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you’ve got assets. we’ve got answers.

Your assets are more than collateral. They’re your success story.

Let’s start writing your success story by utilizing your assets. Some businesses can maximize debt capacity by using their assets instead of their cash flow. Asset-based lending (ABL) is a smart way to borrow, especially if seasonal or cyclical fluctuations or sudden growth are putting a strain on liquidity. We can help by leveraging your existing assets – accounts receivable, inventory, machinery, real estate – to give you borrowing power that costs less than conventional loans. ABL is often structured as a revolving line of credit, with typical terms extending from three to five years. As your assets grow, so can your credit facilities.

Here for you with fast, honest answers

We know timing is everything, so we don’t keep you waiting around. We are able to provide indication of interest and leverage reads. Our assessment is delivered in a quick and transparent manner with a goal of having your funding in-hand within six to eight weeks. How did we get this good? Our experienced team has a proven track record of helping lower-middle market companies in a variety of industries. And the same team will be there to support you, from loan origination through managing different business cycles, because that’s just what good business partners do.

We believe in the unbelievable, and we’re here to help make it happen.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Where others may see obstacles, we only see opportunities. As your business expands, we can leverage your assets to give you the extra cash you need or create a spilt lien capital structure for more flexibility. We evaluate your assets first through appraised market values and second on a qualitative basis to ensure you get the most lending power for them.

Growth Capital

When you want to capitalize on an opportunity to grow, we are able to leverage your existing and future assets so you don’t miss any value creation opportunities.

Refinancing or Recapitalizations

You might not be able to put a dollar sign on inspiration, but we can formulate the number of dollars, and loan structure, needed to realize yours. From required change to innovation, we’ll help you manage it just a little easier through refinancing or recapitalizations.

Meet our best assets

Brooke Balcom, Group Head of Sponsor Coverage and Asset-Based Lending

“I work hard and play hard. My clients know they can count on me. I’ll be your honest advisor and strongest advocate. Just ask my kids.”

With 20 years of lending experience, Brooke serves as Group Head of Sponsor Coverage and Asset-Based Lending. She’s also served on multiple SBIC advisory boards and has investment experience from fixed-income investing to mezzanine and lower middle market to large corporate lending.

Education:
M.B.A. from Duke University
B.A. from University of Michigan

Call Brooke: 513.979.5822

James Conklin, Managing Director, Business Development

“I probably would have been a movie director if I wasn’t in banking. That’s because I’m constantly looking ahead to the next scene in life. And, fun fact, I’m a rebel when it comes to movie trivia!”

James has an ability to look at the big picture with his clients, weighing current needs with future goals. His 18 years of experience in managing business capital and middle market private equity deals earn him credit for understanding all aspects of lending.

Education:
M.B.A. from University of Notre Dame
B.S.B.A. from Xavier University

Call James: 513.979.5853

Robert Nussbaum, Managing Director, Business Development

“My clients know I’m straightforward and transparent, while also being understanding and responsive. I also believe in balancing life’s seriousness with a bit of humor. I enjoy the art of a well-placed pun and am constantly honing my ‘craft.’”

Robert has over 11 years of varied lending experience under his belt. From his time covering lower middle market and large corporate clients in roles ranging from underwriting to portfolio management to originations, he’s seen it all and leverages that experience for his clients.

Education:
B.S. Finance from Miami University

Call Robert: 513.458.6443

Kendrick Vincent, Director, Business Development

“I’m a big fan of the 80-series Toyota Landcruiser, which is widely known for its reliability and taking on the roughest terrains.  My goal is to build a similar reputation with my clients, where they know they’re getting someone who’s hard working, reliable and willing to roll up their sleeves when the road gets tough.”

Kendrick joined First Financial in 2021 and has more than eight years’ experience in the cash flow and leverage lending space. His background covers a broad range of sectors, including consumer products, industrial, environmental services and business service.

Education:
B.A. from Wittenberg University

Call Kendrick: 614.682.5475

Our recent deals

Don’t take our word for it. Here’s the proof we know how to help businesses succeed.

$12,300,000

  • AIRCRAFT PARTS DISTRIBUTOR
  • REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT
  • SOLE LENDER

$5,000,000

  • TRUCK PARTS DISTRIBUTOR
  • REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT
  • SOLE LENDER

$60,000,000

  • CONSUMER MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR
  • WAREHOUSE LINE OF CREDIT
  • LEAD LEFT

Since 2016 we’ve committed over $435 million to help 40+ businesses reach their goals.

Manufacturing

Wholesale & Distribution

Business Services

Want us to make the first move, instead?

Getting a line of credit or term loan isn’t an overnight decision. There are lots of options to consider and each comes with unique questions.

But don’t worry, we’ve seen it all and can help you through it.

We offer any option a business needs:

  • Revolving lines of credit
  • Term loans
  • Delayed draw term loans
  • Equipment financing
  • Interest rate risk management
  • Foreign exchange risk management
  • Treasury services

Drop us a line here by submitting the form and someone will be in touch with you soon.

 








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Frequently asked questions

An asset-based loan is a loan secured by certain tangible assets on a percentage of the value of those assets. When a business does not qualify for conventional financing due to its credit profile or cash flows, asset-based loans may be an option. While a business’s financial performance is a consideration in underwriting an asset-based loan, the primary source of repayment and focus are the company’s assets.

Asset-based loans can be lines of credit or term loans. Revolving lines of credit are governed by borrowing bases with different advance rates applied against accounts receivable, inventory, and in some cases, term assets subject to certain caps. Term loans are based upon the appraised value of underlying term assets at certain rates of advance.

When you want to maximize your debt capacity, but with flexibility – especially in rates and terms – an asset-based loan might be right for you. Asset-based loan candidates typically include manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, or business services. It’s also ideal for businesses that are going through a time period with elevated risks. Common circumstances to consider asset-based loans may include:

  • Seasonal borrowing needs
  • Cyclical fluctuations
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Growth capital
  • Capital expenditures
  • Refinancing lines of credit
  • Restructuring or turnaround
  • Dividend recapitalizations
  • Leveraged buyouts

Businesses can qualify for asset-based lending if they are located in the United States with at least one year in business, have capital needs of at least $5MM, and have assets such as accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, or real estate that can be pledged as collateral.

Accounts receivable, inventory, machinery and equipment, real estate, and intangibles can be pledged as collateral in asset-based loans.

A borrowing base is a calculation of the debt capacity of the borrower. The calculation includes the pledged assets multiplied by advance rates. Advance rates are set by asset type with defined terms for eligibility. Borrowers report a borrowing base certificate to support their debt capacity periodically but no less than monthly. The collateral is examined by third party auditors regularly to determine compliance and update the value of the borrowing base.

From the signing of term sheets, transactions typically close within six to eight weeks. However, the amount of time required is highly dependent on due diligence requirements (mix of field exams, appraisals, etc.), flow of information, and negotiations of loan documents. We provide quick initial indications of interest after receiving financial information and strive to provide credit-vetted term sheets within one week of receiving required financial information.

We offer competitive risk-adjusted pricing. In addition to the cost of the loan, typical costs include: field exams, legal, and appraisals. Estimates can be provided upon request.

If you are interested in learning more about asset-based lending, please contact a member of our team to discuss a tailored solution to meet your needs.

All loans subject to credit review and approval.

Fees may apply.  Contact us for further detail.

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