Such right shall be in addition to all other rights and
remedies to which Lender may be entitled upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default.

REINSTATEMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST. If payment is made by Grantor, whether
voluntarily or otherwise, or by guarantor or by any third party, on the
Indebtedness and thereafter Lender is forced to remit the amount of that payment
(a) to Grantor's trustee in bankruptcy or to any similar person under any
federal or state bankruptcy law or law for the relief of debtors, (b) by reason
of any judgment, decree or order of any court or administrative body having
jurisdiction over Lender or any of Lender's property, or (c) by reason of any
settlement or compromise of any claim made by Lender with any claimant
(including without limitation Grantor), the Indebtedness shall be considered
unpaid for the purpose of enforcement of this Agreement and this Agreement shall
continue to be effective or shall be reinstated, as the case may be,
notwithstanding any cancellation of this Agreement or of any note or other
instrument or agreement evidencing the Indebtedness and the Collateral will
continue to secure the amount repaid or recovered to the same extent as if that
amount never had been originally received by Lender, and Grantor shall be bound
by any judgment, decree, order, settlement or compromise relating to the
Indebtedness or to this Agreement.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default
under this Agreement:

     DEFAULT ON INDEBTEDNESS. Failure of Grantor to make any payment when due on
     the Indebtedness.

     OTHER DEFAULTS. Failure of Grantor to comply with or to perform any other
     term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in
     any of the Related Documents or in any other agreement between Lender and
     Grantor.

     DEFAULT IN FAVOR OF THIRD PARTIES. Should Borrower or any Grantor default
     under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales
     agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person
     that may materially affect any of Borrower's property or Borrower's or any
     Grantor's ability to repay the Loans or perform their respective
     obligations under this Agreement or any of the Related Documents.

     FALSE STATEMENTS. Any warranty, representation or statement made or
     furnished to Lender by or on behalf of Grantor under this Agreement, the
     Note or the Related Documents is false or misleading in any material
     respect, either now or at the time made or furnished.

     DEFECTIVE COLLATERALIZATION. This Agreement or any of the Related Documents
     ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any collateral
     documents to create a valid and perfected security interest or lien) at any
     time and for any reason.

     INSOLVENCY. The dissolution or termination of Grantor's existence as a
     going business, the insolvency of Grantor, the appointment of a receiver
<PAGE>
 
02-18-1997               COMMERCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT                   PAGE 4
                                  (CONTINUED)
================================================================================

     for any part of Grantor's property, any assignment for the benefit of
     creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any
     proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Grantor.

     CREDITOR OR FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS. Commencement of foreclosure or
     forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help,
     repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Grantor or by any
     governmental agency against the Collateral or any other collateral securing
     the Indebtedness. This includes a garnishment of any of Grantor's accounts,
     including deposit accounts, with Lender. However, this Event of Default
     shall not apply if there is a good faith dispute by Grantor as to the
     validity or reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the creditor
     or forfeiture proceeding and if Grantor gives Lender written notice of the
     creditor or forfeiture proceeding and deposits with Lender monies or a
     surely bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an amount
     determined by Lender, in its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve
     or bond for the dispute.

     EVENTS AFFECTING GUARANTOR. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect
     to any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or such Guarantor dies or
     becomes incompetent. Lender, at its option, may, but shall not be required
     to, permit the Guarantor's estate to assume unconditionally the obligations
     arising under the guaranty in a manner satisfactory to Lender, and, in
     doing so, cure the Event of Default.

     ADVERSE CHANGE. A material adverse change occurs in Grantor's financial
     condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the
     Indebtedness is impaired.

     INSECURITY. Lender, in good faith, deems itself insecure.

     RIGHT TO CURE. If any default, other than a Default on Indebtedness, is
     curable and if Grantor has not been given a prior notice of a breach of the
     same provision of this Agreement, it may be cured (and no Event of Default
     will have occurred) if Grantor, after Lender sends written notice demanding
     cure of such default, (a) cures the default within fifteen (15) days; or
     (b), if the cure requires more than fifteen (15) days, immediately
     initiates steps which Lender deems in Lender's sole discretion to be
     sufficient to cure the default and thereafter continues and completes all
     reasonable and necessary steps sufficient to produce compliance as soon as
     reasonably practical.

RIGHTS AND REMEDIES ON DEFAULT. If an Event of Default occurs under this
Agreement, at any time thereafter, Lender shall have all the rights of a secured
party under the Illinois Uniform Commercial Code. In addition and without
limitation, Lender may exercise any one or more of the following rights and
remedies:

     ACCELERATE INDEBTEDNESS. Lender may declare the entire Indebtedness,
     including any prepayment penalty which Grantor would be required to pay,
     immediately due and payable, without notice.

     ASSEMBLE COLLATERAL. Lender may require Grantor to deliver to Lender all or
     any portion of the Collateral and any and all certificates of title and
     other documents relating to the Collateral. Lender may require Grantor to
     assemble the Collateral and make it available to Lender at a place to be
     designated by Lender. Lender also shall have full power to enter upon the
     property of Grantor to take possession of and remove the Collateral. If the
     Collateral contains other goods not covered by this Agreement at the time
     of repossession, Grantor agrees Lender may take such other goods, provided
     that Lender makes reasonable efforts to return them to Grantor after
     repossession.

     SELL THE COLLATERAL. Lender shall have full power to sell, lease, transfer,
     or otherwise deal with the Collateral or proceeds thereof in its own name
     or that of Grantor. Lender may sell the Collateral at public auction or
     private sale. Unless the Collateral threatens to decline speedily in value
     or is of a type customarily sold on a recognized market, Lender will give
     Grantor reasonable notice of the time after which any private sale or any
     other intended disposition of the Collateral is to be made. The
     requirements of reasonable notice shall be met if such notice is given at
     least ten (10) days before the time of the sale or disposition. All
     expenses relating to the disposition of the Collateral, including without
     limitation the expenses of retaking, holding, insuring, preparing for sale
     and selling the Collateral, shall become a part of the Indebtedness secured
     by this Agreement and shall be payable on demand, with interest at the Note
     rate from date of expenditure until repaid.

     APPOINT RECEIVER. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Lender shall
     have the following rights and remedies regarding the appointment of a
     receiver: (a) Lender may have a receiver appointed as a matter of right,
     (b) the receiver may be an employee of Lender and may serve without bond,
     and (c) all fees of the receiver and his or her attorney shall become part
     of the Indebtedness secured by this Agreement and shall be payable on
     demand, with interest at the Note rate from date of expenditure until
     repaid.

     COLLECT REVENUES, APPLY ACCOUNTS. Lender, either itself or through a
     receiver, may collect the payments, rents, income, and revenues from the
     Collateral. Lender may at any time in its discretion transfer any
     Collateral into its own name or that of its nominee and receive the
     payments, rents, income, and revenues therefrom and hold the same as
     security for the Indebtedness or apply it to payment of the Indebtedness in
     such order of preference as Lender may determine. Insofar as the Collateral
     consists of accounts, general intangibles, insurance policies, instruments,
     chattel paper, choses in action, or similar property, Lender may demand,
     collect, receipt for, settle, compromise, adjust, sue for, foreclose, or
     realize on the Collateral as Lender may determine, whether or not
     Indebtedness or Collateral is then due. For these purposes, Lender may, on
     behalf of and in the name of Grantor, receive, open and dispose of mail
     addressed to Grantor; change any address to which mail and payments are to
     be sent; and endorse notes, checks, drafts, money orders, documents of
     title, instruments and items pertaining to payment, shipment, or storage of
     any Collateral. To facilitate collection, Lender may notify account debtors
     and obligors on any Collateral to make payments directly to Lender.

     OBTAIN DEFICIENCY. If Lender chooses to sell any or all of the Collateral,
     Lender may obtain a judgment against Grantor for any deficiency remaining
     on the Indebtedness due to Lender after application of all amounts received
     from the exercise of the rights provided in this Agreement. Grantor shall
     be liable for a deficiency even if the transaction described in this
     subsection is a sale of accounts or chattel paper.

     OTHER RIGHTS AND REMEDIES. Lender shall have all the rights and remedies of
     a secured creditor under the provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code, as
     may be amended from time to time. In addition, Lender shall have and may
     exercise any or all other rights and remedies it may have available at law,
     in equity, or otherwise.

     CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. All of Lender's rights and remedies, whether evidenced
     by this Agreement or the Related Documents or by any other writing, shall
     be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently. Election by
     Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other remedy,
     and an election to make expenditures or to take action to perform an
     obligation of Grantor under this agreement, after Grantor's failure to
     perform, shall not affect Lender's right to declare a default and to
     exercise its remedies.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of
this Agreement:

     AMENDMENTS. This Agreement, together with any Related Documents,
     constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the
     matters set forth in this Agreement. No alteration of or amendment to this
     Agreement shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the
     party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or
     amendment.

     APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement has been delivered to Lender and accepted by
     Lender in the State of Illinois. If there is a lawsuit, Grantor agrees upon
     Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Cook
     County, the State of Illinois. Lender and Grantor hereby waive the right to
     any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by either
     Lender or Grantor against the other. This Agreement shall be governed by
     and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois.

     ATTORNEYS' FEES; EXPENSES. Grantor agrees to pay upon demand all of
     Lender's costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees and Lender's
<PAGE>
 
02-18-1997               COMMERCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT                   PAGE 5
                                  (CONTINUED)
================================================================================

     legal expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement of this
     Agreement. Lender may pay someone else to help enforce this Agreement, and
     Grantor shall pay the costs and expenses of such enforcement. Costs and
     expenses include Lender's attorneys' fees and legal expenses whether or not
     there is a lawsuit, including attorneys' fees and legal expenses for
     bankruptcy proceedings (and including efforts to modify or vacate any
     automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment
     collection services. Grantor also shall pay all court costs and such
     additional fees as may be directed by the court.

     CAPTION HEADINGS. Caption headings in this Agreement are for convenience
     purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions
     of this Agreement.

     MULTIPLE PARTIES; CORPORATE AUTHORITY. All obligations of Grantor under
     this Agreement shall be joint and several, and all references to Grantor
     shall mean each and every Grantor. This means that each of the persons
     signing below is responsible for all obligations in this Agreement.

     NOTICES. All notices required to be given under this Agreement shall be
     given in writing, may be sent by telefacsimile, and shall be effective when
     actually delivered or when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight
     courier or deposited in the United States mail, first class, postage
     prepaid, addressed to the party to whom the notice is to be given at the
     address shown above. Any party may change its address for notices under
     this Agreement by giving formal written notice to the other parties,
     specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party's address.
     To the extent permitted by applicable law, if there is more than one
     Grantor, notice to any Grantor will constitute notice to all Grantors. For
     notice purposes, Grantor will keep Lender informed at all times of Grantors
     current address(es).

     POWER OF ATTORNEY. Grantor hereby appoints Lender as its true and lawful
     attorney-in-fact, irrevocably, with full power of substitution to do the
     following: (a) to demand, collect, receive, receipt for, sue and recover
     all sums of money or other property which may now or hereafter become due,
     owing or payable from the Collateral; (b) to execute, sign and endorse any
     and all claims, instruments, receipts, checks, drafts or warrants issued in
     payment for the Collateral; (c) to settle or compromise any and all claims
     arising under the Collateral, and, in the place and stead of Grantor, to
     execute and deliver its release and settlement for the claim; and (d) to
     file any claim or claims or to take any action or institute or take part in
     any proceedings, either in its own name or in the name of Grantor, or
     otherwise, which in the discretion of Lender may seem to be necessary or
     advisable. This power is given as security for the Indebtedness, and the
     authority hereby conferred is and shall be irrevocable and shall remain in
     full force and effect until renounced by Lender.

     SEVERABILITY. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of
     this Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable as to any person or
     circumstance, such finding shall not render that provision invalid or
     unenforceable as to any other persons or circumstances. If feasible, any
     such offending provision shall be deemed to be modified to be within the
     limits of enforceability or validity; however, if the offending provision
     cannot be so modified, it shall be stricken and all other provisions of
     this Agreement in all other respects shall remain valid and enforceable.

     SUCCESSOR INTERESTS. Subject to the limitations set forth above on transfer
     of the Collateral, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
     benefit of the parties, their successors and assigns.

     WAIVER. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this
     Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No
     delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall
     operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of
     a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of
     Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or
     any other provision of this Agreement. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any
     course of dealing between Lender and Grantor, shall constitute a waiver of
     any of Lender's rights or of any of Grantor's obligations as to any future
     transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this
     Agreement, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not
     constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is
     required and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the
     sole discretion of Lender.

GRANTOR ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS COMMERCIAL SECURITY
AGREEMENT, AND GRANTOR AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS AGREEMENT IS DATED FEBRUARY 18,
1997.

GRANTOR:

The Leap Group, Inc.


By:  /S/  PETER VEZMAR
   -------------------------------------------------------
   Peter Vezmar, Chief Financial Officer


By:  /S/ FREDERICK SMITH
   -------------------------------------------------------
   Frederick Smith, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer


LENDER:

Manufacturers Bank

================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
                            BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Principal     Loan Date        Maturity   Loan No   Call      Collateral  Account  Officer   Initials      
<S>            <C>             <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>      <C>       <C> 
$8,000,000.00  02-18-1997      02-17-1998                          30                 DD
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note:   References in the shaded area are for Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of 
        this document to any particular loan or item.

Borrower:      The Leap Group, Inc. (TIN: 36-4079500)       Lender:  Manufacturers Bank
               22 West Hubbard St.                                   1200 North Ashland
               Chicago, IL 60610                                     Chicago, IL 60622
</TABLE> 

================================================================================

THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT between The Leap Group, Inc. ("Borrower") and
Manufacturers Bank ("Lender") is made and executed on the following terms and
conditions. Borrower has received prior commercial loans from Lender or has
applied to Lender for a commercial loan or loans and other financial
accommodations, including those which may be described on any exhibit or
schedule attached to this Agreement.  All such loans and financial
accommodations, together with all future loans and financial accommodations from
Lender to Borrower, are referred to in this Agreement individually as the "Loan"
and collectively as the "Loans." Borrower understands and agrees that:  (a) in
granting, renewing, or extending any Loan, Lender is relying upon Borrower's
representations, warranties, and agreements, as set forth in this Agreement; (b)
the granting, renewing, or extending of any Loan by Lender at all times shall be
subject to Lender's sole judgment and discretion; and (c) all such Loans shall
be and shall remain subject to the following terms and conditions of this
Agreement.

TERM. This Agreement shall be effective as of February 18, 1997, and shall
continue thereafter until all Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender has been
performed in full or until February 17, 1998, whichever is later.

DEFINITIONS. The following words shall have the following meanings when used in
this Agreement. Terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the
meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code. All references
to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of
America.

     AGREEMENT. The word "Agreement" means this Business Loan Agreement, as this
     Business Loan Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time,
     together with all exhibits and schedules attached to this Business Loan
     Agreement from time to time.

     BORROWER. The word "Borrower" means The Leap Group, Inc.. The word
     "Borrower" also includes, as applicable, all subsidiaries and affiliates of
     Borrower as provided below in the paragraph titled "Subsidiaries and
     Affiliates."

     CERCLA. The word "CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
     Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended.

     COLLATERAL. The word "Collateral" means and includes without limitation all
     property and assets granted as collateral security for a Loan, whether real
     or personal property, whether granted directly or indirectly, whether
     granted now or in the future, and whether granted in the form of a security
     interest, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage,
     chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust
     receipt, lien, charge, lien or title retention contract, lease or
     consignment intended as a security device, or any other security or lien
     interest whatsoever, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise.

     ERISA. The word "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
     of 1974, as amended.

     EVENT OF DEFAULT. The words "Event of Default" mean and include without
     limitation any of the Events of Default set forth below in the section
     titled "EVENTS OF DEFAULT."

     GRANTOR. The word "Grantor" means and includes without limitation each and
     all of the persons or entities granting a Security Interest in any
     Collateral for the Indebtedness, including without limitation all Borrowers
     granting such a Security Interest.

     GUARANTOR. The word "Guarantor" means and includes without limitation each
     and all of the guarantors, sureties, and accommodation parties in
     connection with any Indebtedness.

     INDEBTEDNESS. The word "Indebtedness" means and includes without limitation
     all Loans, together with all other obligations, debts and liabilities of
     Borrower to Lender, or any one or more of them, as well as all claims by
     Lender against Borrower, or any one or more of them; whether now or
     hereafter existing, voluntary or involuntary, due or not due, absolute or
     contingent, liquidated or unliquidated; whether Borrower may be liable
     individually or jointly with others; whether Borrower may be obligated as a
     guarantor, surety, or otherwise; whether recovery upon such Indebtedness
     may be or hereafter may become barred by any statute of limitations; and
     whether such Indebtedness may be or hereafter may become otherwise
     unenforceable.

     LENDER. The word "Lender" means Manufacturers Bank, its successors and
     assigns.

