Success Stories

Lucia Náñez moved from sunny Mexico to Alaska in January 1986. She and her husband, Jose ("Chepo") had a vision to open a restaurant serving food from their native state of Zacatecas in central Mexico, where Lucia had learned to cook from her family.

After establishing a career in project management, Christine Vargas in 2004 decided to build an interior design firm. Although COVID-19 hit the company hard, a loan from the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has helped the company avoid widescale furloughs.

When Rachel Bennett and Max Spears moved back to Washington last year, they knew they were ready for the next chapter in their lives, but they never expected it would include buying their favorite hometown diner.

After thirteen years as a senior manager for a manufacturer specializing in chemical recycling equipment, Bruce Rosenbaum was ready to be in charge.

Peter and Renee were familiar with Buckeye Beer Engine long before they bought it in 2019. Renee had begun working there as a hostess and rose to manager. Peter had been an investor and design consultant. When the founder decided to retire, Peter asked Renee to join him in buying the business. They shared a vision for tweaking and improving the food and service without sacrificing the homey, welcoming atmosphere.

Hector and Amelia Mendoza knew everything about running their Mexican restaurant, but when the opportunity came to expand and add locations, they turned to KeyBank for its expertise in SBA loans.

The dreamchild of owners Rudyard and Shelly Coltman, the Studio One Theaters complex takes the dining and viewing experience to unheard-of levels. Studio One offers viewing from seven different penthouses, each styled in the décor of a different city, the latest in projection and sound technology, as well as gourmet dining. KeyBank helped the Coltmans realize their dream with a Small Business Administration loan.

Harnessing the creativity and ambition of numerous startups, freelancers, consultants, designers and entrepreneurs is a strong formula for growth at LaunchHouse. This innovative business that houses diverse small business owners looking to share space, ideas and success, has expanded to two new locations, with help from KeyBank.

Wanting to be their own bosses and to do something a bit more exciting, Anthony and Nichole Rains bought a franchise of Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park. The couple needed financing for the down payment, as well as for building the rides and attractions to fill a 39,000-square-foot structure. They turned to KeyBank to help them reach their goal.

As a former New York City police detective, Patrick Brosnan saw the need for security beyond what the police could provide. After retiring, he started Brosnan Risk Consultants to protect banks, retailers and other businesses and to provide assistance in the wake of natural disasters and civil unrest.

Years of research and experimentation led a former Marine to create Topricin Pain Relief Cream. Originally sold at county fairs and natural food stories, it proved so popular that Lou Paradise eventually added other homeopathic products and built a company, Topical BioMedics.

Dave Oehlman knows the secrets to barbecuing tasty ribs and brisket but when it came to financing a fast-growing restaurant group he needed the help of an expert.