Lendmark Hits Virginia Milestone, Blending Growth with Community Focus

POWHATAN, VA – January 14, 2026 – Lendmark Financial Services, a provider of personalized loan solutions, today celebrated a significant milestone in its Virginia operations, opening its 50th branch in the state. The new location in Powhatan, the company's first branch opening of 2026, signals a continued commitment to a growth strategy that emphasizes deep community integration alongside robust market expansion.

The branch, located at 1800 South Creek One, is poised to become a new financial resource for the community, offering direct consumer loans and financing solutions for local retail businesses and independent auto dealerships.

A Strategy of Deep Roots

The opening in Powhatan is more than just a new pin on the map; it represents the culmination of a deliberate, long-term expansion within the Commonwealth. While the broader financial industry increasingly shifts towards purely digital platforms, Lendmark has cultivated a "high growth era" by pairing technology with a tangible, local presence. In recent years, the company has opened dozens of branches annually, expanding its footprint across its 23-state territory. This 50th Virginia branch underscores a strategy focused on becoming a fixture in the communities it serves.

This approach targets a segment of the population that may be underserved by traditional banking institutions. By establishing physical branches, the company aims to build personal relationships, offering tailored financial guidance and solutions that a digital-only interface might miss. The model provides a crucial access point to credit for individuals navigating both planned life events and unexpected financial challenges.

“Opening our Powhatan branch marks another step in strengthening our presence across Virginia,” said Danny Ritenour, Vice President of Branch Operations at Lendmark, in a statement. “We’re committed to being more than just a lender. We aim to be a trusted partner for individuals and local businesses, providing flexible financial solutions that help customers achieve their goals and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.”

The strategy appears to be one of regional saturation, creating a dense network that enhances brand recognition and operational efficiency. For Virginia, this milestone signifies Lendmark's evolution from a market entrant to a significant player in the state's non-bank consumer finance sector.

Economic Ripple Effect in Powhatan

For the residents and businesses of Powhatan County, the arrival of a new financial institution is expected to create a positive economic ripple effect. The branch, led by Manager Lacy Bosserman, is projected to serve hundreds of customers in its first year, directly contributing to the local economy through job creation and the provision of essential financial services.

The presence of a new lender can be particularly impactful for local commerce. Lendmark’s model includes providing indirect financing for customers of small, independent automobile dealerships and various retail businesses. This service allows local merchants to offer on-the-spot financing, a tool that can be critical for closing sales and competing with larger national chains. For a region like Powhatan, which has a supportive environment for new business development championed by its Economic Development Authority, this partnership can fuel the growth of the local small business ecosystem.

Increased access to personal loans provides residents with more options for managing their finances, whether for home improvements, debt consolidation, or emergency expenses. In an economic climate where interest rates remain elevated, having access to a variety of lenders allows consumers to find more competitive and suitable terms, fostering greater financial stability within the community.

Beyond the Balance Sheet: A Decade of Curing Cancer

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Lendmark's corporate identity is its profound commitment to philanthropy, exemplified by its 'Climb to Cure' initiative. As the company cuts the ribbon in Powhatan, it is also celebrating a different, more poignant milestone: surpassing $10 million in funds raised for CURE Childhood Cancer.

This decade-long partnership with the Atlanta-based nonprofit has become a cornerstone of Lendmark's mission. The funds, raised through the collective effort of employees, business partners, and customers, directly support CURE's pioneering work in pediatric cancer research. The initiative's simple yet effective model allows customers to donate $1 when closing a loan, a contribution that Lendmark then matches. By the end of 2025, this collaborative effort had generated an impressive $10.93 million.

The impact of these funds is significant. CURE Childhood Cancer, a highly-rated organization that holds a coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for 17 consecutive years, channels the money into its precision medicine program. This cutting-edge research involves genetically sequencing tumors to develop targeted therapies that can "turn off" the specific gene mutations driving a child's cancer. It represents a shift away from one-size-fits-all treatments toward personalized medicine that is more effective and less toxic.

Lendmark stands as CURE's largest single donor, and its contributions have been instrumental in the over $45 million CURE has invested in innovative research over the last decade. This deep-seated commitment to social responsibility demonstrates a corporate philosophy where community impact is measured not just in loans disbursed, but in lives changed.

Navigating the Modern Lending Landscape

Lendmark's continued investment in brick-and-mortar branches occurs against a backdrop of rapid digitalization in the consumer finance industry. While fintech startups and online lenders champion algorithms and instant, app-based approvals, Lendmark's strategy offers a hybrid approach. The company leverages modern data analytics for risk assessment but refuses to abandon the personal touch of a local branch manager who understands the community.

This model may be particularly resilient in the current economic environment. With personal loan interest rates projected to remain elevated, borrowers are becoming more discerning. The ability to discuss loan options face-to-face can build trust and confidence. Furthermore, as lenders focus more on responsible lending to mitigate risk, a deeper understanding of a borrower's individual circumstances—something a local branch is well-positioned to provide—becomes a valuable asset.

The company's dual focus on direct-to-consumer loans and indirect retail financing also positions it well within industry trends. By embedding its financing options at the point of sale in local car dealerships and stores, Lendmark taps into a continuous stream of consumer credit demand while simultaneously supporting the health of other local businesses. This symbiotic relationship reinforces its role as an integrated community partner, proving that even in an increasingly digital world, a local presence can be a powerful and enduring strategy for growth.