Business Cash Flow Is A Cause For Alarm ? Here’s One Solution In Addition To Bank And Finance Companies Alternatives

Separating The Wheat From The Chaff In Cash Flow Financing alternatives

Information on 2 kinds of business cash flow solutions. Finance companies and banks , and your own management can accelerate working capital inflows






BUSINESS CASH FLOW or the lack thereof can provide some hard lessons for the Canadian business owner / financial manager. How does the owner/manager separate the ' wheat from the chaff ' when it comes to solutions offered by finance companies and banks. What other solution can be addressed, outside of seeking external financing? Let's dig in.

You won't find too many business people disagreeing with the fact that cash flow and access to working capital is important. It's easy to see the cash going out, it's more challenging to manage the cash coming in.

When it comes to financing solutions to address our subject manner they are more numerous than you might think. Canadian commercial finance companies offer a plethora of solutions outside of bank finance. They include:

Receivable financing

Inventory Financing

PO/Supply chain financing

SR&ED Tax credit bridge loans

Asset based lines of credit

Mezzanine financing

Royalty financing


Generally non bank solutions cost more, but it can also be quite easily said they are more attainable than Canadian commercial bank approval for your financing needs. Borrowers in the SME (small to medium enterprise) commercial finance sector must have a least a couple years of business success when it comes to accessing bank credit.

If your company can demonstrate it has real financial statements, profits, some equity in the business, and reasonable personal credit histories of the owners ... well... from the banks perspective... You're in. Bank credit lines are great solutions for the proverbial ' overdraft '.

So we have tabled two external paths in financing cash flow. But wait! There's More! as our favourite K-TEL announcer used to say. In reality if you are growing at a modest rate your access to cash flow can easily come from within.

From within? Simply speaking it’s about focusing on better asset turnover in the areas of inventory and accounts receivable. Putting a simple system in place to verify and manage your day’s sales outstanding in A/R, or your inventory turnover will allow you to bring cash in more quickly.

We referenced your business growing at a ' modest rate'. In reality if you are in high growth mode, or have large , perhaps seasonal , bulges in your business you will most likely be forced to address external financing , no matter how well you manger current assets. That’s simply because sales growth is hungry, it eats cash as you build up A/R an inventory and wait for clients to pay.

Often the best solution for a company that can’t access bank credit but has solid growth possibilities is in fact asset based lending. This solution, typically via commercial finance companies, margins inventory and A/R on an ongoing basis, giving you all the business cash flow you need.

If you business is asset intensive it's important also to consider asset financing solutions that won't deplete working capital. That typically involves looking at a lease financing or sale leaseback solution.

If you're looking to separate wheat from chaff in business cash flow alternatives seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your firms growth needs.



Stan Prokop -

founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.

Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


7 Park Avenue Financial = Business Cash Flow Financing Expertise






Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?


CONTACT:


7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Phone = 905 829 2653

Fax = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

Stan Prokop

Business Credit Line Financing Options : How To Get Good At Bank And ABL Option Choices

Business Credit Lines – Which One Of These Is Right For Your Company

OVERVIEW – Information on business credit line facilities in Canada. Which Financing options make sense for the Canadian business owner . Two key choices are bank vs. ABL solutions



Business credit line choices in Canada generally come under two categories. Which of these cash flow / working capital options is right for your firm? Does the ' relatively ' newer ' ABL' option make sense to investigate? It just might, so let's dig in.

While a corporate credit line is pretty well a must for any growing business (we’ll talk about why later) Canadian business owners feel somewhat stifled when it comes to the creativity and innovation that comes with a flexible business credit facility.

While these types of facilities allow you to operate on a daily basis they can also be used to finance the growth the entrepreneur envisions, including by the way, having the ability to acquire another business.

Management can even use this type of financing to acquire the company they are working for. However this typically necessitates additional financing required to round out the transaction.

