At the time of this case study, Churchill’s year over year growth rate averaged 101%. Solberg shared that during an industry slowdown in loan volume, they experienced their busiest season of closing. She explained that it was “great to see and that their volume still continues to grow, even during a season of slower closing times.” Solberg praised the draw management capability and its facilitation of streamlined processes. According to Solberg, “Land Gorilla makes it easy to expand. I could keep going at this rate and even an increased rate for a while. It doesn’t correlate to manpower directly. I can take on a lot more loans before we need another me.”

Land Gorilla enabled remarkable growth at Churchill, resulting in the expansion of their construction loan portfolio. As Solberg stated, their partnership with Land Gorilla has allowed them to broaden their construction portfolio, opening different single-close construction and renovation programs. Solberg commented, “Without Land Gorilla, we would not have been able to release as many new construction products this last year as we have. If I had the draw management and all of the pieces that Land Gorilla assists with on my plate on top of setting up new products, it wouldn’t have happened at this rate.”

Churchill embraced a spectrum of Land Gorilla services, in addition to its technology solutions, including integrated builder reviews,  project feasibility reports, draw support services, and inspections. The extensive range of services provided by Land Gorilla solidified its position as a vital component of Churchill’s construction loan operations.

Pre-Close Services

Detecting potential issues early before the closing is crucial for risk mitigation. Solberg highlighted the undeniable value derived from Land Gorilla’s meticulous project feasibility reports, which surpassed the industry’s traditional checkbox approach and demonstrated exceptional quality. “I love that the feasibility reports are more comprehensive compared to reports I’ve had in the past.” Solberg continued to say, “It definitely cut the risk, from a lending standpoint, to have such a thorough feasibility report.” Solberg confirmed that past encounters with other companies were faced with difficulties and complexities, highlighting the clear advantage that Land Gorilla possesses.

Draw Support Services

Along with the pre-close services, Churchill enlisted the assistance of Land Gorilla draw support services. Utilizing these services meant to Solberg that “I’m not in there every day having to talk to the builders and talk to the borrowers to explain just common pieces, which honestly frees up my time to be helping with any escalated matters and help the sales staff when needed.” Churchill’s draw request volume increased 9% quarter over quarter yet draw turn times reduced by 10% quarter over quarter. Solberg emphasized that she trusted the Land Gorilla draw team and so did Churchill’s builders. Churchill’s draw processing satisfaction rating from their builders is at 99%.

Inspections

Another feature Churchill utilizes are Land Gorilla inspection services. Inspection reports are received on average in less than 48 hours, leading to quicker payments that strengthens relationships with Churchill’s builders and contractors. “It’s so quick,” Solberg shared. She continued to describe scenarios when an inspector is unable to perform the inspection, Land Gorilla is quick to offer solutions such as remote inspections or quickly contacting other local inspectors from its database for alternative inspectors.