Founded in 1990 by George Fussell, Southern Auto Finance Company, LLC was formed as a sub-prime automotive finance company. Initially serving as the captive lender for Anything on Wheels in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, SAFCO has since grown into becoming one of the leading and most experienced providers of sub-prime automotive consumer financing in the nation.
1998
Began indirect lending to Franchise and Independent dealerships in the State of Florida
2001
Opened Customer Call Center in Orlando, Florida
2003
Established preferred lending relationship with Auto Nation and expanded in Florida’s markets.
2004
Introduced the Credit Builder concept, ‘specializing in providing fast and flexible financing for individuals with prior credit problems, no previous credit history and or hard-to-verify income’
2006
Established a credit line with Wells Fargo Preferred Capital, an industry-leading provider of senior secured financing to consumer finance companies
Moved to new office in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
2007
Relocated to a new call center in Orlando, Florida
Integrated our loan origination system to Dealer Track, a comprehensive software that operates the largest online credit application network in the United States
2010
Integrated our loan origination system with RouteOne, another industry-leading credit application management system.
Moved to new corporate Headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Expanded Marketing and Originating markets
2013
Expanded the Credit Builder Program to all Franchise Dealers
Created a National Sales Department responsible for originating business and servicing dealer partners
Moved call center into new state of the art facility in Orlando, Florida
Expanded Marketing and Originating markets
2014
Launched a new loan origination system provided by Defi Solutions
Expanded our National Buying Center; catering to the retail hours of all dealer partners
2015
Converted from S-Corp to LLC, rebranding ourselves as Southern Auto Finance Company, LLC d.b.a. SAFCO
Currently Markerting and Originating in 23 states with plans for expansion for and additional 11 states
