Featured Loan:
D'Amore Law Group puts down roots to expand the reach of its help

The SBA 504 Loan Program finances the acquisition of owner-occupied commercial real estate, but what if the business can't immediately move in?  The program allows for this, as in the case of D'Amore Law Group, P.C. 

D'Amore Law Group was formed by Tom D'Amore in 1994. He focuses his practice on serious and catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases including medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, insurance bad faith, serious motor vehicle accidents, and job site injuries. The practice handles cases in Oregon, Washington and Northern California and represents clients nationwide in class action lawsuits. "In our practice we help injured people and their families, from grandmothers to CEOs," says D'Amore. 

It didn't take long for D'Amore Law Group to outgrow their downtown Portland office space.  "The historic building had a lot of charm, but they couldn't accommodate our space needs," D'Amore said.  So the firm found 3000 SF of space in a spacious new office building a few miles from downtown. 

But after a few years, the firm was once again searching for a space that could accommodate their growth.  A longtime Clackamas resident, D'Amore and his family are deeply rooted in their community.  With an abundance of inventory and interest rates low, it made sense to Tom to consider a commercial purchase. With help from a commercial realtor, he bought an office building with a good location and space to accommodate his firm's growth.

Jon McLean, D'Amore's banker at Wells Fargo, recommended Evergreen and the 504 program as a partner in financing the acquisition. D'Amore was impresses with the low fixed rate, the low down payment, and the opportunity to continue working with Wells Fargo. The fact that the program fees were mostly paid for by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was "icing."

Because of the strength of the company, Evergreen Business Capital was able to process D'Amore's loan under our SBA Premier Certified Lender status (PCLP). This shortened the SBA approval time.

"The Evergreen staff was tremendous to work with," D'Amore said.  "They were very personable and made the process efficient and satisfying. They made it easy."

The new D'Amore Law Group building has two tenants. One company occupies 45% of the space and will remain.  Another company occupies the remaining 55% and has a lease through August. D'Amore will move in thereafter. The SBA allows a business one year after loan funding to move into the property.

Tom D'Amore recommends Evergreen Business Capital and the SBA 504 Loan Program to other small business owners. "Evergreen is patient and answers questions quickly. They will do the homework needed to get to know your business and get it approved."