     LOAN. The word "Loan" or "Loans" means and includes without limitation any
     and all commercial loans and financial accommodations from Lender to
     Borrower, whether now or hereafter existing, and however evidenced,
     including without limitation those loans and financial accommodations
     described herein or described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this
     Agreement from time to time.

     NOTE. The word "Note" means and includes without limitation Borrower's
     promissory note or notes, if any, evidencing Borrower's Loan obligations in
     favor of Lender, as well as any substitute, replacement or refinancing note
     or notes therefor.

     PERMITTED LIENS. The words "Permitted Liens" mean: (a) liens and security
     interests securing Indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender; (b) liens for
     taxes, assessments, or similar charges either not yet due or being
     contested in good faith; (c) liens of materialmen, mechanics, warehousemen,
     or carriers, or other like liens arising in the ordinary course of business
     and securing obligations which are not yet delinquent; (d) purchase money
     liens or purchase money security interests upon or in any property acquired
     or held by Borrower in the ordinary course of business to secure
     indebtedness outstanding on the date of this Agreement or permitted to be
     incurred under the paragraph of this Agreement titled "Indebtedness and
     Liens"; (e) liens and security interests which, as of the date of this
     Agreement, have been disclosed to and approved by the Lender in writing;
     and (f) those liens and security interests which in the aggregate
     constitute an immaterial and insignificant monetary amount with respect to
     the net value of Borrower's assets.

     RELATED DOCUMENTS. The words "Related Documents" mean and include without
     limitation all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements,
     environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds
     of trust, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now
     or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness.

     SECURITY AGREEMENT. The words "Security Agreement" mean and include without
     limitation any agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements,
     understandings or other agreements, whether created by law, contract, or
     otherwise, evidencing, governing, representing, or creating a Security
     Interest.

     SECURITY INTEREST. The words "Security Interest" mean and include without
     limitation any type of collateral security, whether in the form of a lien,
     charge, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage,
     chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust
     receipt, lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as
     a security device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever,
     whether created by law, contract, or otherwise.
<PAGE>
 
02-18-1997                  BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT                    PAGE 2
                                  (Continued)
================================================================================

     SARA. The word "SARA" means the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization
     Act of 1986 as now or hereafter amended.

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH ADVANCE. Lender's obligation to make the initial
Loan Advance and each subsequent Loan Advance under this Agreement shall be
subject to the fulfillment to Lender's satisfaction of all of the conditions set
forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents.

     LOAN DOCUMENTS. Borrower shall provide to Lender in form satisfactory to
     Lender the following documents for the Loan: (a) the Note, (b) Security
     Agreements granting to Lender security interests in the Collateral, (c)
     Financing Statements perfecting Lender's Security Interests; (d) evidence
     of insurance as required below; and (e) any other documents required under
     this Agreement or by Lender or its counsel.

     BORROWER'S AUTHORIZATION. Borrower shall have provided in form and
     substance satisfactory to Lender properly certified resolutions, duly
     authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Note and the
     Related Documents, and such other authorizations and other documents and
     instruments as Lender or its counsel, in their sole discretion, may
     require.

     PAYMENT OF FEES AND EXPENSES. Borrower shall have paid to Lender all fees,
     charges, and other expenses which are then due and payable as specified in
     this Agreement or any Related Document.

     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations and warranties set
     forth in this Agreement, in the Related Documents, and in any document or
     certificate delivered to Lender under this Agreement are true and correct.

     NO EVENT OF DEFAULT. There shall not exist at the time of any advance a
     condition which would constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.  Borrower represents and warrants to Lender, as
of the date of this Agreement, as of the date of each disbursement of Loan
proceeds, as of the date of any renewal, extension or modification of any Loan,
and at all times any Indebtedness exists:

     ORGANIZATION. Borrower is a corporation which is duly organized, validly
     existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and
     is validly existing and in good standing in all states in which Borrower is
     doing business. Borrower has the full power and authority to own its
     properties and to transact the businesses in which it is presently engaged
     or presently proposes to engage. Borrower also is duly qualified as a
     foreign corporation and is in good standing in all states in which the
     failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on its
     businesses or financial condition.

     AUTHORIZATION. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement
     and all Related Documents by Borrower, to the extent to be executed,
     delivered or performed by Borrower, have been duly authorized by all
     necessary action by Borrower; do not require the consent or approval of any
     other person, regulatory authority or governmental body; and do not
     conflict with, result in a violation of, or constitute a default under (a)
     any provision of its articles of incorporation or organization, or bylaws,
     or any agreement or other instrument binding upon Borrower or (b) any law,
     governmental regulation, court decree, or order applicable to Borrower.

     FINANCIAL INFORMATION. Each financial statement of Borrower supplied to
     Lender truly and completely disclosed Borrower's financial condition as of
     the date of the statement, and there has been no material adverse change in
     Borrower's financial condition subsequent to the date of the most recent
     financial statement supplied to Lender. Borrower has no material contingent
     obligations except as disclosed in such financial statements.

     LEGAL EFFECT.  This Agreement constitutes, and any instrument or agreement
     required hereunder to be given by Borrower when delivered will constitute,
     legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable against
     Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

     PROPERTIES. Except as contemplated by this Agreement or as previously
     disclosed in Borrower's financial statements or in writing to Lender and as
     accepted by Lender, and except for property tax liens for taxes not
     presently due and payable, Borrower owns and has good title to all of
     Borrower's properties free and clear of all Security Interests, and has not
     executed any security documents or financing statements relating to such
     properties. All of Borrower's properties are titled in Borrower's legal
     name, and Borrower has not used, or filed a financing statement under, any
     other name for at least the last five (5) years.

     HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES. The terms "hazardous waste," "hazardous substance,"
     "disposal," "release," and "threatened release," as used in this Agreement,
     shall have the same meanings as set forth in the "CERCLA," SARA," the
     Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801, et seq.,
     the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et
     seq., or other applicable state or Federal laws, rules, or regulations
     adopted pursuant to any of the foregoing. Except as disclosed to and
     acknowledged by Lender in writing, Borrower represents and warrants that:
     (a) During the period of Borrower's ownership of the properties, there has
     been no use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release
     or threatened release of any hazardous waste or substance by any person on,
     under, about or from any of the properties. (b) Borrower has no knowledge
     of, or reason to believe that there has been (i) any use, generation,
     manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release, or threatened release
     of any hazardous waste or substance on, under, about or from the properties
     by any prior owners or occupants of any of the properties, or (ii) any
     actual or threatened litigation or claims of any kind by any person
     relating to such matters. (c) Neither Borrower nor any tenant, contractor,
     agent or other authorized user of any of the properties shall use,
     generate, manufacture, store, treat, dispose of, or release any hazardous
     waste or substance on, under, about or from any of the properties; and any
     such activity shall be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal,
     state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances, including without
     limitation those laws, regulations and ordinances described above. Borrower
     authorizes Lender and its agents to enter upon the properties to make such
     inspections and tests as Lender may deem appropriate to determine
     compliance of the properties with this section of the Agreement. Any
     inspections or tests made by Lender shall be at Borrower's expense and for
     Lender's purposes only and shall not be construed to create any
     responsibility or liability on the part of Lender to Borrower or to any
     other person. The representations and warranties contained herein are based
     on Borrower's due diligence in investigating the properties for hazardous
     waste and hazardous substances. Borrower hereby (a) releases and waives any
     future claims against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event
     Borrower becomes liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws, and
     (b) agrees to indemnity and hold harmless Lender against any and all
     claims, losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, and expenses which Lender
     may directly or indirectly sustain or suffer resulting from a breach of
     this section of the Agreement or as a consequence of any use, generation,
     manufacture, storage, disposal, release or threatened release occurring
     prior to Borrower's ownership or interest in the properties, whether or not
     the same was or should have been known to Borrower. The provisions of this
     section of the Agreement, including the obligation to indemnify, shall
     survive the payment of the Indebtedness and the termination or expiration
     of this Agreement and shall not be affected by Lender's acquisition of any
     interest in any of the properties, whether by foreclosure or otherwise.

     LITIGATION AND CLAIMS. No litigation, claim, investigation, administrative
     proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid taxes) against
     Borrower is pending or threatened. and no other event has occurred which
     may materially adversely affect Borrower's financial condition or
     properties, other than litigation, claims, or other events, if any, that
     have been disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing.
     
     TAXES. To the best of Borrower's knowledge, all tax returns and reports of
     Borrower that are or were required to be filed, have been filed, and all
     taxes, assessments and other governmental charges have been paid in full,
     except those presently being or to be contested by Borrower in good faith
     in the ordinary course of business and for which adequate reserves have
     been provided.
     
