Scaling Volume with Operational Readiness and Transparency
As a leader in custom construction across the Pacific Northwest, 1st Security Bank successfully scaled its operations to 31 branches by moving beyond manual, spreadsheet-based processes. Through a strategic partnership with Land Gorilla, the bank transitioned to a streamlined digital platform that provides faster funding and enhanced transparency for builders and borrowers alike. This transformation allows them to maintain their signature high-touch, personal service while meeting the demands of expanding markets.
“I tell people all the time, I couldn’t do what I do without Land Gorilla. I truly mean that. They have given us the tools that we need to do our job very, very well.”
The Challenge
Before partnering with Land Gorilla, 1st Security Bank relied on a legacy system involving manual Excel spreadsheets to manage draw administration.
This manual approach created several significant hurdles:
Geographic Limitations
Builders were required to be in an office or on a laptop to navigate draw requests, preventing them from managing projects efficiently from the field.
Inefficient Workflows
Each draw required a “rotating master spreadsheet” that had to be filled out, signed, and manually updated by the bank before being sent back to the builder for the next request.
Manual Data Entry
The process involved substantial manual entry, which was slow, cumbersome, and lacked automated integration with inspection reports.
Slow Turnaround Times
Due to the complexity of manual calculations and reconciliation, draw turn times could take up to 10 business days
The Solution
1st Security Bank implemented Land Gorilla’s construction loan management software to centralize communication and automate the draw process.
Key components of the solution included:
OneSite Mobile Portal
Providing builders and borrowers with 24/7 visibility into real-time data for budgets, draw status, and inspection reports directly from their mobile devices.
Custom API Integration
Building on Land Gorilla’s native integration with Encompass, 1st Security leveraged Land Gorilla’s API to further customize their data flow. This enhancement allows the team to work within a single system, eliminating manual double-entry and significantly reducing the risk of human error.
Integrated Inspections
Inspection results and photos now flow directly into the budget, providing objective, third-party rationale for funding decisions.
Automated Workflows
Utilizing tasks and automation to build checklists for complex processes, such as manufactured home title elimination and certificate of occupancy requests.
“Our builders love working with us… they can see the budget, see the draws, see the inspections real-time 24/7.”
The Results
The transition to a digital infrastructure allowed 1st Security Bank to scale its volume significantly without a proportional increase in staff or stress.
Accelerated draw times
By moving from a manual process to an automated workflow, 1st Security achieved a 50-60% reduction in turnaround times for draw disbursements.
Enhanced risk management
By leveraging Land Gorilla’s real-time transparency, the bank identifies potential risks early enough to proactively adjust plans and protect the borrower’s interests. This comprehensive oversight has resulted in a 100% success rate, with 1st Security successfully completing every build they have undertaken.
Builder & borrower satisfaction
The bank maintains a 98% satisfaction rate on OneSite. Builders appreciate the speed and transparency, often referring new borrowers to the bank because of the positive experience.
Elimination of “noise”
Real-time access to live data has drastically reduced the number of “unwanted calls” regarding account balances and draw status, allowing the custom construction team to focus on processing loans rather than fielding basic questions.
“If you buy a home, you get what you get. But when you build a home, you get what you want. Land Gorilla gives us the transparency and the tools to help people get what they want and ensure every single project is a success”
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