Building a Family Business and a Future | My Member Story
Jarod and Tara Mauk had no desire to own a finish carpentry business—but fate had other plans. Jarod is well-known for his skill as a master craftsman throughout the Treasure Valley area of Idaho and had been very content with his career.
A family business is born
In 2015, however, the owners decided they wanted to do something different. When contemplating what to do with the business, they came to only one conclusion—turn it over to Jarod, whom they respected as a person and whose work they admired.
Jarod and Tara recognized the amazing opportunity and, even though they weren’t sure how it was going to turn out, they accepted the offer and have made it a success. Since then, Jarod oversees his crews out in the field and Tara takes care of running the administrative side from home.
Good timing for a new financial relationship
When it came to their finances, Jarod and Tara had been with another bank for many, many years. In 2019, they needed a new work van. They knew their credit wasn’t top-notch, but they were hoping to find someone to give them a chance. Additionally, it was getting late in the day, and they needed to find financing quickly.
Luckily, there was a light in the storm. Mountain America Credit Union happened to be the only financial institution they were able to reach over the phone after hours.
By the time the phone call was over, Jarod and Tara were not only able to buy the desperately needed work van that night, but they were also very impressed by how they were treated. It was so nice to have someone genuinely want you to succeed.
Two weeks later, Tara switched her personal auto loan over to Mountain America and later, in 2021, the rest of their business and personal accounts, too. It was a bold move, but Tara felt the connection, “Mountain America, from the get-go, believed in us when other banks did not. I can see us being with them for life.”
Riding out the pandemic
During the pandemic, Jarod and Tara also applied for PPP funding through Mountain America. They were very concerned, not only for their own livelihood, but also for the livelihood of their employees. They worked with Isaac VanWart and could not have been happier with the experience. “Isaac—I love him,” says Tara, mincing no words. “He just helped me out so much. I felt very comfortable and safe, like family—you know, family takes care of family.”
The PPP loan, and subsequent loan forgiveness, allowed Jarod and Tara to continue paying their employees. Jarod continued to book jobs, even though he wasn’t getting paid to do the work. He just wanted to make sure his crew could take care of their families. “With the PPP loan, we were able to stay afloat and keep producing as normal,” says Tara. “That was huge—a game-changer!”
Helping financial dreams come true
Fast forward to 2022, Jarod and Tara have purchased a new site that will eventually be a new, larger workshop for their business. And they are also working on finalizing a construction loan so they can build a new family home.
According to Tara, this is the biggest, most important job Jarod has ever taken on—and they’re both very excited to see it come to fruition. She feels it wouldn’t have happened without Mountain America taking a chance on them, both for the original work van loan and for the PPP loan and forgiveness.
Those experiences are why they are on their current path of improving their credit score, building equity, growing their business and, most importantly, creating a trusting relationship with a team that can help them make good financial decisions for their future.
It’s all about family
Jarod and Tara Mauk currently live in Meridian, Idaho. They have two kids at home, ages two and 14, as well as two dogs. They also have their oldest daughter, her family and two dogs living with them while their home is being remodeled. It’s definitely a full house! “My favorite part of having everyone here is making memories,” says Tara. “It’s been very special to wake up and see them every day. I don’t think it gets any better than that.”
The new property is in Caldwell, Idaho so they will be moving from the hustle and bustle of a Meridian to a smaller, quieter town.
Their two oldest sons also work in the family business. Jarod and Tara couldn’t be happier to see them following in Jarod’s footsteps—it’s very special.
Congratulations Jarod and Tara! We’re so proud to work with you and it’s an honor to watch you grow, both personally and professionally. Thanks for inviting us on the ride!