     LIEN PRIORITY. Unless otherwise previously disclosed to Lender in writing,
     Borrower has not entered into or granted any Security Agreements, or
     permitted the filing or attachment of any Security Interests on or
     affecting any of the Collateral directly or indirectly securing repayment
     of Borrower's Loan and Note, that would be prior or that may in any way be
     superior to Lender's Security Interests and rights in and to such
<PAGE>
 
02-18-1997                  BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT                    PAGE 3
                                  (Continued)
================================================================================

     Collateral.

     BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement, the Note, all Security Agreements directly
     or indirectly securing repayment of Borrower's Loan and Note and all of the
     Related Documents are binding upon Borrower as well as upon Borrower's
     successors, representatives and assigns, and are legally enforceable in
     accordance with their respective terms.

     COMMERCIAL PURPOSES. Borrower intends to use the Loan proceeds solely for
     business or commercial related purposes.

     EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. Each employee benefit plan as to which Borrower may
     have any liability complies in all material respects with all applicable
     requirements of law and regulations, and (i) no Reportable Event nor
     Prohibited Transaction (as defined in ERISA) has occurred with respect to
     any such plan. (ii) Borrower has not withdrawn from any such plan or
     initiated steps to do so, (iii) no steps have been taken to terminate any
     such plan, and (iv) there are no unfunded liabilities other than those
     previously disclosed to Lender in writing.

     LOCATION OF BORROWER'S OFFICES AND RECORDS. Borrower's place of business,
     or Borrower's Chief executive office, if Borrower has more than one place
     of business, is located at 22 West Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610. Unless
     Borrower has designated otherwise in writing this location is also the
     office or offices where Borrower keeps its records concerning the
     Collateral.

     INFORMATION. All information heretofore or contemporaneously herewith
     furnished by Borrower to Lender for the purposes of or in connection with
     this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby is, and all
     information hereafter furnished by or on behalf of Borrower to Lender will
     be, true and accurate in every material respect on the date as of which
     such information is dated or certified; and none of such information is or
     will be incomplete by omitting to state any material fact necessary to make
     such information not misleading.

     SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower understands and agrees
     that Lender, without independent investigation, is relying upon the above
     representations and warranties in extending Loan Advances to Borrower.
     Borrower further agrees that the foregoing representations and warranties
     SHALL be continuing in nature and shall remain in full force and effect
     until such time as Borrower's Indebtedness shall be paid in full, or until
     this Agreement shall be terminated in the manner provided above, whichever
     is the last to occur.

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that, while
this Agreement is in effect, Borrower will:

     LITIGATION. Promptly inform Lender in writing of (a) all material adverse
     changes in Borrower's financial condition, and  (b) all existing and all
     threatened litigation, claims, investigations, administrative proceedings
     or similar actions affecting Borrower or any Guarantor which could
     materially affect the financial condition of Borrower or the financial
     condition of any Guarantor.

     FINANCIAL RECORDS. Maintain its books and records in accordance with
     generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis,
     and permit Lender to examine and audit Borrower's books and records at all
     reasonable times.

     ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. Furnish such additional information and statements,
     lists of assets and liabilities, agings of receivables and payables,
     inventory schedules, budgets, forecasts, tax returns, and other reports
     with respect to Borrower's financial condition and business operations as
     Lender may request from time to time.

     INSURANCE. Maintain fire and other risk insurance, public liability
     insurance, and such other insurance as Lender may require with respect to
     Borrower's properties and operations, in form, amounts, coverages and with
     insurance companies reasonably acceptable to Lender. Borrower, upon request
     of Lender, will deliver to Lender from time to time the policies or
     certificates of insurance in form satisfactory to Lender, including
     stipulations that coverages will not be canceled or diminished without at
     least thirty (30) days' prior written notice to Lender. Each insurance
     policy also shall include an endorsement providing that coverage in favor
     of Lender will not be impaired in any way by any act, omission or default
     of Borrower or any other person. In connection with all policies covering
     assets in which Lender holds or is offered a security interest for the
     Loans, Borrower will provide Lender with such loss payable or other
     endorsements as Lender may require.

     INSURANCE REPORTS. Furnish to Lender, upon request of Lender, reports on
     each existing insurance policy showing such information as Lender may
     reasonably request, including without limitation the following: (a) the
     name of the insurer; (b) the risks insured; (c) the amount of the policy;
     (d) the properties insured; (e) the then-current property values on the
     basis of which insurance has been obtained, and the manner of determining
     those values; and (t) the expiration dale of the policy. In addition, upon
     request of Lender (however not more often than annually), Borrower will
     have an independent appraiser satisfactory to Lender determine, as
     applicable, the actual cash value or replacement cost of any Collateral.
     The cost of such appraisal shall be paid by Borrower.

     OTHER AGREEMENTS. Comply with all terms and conditions of all other
     agreements, whether now or hereafter existing, between Borrower and any
     other party and notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in
     connection with any other such agreements.

     LOAN PROCEEDS. Use all Loan proceeds solely for Borrower's business
     operations, unless specifically consented to the contrary by Lender in
     writing.

     TAXES CHARGES AND LIENS. Pay and discharge when due all of its indebtedness
     and obligations, including without limitation all assessments, taxes,
     governmental charges, levies and liens, of every kind and nature, imposed
     upon Borrower or its properties, income, or profits, prior to the date on
     which penalties would attach, and all lawful claims that, if unpaid, might
     become a lien or charge upon any of Borrower's properties, income, or
     profits. Provided however, Borrower will not be required to pay and
     discharge any such assessment, tax, charge, levy, lien or claim so long as
     (a) the legality of the same shall be contested in good faith by
     appropriate proceedings, and (b) Borrower shall have established on its
     books adequate reserves with respect to such contested assessment, lax,
     charge, levy, lien, or claim in accordance with generally accepted
     accounting practices. Borrower, upon demand of Lender, will furnish to
     Lender evidence of payment of the assessments, taxes, charges, levies,
     liens and claims and will authorize the appropriate governmental official
     to deliver to Lender at any time a written statement of any assessments,
     taxes, charges, levies, liens and claims against Borrower's properties,
     income, or profits.

     PERFORMANCE. Perform and comply with all terms, conditions, and provisions
     set forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents in a timely
     manner, and promptly notify Lender if Borrower learns of the occurrence of
     any event which constitutes an Event of Default under this Agreement or
     under any of the Related Documents.

     OPERATIONS. Maintain executive and management personnel with substantially
     the same qualifications and experience as the present executive and
     management personnel; provide written notice to Lender of any change in
     executive and management personnel: conduct its business affairs in a
     reasonable and prudent manner and in compliance with all applicable
     federal, state and municipal Laws, ordinances, rules and regulations
     respecting its properties, charters, businesses and operations, including
     without limitation, compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and
     with all minimum funding standards and other requirements of ERISA and
     other laws applicable to Borrower's employee benefit plans.

     INSPECTION. Permit employees or agents of Lender at any reasonable time to
     inspect any and all Collateral for the Loan or Loans and Borrower's other
     properties and to examine or audit Borrower's books, accounts, and records
     and to make copies and memoranda of Borrower's books, accounts, and
     records. If Borrower now or at any time hereafter maintains any records
     (including without limitation computer generated records and computer
     software programs for the generation of such records) in the possession of
     a third party, Borrower, upon request of Lender, shall notify such party to
     permit Lender free access to such records at all reasonable times and to
     provide Lender with copies of any records it may request, all at Borrower's
     expense.
<PAGE>
 
02-18-1997                  BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT                       PAGE 4
                                  (Continued)
================================================================================

     COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE. Unless waived in writing by Lender, provide Lender
     at least annually and at the time of each disbursement of Loan proceeds
     with a certificate executed by Borrower's chief financial officer, or other
     officer or person acceptable to Lender, certifying that the representations
     and warranties set forth in this agreement are true and correct as of the
     date of the certificate and further certifying that, as of the date of the
     certificate, no Event of Default exists under this Agreement.

     ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND REPORTS. Borrower shall comply in all respects
     with all environmental protection federal, state and local laws, statutes,
     regulations and ordinances; not cause or permit to exist, as a result of an
     intentional or unintentional action or omission on its part or on the part
     of any third party, on property owned and/or occupied by Borrower, any
     environmental activity where damage may result to the environment, unless
     such environmental activity is pursuant to and in compliance with the
     conditions of a permit issued by the appropriate federal, state or local
     governmental authorities; shall furnish to Lender promptly and in any event
     within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof a copy of any notice,
     summons, lien, citation, directive, letter or other communication from any
     governmental agency or instrumentality concerning any intentional or
     unintentional action or omission on Borrower part in connection with any
     environmental activity whether or not there is damage to the environment
     and/or other natural resources.

