Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laura Kirby. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Laura, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?

* Many, if not most, big-box banks do not offer commercial borrowers with personalized services * They do not provide multiple commercial lending “options”
* Many do not “listen” to the borrowers’ requests, needs, terms, etc. pertaining to the borrowers specific needs
* Big-box corporate banks “lend” to potential borrowers based on the “terms” the lender wants to lend on – what is solely best for the lender – not flexible with the borrower
* Corporate banks have VERY SPECIFIC wheelhouses in which they can and will lend
* They have an abundance of red-tape in the commercial lending/ underwriting / approval process
* Corporate banks do not offer a full spectrum of commercial loans (such as CRE <commercial real estate>, construction, hospitality, industrial, cash-out refis, alternative lending), multi-family, LOCs <lines of credit +++>
*. Their commercial lending parameters/ guidelines are not flexible – they lend within “their box”
* Their lending options are NOT as flexible and often not as flexible as those of community banks
* Very little personalized service
* Treat clients/ borrowers like a number
* Typically they do not provide their most aggressive terms upfront
* Not appreciative like community banks

Laura, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Prior to LLK Consulting:

* 19 years experience as Finance & Insurance Manager in automotive dealerships – where my primary goal was to PLACE the clients’ specific lending needs, terms, requests, etc. with the appropriate lender
* “Listened” to the clients specific needs and fought on their behalf with appropriate lenders to obtain the most competitive options for client to review and select
*Learned the clients’ specific needs as to what factors were most important to them in a loan – i.e, rate, length of loan, pre-payment penalty, relationship, auto bank draft option, geographic location <is there a local branch?>, required down payment, using same lender as their checking- savings – mortgage, the known customer service the bank/ lender provides

With LLK Consulting:

* 5 years since formation – nearly 25 years in finance and lending experience total
* Perform the SAME services BUT with COMMERCIAL LENDING OPTIONS/ BORROWERS
* Many business owners do not have the TIME, PATIENCE, or KNOWLEDGE to shop multiple commercial lenders or even understand the lengthy and intrusive process
* Most clients seeking a commercial loan simply apply with the bank where they have their business checking – not knowing what that lender’s niche is or how competitive their terms are
* Most business owners do not realize that EACH commercial lender has their own “niche”/ parameters as to which they will loan – bc of this most biz owners are more than happy to “outsource” their commercial lending needs to a professional like LLK Consulting
* LLK networks with an abundance of nationwide, yet local/ community commercial lenders
* Our specialty is knowing which lender(s) are the most appropriate “fit” for the client and their specific needs
* We act as the liaison on behalf of the client when handling the commercial loan application, underwriting, approval, titling, legal process, etc. – Borrower is not “bothered” by lender with every single question
* Lender LIKES and APPRECIATES working with LLK clients bc they know we have thoroughly vetted client, project, loan structure, and loan package
* LLK invests the time in “shopping” the loan on behalf of the client to provide multiple options
* Identify ever changing wheelhouse of each lender and identify their “current lending niche”
* LLK provides “value” to the borrower with the amount of time we eliminate throughout the entire process <value of time>
* LLK “shops” the commercial lending options on behalf of the client which SAVES TIME and MONEY
* We emphasize to borrower and lender the VALUE OF TIME – for all parties involved
* Obtain NEW CLIENTS to lenders who may otherwise never have the opportunity to connect with client – we begin with lending options which allows banks an opportunity to hold clients’ deposits and other banking services such as investments
* Gather, review, and prepare a complete commercial loan application for lender <very lengthy and detailed process>
* Assist in structuring the loan properly prior to submitting the application to the lender
* “Paint the picture” of client and project to lender preventing borrower’s loan app from being just a number in the queue
* Provide commercial lending solutions and loan advisory services
* Educate clients on NEW or ALTERNATIVE lending options which they may not be familiar with
* Connect client with professional advisory services so they do not need to SHOP for each……. VERY HELPFUL to client!!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Easy one! Nearly every LLK Consulting client has either been a referral or a repeat. ONLY ONE client has been obtained from a form of advertising/ solicitation.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My clients and lenders alike KNOWWWW once I get ahold of loan application, I am a little bulldog. I will NOT stop searching an option(s) for a client – no matter the amount of time it may take ……

For example, I have been working a hotel construction loan for 5 partners (which 3 are NOT U.S. Citizens or Residents). Client and I STILL stay in communication as changes in the economy, lending options, and their financial situations change. Currently, we have 2 NEW lenders reviewing this commercial loan request who both feel confident in providing viable options – THIS PROCESS has PROVIDED LLK with an ABUNDANCE on NEW CONNECTIONS across the country <networking which would otherwise not have occurred>

Contact Info:

• Website: www.llkconsultingtx.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/llkconsultingtx/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/51602111/

Image Credits
Each photo was either taken by me or was created by me……… no copyrights……