As we have noted, two distinct choices are available for revolving credit facilities. It's essentially a simply choice:

1. Traditional Canadian chartered bank commercial credit lines (Both secured and unsecured)

2. ABL (asset based lending) facilities that focus on the pool of assets you have in the ' CURRENT ASSET ' part of your balance sheet - namely receivables and inventories. By the way things get really creative when the ABL facility is sometimes structured to allow you to borrow against fixed assets and purchase orders/contracts)

A/R and inventory are any firms ' self liquidating ' assets. In the course of your business operating cycle they liquidate themselves on an ongoing basis... everyday. The key issue is simply the TIMING around that liquidation, which necessitate the financing options we're talking about.

We've focused on differentiating the traditional bank line of credit from the Asset Based Lender offering. But it's important to note that some subsets of ABL can provide many firms with the capital they need. Separately they include:


A/R Financing
Inventory financing
PO / Contract financing
Tax Credit Monetization (‘SR&ED"

The above 4 subsets of ABL are often used by start up and high growth firms who cannot meet the stringent criteria of our banks in Canada.

The real purpose of any credit line is to fund the time between production and collection from your clients ABL lending has a higher cost typically, but if your business can turn its assets, and grow revenues its a very realistic and accessible option .

If you're looking for a business credit line that meets your needs consider discussing ABL or bank financing options with a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor . You’re in a position to get good at choosing finance solutions that meet your requirements.


Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.
Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/business-credit-line-financing-options-abl.html






Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:

7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Phone = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

Stan Prokop

Franchise Loans In Canada : Answers To Your Questions On Franchise Costs Financing

Sources Familiar With The Matter Say Franchise Financing Loans Are .. Available In Canada!

OVERVIEW – Information on franchise loans in Canada . Franchisees have numerous questions on franchise costs financing and here’s some answers


Franchise loans in Canada are, unfortunately still a bit of a conundrum to many entrepreneurs contemplating franchise costs financing alternatives and ' best practices'. We were watching the news the other night and heard the phrase: ' Sources familiar with the matter ...' and couldn’t help but think many of our franchisees wouldn’t mind talking to those ' informed sources ' on the challenges they face in financing their business purchase. Let's dig in.

It's important to understand the types of financing that are required for purchasing a franchise. Predominantly that’s a term loan, but depending on the type of franchise and industry you have chosen it's important to give thought to working capital issues around receivables and inventory, as well as the ability to finance future equipment and leasehold needs to stay competitive.

While the franchisee must be in a position to commit some level of personal capital to the business that typically comes only at the initial purchase stage, As your business is established, has credible financials and cash flow history finance alternatives not requiring additional capital become available .

While the amount of capital from your personal investment will be different for every franchise what makes that amount necessary typically revolves around size of the franchise, franchise quality and reputation, and financing breakdown.

Service franchises always are going to have a lower total financing cost because they are not capital intensive. That's great right? Not necessarily though because service franchises are difficult to finance for the same reasons, there are no tangible significant assets.

We deal with numerous clients that have in fact ‘paid cash ' for the entire costs of a turnkey franchising operation. Guess what though? As sales and revenue projections (dreams?!) don't materialize fast enough the business runs out of working capital. So the franchisee finds themselves asset rich and cash poor.

Fortunately there are effective strategies available to refinance the business and often save it.

Repayment is a concern, mostly for your lender or lenders! So it's critical to spend the right amount of time and access the right expertise in a proper business plan and cash flow. The key things you need to address are realistic sales projections, as well as understanding that in the cases of selling on credit sales does not equal cash. Naturally the amount of sales and profits you need to at a minimum break even are important... although hopefully no business owner enters into business with the goal of only breaking even.

If you're looking for those ' Sources familiar with the matter ' when it comes to franchise loans in Canada seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in addressing franchise costs financing in a manner that suits your needs.


Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.

Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


7 Park Avenue Financial = Franchise Loan Expertise






Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:

7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Phone = 905 829 2653


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

Stan Prokop

A Sred Bridge Loan Or Media Credits Tax Credit Loans Round Out Your Research And Project Success

The Problem Of Waiting For SR&ED And Film Tax Credits - Solved!