     ADDITIONAL ASSURANCES. Make, execute and deliver to Lender such promissory
     notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, financing
     statements, instruments, documents and other agreements as Lender or its
     attorneys may reasonably request to evidence and secure the Loans and to
     perfect all Security Interests.

NEGATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that while this
Agreement is in effect, Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of
Lender:

     INDEBTEDNESS AND LIENS. (a) Except for trade debt incurred in the normal
     course of business and indebtedness to Lender contemplated by this
     Agreement, create, incur or assume indebtedness for borrowed money,
     including capital leases, (b) except as allowed as a Permitted Lien, sell,
     transfer, mortgage, assign, pledge, lease, grant a security interest in, or
     encumber any of Borrower's assets, or (c) sell with recourse any of
     Borrower's accounts, except to Lender.

     CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS. (a) Engage in any business activities
     substantially different than those in which Borrower is presently engaged,
     (b) cease operations, liquidate, merge, transfer, acquire or consolidate
     with any other entity, change ownership, change its name, dissolve or
     transfer or sell Collateral out of the ordinary course of business, (c) pay
     any dividends on Borrower's stock (other than dividends payable in its
     stock), provided, however that notwithstanding the foregoing, but only so
     long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result
     from the payment of dividends, if Borrower is a Subchapter S Corporation
     (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1996, as amended), Borrower may
     pay cash dividends on its stock to its shareholders from time to time in
     amounts necessary to enable the shareholders to pay income taxes and make
     estimated income tax payments to satisfy their liabilities under federal
     and state law which arise solely from their status as Shareholders of a
     Subchapter S Corporation because of their ownership of shares of stock of
     Borrower, or (d) purchase or retire any of Borrower's outstanding shares or
     alter or amend Borrower's capital structure.

     LOANS, ACQUISITIONS AND GUARANTIES. (a) Loan, invest in or advance money or
     assets, (b) purchase, create or acquire any interest in any other
     enterprise or entity, or (c) incur any obligation as surety or guarantor
     other than in the ordinary course of business.

CESSATION OF ADVANCES. If Lender has made any commitment to make any Loan to
Borrower, whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, Lender
shall have no obligation to make Loan Advances or to disburse Loan proceeds if:
(a) Borrower or any Guarantor is in default under the terms of this Agreement or
any of the Related Documents or any other agreement that Borrower or any
Guarantor has with Lender; (b) Borrower or any Guarantor becomes insolvent,
files a petition in bankruptcy or similar proceedings, or is adjudged a
bankrupt; (c) there occurs a material adverse change in Borrower's financial
condition, in the financial condition of any Guarantor, or in the value of any
Collateral securing any Loan; (d) any Guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise
attempts to limit, modify or revoke such Guarantor guaranty of the Loan or any
other loan with Lender; or (e) Lender in good faith deems itself insecure, even
though no Event of Default shall have occurred.

ADDITIONAL PROVISION.  1). The Leap Group, Inc., must maintain a minimum Book
Net Worth of $35,000,000.00 in order to borrower under the Line of Credit. This
covenant will be tested on a quarterly basis. 2). The Leap Group, Inc., may not
invest more than $1,000,000.00 in any other entity without the prior written
consent of the Bank which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

RIGHT OF SETOFF. Borrower grants to Lender a contractual possessory security
interest in, and hereby assigns, conveys, delivers, pledges, and transfers to
Lender all Borrower's right, title and interest in and to, Borrower's accounts
with Lender (whether checking, savings, or some other account), including
without limitation all accounts held jointly with someone else and all accounts
Borrower may open in the future, excluding however all IRA and Keogh accounts,
and all trust accounts for which the grant of a security interest would be
prohibited by law. Borrower authorizes Lender, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the Indebtedness against
any and all such accounts.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default
under this Agreement:

     DEFAULT ON INDEBTEDNESS. Failure of Borrower to make any payment when due
     on the Loans.

     OTHER DEFAULTS. Failure of Borrower or any Grantor to comply with or to
     perform when due any other term, obligation, covenant or condition
     contained in this Agreement or in any of the Related Documents, or failure
     of Borrower to comply with or to perform any other term, obligation,
     covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and
     Borrower.

     DEFAULT IN FAVOR OF THIRD PARTIES. Should Borrower or any Grantor default
     under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales
     agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person
     that may materially affect any of Borrower property or Borrower's or any
     Grantor's ability to repay the Loans or perform their respective
     obligations under this Agreement or any of the Related Documents.

     FALSE STATEMENTS. Any warranty, representation or statement made or
     furnished to Lender by or on behalf of Borrower or any Grantor under this
     Agreement or the Related Documents is false or misleading in any material
     respect at the time made or furnished, or becomes false or misleading at
     any time thereafter.

     DEFECTIVE COLLATERALIZATION. This Agreement or any of the Related Documents
     ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any Security
     Agreement to create a valid and perfected Security Interest) at any time
     and for any reason.

     INSOLVENCY. The dissolution or termination of Borrower's existence as a
     going business, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver
     for any part of Borrower's property, any assignment for the benefit of
     creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any
     proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Borrower.

     CREDITOR OR FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS. Commencement of foreclosure or
     forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help,
     repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Borrower, any creditor
     of any Grantor against any collateral securing the indebtedness, or by any
     governmental agency. This includes a garnishment, attachment, or levy on or
     of any of Borrower's accounts, including deposit accounts, with Lender.
     However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a good faith
     dispute by Borrower or Grantor, as the case may be, as to the
<PAGE>
 
02-18-1997                  BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT                       PAGE 5
                                  (Continued)
================================================================================

     validity or reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the creditor
     or forfeiture proceeding, and if Borrower or Grantor gives Lender written
     notice of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and furnishes reserves or a
     surety bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding satisfactory to
     Lender.

     EVENTS AFFECTING GUARANTOR. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect
     to any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or any Guarantor dies or
     becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability
     under, any Guaranty of the Indebtedness. Lender, at its option, may, but
     shall not be required to, permit the Guarantor's estate to assume
     unconditionally the obligations arising under the guaranty in a manner
     satisfactory to Lender, and, in doing so, cure the Event of Default.

     CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP. Any change in ownership of twenty-five percent (25%)
     or more of the common stock of Borrower.

     ADVERSE CHANGE.  A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial
     condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the
     Indebtedness is impaired.

     INSECURITY.  Lender, in good faith, deems itself insecure.

     RIGHT TO CURE. If any default, other than a Default on Indebtedness, is
     curable and if Borrower or Grantor, as the case may be, has not been given
     a notice of a similar default within the preceding twelve (12) months, it
     may be cured (and no Event of Default will have occurred) if Borrower or
     Grantor, as the case may be, after receiving written notice from Lender
     demanding cure of such default: (a) cures the default within fifteen (15)
     days; or (b) if the cure requires more than fifteen (15) days, immediately
     initiates steps which Lender deems in Lender's sole discretion to be
     sufficient to cure the default and thereafter continues and completes all
     reasonable and necessary steps sufficient to produce compliance as soon as
     reasonably practical.

EFFECT OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any Event of Default shall occur, except where
otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Related Documents, all commitments
and obligations of Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents or any
other agreement immediately will terminate (including any obligation to take
Loan Advances or disbursements), and, at Lender's option, all Indebtedness
immediately will become due and payable, all without notice of any kind to
Borrower, except that in the case of an Event of Default of the type described
in the "Insolvency" subsection above, such acceleration shall be automatic and
not optional. In addition, Lender shall have all the rights and remedies
provided in the Related Documents or available at law, in equity, or otherwise.
Except as may be prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender's rights and
remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently.
Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other
remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to perform an
obligation of Borrower or of any Grantor shall not affect Lender's right to
declare a default and to exercise its rights and remedies.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of
this Agreement:

     AMENDMENTS. This Agreement, together with any Related Documents,
     constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the
     matters set forth in this Agreement. No alteration of or amendment to this
     Agreement shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the
     party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or
     amendment.

     APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement has been delivered to Lender and accepted by
     Lender in the State of Illinois. If there is a lawsuit, Borrower agrees
     upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Cook
     County, the State of Illinois. Lender and Borrower hereby waive the right
     to any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by
     either Lender or Borrower against the other. This Agreement shall be
     governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
     Illinois.

     CAPTION HEADINGS. Caption headings in this Agreement are for convenience
     purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions
     of this Agreement.

