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In the best of times, Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to pause and reflect on the events of the past year.

But let’s face it— 2020 has been a very long year. And although there’s still a month to go, I think everyone is ready to turn the page to 2021. Before we do, I want to share some of the things I’m thankful for in a year of many challenges for individuals, families and businesses, but a year filled with small blessings, as well.

A Year of Growth

At ORMS, despite the pandemic and volatile economic conditions, we were fortunate enough to grow our business. Demand for our services grew as lending institutions of all sizes sought to buttress their risk management and collateral valuation capabilities in the face of evolving and expanding credit risks.

In April, we closed on a deal to purchase the outsourced risk management business of another firm, and with that transaction we welcomed one new seasoned staff member to our team. The acquisition has allowed us to expand our expertise and market reach and included some legacy client relationships. We are excited to work with these new clients and look forward to meeting their needs.

We also continued to grow our business organically this year, gaining a couple of major bank customers along with many new SBA lenders via word-of-mouth referrals from our current clients. I am so thankful for the trust these new customers have placed in the ORMS team, especially during these uncertain times.

As business has grown, so too has our team. In 2020 ORMS onboarded three new team members to build our administrative support and expertise in areas like environmental reviews, ordering and reviewing reports and appraisal reviews.

A Business of Caring

I joined the risk management profession to help small businesses achieve their goals and dreams. In no year has the crucial role that financial institutions play in supporting businesses been more apparent. Through programs like the PPP and Main Street Lending, banks and credit unions helped businesses keep their doors open and jobs on their payroll through the crisis. I am proud of the small but critical support role that ORMS has played in providing this much needed financing, and honored to have worked alongside many of you in this effort.

I’m also thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to work with so many smart, talented and hardworking people, both inside and outside of ORMS. Our industry is filled with some of the most innovative and creative doers, who are driven by a desire to help others while maintaining an unwavering moral compass. I’m proud to be associated with all of you.

None of these successes would be possible without our customers. ORMS’ mission is to serve lenders across the industry, and by far my favorite part of the job is working with our great clients and friends. I am thankful every day for your trust and loyalty, as well as your continued contact during these socially distant times. Although we can’t get together over drinks or coffee at in-person conferences and workshops, I have enjoyed seeing all of you and tracking your successes over Zoom and social media. I look forward to all the handshakes and hugs in 2021!

Last but not least, I’m thankful for our incredible ORMS team. When I founded this firm 11 years ago, I never imagined I’d be able to persuade this group of the best and brightest talent to work with me.  I am lucky enough to be working with people from many aspects of my life, including past colleagues, friends, and industry experts.  All of them are dedicated team members — but even better people.  They are the reason ORMS has consistently achieved outstanding results over such a long period of time.

From all of us here at ORMS, I wish you and your family a Thanksgiving filled with health, peace, and plenty.