When you get the chance to fulfill your lifelong dream of owning a business, it’s pretty cool…and even better when you can give it an amazing name like Woof Academy! Tom Gonzalez and his wife Pamela, a professional trainer, operate their thriving dog training and daycare facility in Encinitas, CA. Tom says of their recent acquisition, “Purchasing this business with its spacious facilities and talented staff has allowed us to more effectively scale the positive impact Pamela is able to have in our community.”
The business broker facilitating the Small Business Administration (SBA) transaction introduced Tom and Pamela to First Internet Bank. After speaking with Business Development Officer Jared Johnson, Tom was sold: “I was impressed with both the professionalism and friendly demeanor. And, when I followed up on that initial conversation, I researched other SBA lending institutions and realized First Internet Bank had very competitive rates and terms.”
While the number of detailed documents and procedures that must be followed in order to close on a loan can be daunting, Tom and Pamela discovered that the First Internet Bank SBA team would be there every step of the way, helping to guide the process, offer insights and facilitate the transaction.
“In this day and age, to have a banker return your calls, emails or texts in less than an hour seems unheard of,” Tom explained, “but this extended to the entire team at First Internet Bank.”
The weekend prior to loan closing brought some challenging deadlines the Gonzalez family had to meet in order to secure funding and close the transaction. Thanks to the First Internet Bank SBA team, there were a number of specialists working overtime to speed the process along and achieve an on-time closing. “Among the attorneys, business brokers, accountants and myriad of other professionals, First Internet Bank was truly a bright spot in a very complex and difficult transaction with lots of moving parts and challenging personalities.” Tom added
This loan has allowed Pamela and Tom to pursue their dream and acquire a business with solid year-over-year financial growth, an excellent facility and enthusiastic team in the exact niche and location they were looking to pursue.
As a result, Tom was more than thrilled with the experience. “I would enthusiastically recommend Jared Johnson and First Internet Bank to other small businesses – and I already have. When it comes to SBA loans, they are clearly experts in this domain. That expertise, combined with their friendly, professional communication and the ability to pull together as a team sets them apart. I would highly recommend them to any small business looking at SBA financing.”