The Switch That Transformed
Construction Lending
Bank of Clarke is a leading regional bank located in Northern Virginia, with approximately 10% of its lending portfolio dedicated to construction and renovation projects. This is a business line they are looking to expand. After years of using spreadsheets to manage construction loans and then a competing software solution, Bank of Clarke moved to Land Gorilla to gain more efficiency, control, and support in its draw management workflow.
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The Challenge
Finding a Modern Solution for Construction Lending
Before using any software, Bank of Clarke handled construction loans manually with spreadsheets — a process that became difficult to manage as the department grew. In 2022, they adopted another software platform, which offered some centralized structure, but the following issues remained:
Limited User Control: When problems or corrections came up, users of the software could not fix them directly. They often had to submit requests and wait for the vendor’s support team to get involved “behind the scenes,” which resulted in delays and took control away from Bank of Clarke’s team. Patty Bhatia, AVP/Construction Monitoring Manager at Bank of Clarke, said that “we could never figure out how we could fix it and they would just do it behind the scenes and tell us, okay, it’s been corrected now.”
Cumbersome Support: Terry Frey, Construction Loan Administration at Bank of Clarke, found the support experience with the previous software provider was “cumbersome and very time-consuming.” Issues were not always resolved efficiently and the lack of a dedicated account manager led to inconsistent follow-up.
Incomplete Departmental Visibility: While files were centralized in the software, reporting and real-time oversight were still lacking. Tracking or correcting discrepancies required manual workarounds.
Reporting Gaps: Certain crucial reports — like contractor documentation and permit expirations — were not easily accessible in the software. Users had to spend extra time piecing together information for audits, meetings, or compliance checks.
The Solution
A Seamless, Supported Workflow With Land Gorilla
As the contract with the other software provider was nearing renewal, Bank of Clarke took the chance to explore the market for a better draw management partner. Their requirements were clear: comprehensive customer support, better usability, improved reporting, and cost-effectiveness. Land Gorilla stood out for these reasons:
User-Friendly Platform: Land Gorilla was more intuitive and easier to use, especially for booking loans and managing budgets. Ms. Bhatia commented that it’s “much easier to book a loan… it’s just more user-friendly than [the other provider] was.”
Flexible Configuration: Land Gorilla provided better accessibility to correct data, run reports, and adapt workflows as needed.
Dedicated Account Management: A reliable, consistent point of contact was a key differentiator. Ms. Bhatia stated that “what we really wanted was someone that we knew we could count on when we had issues.”
The Results: Greater Control, Efficiency & Confidence
- Enhanced Reporting & Oversight
- Empowered & Efficient Team
- Customer Support That Goes Above & Beyond
Since moving to Land Gorilla, Bank of Clarke has transformed its construction lending workflow.
The team has a greater sense of control and has eliminated the daily frustrations of their previous provider. By creating a more efficient and transparent process, the bank has made a stronger foundation for future growth and success. According to Ms. Frey, the process “just seems smoother all the way around.”
“The ease of use and open communication
provided by Land Gorilla has made
all the difference.”
Enhanced Reporting & Oversight
Customizable, Instant Reports: Contractor documentation, pipeline status, stalled loans, and upcoming maturities can be checked daily or weekly, supporting proactive management and executive oversight. Ms. Bhatia mentioned that reports are “definitely helpful in tracking documents that are going to expire for insurance and contractors.” The pipeline report and a stalled loan report help them find loans without activity.
Confidence in Data: In meetings, staff can provide real-time, reliable data, which helps them confidently answer questions and address risks. Ms. Frey noted, “It also helps when we’re in an executive meeting and rather than them ask us, we can tell them that something is stalled.”
Empowered & Efficient Team
Control: Ms Bhatia and Ms. Frey now have the authority to solve basic issues and make corrections themselves, without waiting for third parties. “And if there is a snag in correcting something, we have support which answers our questions quickly and is not hesitant to pick up the phone and walk us through an issue. This is a “big change” from the previous software.”
Centralized Communication: Draws, inspections, and approvals can be managed from one platform, making it simple for team members to fill in for one another and maintain continuity even when someone is absent. This improved transparency not only boosts internal efficiency but also helps in communications with borrowers and builders. Ms. Frey stated that the improved process gave them the confidence to share more information: “I’m not afraid to send somebody a copy of the draw statement whereas I never did it previously (with the other provider).”
Seamless Inspector Management: Bank of Clarke can manage their own panel of inspectors, configure how and when inspection orders are placed, and easily pivot when a project’s needs change. This was an important feature because previously they would have to “revamp that information on the loan” to pick a different inspector. According to Ms. Frey, “It’s great having all our inspectors listed in one area to request inspections at the click of a button.” This streamlined process has made it “much more accessible and at a faster pace.”
Customer Support That Goes Above & Beyond
Ms. Bhatia and Ms. Frey highlighted the outstanding service from their Land Gorilla account manager, noting the regular monthly check-ins, quick response times, and actionable advice that empowers their team. This is a sharp contrast to their experience with the other software provider, where they had no dedicated contact and often felt they were on their own to solve time-sensitive issues. Ms. Bhatia stated, “Our account manager, Anthony, is a godsend,” and praised him as “very knowledgeable, he’s very professional, always willing to help us.”
A Foundation for Growth
With a more efficient and less stressful workflow, Bank of Clarke is well-positioned to achieve its strategic growth goals. The bank sees a significant opportunity in new SBA loans for tenant improvements, and it now has the tools to scale its portfolio with confidence.
For Bank of Clarke, the move from the other software provider to Land Gorilla is more than just about software; it’s about having a partner that empowers the team, streamlines loan administration, and responds proactively to their needs. As Ms. Bhatia said, the “ease of use and open communication” provided by Land Gorilla has made all the difference.
About Bank of Clarke
Founded in 1881 by a group of local gentlemen who saw the community’s need for a stable financial institution, Bank of Clarke has a rich history of serving Clarke County, Virginia. Since its very first branch, the bank has been a pillar of the community, consistently showing its commitment to meeting the changing needs of its customers.
Visit bankofclarke.bank