I just finished a near 3-year project with Gateway Bank that involved the purchase and finance of real estate, then the finance of an major renovation of the building. The project also included moving and expanding my dental office into the new space. That, too, involved the finance of lots of new dental and office equipment.
I couldn't have asked for a better banking partner in a project that had so many moving parts. Being a smaller, locally owned bank, Gateway was nimble, creative and flexible. Like any construction project, it ended up over budget and behind schedule. Gateway was there at every step along the way. More than once they went to bat for me with the General Contractor to reign in costs. They were also persistent and thorough about arranging SBA loans for the project and were able to take advantage of their established relationships with the SBA brokers to make it all happen.
My contact there was a V.P. with decision-making authority. The convenience of having his cell number - and round-the-clock access - cannot be overstated. Big projects have a life of their own and problems don't always present during "banker hours". Whenever I needed to talk money, Gateway was a phone call away. Done.
The entire crew there is helpful and truly a pleasure to work with. As the project wound down, and the financial dust started to settle, I found myself regretting not having a reason to call the bank. Gateway Bank began my project as a banking partner, but ended as a friend. For commercial banking, these folks can't be beat. read more