When Beriz Nukic arrived in the United States in 1995 as a refugee from Bosnia, he carried little more than hope and determination. Today, he's the proud owner of Nukic Construction, a thriving business that employs over 20 people in the local community.
"I came here with nothing but dreams," Beriz recalls. "I didn't speak English well, I had no money, and I knew almost no one. But I was willing to work hard and learn."
That work ethic served him well as he took on various jobs in construction, learning the trade from the ground up. By 2008, Beriz had gained enough experience and saved enough money to consider starting his own business. But the timing couldn't have been worse.
"The housing market had crashed, and the economy was in terrible shape," he explains. "Many banks wouldn't even talk to me about a business loan. They saw me as too high-risk – a new business in a struggling industry, started by an immigrant with limited credit history."
Finding a Banking Partner
That's when a friend suggested Beriz meet with Amira Kujundzic at State Bank. Amira, now a VP and Relationship Manager, was herself a Bosnian immigrant who understood the challenges Beriz faced.
"When I met with Amira, it was different from the start," Beriz says. "She didn't just look at my paperwork. She listened to my story, my plans, and my vision. She took the time to understand my experience in construction and my reputation for quality work."
Amira helped Beriz prepare a comprehensive business plan and guided him through the loan application process. She advocated for him within the bank, highlighting his skills, experience, and character.
"State Bank took a chance on me when no one else would," Beriz says. "They saw potential where others saw risk. That initial small business loan allowed me to purchase essential equipment and hire my first two employees."
"At State Bank, we believe in investing in people, not just businesses. Beriz had all the qualities of a successful entrepreneur – determination, expertise, and integrity. We were confident in his ability to succeed, even during challenging economic times."
— Amira Kujundzic, VP & Relationship Manager
Building a Business
Beriz started small, focusing on residential renovations and repairs. His attention to detail, reliability, and fair pricing quickly earned him a loyal customer base. Word-of-mouth referrals helped his business grow steadily, even during the economic downturn.
"I believe in doing things right the first time," Beriz explains. "In construction, your reputation is everything. I wanted to build a business known for quality and integrity."
As the economy improved, so did Nukic Construction. By 2012, Beriz had expanded into new home construction and commercial projects. He returned to State Bank for additional financing to purchase more equipment and hire additional workers.
"As my business grew, my relationship with State Bank grew too," Beriz says. "They weren't just my bank; they became my financial advisors and partners in growth. They understood my business cycles and cash flow needs in a way that a big national bank never could."
Weathering Challenges
Like all businesses, Nukic Construction has faced its share of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic brought particular difficulties, with supply chain disruptions and project delays threatening the company's stability.
"When the pandemic hit, I was worried about keeping my team employed," Beriz recalls. "Material costs were skyrocketing, and some clients were putting projects on hold."
Once again, State Bank stepped in to help. They quickly assisted Beriz with applying for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, ensuring he could keep his entire team on payroll during the uncertain times.
"State Bank called me about the PPP loan before I even had a chance to call them," Beriz says. "They were proactive in helping me access the resources my business needed to survive. That kind of personalized attention makes all the difference."
Giving Back
Today, Nukic Construction is thriving, with projects throughout the region. Beriz takes particular pride in employing several other immigrants and refugees, giving them the same opportunity he once received.
"America gave me a chance to build a new life, and State Bank gave me a chance to build a business," Beriz says. "I believe in paying that forward."
Beriz is active in local refugee resettlement efforts, offering both financial support and mentorship to newcomers. He also partners with local vocational programs to provide internships and training opportunities for students interested in construction trades.
"Success isn't just about making money," Beriz insists. "It's about making a difference in your community. I'm grateful to be in a position where I can do both."
Looking to the Future
As Beriz looks to the future, he has plans to further expand Nukic Construction, potentially adding specialized divisions for sustainable building practices and historic renovations. And he knows who his financial partner will be for these ventures.
"My relationship with State Bank is one of the foundations of my business success," Beriz says. "They believed in me from the beginning, and they continue to support my growth and vision."
Beriz's son is now studying construction management in college and plans to join the family business after graduation, potentially taking it to new heights.
"When I came to America, I hoped to build a better life," Beriz reflects. "I never imagined I would build a successful business that could be passed down to the next generation. That's the American dream, and I'm living it – with a little help from my friends at State Bank."
"State Bank doesn't just provide financial services – they build relationships. They took the time to understand my business, my challenges, and my goals. They've been there for every step of my journey, from that first small loan to helping me navigate the pandemic. That's not just banking; that's partnership."
— Beriz Nukic, Owner of Nukic Construction
Ready to grow your business?
Discover how State Bank's business banking services can help your company achieve its goals.