Lighting the Way Forward with Support from the Trust
"When I decided to expand Summit Media and Event Rentals, I knew it would mean new equipment, a bigger space, and rebranding. But I did not want to stretch the business too thin.
Cherry Tree Lending gave me the chance to make those investments without sacrificing day-to-day stability. I bought high-demand AV equipment, moved into a better location, and rebranded the business to better reflect what we do.
The mentorship gave me a sounding board for big decisions, someone who challenged my thinking, helped me see new angles, and guided me through key choices.
Today, we’re ready to take on larger events and more complex productions. The Trust didn’t just give me a loan; they gave me guidance, encouragement, and the foundation for sustainable growth."
— Damien Pinder, Founder, Summit Media and Event Rentals
Before I rebranded and expanded, my business was called Nu Visual Rentals. Today, it’s known as Summit Media and Event Rentals, we specialize in audio-visual equipment rentals, offering everything from lights, cameras, mics, and lecterns to studio spaces and more. We support events and productions with the right tools to make their vision come to life.
I first heard about The Cherry Tree Trust through my cousin, who had successfully received a loan from them. At the time, I was at a crossroads, I needed to invest in additional equipment to grow the business, but I didn’t want to strain my cash flow or take resources from another company I was running.
Cherry Tree Lending provided the perfect solution. The loan gave me the freedom to make the investments I needed without compromising the daily operations, things like rent, utilities, and payroll were all still covered. I could grow while maintaining financial stability, and the flexible repayment made it manageable.
One of the biggest surprises, though, was the value of the mentorship. Having someone to talk openly with about real numbers, real decisions, without judgment, was incredibly helpful. My mentor offered a different perspective when I needed it most. Sometimes it’s just about having a soundboard to challenge your thinking and guide you toward better options.
Since working with the Trust, I’ve rebranded and moved into a bigger, better space, a huge milestone for the business. And honestly, I can’t overstate the value of the mentorship. Just knowing someone’s there to give you a second opinion, backed by experience, is a major asset when you’re running a business.
To any small business owner thinking about applying for support from Cherry Tree Lending - go for it. It’s not just about the loan. It’s the whole ecosystem: the financial support, the mentorship, the genuine interest in your success. That kind of backing is rare, and powerful.