     MULTIPLE PARTIES; CORPORATE AUTHORITY. All obligations of Borrower under
     this Agreement shall be joint and several, and all references to Borrower
     shall mean each and every Borrower. This means that each of the persons
     signing below is responsible for all obligations in this Agreement.

     CONSENT TO LOAN PARTICIPATION. Borrower agrees and consents to Lender's
     sale or transfer, whether now or later, of one or more participation
     interests in the Loans to one or more purchasers, whether related or
     unrelated to Lender. Lender may provide, without any limitation whatsoever,
     to any one or more purchasers, or potential purchasers, any information or
     knowledge Lender may have about Borrower or about any other matter relating
     to the Loan, and Borrower hereby waives any rights to privacy it may have
     with respect to such matters. Borrower additionally waives any and all
     notices of sale of participation interests, as well as all notices of any
     repurchase of such participation interests. Borrower also agrees that the
     purchasers of any such participation interests will be considered as the
     absolute owners of such interests in the Loans and will have all the rights
     granted under the participation agreement or agreements governing the sale
     of such participation interests. Borrower further waives all rights of
     offset or counterclaim that it may have now or later against Lender or
     against any purchaser of such a participation interest and unconditionally
     agrees that either Lender or such purchaser may enforce Borrower's
     obligation under the Loans irrespective of the failure or insolvency of any
     holder of any interest in the Loans. Borrower further agrees that the
     purchaser of any such participation interests may enforce its interests
     irrespective of any personal claims or defenses that Borrower may have
     against Lender.

     COSTS AND EXPENSES. Borrower agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender's
     expenses, including without limitation attorneys' fees, incurred in
     connection with the preparation, execution, enforcement, modification and
     collection of this Agreement or in connection with the Loans made pursuant
     to this Agreement. Lender may pay someone else to help collect the Loans
     and to enforce this Agreement, and Borrower will pay that amount. This
     includes, subject to any limits under applicable law, Lender's attorneys'
     fees and Lender's legal expenses, whether or not there is a lawsuit,
     including attorneys' fees for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to
     modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any
     anticipated post-judgment collection services. Borrower also will pay any
     court costs, in addition to all other sums provided by law.

     NOTICES. All notices required to be given under this Agreement shall be
     given in writing, may be sent by telefacsimile, and shall be effective when
     actually delivered or when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight
     courier or deposited in the United States mail, first class, postage
     prepaid, addressed to the party to whom the notice is to be given at the
     address shown above. Any party may change its address for notices under
     this Agreement by giving formal written notice to the other parties,
     specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party's address.
     To the extent permitted by applicable law, if there is more than one
     Borrower, notice to any Borrower will constitute notice to all Borrowers.
     For notice purposes, Borrower will keep Lender informed at all times of
     Borrower's current address(es).

     SEVERABILITY. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of
     this Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable as to any person or
     circumstance, such finding shall not render that provision invalid or
     unenforceable as to any other persons or circumstances. If feasible, any
     such offending provision shall be deemed to be modified to be within the
     limits of enforceability or validity; however, if the offending provision
     cannot be so modified, it shall be stricken and all other provisions of
     this Agreement in all other respects shall remain valid and enforceable.

     SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES OF BORROWER. To the extent the context of any
     provisions of this Agreement makes it appropriate, including without
     limitation any representation, warranty or covenant, the word "Borrower" as
     used herein shall include all subsidiaries and affiliates of Borrower.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing however, under no circumstances shall this
     Agreement be construed to require Lender to make any Loan or other
     financial accommodation to any subsidiary or affiliate of Borrower.

     SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. All covenants and agreements contained by or on
     behalf of Borrower shall bind its successors and assigns and shall
<PAGE>
 
02-18-1997                  BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT                       PAGE 6
                                  (Continued)
================================================================================

     inure to the benefit of Lender, its successors and assigns. Borrower shall
     not, however, have the right to assign its rights under this Agreement or
     any interest therein, without the prior written consent of Lender.

     SURVIVAL. All warranties, representations, and covenants made by Borrower
     in this Agreement or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by
     Borrower to Lender under this Agreement shall be considered to have been
     relied upon by Lender and will survive the making of the Loan and delivery
     to Lender of the Related Documents, regardless of any investigation made by
     Lender or on Lender's behalf.

     TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. Time is of the essence in the performance of this
     Agreement.

     WAIVER. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this
     Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No
     delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall
     operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of
     a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of
     Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or
     any other provision of this Agreement. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any
     course of dealing between Lender and Borrower, or between Lender and any
     Grantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any
     obligations of Borrower or of any Grantor as to any future transactions.
     Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this Agreement, the
     granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute
     continuing consent in subsequent instances where such consent is required,
     and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole
     discretion of Lender.

BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BUSINESS LOAN
AGREEMENT, AND BORROWER AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS AGREEMENT IS DATED AS OF
FEBRUARY 18, 1997.

BORROWER:

THE LEAP GROUP, INC.

By:  /s/ Peter Vezmar
   -------------------------------------
   Peter Vezmar, Chief Financial Officer


By:  /s/  Frederick Smith
   -------------------------------------
   Frederick Smith, Vice Chairman and 
     Chief Operating Officer

LENDER:

MANUFACTURERS BANK


================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
                              COMMERCIAL GUARANTY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL     LOAN DATE    MATURITY     LOAN NO    CALL    COLLATERAL   OFFICER    INITIALS         
<S>           <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>     <C>          <C>        <C> 
                                                               30         DD
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     References in the shaded area are for Lender's use only and do not limit the
     applicability of this document to any particular loan or item.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Borrower: The Leap Group, Inc. (TIN: 36-4079500)    Lender:  Manufacturers Bank
          22 West Hubbard St.                                1200 North Ashland
          Chicago, IL 60610                                  Chicago, IL 60622

Guarantor:The Leap Partnership, Inc.
          22 West Hubbard St.
          Chicago, IL 60610
================================================================================

AMOUNT OF GUARANTY. The amount of this Guaranty Is Unlimited.

CONTINUING UNLIMITED GUARANTY. For good and valuable consideration, The Leap
Partnership, Inc. ("Guarantor") absolutely and unconditionally guarantees and
promises to pay to Manufacturers Bank ("Lender") or its order, in legal tender
of the United States of America, the Indebtedness (as that term is defined
below) of The Leap Group, Inc. ("Borrower") to Lender on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Guaranty. Under this Guaranty, the liability of
Guarantor is unlimited and the obligations of Guarantor are continuing.

DEFINITIONS. The following words shall have the following meanings when used in
this Guaranty:

     BORROWER. The word "Borrower" means The Leap Group, Inc..

     GUARANTOR. The word "Guarantor" means The Leap Partnership, Inc.

     GUARANTY. The word "Guaranty" means this Guaranty made by Guarantor for the
     benefit of Lender dated February 18, 1997.

     INDEBTEDNESS. The word "Indebtedness" is used in its most comprehensive
     sense and means and includes any and all of Borrower's liabilities,
     obligations, debts, and indebtedness to Lender, now existing or hereinafter
     incurred or created, including, without limitation, all loans, advances,
     interest, costs, debts, overdraft indebtedness, credit card indebtedness,
     lease obligations, other obligations, and liabilities of Borrower, or any
     of them, and any present or future judgments against Borrower, or any of
     them; and whether any such Indebtedness is voluntarily or involuntarily
     incurred, due or not due, absolute or contingent, liquidated or
     unliquidated, determined or undetermined; whether Borrower may be liable
     individually or jointly with others, or primarily or secondarily, or as
     guarantor or surety; whether recovery on the Indebtedness may be or may
     become barred or unenforceable against Borrower for any reason whatsoever;
     and whether the Indebtedness arises from transactions which may be voidable
     on account of infancy, insanity, ultra vires, or otherwise.

     LENDER. The word "Lender" means Manufacturers Bank, its successors and
     assigns.

     RELATED DOCUMENTS. The words "Related Documents" mean and include without
     limitation all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements,
     environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds
     of trust, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now
     or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness.

NATURE OF GUARANTY.  Guarantor's liability under this Guaranty shall be open and
continuous for so long as this Guaranty remains in force.  Guarantor intends to
guarantee at all times the performance and prompt payment when due, whether at
maturity or earlier by reason of acceleration or otherwise, of all Indebtedness.
Accordingly, no payments made upon the indebtedness will discharge or diminish
the continuing liability of Guarantor in connection with any remaining portions
of the Indebtedness or any of the Indebtedness which subsequently arises or is
thereafter incurred or contracted.

