I previously managed small business accounts at another financial institution. In April 2024, one of my former account members reached out to me because he needed a loan to purchase another vehicle for his growing business. The members own a minority‑owned, family‑run business based in Orange County, New York, that provides party rentals of a wide variety of items, including table linens, tables, chairs, tents, and bounce houses. They also own a commercial building with a full kitchen where events are hosted.
At the time, we did not offer commercial lending, and he did not bank with us. I explained that I could still work with him using a consumer loan for business purposes, but cautioned that the loan amount would be lower due to loan‑to‑value limits on personal loans with commercial intent. He agreed to move forward, especially since turnaround times at other institutions were taking several weeks.
Things progressed quickly, and within a week he had the funds needed to purchase a box truck and hire an additional driver to support his growing business. He appreciated being able to work with one person for his financing needs, rather than being passed between departments as he had experienced at other institutions.
In December, he contacted me again to move both his personal accounts and his business accounts, along with his spouse’s accounts, to Heritage as their primary financial institution. He wanted a one‑stop‑shop experience that would streamline communication and make banking easier. Shortly after, I closed a debt consolidation loan for his spouse as well. In January 2025, I submitted a referral to our commercial lending team for the business. The members had recently put money down on a second location and are now seeking a commercial mortgage with us.
