Considering Relocating Your Business to Northern Nevada? Your Questions Answered

Thinking of relocating a business to Northern Nevada? Reno has been home to Jim DeVolld, Managing Director, Commercial Banking for Northern Nevada, for years. His team provides exceptional, customized banking services for businesses of all sizes — something he is passionate about.

We sat down with Jim to understand more about what Northern Nevada has to offer businesses relocating from California, Oregon or anywhere else.

Q: Reno has been among the top 3 destinations for California companies for years. What makes Nevada such an attractive business relocation destination?

Jim DeVolld: Nevada has a robust economy, a strategic location and a pro-business tax structure. The tax piece is a definite upside. Nevada has no income tax for corporations or individuals, no inventory tax, no franchise tax. That all adds up to a really affordable cost of doing business compared to the national average, and especially some of our neighbors.

Additionally, Northern Nevada has healthy, robust infrastructure. For example, if a company is moving into the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, there is already a fully developed master plan in place. It can take seven days to pull a grading permit and 30 days to pull a construction permit — it is all in the approved master plan! In California, that might take years. That’s one reason we’re growing so fast. We have reliable internet and other infrastructure, and it’s just a nice place to live.

Q: What is the local business community like in Northern Nevada?

Jim DeVolld: Folks are welcoming. If you’re new to town, the typical response is: “Hey, let me help you get settled in.” People who’ve relocated from California often mention the community’s friendliness.

Our team lives here, too, and that feeds into our banking philosophy and our way of doing business. Our bankers are going to consider which customers could benefit from cross-pollination. If you’re looking for an ad agency, we’ll introduce you. That’s how business gets done. Everybody is trying to help everybody else be successful.  

Q: One of the cons of relocating a business is the need to rebuild a network and customer base. How can a banker relationship help business owners forge new connections?

Jim DeVolld: I can’t speak for every bank, but I think we’re a little different. I’m going to ask, “Who are you trying to sell to?” And then it’s, “Let me make some introductions for you.” We want to help businesses grow their top line. We’re not just their banker; we’re invested in their success.

Q: So, the personal touch is a key differentiator.

Jim DeVolld: Absolutely. One of our clients, ZLINE Kitchen and Bath, came to me saying, “You know, we sell nationwide. But we are just not selling in our own backyard.” So, my response was: “Who do you want to know? I’ll introduce you if I know them.” That’s how business gets done. I think people in Northern Nevada try to help everyone else be successful.

Of course, we offer a fantastic range of commercial banking solutions to meet the needs of just about any business. But even more importantly, clients know they have a team they can count on — from lending and cash management to contacting the branch manager or me if they have an emergency.

Our specialty is taking the time to understand customers’ needs. We ask about what their previous bank might have done well and not so well. How did conversations go when you shared your financial spreads? Did they offer feedback on how your business is doing against industry averages? How has your bank helped you improve your balance sheet, sales efforts or inventory? Then, we talk about how we can offer value.

Q: With that said, changing banks can be complicated.

Jim DeVolld: It can be, I agree. We do all we can to help. We start with planning and preparation to get you set up correctly. Our cash management team is extremely experienced. If a client is really in a crunch, we can come to you to open new accounts in your office so you don’t have to spend a bunch of time in ours. We’ll train you and your team on our systems to be sure you are comfortable.

Q: One last question about the fun side of Northern Nevada! What are some can’t-miss local attractions?

Jim DeVolld: Well, how long do you have? Each summer, Hot August Nights brings beautiful classic cars from the ’50s and ’60s to Reno for 10 days. The Best in the West Rib Cookoff brings more than 350,000 people to Sparks every year. The Great Reno Balloon Race is just a gorgeous event.

I could keep going. Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful lakes on the planet, and it’s just 30 minutes away. We’ve got the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, a Triple-A baseball team, Harrah’s Auto Collection, minor league hockey coming to town, plus all the University of Nevada sports.

Q: Any closing words for companies ready to decide to relocate to the Reno area?

Jim DeVolld: Welcome to Reno! It’s a great place to do business and a great place to live. We can’t wait to meet you.

Ready to learn more? Speak with a banker today

First Independent Bank, a division of Western Alliance Bank, has convenient office locations in Reno, Sparks and Carson City . We invite you to contact us to speak with a banker about relocating your business, choosing a new business bank or what Northern Nevada’s business community has to offer.