LOS ANGELES —Westlake Financial Services announced its expansion into three new states, including Maine, Connecticut and Alaska. The company began business in these states starting July 1.

The company also names Kyle Dietrich the new assistant vice president of sales. He will be leading the internal marketing team servicing these new markets, officials noted. The addition of these three states means the company now has a servicing footprint of 40 states. 

"We look forward to introducing ourselves and working with dealerships in Maine, Connecticut and Alaska," said Mark Vazquez, vice president of sales. "Whether a state has a customer demographic with below-average credit quality, or above-average credit quality (as these three states do), we've found that there is always a place for Westlake in these markets because we offer a full spectrum of programs that can help dealers make more money, regardless of the type of customer that walks on their lot."

Front-end servicing will initially be done by the internal marketing team for these states, the company pointed out.  This includes sign-ups as well as helping dealers become familiar with Westlake's Buy Program and the unique features and tools available to them. 

"My role is to build upon what's already been created and ongoing at Westlake with great results," Dietrich pointed out. "I want to expand those processes and work with people to tap into their full potential as individuals. I want to create synergy within the group dynamic to improve and continue moving the company forward."

Each dealer will be assigned a specific internal marketing representative who can assist them with all aspects of their Westlake relationship. 

"The Internal Marketing reps develop a business relationship with the dealers," Vazquez explained. "Just like our representatives in the field, the IMT and the dealers become familiar with each other and are able to build upon that relationship to increase business.  We always want to give dealers ‘a way to go' on every sales opportunity."

Bret Hankey, vice president of originations, heads the department that works closely with dealers once the contract is in the office for verification, processing and funding. 

"We are ready and excited about working with these new states. Our goal has always been to provide exceptional customer service to all of our dealers, and we look forward to providing that same level of service to Maine, Connecticut and Alaska."  Hankey said.

Hankey went on to note that the originations department is regionalized with specific teams set up for different markets. This can allow the team to tailor its schedule accordingly, and to become familiar with state-specific requirements and dealer needs.

Maine and Connecticut will be part of Westlake's Mid-Atlantic Region with Alaska joining the Pacific Northwest Region.