DURATION OF GUARANTY. This Guaranty will take effect when received by Lender
without the necessity of any acceptance by Lender, or any notice to Guarantor or
to Borrower, and will continue in full force until all Indebtedness incurred or
contracted before receipt by Lender of any notice of revocation shall have been
fully and finally paid and satisfied and all other obligations of Guarantor
under this Guaranty shall have been performed in  full. if Guarantor elects to
revoke this Guaranty, Guarantor may only do so in writing.  Guarantor's written
notice of revocation must be mailed to Lender, by certified mail, at the
address of Lender listed above or such other place as Lender may designate in
writing. Written revocation of this Guaranty will apply only to advances or new
Indebtedness created after actual receipt by Lender of Guarantor's written
revocation. For this purpose and without limitation, the term "new
Indebtedness" does not include Indebtedness which at the time of notice of
revocation is contingent, unliquidated, undetermined or not due and which later
becomes absolute, liquidated, determined or due. This Guaranty will continue to
bind Guarantor for all Indebtedness incurred by Borrower or committed by Lender
prior to receipt of Guarantor's written notice of revocation, including any
extensions, renewals, substitutions or modifications of the Indebtedness. All
renewals, extensions, substitutions, and modifications of the Indebtedness
granted after Guarantor's revocation, are contemplated under this Guaranty and,
specifically will not be considered to be new Indebtedness. This Guaranty shall
bind the estate of Guarantor as to Indebtedness created both before and after
the death or incapacity of Guarantor, regardless of Lender's actual notice of
Guarantor's death. Subject to the foregoing, Guarantor's executor or
administrator or other legal representative may terminate this Guaranty in the
same manner in which Guarantor might have terminated it and with the same
effect. Release of any other guarantor or termination of any other guaranty of
the Indebtedness shall not affect the liability of Guarantor under this
Guaranty. A revocation received by Lender from any one or more Guarantors shall
not affect the liability of any remaining Guarantors under this Guaranty, it is
anticipated that fluctuations may occur in the aggregate amount of Indebtedness
covered by this Guaranty, and it is specifically acknowledged and agreed by
Guarantor that reductions in the amount of Indebtedness, even to zero dollars
($0.00), prior to written revocation of this Guaranty by Guarantor shall not
constitute a termination of this Guaranty. This Guaranty is binding upon
Guarantor and Guarantor's heirs, successors and assigns so long as any of the
guaranteed indebtedness remains unpaid and even though the Indebtedness
guaranteed may from time to time be zero dollars ($0.00).

GUARANTOR'S AUTHORIZATION TO LENDER. Guarantor authorizes Lender, either before
or after any revocation hereof, without notice or demand and without lessening
Guarantor's liability under this Guaranty, from time to time: (a) prior to
revocation as set forth above, to make one or more additional secured or
unsecured loans to Borrower, to lease equipment or other goods to Borrower, or
otherwise to extend additional credit to Borrower;  (b) to alter, compromise,
renew, extend, accelerate, or otherwise change one or more times the time for
payment or other terms of the Indebtedness or any part of the Indebtedness,
Including increases and decreases of the rate of interest on the Indebtedness;
extensions may be repeated and may be for longer than the original loan term;
(c) to take and hold security for the payment of this Guaranty or the
Indebtedness, and exchange, enforce, waive, subordinate, fail or decide not to
perfect, and release any such security, with or without the substitution of new
collateral;  (d) to release, substitute, agree not to sue, or deal with any one
or more of Borrower's sureties, endorsers, or other guarantors on any terms or
in any manner Lender may choose; (e) to determine how, when and what application
of payments and credits shall be made on the Indebtedness; (f) to apply such
security and direct the order or manner of sale thereof, including without
limitation, any nonjudicial sale permitted by the terms of the controlling
security agreement or deed of trust, as Lender in its discretion may determine;
(g) to sell, transfer, assign, or grant participations in all or any parts of
the Indebtedness, and (h) to assign or transfer this Guaranty in whole or in
part.

GUARANTOR'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Guarantor represents and warrants to
Lender that (a) no representations or agreements
<PAGE>
 
02-18-1997                  COMMERCIAL GUARANTY                           PAGE 2
                                  (Continued)
================================================================================

of any kind have been made to Guarantor which would limit or qualify in any way
the terms of this Guaranty;  (b) this Guaranty is executed at Borrower's request
and not at the request of Lender; (C) Guarantor has full power, right and
authority to enter into this Guaranty; (d) the provisions of this Guaranty do
not conflict with or result in a default under any agreement or other instrument
binding upon Guarantor and do not result in a violation of any law, regulation,
court decree or order applicable to Guarantor; (e) Guarantor has not and will
not, without the prior written consent of Lender, sell, lease, assign, encumber,
hypothecate, transfer, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of
Guarantor's assets, or any interest therein; (f) upon Lender's request,
Guarantor will provide to Lender financial and credit information in form
acceptable to Lender, and all such financial information which currently has
been, and all future financial information which will be provided to Lender is
and will be true and correct in all material respects and fairly present the
financial condition of Guarantor as of the dates the financial information is
provided; (g) no material adverse change has occurred in Guarantor's financial
condition since the date of the most recent financial statements provided to
Lender and no event has occurred which may materially adversely affect
Guarantor's financial condition; (h) no litigation, claim, investigation,
administrative proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid taxes)
against Guarantor is pending or threatened; (i) Lender has made no
representation to Guarantor as to the creditworthiness of Borrower; and U)
Guarantor has established adequate means of obtaining from Borrower on a
continuing basis information regarding Borrower's financial condition. Guarantor
agrees to keep adequately informed from such means of any facts, events, or
circumstances which might in any way affect Guarantor's risks under this
Guaranty, and Guarantor further agrees that, absent a request for information,
Lender shall have no obligation to disclose to Guarantor any information or
documents acquired by Lender in the course of its relationship with Borrower.


GUARANTOR'S WAIVERS. Except as prohibited by applicable law, Guarantor waives
any right to require Lender (a) to continue lending money or to extend other
credit to Borrower; (b) to make any presentment, protest, demand, or notice of
any kind, including notice of any nonpayment of the Indebtedness or of any
nonpayment related to any collateral, or notice of any action or nonaction on
the part of Borrower, Lender, any surety, endorser, or other guarantor in
connection with the Indebtedness or in connection with the creation of new or
additional loans or obligations; (c) to resort for payment or to proceed
directly or at once against any person, including Borrower or any other
guarantor; (d) to proceed directly against or exhaust any collateral held by
Lender from Borrower, any other guarantor, or any other person; (e) to give
notice of the terms, time, and place of any public or private sale of personal
property security held by Lender from Borrower or to comply with any other
applicable provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code; (f) to pursue any other
remedy within Lender's power; or (g) to commit any act or omission of any kind,
or at any time, with respect to any matter whatsoever.

If now or hereafter (a) Borrower shall be or become insolvent, and (b) the
Indebtedness shall not at all times until paid be fully secured by collateral
pledged by Borrower, Guarantor hereby forever waives and relinquishes in favor
of Lender and Borrower, and their respective successors, any claim or right to
payment Guarantor may now have or hereafter have or acquire against Borrower, by
subrogation or otherwise, so that at no time shall Guarantor be or become a
"creditor" of Borrower within the meaning of 11 U.S.C. section 547(b), or any
successor provision of the Federal bankruptcy laws.

Guarantor also waives any and all rights or defenses arising by reason of (a)
any "one action" or "anti-deficiency" law or any other law which may prevent
Lender from bringing any action, including a claim for deficiency, against
Guarantor, before or after Lender's commencement or completion of any
foreclosure action, either judicially or by exercise of a power of sale; (b) any
election of remedies by Lender which destroys or otherwise adversely affects
Guarantor's subrogation rights or Guarantor's rights to proceed against Borrower
for reimbursement, including without limitation, any loss of rights Guarantor
may suffer by reason of any law limiting, qualifying, or discharging the
Indebtedness; (c) any disability or other defense of Borrower, of any other
guarantor, or of any other person, or by reason of the cessation of Borrower's
liability from any cause whatsoever, other than payment in full in legal tender,
of the Indebtedness; (d) any right to claim discharge of the Indebtedness on the
basis of unjustified impairment of any collateral for the Indebtedness; (e) any
statute of limitations, if at any time any action or suit brought by Lender
against Guarantor is commenced there is outstanding Indebtedness of Borrower to
Lender which is not barred by any applicable statute of limitations; or (f) any
defenses given to guarantors at law or in equity other than actual payment and
performance of the Indebtedness. If payment is made by Borrower, whether
voluntarily or otherwise, or by Guarantor or by any third party, on the
Indebtedness and thereafter Lender is forced to remit the amount of that payment
(a) to Borrower's trustee in bankruptcy or to any similar person under any
federal or state bankruptcy law or law for the relief of debtors, (b) by reason
of any judgment, decree or order of any court or administrative body having
jurisdiction over Lender or any of Lender's property, or (c) by reason of any
settlement or compromise of any claim made by Lender with any claimant
(including without limitation Borrower or Guarantor), the Indebtedness shall be
considered unpaid for the purpose of enforcement of this Guaranty and this
Guaranty shall continue to be effective or shall be reinstated, as the case may
be, notwithstanding any cancellation of this Guaranty or of any note or other
instrument or agreement evidencing the Indebtedness and Guarantor shall remain
liable for the amount repaid or recovered to the same extent as if that amount
never had been originally received by Lender, and Guarantor shall be bound by
any judgment, decree, order, settlement or compromise relating to the
Indebtedness or to this Guaranty.

