TheFinanceDepartment.com is the vendor finance division of First Republic Financial, one of the industry's original web-enabled lending institutions. This organization is also one of the few participating in the BBB Online program. TheFinanceDepartment.com specializes in digital photographic and imaging industries, with markets in both the United States and Canada. FRF was originally a division of it's parent company, BBHC, Inc. (a multi-million dollar healthcare conglomerate established in 1981). The division was used to fund internal, vendor and customer financing accommodations with excess cash flow. In 1997, the division became a stand-alone organization. In addition to this entity, management also has ownership interests in a market research concern and several master Internet domains and e-commerce business models.
The corporate mission is to establish a loyal, repeat customer base by supporting and financing digital imaging manufacturers, dealers and their customers. In part we do this by offering market research, back office administrative support, and "factory" financing programs through these manufacturers and their dealers. TheFinanceDepartment.com does not actively solicit "cold call" retail sales.
Over the past several years, we have taken an active interest in promoting industry attendance at selected photographic and digital imaging trade shows, conventions, and seminars by partnering with vendors exhibiting at these shows, or forging alliances with the event sponsors. As a result, we have helped attendees of trade shows and conventions associated with the PMA (Photographic Marketing Association), DIMA (Digital Imaging Marketing Association), PhotoPlus, P.P. of A (Professional Photographers of America), WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International), and Pixel Pond with business financing. Our management and/or Advisory Board are also active members in most of these associations.
In addition to the above involvement, FRF is a member in good standing with the United States Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau, and is a participants with the National Science Foundation (NSF) in its National Small Business Innovation Research Program.
The nature of our operations dictate that we maintain affiliations and network offices throughout the United States. However, our corporate headquarters is in Orange County, California.
| Administrative: | Heather Mack |
| Vendor Support: | David Judy |
| Finance Programs: | Ted Browne |
| National Sales Manager: | Dave Fournier |
| Technology/MIS: | Bryan Kam |