John and Susana Edmond, co-founders of Edmond Group LLC, a strategic communications and consulting firm, have witnessed their business steadily expand in recent years. As their client base grew, so did their need for a professional workspace that reflected their company’s caliber and ambition. Property ownership seemed unimaginable, but that perspective shifted once the husband-and-wife team discovered the benefits of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 504 commercial real estate loan program. By leveraging the program’s 10% down payment requirement and below-market interest rates, the Edmonds purchased a $1 million, 3,000-square-foot office building in Long Beach, CA, establishing a strong foundation for sustained growth.
From Shared Spaces to a Dedicated Office
For John and Susana, securing a dedicated office space was about more than just logistics; it was about building stability and setting a foundation for Edmond Group’s future.
“We had been meeting clients in coffee shops or other temporary spaces, which didn’t reflect the level of professionalism our clients expect or the quality of work we provide,” John explains. “With higher-profile clients and work focused on business consultations, public relations, and stakeholder engagement, having a stable, dedicated location simply made sense.”
With the SBA 504 loan program, property ownership became an achievable goal for the Edmonds. “The program’s low down payment and long-term fixed rate made it possible for us to secure a space of our own,” John shares. “Working with TMC Financing and Dean Aloe felt like being on a rocket—once we got going, everything progressed smoothly and quickly.” Susana echoes this sentiment, adding, “The team we worked with was great and guided us through every step. We’re grateful and wish all lenders offered this level of service.”
Dean Aloe, Senior Vice President of Business Development noted, “It was a pleasure to help Edmond Group acquire a property that would serve as a hub for their important work in the community. Watching them establish a permanent space for their growing team is exactly what we strive for.”
Laying the Groundwork for Long-Term Success
With their new office in Long Beach, CA, Edmond Group has established not only a base for their business but a strong foundation for growth. The property offers ample room to bring on new team members, foster a professional environment for client meetings, and elevate their reputation within the industry. “Having a dedicated business space is really going to make our next chapter better—we’ll increase output, operate more efficiently, and reach an expanded clientele,” John reflects.
For other business owners considering a move into commercial property, John offers this advice: “If you’re even thinking about buying commercial real estate, explore all your options and see what’s possible. The SBA 504 program made this purchase feasible, helping us to acquire an office space that supports both our business growth and our work-life balance.” He adds, “If you have the opportunity to invest in a property that fits your business needs, go for it. A space of your own can bring a new level of confidence, increase revenue and take your company to the next level.”
Contact TMC Financing
If your business is located in TMC Financing’s service area of California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and Oregon, contact us to get started. And if your business is located outside of our service area, try the SBA’s Lender Match tool to find a qualified certified development company (CDC) lending partner near you.
Founded in 1981, TMC Financing is the leading provider of SBA 504 commercial real estate loans in the nation, funding projects worth over $14 billion across Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and Oregon. Over 7,000 businesses have benefited from this financing, resulting in the creation of an estimated 60,000 jobs.