SMART Financial Raises $125 Million in Financing and Purchases Three Pawn Store Operating Groups Throughout US and Canada

Winter Park, Florida , February 21, 2017 (Newswire.com) - SMART Financial (“SMART”), a Winter Park, Florida-based consumer financial services company, is pleased to announce that it has raised $125 million of financing from a group of investors.  The investment financed SMART’s acquisition of three pawn store operating groups: Canada-based Cash Canada, Arizona-based Pawn 1st, and North Dakota-based First National Pawn.  SMART currently operates 36 pawn stores and has the financial resources to substantially expand its footprint through a combination of further acquisitions and de novo store openings. 

SMART was founded by John Thedford.  He is joined by a team of experienced financial services and human resource professionals, who previously operated successful pawn stores throughout the US. 

"We are excited to be a leader in the growing and dynamic specialty finance sector of our economy. Our stores are dedicated to providing a great experience to our customers."

John Thedford , Founder

Thedford recently noted during an interview that, “We are excited to be a leader in the growing and dynamic specialty finance sector of our economy. Our stores are dedicated to providing a great experience to our customers.”  He further explained that the company’s philosophy and practice of focusing on recruiting, training and incenting world-class talent to provide a gratifying customer experience, is not likely found in peer groups or the competitive landscape in general.

SMART has positioned itself with the funding and a team of integration specialists to expand its network of pawn brands.  ​

Source: SMART Financial