Paul and Myrlene Charles are walking through a deteriorated apartment building on Chicago's south side. They are discussing the changes needed to make it a place where they would want to live themselves: new wiring, updated plumbing, replacement windows, secure doors, an intercom system, and completely renovated, affordable units. "I treat my tenants like my family," says Paul. That's what makes the Charleses both successful rehabbers and respected landlords.

Having worked as an electrician for 20 years, Paul had been involved in many rehab projects when he and his wife Myrlene, a nurse, decided to start their own real estate development business a few years ago. With a loan from ShoreBank, they bought and renovated a six-unit building, and discovered that they were naturals. The couple went on to acquire and rehab three large apartment buildings, all with purchase and renovation financing provided by ShoreBank. Their company, now called P&M Management, continues to prosper.

Paul and Myrlene intend to maintain their relationship with ShoreBank as they expand their business. "ShoreBank is a bank that is really trying to help the community," says Myrlene. "If something is good for you, you don't want to change it. So we're with ShoreBank, and we are going to stay with ShoreBank."

ShoreBank is dedicated to helping customers create better futures for themselves, their families, and their communities through the purchase and renovation of homes and apartment buildings.