The banking crisis has strapped some small businesses. But Blake and Blair Financial, a company based in Manchester, makes it their business to help businesses.
"Helping people and giving them direction is something that I enjoy about my business," said Nick Murat, the financial manager. "If I can't help you, I will refer you to someone who can."
Murat has 30 years of experience in the trucking industry, starting as a welder with East Manufacturing. "I've seen the trucking industry cycle over the years with highs and lows," he said. "One thing is certain, you will always need a truck and/or a trailer to move freight, sand and gravel, coal, building materials, food products and oil products."
Murat, the owner of Blake and Blair, utilizes his knowledge of trucking, small business, equipment and finance. He understands the challenges of owning a business and the needs of independent truckers.
"I talk the lingo. I understand axle weights and bridge laws," he said. He also has a firm grasp of the cost of doing business. "Independent owner operators and dealers in the industry feel comfortable when dealing with me because I understand the problems they are facing in these economic times. I find ways to structure deals where other financial institutions will just pass on them."
Thomas Swartz, owner of Louisville based Thomas R. Swartz Trucking, first turned to Murat a few years ago to refinance a truck. "I'm an independent trucker. I'm on the road. I don't have to take off from working to get a loan. Nick handles that," said Swartz.
When Swartz needed a trailer and another truck, Murat helped him. "We refinanced and he got a lower interest rate. He saved me at least three points on the loan."
"Blake and Blair Financial can offer affordable quality options for equipment financing," said Murat.
The company is not limited to just heavy equipment, explained Murat. "We have the resources to finance office equipment, business phone systems, restaurant equipment, car wash systems, machine shop equipment or just about any business-related equipment."
Murat said many of the business referrals he receives are from other banks and dealers who cannot secure financing for their client.
Murat's business works with customers from across the nation and across the borders in Canada and Mexico. The company has expanded to help customers sell equipment, not just here in the United States but exporting them. "Many of my clients have been contacting me about moving equipment they would like to sell off."
Blake and Blair Financial offers solutions for commercial equipment loans in these tough times. "I understand the problems they are facing in these economic times," said Murat, who is appreciative of his own family, friends and the business community in his business venture.
For more information about Blake and Blair Financial, call
330-882-5033.
New Franklin, Ohio —
