Testimonials | Rutledge Consulting

Nick And Desi Anderson

Hesed House Venue

"One of the keys to starting a successful and lasting small business is being properly capitalized at the start. In today's economy having great ideas, a business plan, and a strong work ethic are imperative but not enough to create a lasting enterprise. My wife and I have found that having a banker and advisor who is involved in the process from the beginning is foundational to creating something that makes a positive impact on the community. In an industry that is focused on money, it is not easy to build trust while having someone in your corner who will challenge you to run your business better along the way. Dave Rutledge built that trust with us from our first meeting with him as he answered detailed questions about processes and timelines and best mechanisms to finance our business. Dave has always treated us with kindness, appropriate and helpful guidance, and clearly has an expertise that most do not in how to best structure projects. What sets Dave apart and has made him an industry standout for all decades is his vision to take on good projects that have a high likelihood of success while also willing to take calculated risks needed to build for the community. Dave helped us find the right loan and rate package, helped our planning for early success, and has become a trusted friend in the process. We value his opinion and advice for direction in our business as we run it and plan for the future. He doesn't simply put his clients in a loan and disappear, but is vitally involved in the start-up process and each step along the way of getting a business operational and profitable. His challenges to us have made us better at what we do, his encouragement has given us peace of mind. Having worked with Dave on two, multi-million dollar projects I can say without reservation that there is no better option for new business owners, veteran professionals, or private institutions when it comes to finding a partner in finance to advise, instruct, and execute on your plans with integrity and honesty."

Judy Engelbrecht

Owner of Faithful Friends Christian Daycare

"I was blessed with the chance to meet David Rutledge at a time when my Daycare Center business needed to refinance. At that time he was able to save my business by giving me a business loan at almost half the interest rate my current local bank was offering. He traveled to my Daycare Center to meet me and showed great interest and compassion for the work our Center was doing with children. He literally saved my business! Dave is one of the most professional, honest, and supportive bankers/businessmen I have ever worked with. He provided the daycare with the means to receive PPP loans during COVID. I highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for someone to provide financial support! I am truly blessed to have had him finance my business!"

Jana Hattey

Treasury Management Officer of

First Bankers Trust Company

"I have worked with Dave Rutledge for a little over 4 years. Dave has been an inspiration and a mentor to me and many others. Despite me not being his direct report, Dave went out of his way to follow-up with me during my commercial lending training as well as give solid advice in my role as community bank president for our smaller market. Dave gives you the tools to do the job, completely backs his teammates, and has expectations for top client service and success. Many of us will comment how we do not want to disappoint him and we want to make him proud.

Dave set the stage for teamwork. Our group would meet regularly to discuss various client profiles,

credit structures, operations challenges, etc. Although we did not always find a solution, Dave pushed us to find best case practices to overcome obstacles and to succeed. The exercise also continued to build camaraderie and teamwork even over miles of distance. Dave also tackled many corporate banking projects that seemed unsolvable. Dave created a commercial incentive program and relationship banking training program as well as deemed the point for a system upgrade of our loan documentation system and processes. Dave was also given the task of working through problem credits and file clean-up, and although a beast of a project, more often than not the bank was paid and recoveries were made. All of this and Dave was the number one producer of our bank.

Dave leads by example and is the greatest example of relationship banker. His clients will follow him

because they know he truly has their best interest at heart. How many commercial lenders do you know that will tell their client this is a great opportunity, just not right now? Dave then makes a point to work with the client and coach them on how to better structure financing and model their business in the best interest of the client. No one knows their client loan proposals from a credit, structure or

relationship view than Dave Rutledge. Dave views his clients holistically. Not only does he have a rock

solid background in credit and commercial real estate, he has experience in operations, treasury

management, finance, and investments. Dave becomes a true business partner of his clients and it is

very easy to see how he builds loyalty. His centers of influence referrals are second to none.

I am blessed to have worked with Dave Rutledge and to get to know him as my friend. If I can be a

resource to you, do not hesitate to contact me."

Rob Dixon

CFO of Hypershine Car Wash

"Dave is the ultimate professional. He devotes time to understand us, be proactive instead of reactive. He is not afraid to challenge us, get us to look at varying aspects/solutions. His vast experience shined through when our business model shifted 180 degrees. He was quick to adapt. Moreover, he provided a financing structure that not only solved our immediate needs, but also solved unanticipated needs (that came forward 12 months later). That forward thinking has put us in a great position to be a leader in our industry."