OVERVIEW – Information on the SRED bridge loand and tax credit loans for media credits in Canada . How to eliminate ' the wait'



SRED (SR&ED) R&D tax credits, as well as media credits for projects in film, television and animation play a special role in two key areas of business in Canada. As with any aspect of business there are downsides occasionally, and in this case it's all about ' waiting ' for your refund. Let's dig in.

A Sred bridge loan and tax credit loans for media credits alleviate ' waiting '. Let's take a look a how certain aspects of ' waiting' can be accelerated, turning your credits into valuable cash flow.

As we've said, we're talking about two of the most popular government programs in Canada, the SR&ED research program, as well as the Entertainment industry’s government tax incentives. They are different, and, guess what, they are similar. In fact you’d be surprised at many of the overlapping issues, similarities, etc.

Let's talk about SRED (‘Scientific Research & Experimental Development ' ) first. Your ability to prepare a quality claim will always accelerate both the approval, as well as the financing of your claim. The vast majority of SRED claims are prepared by a third party that clients engage - they are the infamous ' Consultant ‘with claim preparation expertise in (hopefully) your industry. Their ability to properly ' write up' and file your claim, while maintaining a good ' audit trail ' will always speed up due diligence by both the government as well as your SR&ED financier , the latter being of course involved when you choose to finance or ' cash flow' your claim.

In talking to clients we've financed claims for over the years it's clear that having filed once already simply builds on your expertise to file successfully again. But don't despair. First time claims, done properly, can be successful, and YES... They can be financed!

The whole process of SR&ED research credits revolves around how your company attempted to resolve ' uncertainty ' in your company and industries technology, processes, etc. But remember, there's no uncertainty in financing your claim - any claim that is either filed or in process is eligible for financing, accelerating your recovery of cash spent.

With due respect to research in Canadian industry it's safe to say ' HOLLYWOOD NORTH ' ,

aka Canada is a bit more of a seductive conversation when it comes to tax media credits that the federal and provincial government provides for projects in animation, software, film, and TV. These credits are for 100% Canadian projects, as well as projects, that must be pre approved, that have foreign ownership content... aka the Joint Venture... often with those Hollywood folks who find the appeal of our tax credits too irresistable to dismiss.

Producers/ project owners qualify for expenses occurred in key areas such as labor and services. The role of the claim preparation switches here to a tax credit accountant,

formal designation or otherwise, who takes over the same role we spoke about re the ' SRED Consultant'.

A few genres of ' content' aren't eligible for media credits - understandably they include ' adult content', sports events, and some others. Media credits in film, TV and the exploding world of animation involve complementary programs via federal govt and our Canadian provinces. When combined they can often provide, broadly speaking, anywhere from 30-50% of your entire budget. In fact provinces compete with each other vigorously to solicit projects and productions... Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal are epicenters of media projects.



When tax credit loans are desirable for your claims it's a simply process. Here's where a lot of the similarities kick in - Claims in SRED and Media are typically structured as bridge loans with no payments. They often provide a cash flow loan of up to 70% of the total value of your claim. Diligence is given to the amount of your claim, who prepared it, and first time claims are financeable, 2ND time claims even better!

If your firm has SR&ED or Media Credits to finance seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor. It's all about cash flow, and eliminating the waiting!


Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.

Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

7 Park Avenue Financial = Tax Credit Financing Expertise




Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Phone = 905 829 2653


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

Stan Prokop

Receivable Finance Options : It’s One Cash Flow Financing Entitlement You’ll Appreciate

Pleading Guilty On Understanding Receivable Finance Options ?

OVERVIEW – Information on receivable finance options for Canadian business. What solutions are offered in non bank cash flow financing



Are Receivable Finance Options and cash flow financing in Canada an entitlement? We're told of course that that term is a ' feeling or belief' by the business owner that they ' deserve to be given something such as a ' special privilege’ when it comes to understanding what their choices are in business financing. Let's dig in.

