Our bank prides itself on being wherever our customers need us, through every stage of life, no matter what their next adventure might be. Along with being “wherever,” we also have to be prepared with “whatever” our customers need. That includes Commercial Lending.

This offering and the amazing team behind it has helped us continue to grow after 172 years, in a market constantly facing new competition and an increase in mergers. While Passumpsic offers a variety of business loans including Commercial Real Estate (CRE), Small Business Administration (SBA), and lines of credit, our local, personalized service is the secret sauce. 

Tina Lunderville, Assistant Vice President/Commercial Banker based at Passumpsic’s Littleton branch, recently shared insights into the Passumpsic Bank way of working with local business owners. She sees every client interaction as unique, and thrives on the challenge of working with them to formulate a great plan resulting in what she refers to as “a lending story.”

Why has Passumpsic Bank been successful in the commercial lending space for so long?

“It has to do with our service. It’s top notch. We’re a lender that’s going to do the background work, dig a little deeper and explore every option. We give every client the service they deserve, because everyone who walks in this door is different and every commercial loan is different. How did you find your dream? What’s your niche? I want to learn about their passion because that gives me insight into what they want to accomplish and whether it’s a reality. We are honest. We are going to be clear on expectations and I think people appreciate that.”

What does the idea of personalized service really mean for a Commercial Lending customer?

“It’s about customized financial solutions. The best part about commercial lending is that every loan and every client, every story, is different. We take the time to learn every situation, sit down and ask questions, do a site visit. We get to know each subject and each client. Do your job, do it thoroughly, and the client will get something created specifically for them. And the relationship doesn’t end when you sign the closing docs.”

What are the advantages of working with a lender that is part of a bank’s overall team?

“You can get comprehensive financial advice because we offer more than just loans. Sometimes people don’t know what they need. These people are trusting me, and if I see an avenue that will benefit them, I’m going to say something, make a referral. It’s my job to make sure I am laying the land for them, whether it’s a commercial loan, a checking account, or a 529 for their child going to college in a few years.” 

What are the advantages of working with a local lending team?

“The decision-making happens locally; we don’t answer to a higher corporate entity. When you are a local bank like Passumpsic, you are more in touch with your local people. Unless you’re in the community, you don’t really know what’s happening, or understand what steps a client wants to take. If you take the time to learn your client, their background, and their ‘why’, then that helps to formulate a successful lending story.”