To Our CDFI and Small Business Community

  • by Joe Sky-Tucker

    • I am incredibly saddened to inform you all that Roland Chaiton passed away due to complications from colon cancer on April 17, 2024. Roland worked at Business Impact NW/Community Capital Development since 2003.  He was dedicated to his clients and was almost universally beloved.  When he presented a loan to the team you got the story and the numbers of how this infusion of capital would help the business.  He provided us with stability through the rocky times when we were figuring out what we were supposed to be.  He will be missed terribly but his legacy lives on in all those whose lives he touched and in the stability of this organization.

    He had a keen sense of where the sector was going and I relied on him to help me stay on top of things.  My favorite memories are of talking with him in his office, usually late in the afternoon.  I would be checking to see if he could lock up and would invariably end up in a long conversation (as all conversations were with Roland).  When we would wrap up he would assure me he was just about to head home but I knew he would spend another couple of hours there working on loans in his pipeline.

    In these moments it seems like words feel wholly inadequate to encapsulate a person’s life.  So much is left unsaid and so much is left out.  I will miss Roland greatly.  I hope you all take a moment to honor his legacy with us.

    His presence in this organization and the broader community will be missed.  His dedication will live on in our organization forever.  When they are available we will provide information on his memorial service.

    Sincerely,

    Joe Sky-Tucker

    President and CEO

    Business Impact NW

    Memorial Service for Roland Chaiton: A Celebration of Life and Small Business

    Roland Chaiton epitomized what community lending should be. He was a tireless advocate for his clients, an educator, and a friend and mentor. His passion and support for his clients and his colleagues left an indelible mark on all who met him. Your presence will help honor his memory and continue his legacy of supporting small businesses.

    Event Details: 

    Roland’s dedication and passion profoundly impacted our community. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy continues to inspire so many daily. In memory of this legacy, one of his final clients shares his dedication to small business through the very end.

    “After making it to the final round of Impact Pitch in 2021 my business took off and I acquired an additional business and was experiencing exponential growth in 2022. My BINW coach introduced to me Roland in 2022 to begin discussions about lending possibilities. Things got busy and we lost touch for some time until Roland and I came back into contact in late 2023 to discuss lending options again. This time the stars had aligned and with Roland’s hard work, care, and persistence he was able to help me secure 50k in loan funds for my Yoga and Wellness Studio in Oregon City, OR. Those funds came through shortly before his passing. He would mention on the phone that he had been in and out of the hospital but did not seem to want to share more. I had no idea he was sick. I am certain I am one of the final loans he pushed through before his passing and that means a lot to me and to my growing business. Thank you Roland for helping me each step of the way. I feel honored to have worked with you and your contribution is felt in the walls of our healing center every day.” – Rachel Lundberg, Thrive Yoga & Wellness Center, YogaOAK University

    Please join us Wednesday, August 7th, to celebrate his life.

    Posted in Business Impact NW

    Joe Sky-Tucker View posts by Joe Sky-Tucker

    (jO sky-tuck-ER)  Joe Sky-Tucker has over thirty years of experience working in the nonprofit world in a variety of positions and organizations, including direct experience working with “at-risk” youth and families in crisis, fund development, and strategic planning. He has also worked with “at-risk” youth in mental health settings, including foster care youth, children in locked psychiatric settings, and group homes. Further, he has worked to ensure hardworking families have access to safe, fair, and affordable financial services. Currently, Joe is the President and CEO of Business Impact NW, an asset-building/community lender that specializes in supporting small and micro-businesses, helping them achieve financial stability through technical assistance and lending services. Joe has a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Washington.

    8 thoughts on “To Our CDFI and Small Business Community”

    1. Rebecca Villareal - April 28, 2024

      Thank you for your kind words about Roland. His sense of humor will be missed. He was an excellent loan officer. I often referred loan clients to him and he took good care of my clients.

      Please let me know about the memorial service. I worked with him at CCD as a biz consultant and WBC director.

      Peace,
      Rebecca Villareal
      (206)930-5323
      Rebvil@live.com

      1. Faith Hamilton - April 29, 2024

        Hi Rebecca,

        Thank you for your thoughtful words about Roland. It’s clear that he left a lasting impression not only as a loan officer but also as a cherished colleague and friend. I’ll send you the memorial service details as soon as we have them.

      2. Faith Hamilton - August 1, 2024

        Hi Rebecca,

        I wanted to share the details for Roland’s memorial service with you:

        Event: Roland Chaiton: A Celebration of Life and Small Business
        Date: August 7
        Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
        Location: Otter On The Rocks, 4210 SW Admiral Way, Seattle, WA 98116
        RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roland-chaiton-a-celebration-of-life-and-small-business-tickets-954410937807

        We look forward to coming together to honor Roland’s life and his impact on the small business community.

    2. Ruth Ann Halford - April 28, 2024

      This is so sad. Over the years when I worked with him or in other organizations I would frequently consult with him about deals. He always had financial answers infused with heart.
      Please inform.me of his memorial arrangements.

      1. Faith Hamilton - April 29, 2024

        Thank you Ruth Ann. Roland’s expertise was only surpassed by his compassion. Your comments speak volumes about the positive impact he had on those around him. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on the details of his memorial arrangements as soon as we have them.

      2. Faith Hamilton - August 1, 2024

        Hi Ruth Ann,

        I wanted to share the details for Roland’s memorial service with you:

        Event: Roland Chaiton: A Celebration of Life and Small Business
        Date: August 7
        Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
        Location: Otter On The Rocks, 4210 SW Admiral Way, Seattle, WA 98116
        RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roland-chaiton-a-celebration-of-life-and-small-business-tickets-954410937807

        We look forward to coming together to honor Roland’s life and his impact on the small business community.

    3. Alice Davis - April 29, 2024

      I worked with Roland for 13 years, during that time, we developed a friendship. He was kind and considerate. I especially appreciated his analytical skills and his ability to interept the numbers. Roland had many talents including his knowledge of astrology and astronomy. Many small buisnesses are thriving today because of Roland’s special approach to credit. So many of us will miss his presence but remember his spirt in the universe.

      1. Faith Hamilton - April 29, 2024

        We couldn’t agree more Alice. Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute to him. It’s incredible to think about how his compassionate approach to lending has had such a ripple effect, helping so many small businesses. His legacy will continue to thrive through the success of those he helped.

    Comments are closed.

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