Built to last: Why trusted relationships matter when the stakes are high – WTOP News

This content sponsored by EagleBank.

For nearly four decades, Monarc Construction has built a reputation by taking on projects others might avoid.

Historic renovations. Complex additions. Occupied buildings. Community landmarks.

“Monarc has always been known for taking on very challenging or high-end projects,” said President Mark Bellingham during WTOP’s Small Business September 2026. “Especially in this space where it’s existing buildings, renovations, possibly with additions,” he said while standing in a 1909-built town hall where the Monarc team recently completed a sweeping modern renovation with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and an upper level skywalk.

That appetite for complexity has helped define Monarc Construction since its founding in 1987. Today, the second-generation family business serves clients throughout the Washington region while remaining grounded in the values that inspired its growth.

Michelle Haley, senior vice president, Commercial & Industrial relationship manager at EagleBank, sees this reflected in the company’s work and culture.

“Monarc is a company that I believe really focuses on the value, the quality, craftsmanship of their projects,” Haley said. “It’s also really relationship-driven: Monarc really focuses on building long-term relationships.”

Haley said the similarities between Monarc and EagleBank help explain why the two organizations have worked together for nearly 14 years. “The two companies really overlap with the values that are very important to each of us,” she said. “We align in that sense — but also in what we do in the community and how we take care of our employees.”

A family legacy that continues to evolve

Monarc was founded by John Bellingham, whose vision still influences how the company operates today.

“What has stayed the same is our values,” said Tanya Sells, director of training and development at Monarc. “It’s a true reflection of our father and the way that we were raised. They’re not just words written on a piece of paper.”

Added Bellingham, “A lot of what we do hasn’t changed.” For example, he pointed to how the company’s core goal of building high-quality projects while honoring a commitment to quality has endured. Still, he notes that in 35 years, construction methods, trends and technology continue to advance. “How we do [what we do] has definitely changed,” Bellingham noted.

Monarc’s founding values also show up in how the company develops employees, many of whom have built long careers at Monarc.

“We’re very lucky as a business that we’ve got a lot of long-term employees,” Bellingham said. “People have been with us for over 30 years.”

Haley said Monarc’s emphasis on employee development stands out. “They really invest in their employees,” she said. “We’ve seen team members grow into leadership roles, and that’s very similar to how we think about building our own organization at EagleBank.”

The company employs about 65 people and has helped team members grow from entry-level positions into leadership roles. Sells pointed to one employee who started as a laborer and eventually became a superintendent overseeing major projects.

Building communities that last

Working in the DMV has given Monarc an opportunity to leave a visible mark on communities throughout the region.

“We’ve always liked working in the D.C. area,” Bellingham said. “One of the best things about the area is we’re always busy. There’s always work out there.”

Over 35 years, that means leaving their stamp on hundreds of projects. Among the company’s specialties are historic renovations and adaptive reuse projects. Its portfolio includes embassy and museum modernization projects as well as construction of the riverfront House of Sweden.

“We’ve worked on some of the oldest buildings in the D.C. area through the 39 years of business,” Bellingham said.

That work requires balancing innovation with stewardship.

“One of the values that our father imparted on us was always sustainability,” Bellingham said. “We’re always trying to make sure that how we build the building, we’re being efficient with our use of materials and energy.”

For the Monarc team, another goal is longevity and impact.

“We’re always trying to make sure the building lasts a long time,” he said.

For Haley, Monarc’s impact is tangible in the region. “We get to see their signs and the projects that they do throughout the community,” she said. “That makes us excited because we know the people behind that sign.”

When challenges appear, relationships matter

Construction is full of moving targets. Schedules shift, materials arrive late and unexpected conditions emerge once walls are opened up.

“Adaptability in construction is a necessity,” Bellingham said. “We plan a lot in our industry, and things change frequently.”

In those moments, trusted partnerships become essential.

“Those relationships when projects face challenges are important because it allows the team to come together to a table and collaborate together,” Sells said.

Her brother agreed.

“One of the values we look for is commitment and not giving up when the times get tough,” he said. “Let’s not focus on the issues. Focus what we can do about the issue.”

That philosophy has shaped Monarc’s nearly 14-year relationship with EagleBank, where they’ve found Haley and her team are equally focused on finding solutions that fit their evolving needs.

Finding a partner with shared values

Over 35 years in the market, Monarc has grown significantly. And at one point years ago, they realized they needed more capabilities than their previous banking partner could provide.

“We always wanted to stay with a local bank, with someone that could provide more of what we needed,” Bellingham said. “And that’s how we found EagleBank.”

Today, he points to responsiveness, adaptability and trust as key reasons the relationship has endured.

“Our relationship with EagleBank works because of their flexibility and the trust that we’ve built over time,” Bellingham said. “I know I can rely on them in times of need.”

For Haley, effective banking begins with understanding a client’s business, goals and challenges. “It’s important that we understand what the client’s mission is,” she said. “We understand who they’re working with, what their project scale may be and what those requirements may be of the bank.”

“It’s important that we understand what the client’s mission is,” she said. “We understand who they’re working with, what their project scale may be and what those requirements may be of the bank.”

The human element behind long-term success

Technology has transformed both banking and construction. Yet both organizations believe relationships still drive outcomes.

“Technology continues to help businesses run more efficiently,” Haley said. “But Monarc and EagleBank require humans to get projects done.”

Bellingham shares a similar perspective.

“EagleBank is always good when situations arise,” he said. “They look for creative solutions and what else can be done to solve the issue at hand.”

For a company built on reputation, those qualities matter.

“One of the reasons our father was successful in building this business was around the relationships he had,” Bellingham said. “If he said he’s going to do something, he was going to do it.”

That lesson remains a guiding principle today. Whether constructing a landmark project, developing future leaders or building partnerships that endure for decades, Monarc’s approach comes back to a simple idea. Trust is earned over time, and the strongest foundations extend well beyond concrete and steel.

As businesses grow, challenges inevitably emerge. Haley said the role of a banking partner is to help clients navigate those moments, not just simply process transactions.

“It should be a partnership,” she said. “For a bank to be a trusted advisor, we have to know what’s going on because then that allows us to be creative and find ways to overcome challenges.”

It’s a philosophy that has helped sustain EagleBank’s relationship with Monarc for more than a decade and one that both organizations believe is essential for long-term success.

To learn more about how EagleBank partners with small business, go here. And to discover more insights for entrepreneurs, startups and SMBs shared during WTOP’s Small Business September, click here.

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