From Leasing to Legacy in Anchorage

A Native-Owned Business Builds Stability and Growth through Property Ownership

Since opening in 1995, Markel’s Collision Center (Martins Collision LLC) has grown into one of Anchorage’s most trusted collision repair shops, specializing in European and import vehicles. Owners Michael Martin and Amy Martin continue to build strong referral relationships with local dealers such as Porsche, Audi, VW, BMW, Mercedes, and more. 

But behind their success, the Martins faced a major challenge: they were leasing their facility. Rising rents and the lack of long-term security made it difficult to reinvest in growth or build equity. Purchasing their property at 2400 E 63rd Avenue wasn’t just an option, it was essential for stability and the chance to create generational wealth.

In 2020, the Martins worked with Spruce Root, a nonprofit lender supporting Indigenous and rural entrepreneurs, to secure financing to purchase Markel’s Collision Center. Spruce Root provided technical assistance to help the borrowers prepare their business plan and loan application. Fast forward to 2025, after successfully operating the business and meeting their loan obligations, Spruce Root was happy to participate with a $400,000 loan as part of a $1.16 million package with Alaska Growth Capital and Haa Yakaawu Financial Corporation.

To make the deal possible, Spruce Root worked with the Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC) through its Tribal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Loan Guarantee Program. The program guaranteed 50% of Spruce Root’s loan, $200,000, reducing lender risk and opening the door for the Martins to move from leasing to ownership.

Purchasing their building immediately strengthened the shop’s finances. By eliminating rent payments of more than $59,000 annually and restructuring their debt under more manageable terms, the Martins created room for long-term financial stability.

With financial breathing room, the Martins can now reinvest in the business; focusing on their goals of upgrading equipment, expanding staff training, and pursuing advanced certifications that keep Anchorage drivers connected to top-quality collision repair.

Most importantly, ownership gives the Martins the opportunity to deepen their community roots. As Sealaska shareholders, they are building an Indigenous-owned legacy and creating generational wealth while strengthening the fabric of Anchorage’s small business community.

“Our role as community development lenders is to get creative with our financing so we can increase access to capital for entrepreneurs like the Martins who have all the skills to run the business successfully but are not able to access capital through traditional financing. We are grateful to partners who are committed to supporting creative financing like this.” – Spruce Root

“We’re deeply thankful to Spruce Root, Alaska Growth Capital and Haa Yakaawu Financial Corporation not only for their funding, but for their belief in our vision. Being able to purchase the building we’ve operated out of is a huge step forward for us. This support means more than just owning our space, it’s an investment in our future, our community, and in continuing to grow as a trusted shop for European and import auto body repairs. We’re especially grateful to our incredible team of technicians whose skill, pride in their work, and commitment to quality are the heart of everything we do, we could not do it without them.” – Mike and Amy Martin

This milestone was made possible through partnership. Spruce Root’s mission-driven lending, paired with the Tribal SSBCI Loan Guarantee, reduced risk and unlocked the financing needed to close the deal. Together, they turned a leased facility into a permanent home for Markel’s Collision Center, transforming a thriving business into a lasting legacy for the Martins and their community.