You may have heard it said, “an organization is only as successful as its members”. Similarly, a bank is only as successful as its customers. This rings particularly true for Portage Bank in Bellevue, Washington. Only to Portage, they’re more than customers – they’re lifelong relationships that are better classified as friends.
Such a relationship is exemplified in long-time Portage client, GIS Companies. GIS is the Seattle area’s go-to real estate development firm for mixed use, multi-family, and custom homes. With multiple residential and commercial projects under their belts, they’re no strangers to commercial lending. Through the decades, they’ve been approached by salespeople at large banks who oversell financing products. They’ve come to appreciate the value of working with a smaller bank like Portage.
“Working with Portage has been a breath of fresh air! They work efficiently and practically. For our types of projects, what could have taken months to underwrite was far quicker with Portage Bank. We receive term sheets quickly, and they’re always honest and up-front with us.”
-Ryan Grams, Principal, GIS Companies
Grams, who works alongside many family members and friends at GIS Companies, truly appreciates the genuine treatment he receives from the team at Portage. After all, GIS is a third generation family business operating with the same level of business ethics and values as Portage. They share a core belief of working hard, delivering the best product, and treating people well.
“We really tailor the terms of your loan to your distinct business needs. We’re proud that our competitive interest rates and flexible terms can promote growth in the community that we’re all invested in.”
-Kevin Johnston, COO, Executive Vice President Portage Bank
Investing in the community is a passion for both Portage and GIS. In fact, Portage most recently helped finance GIS Companies’ downtown Bellevue building, The Plaza Project, which includes retail, office space, and residential condo units. The project boasts a curved facade of windows that is typical to GIS’ cutting edge construction design.
“GIS and Portage have built a strong and mutually beneficial relationship. We’re friends, we’re working and growing together, and we’re confident in the shared business principles that make us both successful. Portage is our exclusive lender.”
-Ryan Grams, GIS
Although operational in both states, Portage Bank recently moved their headquarters from Ceylon, Minnesota to Bellevue, Washington, where they’re minutes away from many GIS project locations. The Portage building at 880 108th Ave NE is currently operating as an LPO, but will be a fully operational branch this fall. From Money Market Accounts to personal loans, Portage Bank is the local resource to help guide your financial journey. For more information about working with Portage Bank for your residential or commercial lending needs, visit the Portage website.
