Chamber Member Spotlight: 1st Franklin Financial
On January 1, 1941, Franklin Discount Company was founded by Ben F. Cheek Jr. in Toccoa. The first transaction was an automobile sales contract for $34. In the decades that followed, the company expanded its services into selling investment securities to the public to finance its loan operation. In 1983, the name “Franklin Discount Company” was replaced with “1st Franklin Financial Corporation.” Today, 1st Franklin Financial operates more than 320 branches in seven states, including Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, and its investment center has grown to more than 6,100 customers and an excess of 1,450 employees.
1st Franklin Financial Corporation, headquartered in Toccoa, is in the consumer finance business, offering personal loans of up to $15,000. The Swainsboro loan office opened in 1990 and became a Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce member in January 1991. The branch manager is Wanda Parham, and the regional operations director is Joe Daniel. The company’s mission is to serve communities by offering opportunities to individuals and families through financial services, and its goal is to help customers achieve theirs. 1st Franklin’s values are:
1. Team — to be trustworthy and to succeed or fail as one.
2. Impact — to be intentional about having a positive impact.
3. People — to be exceptional and put people 1st.
4. Service — to be humble.
1st Franklin has been financing for the individual since 1941.
1st Franklin Financial has a reputation as the “Friendly Franklin Folks” and has for 80 years now. Its most important service to the community is servicing customers’ financial needs, the vast majority of which are from right here in Emanuel County. People are the company’s real business, and the people of Emanuel County are the company’s neighbors. Over the years, 1st Franklin has supported the schools, athletic teams, festivals, and public events, understanding the importance of being good neighbors to this community. The business joined the chamber believing it is both an anchor and a visionary in supporting this community and bringing opportunities to Emanuel County citizens.
Location
414 South Main Street, Suite A-1
Swainsboro, GA 30401
Hours of Operation
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday
8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Phone Number
478-237-3400
Website
www.1ffc.com
Social Media
facebook.com/ 1stFFCSwainsboroGA
Instagram: 1st Franklin Financial Corp.