So when clients come to us looking for receivable finance options is all about really one of two choices - The Canadian chartered bank solution or the use of a non bank commercial finance firm that provides A/R financing services in a manner that the banks can't and don't.

But which one is for your firm.

If you of course can access bank financing it’s about 2 things - low cost, tempered with ability, or inability! to qualify for all the capital you need to operate, and grow your business.

Receivable finance via an invoice factoring/discount solution gives you unlimited access to cash flow financing, but has the business owner rationalizing costs and different procedures.

The essence of the whole debate revolves really around how the two different methods are documented. In the case of the bank it takes a general security agreement on your A/R and takes an assignment of all your present (and future) receivables. You then borrow up to 75% of your outstanding AR that is under 90 days old. The banks logic is that if your accounts are older than 90 days that's your problem, not theirs! By the way, we agree, as you ability to manage your credit granting to clients is one critical factor in business success. It's the cash flow!

A/R Invoice financing works differently. Under that mechanism, in our ' not a bank ' solution you have paperwork that allows the finance firm to, on an ongoing basis, ' buy' your receivables, typically at a 98 - 98.5% discount. That basically closes the transaction off. One way to look at it is that the finance firm takes a commission for allowing you to generate instant, same day cash flow.

Same day Service?

What do we mean by that ?Simply that when you are financing cash flow needs via receivable finance you have the ability to access working capital/cash flow at the same time you generate sales. You have turned your company into a cash flow machine. Congratulations on that!

Naturally you don't have to finance every sale you make, the prudent business owner and financial manager simply accesses cash as they need it as they sell products and services and grow their company.

One more tip. We strongly recommend CONFIDENTIAL A/R FINANCING, allowing the business owner to bill and collect all their accounts, finance them, without any knowledge of other parties such as suppliers, clients, etc. It's simply the bank alternative.

Looking for more info on AR financing? Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your receivable finance options. Don't please guilty to being unable to access the business financing entitlement you deserve - choices!





Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.
Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :


7 Park Avenue Financial = A/R FINANCING AND CASH FLOW FINANCE EXPERTISE





Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:

7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Phone = 905 829 2653


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing With The Intelligent Use Of Experience '

Stan Prokop

Financing Refundable Tax Credits In Canada : SRED And Film Bridge Loan Similarities

Your New Target Goal

For SR&ED And Film Tax Credits : Financing!

OVERVIEW – Information on non refundable tax credits in Canada . Why a bridge loan for your SRED or Film , television or Media project makes financial sense





Non refundable tax credits in Canada. We're told that it's good to have a ' goal ' in business, and in the case of a tax credit loan for either your ' SR&ED' or 'film/TV or animation' credit might well be to finance that claim! Let's dig in.

Although we're talking about two separate government tax credits for separate aspects of Canadian business ( 1. Research 2. Media/Entertainment) both of these claims provide your company with the recovery of valuable cash flow/capital spent.

And our premise? It's simply that if you choose to finance either of these claims you're only doing one thing: Accelerating the benefits by recouping working capital faster. Now that's a goal to aspire to, right?

Although, as stated, we're talking about two different government programs there are some very strong similarities between the two. One of those is that they are both structured around federal and provincial co-operation.

Another example of similarity is that many producers / owners of media projects can also use the SRED program to claim non refundable credits. When it comes to the SR&ED (acronym for ' Scientific Research + Experimental Development ‘) credit any media project in any of the genres of film, TV and animation can file a claim around innovation they might have developed and spent capital on in areas of assets for film and TV (i.e. cameras, etc) or software in the evolving area of 3D as an example.

When it comes to Media tax credits many owners or co-owners of productions are in fact partially non Canadian in nature. A large majority of these productions are eligible for SR&ED and Film credits because they have an aspect of Canadian ownership, and are often domiciled under a legal Canadian special purpose entity , therefore becoming eligible for the ' SPEND' they make in Canada relative to the specific qualification of either of our two tax credits in question .

It therefore can't be a surprise that our proud Canadian nickname of ' HOLLYWOOD NORTH' continues to gain traction based on several underpinning fundamentals - a strong economy, robust tax credits a diverse geography and talent pool.

