Sunward Business Member Highlight
There’s no doubt about it: Ahmet Tiryaki is a true New Mexican. Sure, he was born in Turkey, and it may have taken him a while to enjoy red and green chile, but you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who has more fully embraced the Land of Enchantment. From becoming a huge New Mexico United fan to helping his local community through philanthropic activities, Ahmet describes his life as “blessed.”
Ahmet arrived in Albuquerque in the late 1980s to attend the University of New Mexico. “I had a sister who came to the U.S. to attend Oklahoma State University. My path took me to UNM. I loved the Albuquerque community and met my beautiful wife. We stayed to make a life together here.” Over the years their family has grown to include two adult children (also UNM graduates), and Ahmet has created several New Mexico businesses, including Dama Construction.
According to Ahmet, another stroke of good fortune was being introduced to Sunward and meeting with the Sunward Business Services team. Andrew Jaynes, Sunward’s Chief Credit Officer, describes Ahmet as having a very caring heart. “Around 2010, we made our first commercial building loan to Ahmet’s construction company,” he says. “We have now financed the construction of several multi-family units for them. What is remarkable is how much his tenants respect Ahmet and appreciate his kindness. He has been loyal to his tenants during tough times, often quietly working out payment plans and other assistance for those who needed help.”
Ahmet describes his relationship with Sunward as “awesome,” and appreciates the down-to-earth atmosphere and the care taken with each relationship. He notes, “I always feel like I am being treated fairly by Sunward,” something he says is not always true for small businesses at other financial institutions. Looking to the future, Ahmet plans more building projects, and is working to help New Mexico prosper in any way he can – and enjoying more red or green chile along the way.
