“Choose a bank that’s going to have your interests at heart and help you find what you need. You may have to invest more upfront, but it’s worth it if you want to be successful.” – Dr. David Salazar
Driving Your Own Financial Future: Blue Lake Animal Hospital
Drs. Heather and Will Vandenheuvel knew early on that owning an animal hospital, as opposed to working for one, was the right move for them. They used an SBA 7(a) loan to make their dream a reality.
“Owning your own business is freedom,” says Dr. Will. “You decide your own destiny and reap the benefits from working hard. If you look at stats, there is an astronomical difference between being a worker versus a hospital owner.”
In fact, the average pet hospital owner makes thousands more annually than the average associate veterinarian working for someone else.
When the Vandenheuvels were ready to seek financing, they quickly learned why working with a lender that understands your business plan, needs, and goals is essential. Veterinary practices are not the same as those of a dentist’s office or even medical practices for humans.
“First Financial Bank understood why we needed equipment, space, stock, etc., and they knew why these things cost so much. Other banks just don’t understand (veterinary work),” says Dr. Will.
Through their hard work, Blue Lake Animal Hospital has earned a stellar reputation, growing its client base from approximately 500 to several thousand. To support that growth, they’re looking to expand.
Local to National – and Beyond: El Dorado Metals
El Dorado Metals is a multi-faceted fabrication, construction, and field services company specializing in products for specialty chemicals, mining, refining, healthcare, and industrial radiation shielding markets. More than 20 years ago, they secured an SBA loan that helped them grow and expand into more markets.
“Quite frankly, we wouldn’t be where we are without First Financial Bank,” says William “Willie” McNabb, President and CEO of El Dorado Metals. “No other bank took the time to sit down and listen. They just made their standard offer. That’s not how First Financial (Bank) approached it. They wanted to understand what we did and how we operated so they could offer appropriate financing solutions for our business.”
El Dorado Metals’ facility has grown from 2,000 sqft to 30,000 sqft, and rapid growth has allowed them to reach more markets. Over time, they’ve leveraged additional loans to fuel that growth, including an extended line of credit to help weather the Great Financial Crisis. Today, they are a thriving company by all measures.
A Timely Opportunity: Eggshells Kitchen Co.
The story of Eggshells Kitchen Co. is proof that suitable financing can be secured at any time—even in the midst of a world-disrupting pandemic.
Owner Beth Porter was working part-time for a travel agency when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. People were barely leaving the house. The travel industry dried up – and an opportunity presented itself. A local store she was quite fond of came up for sale. Knowing that this chance wouldn’t be around forever, she and her husband sat down and crunched the numbers. Beth then engaged with a First Financial Bank Lender to secure an SBA loan to buy Eggshells Kitchen Co.
Now, as its third owner, she’s making this version of Eggshells Kitchen Co. the best yet.
Making Care the Center of the Work: Salazar Veterinary Hospital
Delivering top-quality care is the number one priority at Salazar Veterinary Hospital, and Dr. David Salazar knows the value of quality over quantity.
“I offer only the best products. I know which foods pets enjoy and which supplements are safe. I don’t want to use generics; I prefer high-quality products. Quality over quantity every time.”
In addition to knowing the value of quality over quantity, Dr. Salazar also understands the value of getting an SBA loan through a Preferred Lender.
“When I connected with First Financial Bank, I thought I was just going to get money. I didn’t know they would connect me with marketing and real estate specialists, web designers, insurance providers, lawyers, and builders.”
What advice does Dr. Salazar have for other small businesses that are looking for financing?
“Choose a bank that’s going to have your interests at heart and help you find what you need. You may have to invest more upfront, but it’s worth it if you want to be successful.”
Final Thoughts
What do all these small business success stories have in common? They all demonstrate that getting an SBA loan through a diligent and Preferred Lender makes a difference. They show how suitable financing can support business owners in creating success. We are honored to be considered partners – and even friends – of the small business owners we work with.
