NCC features in a short spotlight column the official representative from each of our Allied Leader and Allied Member companies. This week’s Allied Leader Spotlight is Drake Gurley, Director – Agriculture Lending at Live Oak Bank.
We asked Drake three questions:
In 2-3 sentences, describe what good or service your company provides to the broiler industry:
At Live Oak Bank, our goal is simple: to be America’s Small Business Bank. Our Agriculture Lending division partners with poultry farmers nationwide, providing the vital capital needed to sustain facilities and support a crucial segment of the broiler industry. Since 2013, we have delivered over $2.5 billion in financing to help hundreds of families and small business owners construct, acquire, or retrofit their farms. We are incredibly proud to serve America’s poultry farmers and the industry that puts high-quality protein on the tables of millions of families every day.
Briefly describe your position and responsibilities within the company:
As the Director of Agriculture Lending, I have the privilege of leading an exceptional team of lenders covering all corners of the US poultry market. With 95% of our portfolio dedicated specifically to this sector, we pride ourselves on being “an inch wide and a mile deep.” Simply put, we are all-in on chicken! Over multiple decades, our team has and continues to build relationships with farmers, poultry companies, and allied partners to provide a partnership that benefits the industry and ultimately the consumer.
What is your favorite chicken dish:
Eastern North Carolina Barbecue Chicken Sandwich. Soaked pulled chicken in vinegar and crushed red pepper sauce placed on a bun with cole slaw on top, makes all other chicken recipes fight for second place.