Guarantor further waives and agrees not to assert or claim at any time any
deductions to the amount guaranteed under this Guaranty for any claim of setoff,
counterclaim, counter demand, recoupment or similar right, whether such claim,
demand or right may be asserted by the Borrower, the Guarantor, or both.

GUARANTOR'S UNDERSTANDING WITH RESPECT TO WAIVERS. Guarantor warrants and agrees
that each of the waivers set forth above is made with Guarantor's full knowledge
of its significance and consequences and that, under the circumstances, the
waivers are reasonable and not contrary to public policy or law. If any such
waiver is determined to be contrary to any applicable law or public policy, such
waiver shall be effective only to the extent permitted by law or public policy.

LENDER'S RIGHT OF SETOFF. In addition to all liens upon and rights of setoff
against the moneys, securities or other property of Guarantor given to Lender by
law, Lender shall have, with respect to Guarantor's obligations to Lender under
this Guaranty and to the extent permitted by law, a contractual possessory
security interest in and a right of setoff against, and Guarantor hereby
assigns, conveys, delivers, pledges, and transfers to Lender all of Guarantor's
right, title and interest in and to, all deposits, moneys, securities and other
property of Guarantor now or hereafter in the possession of or on deposit with
Lender, whether held in a general or special account or deposit, whether held
jointly with someone else, or whether held for safekeeping or otherwise,
excluding however all IRA, Keogh, and trust accounts. Every such security
interest and right of setoff may be exercised without demand upon or notice to
Guarantor. No security interest or right of setoff shall be deemed to have been
waived by any act or conduct on the part of Lender or by any neglect to exercise
such right of setoff or to enforce such security interest or by any delay in so
doing. Every right of setoff and security interest shall continue in full force
and effect until such right of setoff or security interest is specifically
waived or released by an instrument in writing executed by Lender.

SUBORDINATION OF BORROWER'S DEBTS TO GUARANTOR. Guarantor agrees that the
Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender, whether now existing or hereafter created,
shall be prior to any claim that Guarantor may now have or hereafter acquire
against Borrower, whether or not Borrower becomes insolvent. Guarantor hereby
expressly subordinates any claim Guarantor may have against Borrower, upon any
account whatsoever, to any claim that Lender may now or hereafter have against
Borrower. In the event of insolvency and consequent liquidation of the assets of
Borrower, through bankruptcy, by an assignment for the benefit of creditors, by
voluntary liquidation, or otherwise, the assets of Borrower applicable to the
payment of the claims of both Lender and Guarantor shall be paid to Lender and
shall be first applied by Lender to the Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender.
Guarantor does hereby assign to Lender all claims which it may have or acquire
against Borrower or against any assignee or trustee in bankruptcy of Borrower;
provided however, that such assignment shall be effective only for the purpose
of assuring to Lender full payment in legal tender of the Indebtedness. If
Lender so requests, any notes or credit agreements now or hereafter evidencing
any debts or obligations of Borrower to Guarantor shall be marked with a legend
that the same are subject to this Guaranty and shall be delivered to Lender.
Guarantor agrees, and Lender hereby is authorized, in the name of Guarantor,
from time to time to execute and file financing statements and continuation
statements and to execute
<PAGE>
 
02-18-1997                    COMMERCIAL GUARANTY                         PAGE 3
                                  (Continued)
================================================================================

such other documents and to take such other actions as Lender deems necessary or
appropriate to perfect, preserve and enforce its rights under this Guaranty.


MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of
this Guaranty:

     AMENDMENTS. This Guaranty, together with any Related Documents, constitutes
     the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the matters set
     forth in this Guaranty. No alteration of or amendment to this Guaranty
     shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the party or
     parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or amendment.

     APPLICABLE LAW. This Guaranty has been delivered to Lender and accepted by
     Lender in the State of Illinois. If there is a lawsuit, Guarantor agrees
     upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Cook
     County, State of Illinois. Lender and Guarantor hereby waive the right to
     any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by either
     Lender or Guarantor against the other. This Guaranty shall be governed by
     and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois.

     ATTORNEYS' FEES; EXPENSES. Guarantor agrees to pay upon demand all of
     Lender's costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees and Lender's legal
     expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement of this Guaranty.
     Lender may pay someone else to help enforce this Guaranty, and Guarantor
     shall pay the costs and expenses of such enforcement. Costs and expenses
     include Lender's attorneys' fees and legal expenses whether or not there is
     a lawsuit, including attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy
     proceedings (and including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay
     or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection
     services. Guarantor also shall pay all court costs and such additional fees
     as may be directed by the court.

     NOTICES. All notices required to be given by either party to the other
     under this Guaranty shall be in writing, may be sent by telefacsimile, and,
     except for revocation notices by Guarantor, shall be effective when
     actually delivered or when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight
     courier, or when deposited in the United States mail, first class postage
     prepaid, addressed to the party to whom the notice is to be given at the
     address shown above or to such other addresses as either party may
     designate to the other in writing. All revocation notices by Guarantor
     shall be in writing and shall be effective only upon delivery to Lender as
     provided above in the section titled "DURATION OF GUARANTY." If there is
     more than one Guarantor, notice to any Guarantor will constitute notice to
     all Guarantors. For notice purposes, Guarantor agrees to keep Lender
     informed at all times of Guarantor's current address.

     INTERPRETATION. In all cases where there is more than one Borrower or
     Guarantor, then all words used in this Guaranty in the singular shall be
     deemed to have been used in the plural where the context and construction
     so require; and where there is more than one Borrower named in this
     Guaranty or when this Guaranty is executed by more than one Guarantor, the
     words "Borrower" and "Guarantor" respectively shall mean all and any one or
     more of them. The words "Guarantor," "Borrower," and "Lender" include the
     heirs, successors, assigns, and transferees of each of them. Caption
     headings in this Guaranty are for convenience purposes only and are not to
     be used to interpret or define the provisions of this Guaranty. If a court
     of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Guaranty to be
     invalid or unenforceable as to any person or circumstance, such finding
     shall not render that provision invalid or unenforceable as to any other
     persons or circumstances, and all provisions of this Guaranty in all other
     respects shall remain valid and enforceable. If any one or more of Borrower
     or Guarantor are corporations or partnerships, it is not necessary for
     Lender to inquire into the powers of Borrower or Guarantor or of the
     officers, directors, partners, or agents acting or purporting to act on
     their behalf, and any Indebtedness made or created in reliance upon the
     professed exercise of such powers shall be guaranteed under this Guaranty.

     WAIVER. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this
     Guaranty unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No
     delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall
     operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of
     a provision of this Guaranty shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of
     Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or
     any other provision of this Guaranty. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any
     course of dealing between Lender and Guarantor, shall constitute a waiver
     of any of Lender's rights or of any of Guarantor's obligations as to any
     future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this
     Guaranty, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not
     constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is
     required and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the
     sole discretion of Lender.

EACH UNDERSIGNED GUARANTOR ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
GUARANTY AND AGREES TO ITS TERMS.   IN ADDITION, EACH GUARANTOR UNDERSTANDS THAT
THIS GUARANTY IS EFFECTIVE UPON GUARANTOR'S EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS
GUARANTY TO LENDER AND THAT THE GUARANTY WILL CONTINUE UNTIL TERMINATED IN THE
MANNER SET FORTH IN THE SECTION TITLED "DURATION OF GUARANTY." NO FORMAL
ACCEPTANCE BY LENDER IS NECESSARY TO MAKE THIS GUARANTY EFFECTIVE. THIS GUARANTY
IS DATED FEBRUARY l8, 1997.

GUARANTOR:

THE LEAP PARTNERSHIP, INC.

By:  /s/ Peter Vezmar
   -------------------------------------------------------------
   Peter Vezmar, Chief Financial Officer


By:  /s/ Frederick Smith
   -------------------------------------------------------------
   Frederick Smith, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer