How we help your small business every step of the way.
We do more than provide SBA loans — we build lasting partnerships. Hear directly from small business owners about how FNB Small Business Finance has helped to make their business dreams a reality.
In the growing town of Durham, North Carolina, you can find the beautiful showroom for The Kitchen Specialist — a custom cabinetry and design company that was established 25 years ago. The creative artists at The Kitchen Specialist strive to incorporate beauty, efficiency and livability into each space they design, and they do so by tailoring each project to fit their clients' everyday needs. Their design services include bathroom and kitchen remodeling, customized cabinets and vanities, and bespoke walk-in closets — just to name few.
The Kitchen Specialist has made an impact in their hometown and surrounding areas for the last quarter century. A deep-rooted design shop, the company's creative, enduring concepts have earned it expert-level standing in the local market. In fact, the shop's work can be found along most of the historic streets in Durham and nearby Chapel Hill — evidence of its aesthetic legacy in these communities.
Owners Mehul and Leigh Patel purchased The Kitchen Specialist in 2017. The couple was in the market to buy a business in the Durham area, where their focus was on acquiring an interior design company. When it came to financing, Leigh said: "We realized pretty early on that we were going to need some help." They were put in touch with one of our experienced Business Development Officers who assisted them with the successful acquisition of this business.
Leigh Patel had this to say about working with the team at FNB Small Business Finance:
"The FNB team walked us through every step of the loan process. The checklists that they provided were very helpful in guiding us. Even though the process was challenging at times, it actually enabled us to think more about how we would run our business and be better prepared for business ownership. We would definitely recommend FNB to anyone that is looking to take the leap into buying a small business. We had a really good experience.