In Canada the federal and provincial governments allocate Billions of dollars every year to both programs, funding thousands of projects in either SR&ED research/innovation or film, television and the fast emerging Transmedia industry. In the case of the SRED program only privately owned (i.e. not public companies) are eligible to claim. The big guys seem to have their share of other benefits, right?

Speaking in broad terms both programs can generally deliver a non refundable tax credit claim for your project in the 30-50% range. Again those are common claim amounts, but vary from a technical term based on which tax credit it is, what province it originates in.

Both claims are typically prepared by an expert in either claim:

SR&ED = Sred Consultant
FILM/TV/ANIMATION= tax credit accountant

Have we forgotten anything? We almost did. It's why business owners, financial managers, and production owners should consider financing your claim. It's simply all about accelerating cash flow.

Once again similarities arise. Credits are financed via bridge loans - no payments are made for the duration of the loan, and financing costs are deducted from the final claim cheque that comes from the government. Broadly speaking claims of non refundable tax credits are financed at 70% of their value, providing valuable cash flow and working capital for companies (SR&ED) or Producer/owners (FILM.

Check out the benefits and ' next steps' in financing your tax credit by seeking and speaking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your loan needs .




Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.
Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/non-refundable-tax-credits-loan-sred-film.html







Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:

7 Park Avenue Financial

South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Phone = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

Stan Prokop

The Purchase Of a Distressed Business In Canada. Eliminating The Worst Days Of The Acquisition Of A Troubled Company

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Everything You Didn’t Notice When You Purchased A Distressed Business

OVERVIEW – Information on buying a distressed business in Canada. The acquisition and purchase of a troubled company is a daunting business challenge





Buying A distressed business in Canada. It's a phone call we've received a few times over the years - a clients earnest desire for the acquisition / purchase of a troubled company that... guess what... comes at a great deal and price!

Hindsight will often tell the business owner certain things weren't noticed in that whole process, creating some tremendous challenges for the new owner/manager. Let's dig in.

Opportunities in distressed business turnaround and acquisition come out of several areas. One is simply that in some ways we are still not over the economic crisis of 2008 and many businesses, small and larger are still affected in certain ways - bottom line, they are distressed. In other cases companies have in some cases ‘ lost their way ‘.

That presents a tremendous opportunity for a savvy buyer. In some cases it might be a direct purchase; in others it might mean a merger scenario.

The benefits of a successful acquisition of a troubled company are obvious - they often include a solid return on investment and assets, the ability to enter new markets, and also to acquire assets at what some might deem a fire sale price.

In many cases the business purchaser has the ability to remove the debt burden of the original target firm - either through legal or informal means- i.e. negotiation with creditors, suppliers, etc.

So where are some of the areas where things can go really wrong in buying that distressed business? Part of the problem can simply be the purchaser loses focus of the original intent of the acquisition as things get tangled up in negotiations, business cultures, etc.

In all cases it's important to determine there is no legal ' hangovers' in the target business , issues such as existing liens, contracts that were in place, lender agreements, lawsuits, etc.

When it comes to the assets of the business in question it in fact might be very prudent to allow certain assets, inventories, etc to remain with the current owner. But don't forget that those supplier /vendor relationships that were in place are critical to the ongoing success of any company.

Don't forget also that the ability to keep key personnel in the target firm is a valuable consideration, however that presents a big challenge when the business was in fact under duress and may have lost confidence in the business.

In Canada you can of course legally buy a business that’s already in receivership or bankruptcy or CCAA proceedings, however this has sometimes a larger cost and other legal obligations.

The right type of financing is available for all types of distressed business acquisitions. Financing and acquiring a troubled company can be achieved with bank term loans, asset based lending, mezzanine financing, etc.

If you're looking to eliminate the ' bad times' in the acquisition of a troubled company seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with ' noticing' the areas that will make or break success.



Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.

Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/distressed-business-acquisition-purchase.html





Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Phone = 905 829 2653


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

Stan Prokop