08/01/2025: A Legacy of Leadership & Local Trust: WH Long Companies Finds the Right Fit with State Bank

Since 1974, WH Long Companies has played a steady, foundational role in the Lafayette community—first as homebuilders, then as property developers, and now as a full-scale multifamily management company. Rooted in legacy and shaped by hands-on experience, the business has consistently taken a thoughtful and strategic approach to growth.

When the time came to expand their apartment portfolio again in late 2023, Keith and Tom Long knew they needed a banking partner who could move quickly, understand their unique needs, and provide consistent support. They found that partner in State Bank.

“We had worked with Brad Marley before and always respected him,” Keith says. “When the opportunity came up for State Bank to help with a new acquisition, it just made sense. Brad handled the lending, and Casey Spencer took the lead on our operations accounts. Once we realized we could work with both of them, it was an easy decision.”

A Foundation Built by Family

WH Long Companies traces its roots back to 1974, when Keith and Tom’s father, Bill Long, left his role at a national homebuilding company to start his own business in Lafayette. What began as a new home construction company quickly evolved. After building apartments for a local client, Bill began focusing on the long-term potential of multifamily ownership and management.

“He saw what happened after the project wrapped and realized he wanted to be on that side of the business,” Keith says. “That’s when he created the management arm and really started building out the apartment portfolio.”

Over the years, the company has expanded its operations to include real estate sales, multifamily ownership and management, and self-storage ownership and management. After Bill’s passing in 1996, Keith and Tom stepped into leadership and continued to grow the business while refining its focus. Today, WH Long manages a substantial portfolio of multifamily properties in Lafayette and West Lafayette, including Burberry Place, Blackbird Farms, and 120 Flats. They do this while staying true to their original mission: quality housing, local presence, and long-term relationships.

A Modern Partnership for a Changing Industry

While State Bank was providing financing for one of WH Long’s recent acquisitions, the bank asked a key question: Would WH Long consider moving its operational banking accounts as well?

“We were already thinking about it,” Keith says. “And when Brad asked if we’d be willing to make the switch, we said yes, especially once we found out Casey would be our contact. She’s fantastic.”

That transition coincided with another major change: a full upgrade to WH Long’s management software platform. While the timing wasn’t ideal, State Bank didn’t miss a beat.

“We were navigating a significant software transition at the same time we moved our accounts,” Keith explains. “There were a lot of technical and timing challenges. Casey came to our office, sat with us, and walked us through it all, side by side. That kind of local support made a world of difference.”

Tailored Service—No Matter the Ask

For Keith, working with State Bank feels refreshingly personal and solution-oriented.

“Everyone says their business is unique, and we are no different,” he says. “We have our own quirks, and some of our requests are out of the ordinary. But State Bank never blinked. They’ve streamlined the process and adapted to our needs.”

He also appreciates having a direct line to experienced professionals who get things done.

“With other banks, you sometimes have to go up a chain of command or wait on someone in a regional office to make a decision. That’s not the case here. If I need something, I can call someone local and get an answer, fast.”

A Business & a Bank Rooted in Community

Born and raised in Lafayette, Keith and Tom view their relationship with the city as foundational, and they seek that same commitment in the businesses they partner with.

“This town has been so good to us,” Keith says. “My kids graduated from high school here. It’s where we grew up, where we raised our families. So yes, banking with someone who supports the local economy absolutely matters to us.”

While Keith hasn’t tracked every local sponsorship or event, he’s confident that State Bank shares that same value. “It’s like when you buy a certain car, and you start seeing it everywhere,” he says. “Now that we’re working with State Bank, we notice their impact more and more.”

A Future-Focused Relationship

What began as a new relationship between WH Long and State Bank has become a trusted collaboration built to last.

“We’re in the early stages of another potential acquisition,” Keith says. “And State Bank will absolutely be the first call we make. They’ve had our back through every step of this process.”

In addition to lending, the bank has provided insights and feedback on prospective deals, offering financial expertise that helps WH Long plan strategically.

“I’ve run numbers by Brad more than once,” Keith says. “Just to get his take from the banking side. It’s helpful to have that sounding board.”

The Right People Make the Difference

If there’s one takeaway from WH Long’s experience, it’s that good banking comes down to good people.

“Brad, Casey, the whole team—they’ve been incredibly supportive,” Keith says. “We probably leaned on them more than the average new customer, just because of the timing and the transitions we were working through. But they never made us feel like a burden.”

So, how would Keith describe the relationship in one sentence?

“I’m still working on the perfect line,” he laughs. “But I’d say it’s built on trust, responsiveness, and people who truly know what they’re doing.”