Success Stories

A chain of seven old-fashioned burger joints in Oregon, Nancy Jo’s Burgers & Fries was devastated by the pandemic, and facing the likelihood of closing. Owners Richard and Nancy Giddens turned to Key for help with a PPP loan so they could keep their business and support more than 60 employees.

See how a first-time restaurant entrepreneur used the Paycheck Protection Program and her relationship with KeyBank to keep her business going through a burglary, COVID-19 and raging wildfires.

Launching a telecommunications business in 2020, business partners Corey White and Alvin Johnson knew they had challenges ahead. But in KeyBank, they found a financial institution who understood their company’s potential and helped them secure the capital they needed to get on the path to success.

Entrepreneurs Kelly Milbrandt and her husband Colin Wiggins knew that Seattle was ready for a new type of preschool experience. So, they started EuropaKids Preschool, which provides Spanish-language immersion instruction. As parents vied for open spots, they identified the need to launch a second location. See how KeyBank helped them secure various loans to grow while taking care of their staff in the midst of the pandemic.

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.