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TL;DR: Local community banks help franchise owners grow by pairing commercial credit with a dedicated relationship officer. Zach Kirkpatrick launched The Junkluggers of Williamsburg in 2020, then opened Remix Market. Chesapeake Bank provided commercial lending and point-of-sale services, and partnered with the company during its building acquisition.
A Local Business with a Local Heart
How a Local Bank Supported a Williamsburg Franchise Expansion
For Zach Kirkpatrick, owner of The Junklugglers of Williamsburg, growth has come from something deeper than business plans and financing. It has been driven by community connections and a commitment to giving back.
Born and raised in Williamsburg, Zach graduated from college and soon after had the opportunity to launch a local Junkluggers franchise. What drew him in wasn’t simply the chance to build a business, it was the opportunity to make a difference in the community he calls home.
Sounds familiar?
Since opening in 2020, The Junklugglers of Williamsburg has become known for more than junk removal. The company helps keep reusable items out of landfills, supports local charities through donations, and gives unwanted belongings a second life through Remix Market, its thrift store.
“Our mission is to keep reusable items out of the landfill and support local charities,” Zach explained. “I’ve gotten to build some great relationships here in our community where I was born and raised, and I’m now able to give back.”
At Chesapeake Bank, we’re proud to support businesses like The Junklugglers, whose committment to the community closely alights with our own.
The Value of a Community Banking Partner
Launching a business is never easy. Launching one during a global pandemic presents an entirely different set of challenges.
The Junkluggers of Williamsburg launched just one month after COVID-19 disrupted businesses across the country. Trucks were delayed, customer expectations shifted, and the team had to adapt quickly while learning an entirely new industry.
Despite those challenges, the business continued to grow.
When asked about the key to The Junkluggers’ continued success, Zach immediately pointed to community partnerships.
The relationship between The Junkluggers and Chesapeake Bank began through a local connection. After first working with The Drying Co., Leigh Houghland, Senior Lender, EVP became a trusted resource, delivering on his promises and helping support the business’s continued growth.
“He did what he said he would do,” Zach shared. “As we’ve progressed with our relationship, Leigh and everybody else has been there. They’ve been proactive, responsive, and helpful with anything that we’ve ever needed.”
Through their relationship with Chesapeake Bank, the company utilized commercial lending solutions and point-of-sale (POS) services that helped streamline business operations and support future growth. The team also partnered with the bank during the acquisition of their building for Remix Market, creating a permanent home for their growing community-focused initiative.
That relationship later expanded to include Lauren Woodfin, Chesapeake Bank’s Business Relationship Officer (BRO), AVP.
Community Bank vs. National Bank for Small Business Financing
The practical difference for a business owner is who you deal with and how well they know your market. Every Chesapeake Bank business client is paired with a dedicated Business Relationship Officer who learns the business rather than working from a file.
| Factor | Local Community Bank | What It Means for the Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Primary point of contact | A dedicated Business Relationship Officer assigned to the account | The same person knows the business’s history at each stage |
| Market familiarity | Lenders working in the same region as the business | Local property and industry context is already understood |
| Breadth of relationship | Lending, deposits, payments, and fraud tools under one relationship | Fewer separate vendors to coordinate as the business grows |
What began as a networking introduction quickly revealed shared Williamsburg roots and common interests including alternative/rock music and golfing. Today, Zach and Lauren have built a relationship that extends beyond banking, reflecting the personal connections that often define community banking.
That kind of connection is what community banking is all about. In fact, it’s a lot like Zach and Lauren’s now-famous handshake featured in our latest commercial.
Banking Services a Growing Business Needs
Most growing businesses need four things from a bank: a way to borrow, a way to get paid, a way to manage cash coming in and going out, and protection against fraud.
| Service | What It Handles |
|---|---|
| Commercial lending | Financing for equipment, property, and expansion |
| Business checking | The day-to-day operating account |
| Merchant services and point of sale | Accepting card and mobile payments from customers |
| Treasury management | Managing incoming and outgoing payments |
| CheckSync | Feeds issued checks into Positive Pay automatically from QuickBooks Online or Xero |
| Positive Pay | Screens checks and ACH debits against what the business authorized |
| Digital banking | Account access and payments online |
Every Chesapeake Bank business client is paired with a dedicated Business Relationship Officer (BRO) who takes the time to understand their goals, provide guidance, make introductions, and help uncover opportunities for growth.
Business Banking That Works as Hard as You Do
Business clients benefit from solutions and services designed to help businesses operate more efficiently, including:
- Business checking and treasury management services
- Point-of-sale (POS) payment solutions
- Commercial lending and financing options
- Local decision-making and responsive service
- Fraud protection tools like CheckSync and Positive Pay
- Digital banking tools for business owners
- Access to experienced bankers who understand the local market
More importantly, businesses gain a local team that is invested in their success.
Through local events, sponsorships, and community initiatives, Chesapeake Bank has helped keep The Junkluggers connected and visible within the community.
“Lauren has been very good about making sure we’re included in a lot of things and keeping us top of mind when it will be beneficial for us and provide more recognition for us,” Zach said. “That’s something you don’t see from a lot of banks.”
Ready to Grow Your Business with a Dedicated Partner in Your Corner?
When asked what advice he would give future entrepreneurs, Zach’s answer was simple:
“Making good relationships and partnerships within the community.”
He also emphasizes the importance of transparency, supporting local businesses, and surrounding yourself with trusted partners who can help you navigate challenges and opportunities along the way.
It’s an approach that has helped The JunkJugglers grow and one we share at Chesapeake Bank.
As The Junkluggers continues to expand its impact through charitable partnerships, donations, and community initiatives, Chesapeake Bank remains proud to be part of that journey.
Because when local businesses thrive, our communities thrive.
- Tell us about your business using the contact form below, or call your local branch.
- Meet your Business Relationship Officer, who will learn your goals and how your banking is set up today.
- Get a recommendation covering lending, deposit accounts, payments, and fraud protection.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
A: Owners often cite the working relationship. Every Chesapeake Bank business client is paired with a dedicated Business Relationship Officer who learns the business, offers guidance, and makes introductions as the business grows.
A: Yes. The Junkluggers of Williamsburg used Chesapeake Bank’s commercial lending and point-of-sale services, and partnered with the bank during the acquisition of the building for its Remix Market location. The bank has supported local businesses since 1900.
A: A Business Relationship Officer, or BRO, is a dedicated Chesapeake Bank contact paired with every business client. The officer takes time to understand the company’s goals, provides guidance, makes introductions, and helps uncover opportunities as the business grows.
