Frank Grimes is the president of a financing company called The Associates Home Loans of Florida, currently situated in Tampa. After finishing Florida Metropolitan University, he started pursuing a career in business. Presently, he is known as the moving force for the Associate Loan of Florida ever since 1996.
As far as the bottom-line goals, Frank Grimes and his team of thirteen are devoted to providing the highest-quality services to people in this area. Their primary objective is to create a perfect loan for everyone’s needs. One of the notable features of the business is the fact that the purpose of the money will not be a factor when it comes to approving the customer. Additionally, The Associate Loan of Florida offers a variety of services such as fixed-rate mortgages, hard money loans, nontraditional loans, and even private lending.
Private lending options include bad credit loans, self-employed loans, assistance with loans after bankruptcy and alternative credit. Frank understands his clients’ needs and aims to help them. Ultimately, the thing that makes Frank and his company trustworthy is the fact that they guarantee complete privacy of information, unlike many other businesses around the United States nowadays.
Furthermore, those who might have a problem that needs an urgent solution can usually rely on fast-paced financing options that can be completed within a week. Not to mention that Frank Grimes has utilized his role as the president to organize free advising sessions for all new customers who need help repairing their finances.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
Since the young age, I always showed interest in everything that was business-related. My ultimate goal was to be able to create an enterprise one day, which is how this company got started. After a few difficult years, we are now one of the fastest-growing corporations in Tampa’s financing.
How do you make money?
We provide loans that come with interest rates. Ever since we started back in the 90s, I am proud to acknowledge that our fees have remained under the average interest costs that most comparable businesses implement.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
The first few years were challenging as the right team of people did not surround me. Once I made good hiring decisions, everything changed, and we experienced fantastic teamwork and an increase in efficiency. Consequently, that drove profitability up and our revenues started looking a lot more acceptable.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
Even though it was very hard in the beginning, I never doubted that my business would become successful. I remained patient and driven by the belief that hard work will ultimately pay off. In retrospect, I have no idea how I was able to be so calm.
How did you get your first customer?
It was a long time ago, but I used the same strategies that we apply today. We help people recognize that our company offers help with minimum obligations and that we give our best to accommodate everyone’s extenuating circumstances. People tend to like this approach as they usually reach out and make an inquiry once they see our reviews.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works well to generate new business?
We think that providing all the necessary information on our website brings more customers to our company. Also, anticipating questions that might be asked has helped us minimize the time needed to persuade someone to try out our services. Therefore, online advertising is the center of our marketing endeavors.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
The hardest situations are those when you cannot find the solution for someone’s problem because they do not meet the requirements. As a consequence, you have to decline the loan application. I always hated having to say “no” to potential customers, but we would never survive as a business if we approved every single client who came in.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
A professional team that includes devoted and patient people wanting to help everyone find the best solution for their financial issues. Also, the fact that virtually all of us see our work as goal-oriented and do not focus on hours. There have been nights when almost everyone is staying late without even noticing. This shows the true dedication that is mirrored by our successful track record.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Seeing people fulfill their dreams and goals with the help of our company.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
I am excited about growing and developing the business. My current vision is based on taking over a more significant share of the market outside of Tampa. I am hoping to see this enterprise become the leader of financial services for the entire state of Florida in the next ten years.
What business books have inspired you?
“Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap, and Others Don’t” by Jim Collins, Adam Smith’s “The Wealth of Nations,“ as well as “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies” by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras.
What is a recent purchase you have made that’s helped with your business?
I bought a book called “The Principles” by Ray Dalio. So far, reading it has helped me learn even more about the psychology that goes behind one’s decisions. I am hoping to have some of my employees look into this book as it can be a life-changing read!