As we kick off a new year, I’ve been reflecting on the partnerships I’ve built over the last 11 years as a commercial lender. One that comes to mind is Sierra Homes, a homebuilder based in Tremonton. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of watching the company’s incredible progress — from building fewer than 100 homes each year to more than 250 a year today.
That growth hasn’t just shaped their business; it’s had a real impact on families and communities across Utah. Through their dedication to quality and thoughtful development, Sierra Homes has helped hundreds of Utahns achieve homeownership, creating neighborhoods where people can thrive. Supporting that mission has been an honor — from securing construction loans to help them build those vibrant communities to working alongside our mortgage lending team to assist families purchasing their dream homes.
Stories like Sierra Homes remind me why I love what I do. Lending is about more than financing — it’s about building partnerships that support business development, create opportunities and strengthen the communities we serve.
The Power of Partnership: 5 Ways You and Your Lender Can Build Success Together
At its core, relationship banking is built on trust, collaboration and shared purpose, focusing on more than just transactions. It thrives on five key principles that make it uniquely valuable:
1. Building Genuine Connections
Relationship banking is about understanding your business on a deeper level and creating a meaningful connection.
You should: Share the "why" behind your business — what drives you, your core values, and the vision that fuels your work. Talk about what makes your business unique and how it contributes to your community. By focusing on your mission and purpose, you’ll create a deeper understanding that goes beyond the numbers.
Your lender should: Earn your trust by taking the time to truly understand your business — not just the financials, but the story behind it. When they align their solutions with your goals and values, they become a true advocate for your success.
2. Offering Tailored Solutions
Every business is different, which means their financial needs vary. A one-size-fits-all solution rarely works when it comes to lending. To ensure the best fit:
You should: Provide the "how" of your business — specific details about operations, revenue patterns and future plans. Be upfront about your challenges and opportunities so your lender can craft solutions that meet your needs. Ask questions to ensure the proposed options align with your strategy.
Your lender should: Proactively offer solutions that work specifically for you. This includes adapting to your specific circumstances, such as crafting a financial plan to support future expansion.
3. Providing Ongoing Guidance
A true lending partnership extends beyond the loan signing. Both you and your lender play vital roles in maintaining a healthy and productive relationship that supports your business's growth.
You should: Stay in touch with your lender even when you don’t need immediate funding. Keeping them updated on your progress — such as new ventures, industry changes, or shifting needs — helps them provide relevant advice and ensures future financing aligns with your goals. Regular check-ins strengthen the partnership.
Your lender should: Stay actively involved, as well, providing ongoing support and adjusting strategies to align with your business's evolving needs. They should also help you navigate challenges and uncover opportunities for growth.
4. Sharing Valuable Insights
A strong lender is more than just a source of capital; they're a resource for industry insights and advice. Working across various sectors, they bring valuable perspectives that can help you stay ahead of trends and make better business decisions. To maximize this expertise:
You should: Leverage your lender’s knowledge and ask about industry trends, challenges faced by others in your field and how those challenges are being addressed. This collaboration provides new perspectives for tackling your own challenges. Don't hesitate to ask for their advice; they might offer ideas you haven't considered.
Your lender should: Draw on their expertise to provide relevant answers, sharing insights and advice tailored to your goals. Their knowledge of industry trends and strategies can help guide your decision-making.
5. Being a Reliable Partner
Reliability is crucial in any strong relationship, including lending. Your lender should not only support you when needed but be someone you can count on throughout all stages of your business growth. To cultivate this reliable partnership:
You should: Treat your lender as a partner. Keep them informed about both successes and challenges, sharing milestones and updates such as new product lines, team expansion, or plans for new locations. Open and honest communication allows your lender to better support your long-term success.
Your lender should: Be present not just during the loan process but throughout your business journey. They should listen carefully to understand your long-term goals and work with you to create a supporting strategy. This includes proactively addressing potential changes and offering support during unexpected challenges.
Final Thoughts
At the heart of lending is the chance to build something that lasts — not just for your business, but for the people and communities you care about. Working with Sierra Homes has been a powerful reminder of how a strong partnership can create real change. It’s not just about financing construction — it’s about empowering businesses like Sierra Homes to create communities where families can thrive and futures can take shape.
Again, great partnerships are built on trust, shared goals and open conversations. When you bring your vision and challenges to the table, a good lender will roll up their sleeves and work with you to find the right solutions. Together, you can tackle the hard stuff, celebrate the wins and create something truly extraordinary.
If that sounds like the kind of lending relationship you’re ready for, just reach out.
Alan Lunt is Vice President Commercial Team Lead at Bank of Utah’s Ogden location. For more than 11 years, Alan has enjoyed getting to know local businesses and helping them find the right loan to support their vision and growth. In addition to his work in commercial lending, Alan is also a talented watercolor artist. His artwork has been featured in Bank of Utah materials, showcasing his creative side alongside his professional expertise.
