At just 21 years old David Blurton drove a truck with one door to Brownsville, Tennessee to start his business. Just over 47 years later, Southern Industrial Mechanical Maintenance Company II, LLC (SIMMCO) is on track to expand its team and production to meet the demand of many major projects headed their way. SIMMCO, located in Brownsville, provides heavy industrial ...

Manufacturing Job Creation Perry County’s largest employer, NYX Linden, has employed over 250 team members as an automotive parts manufacturer. After securing contracts to supply parts and components for several new vehicles, the demand required an expansion of its facilities and operations to ensure continued success in serving its clients and supporting the local economy. NYX accessed $29.5 million in ...

“Pathway gave us the chance that we needed to make it work and to prove that our business was worth something. They helped in a financial way, but also lifted our spirits to know that somebody believed in us.” Before diving into the confectionary world, Joy and Brad Hamlett had different career aspirations—Brad dreamed of law, while Joy thrived as ...

“It has been so refreshing to gain business knowledge and I am thankful for the mentors we’ve had. Pathway played, and continues to play, a big part in our business and its’ success.” For 122 years, Crescent Sock Company has been a cornerstone of Niota, Tennessee, providing jobs and quality products to its community and beyond. Founded to uplift its ...

“The initial support from Pathway to invest in the best equipment proved invaluable as it fueled our business’s sustained growth and success.” With a vision to establish an engineering design and manufacturing company focused on aerospace and military parts to serve the Southeast, Jeff Bohanan started Protomet Corporation in 1997. Faced with the challenges of securing traditional startup financing, Protomet, ...

“Our business has been blessing homes for over 30 years and Pathway has played a significant role in changing lives and scaling our business.” Orlando “Catfish” Pender Jr. founded Catfish Moving Company over 20 years ago, inspired by his family’s hardworking foundation. Starting solo with rented trucks, Catfish saved enough to buy his first truck, quickly establishing a solid reputation ...

“The resources offered by Pathway have given me the opportunity to grow my business, reach clients outside of Nashville, and sell my products nationwide. This support has allowed me to compete with major haircare brands.” Kinky Rootz Salon, founded by Kristi Alderson, is more than just a salon—it’s a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity. Kristi’s journey from honing her hairstyling ...

“As a minority-owned business just starting out, we were very thankful when Pathway Lending wanted to provide us with capital. It was pivotal that they took a chance on us.” Established as a helpful resource to the community, Memphis Tire Recyclers saw the opportunity to meet the growing demand in combatting illegal tire dumping in Shelby County, from more than ...

With a vision to establish an engineering design and manufacturing company focused on aerospace and military parts to serve the Southeast, Jeff Bohanan started Protomet Corporation in 1997. Faced with the challenges of securing traditional startup financing, Protomet, based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, turned to bootstrapping its operations. In 2000, Protomet connected with Pathway Lending for additional capital. The infusion ...

Serial entrepreneur, Stephon Fleming, has owned and operated businesses spanning over three decades. His journey began in 1997 with the inception of Fleming & Associates, a full-service Allstate Insurance and Financial Services Agency headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. The need for working capital to expand the team and diversify product lines led Stephon to make a pivotal connection with Pathway Lending ...

The CDFI Extends Capital to Chattanooga’s Flatiron Heights for Historic C-PACER Deal Pathway Lending, Tennessee’s largest non-depository Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), has partnered with Chattanooga’s Flatiron Heights on the first Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACER) project in East Tennessee. Pathway Lending provided the capital required for energy efficiency improvements in the historic redevelopment of the building, which is ...

“The best way to explain what we’re doing with these old buildings is that we’re taking a horse and carriage and turning it into a Tesla,” says Jimmy White, President of Urban Story Ventures in Chattanooga. “Looking at the numbers, these projects are justified ten times over.” Jimmy credits Urban Story Venture’s success with integrating energy efficiency into new builds and retrofits ...