"I think it's important to have a partner who has a strong understanding of the real estate finance side of the industry," says Griggs. "It's imperative that we continue to grow the mortgage banking side of our business, and in a partnership role I will be instrumental in helping NB&S move forward, adapt, and keep our strategic edge."

Griggs joins five others in the ownership of the company: President J. Clayton Hering, Joseph F. Wood, H. Roger Qualman, Jan Robertson, and Chris Johnson. "(Griggs') strong background in finance makes him a valuable addition to the partnership, and will add a fresh element to the company's ongoing development of our culture, vision and strategic initiatives," says Hering.

In 1993, when Griggs joined the firm, the finance department completed over $67 million in loan production. In 2000, the department completed over $329 million in loans committed and closed. Since joining NB&S, Griggs alone has originated finance transactions of roughly half a billion throughout the Northwest.