Sonoma Valley Retiree Helps Small Businesses Grow With Interface Financial Group (IFG) Franchise

After working in Silicon Valley for more than 30 years, George Merrick retired about five years ago from the high tech world and all of the traveling that goes along with it. Settling down in the famous wine country, Merrick started his IFG franchise with the goal of helping small businesses grow and giving them an opportunity they would not have otherwise.

IFG was a perfect fit for Merrick, giving him the opportunity to focus on helping small businesses. Having done consulting for small businesses previously, his niche is truly in helping out the little guys. When discussing the instant gratification he feels when helping these companies, he said, “It certainly feels like you’re helping people in an area they need right now. At this point in my life, it seems right to be helping other people. It’s very gratifying.”

Merrick’s IFG franchise helps companies that have been turned away by banks or loan companies. Whether they’ve been around for 50 years and got hurt by the recession, or are new with only seven months of experience, Merrick and IFG can help. Rather than looking at the past, Merrick notes his clients are focused more on the future.

“When we engage a potential client, we focus on the owners of the company to see how committed they are. Is it a good product? Who are their customers? Those are typical questions we ask when deciding whether or not to take on a client,” said Merrick.

Given the location, many of Merrick’s clients in Sonoma Valley are involved with the wine industry. However, Merrick also said that his IFG franchise deals with some high tech businesses and a lot of manufacturing - in fact it’s “a little bit of everything.”

Looking to the future, Merrick sees his franchise growing steadily, with continued emphasis on helping businesses that need it most.

Brian Hugins
919-459-8165 

About The Interface Financial Group 
The Interface Financial Group (IFG) is North America’s largest alternative funding source for small business. IFG provides short-term working capital funding in the form of a unique Invoice Discounting service. The company serves clients in the manufacturing, service, and construction sectors. Interface operates from a base of 140+ franchise offices in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. IFG’s innovative Invoice Discounting service is a fast and easy way to turn receivables into cash. For more information, visit http://www.interfacefinancial.com.