Jerry Vlaminck brokers real estate in the hospitality industry, a business he learned from the ground up. He grew up in the Litchfield area, and his first job as a bus boy at a supper club gave him insights into the hospitality business. He bought that supper club with three partners 10 years later, and since then he has owned several different hospitality properties.
“I often work with restaurant properties that are closed or need help, and communities are very appreciative of our efforts to breathe new life into those businesses,” Jerry explained. “Minnesota Lakes Bank has worked with us to make this advantageous for all parties involved.”
As independent brokers, Jerry and his colleagues provide a range of business services, including business valuation, marketing strategy, deal structuring, negotiation support and more.
Jerry’s relationship with Minnesota Lakes Bank, not surprisingly, flows from the personal relationship he developed with Josh Gehlen, the bank’s senior vice president-lending and chief credit officer.
“I knew Josh before he moved to Minnesota Lakes Bank, and he knew me from my work as a broker in the area,” Jerry explained. “I had worked with their predecessor bank, Crow River Bank. More recently, my wife and I opened savings and checking accounts for our four kids at Minnesota Lakes Bank. It’s important to me to have a local bank that cares about being a full-service bank. Every time we needed something, Josh has come through for us.”
During the years Jerry has worked in the Delano area, he has observed the bank’s involvement in the community, a business trait he values.
“They help the community by being very accessible. When someone needs help, they’ll are available for them. In my dealings with Josh and David Krause, they have always responded promptly. For example, if I need a pre-approval letter at 4 pm on a Friday, they’ll make sure I get it. They also are fair with their fees, and very upfront and honest in their dealings with me. This has encouraged me to do more deals with them.”
Jerry is a member of the Delano Chamber of Commerce, Delano Lions, Minnesota Restaurant Association, and the Minnesota Liquor and Beverage Association.