Our Locations
2 Loan Offices in North Georgia:
First Financial Services specializes in providing all types of loans, from business loans to secured personal and auto loans, offering loans from $1,000 to $100,000. Fast Service: Many loans are approved within 1 hour!
We are one of North Georgia’s leading lenders to small business owners. We offer quick loans to merchants in the form of short-term working capital. First Financial Services provides an important service for the local, small business sector.
Gainesville Office
Canton Office
Meet our Team
Get to know the People who keep First Financial Services running.
Lona Pope
CEO, First Financial Services
Lona retired in 2000 after a 25 year banking career from a community bank in Habersham County where she served at VP of Marketing and Public Relations. Her husband Richard owned and operated First Financial Services (as a second generation owner). Richard was adamant that Lona learn the Financial Business since it was family owned. After Richard’s passing in 2016, Lona inherited the company and continues to run it as the CEO.
I am so proud of the company my father in law, Ralph Pope began in 1947 and equally as proud of the growth and direction my husband Richard led the company too for the next 60 plus years. He was truly the visionary for our company in how we can better serve our customers. Now that my son, Tim has taken the reigns he continues to keep in mind Richard’s work ethic and legacy but bringing it forward to a new generation while respecting the generations that have been our customers for many years.
Together, we hope to further our commitment to the communities we serve and work along side of our skilled team to insure our best service, on time decisions and satisfied customers.
Timothy R. Lovell
President, First Financial Services
A 3rd generation working with First Financial Services, Tim started at a young age of 17. While at Auburn University earning his BA in Finance, Tim began his career with his step Dad and mentor, Richard Pope. After graduating in 2000, Tim tried his hand at different vocations but returned to the Family owned Finance business in 2021 as President.
I truly enjoy assisting all our customers; those that have been with us for many years and those that are new. We pride our selves in a quick response to their loan needs just as my Step dad did for so many years. It is a pleasure and honor to work with our communities and further our legacy in this 76 year old company.
Monica Rodriguez
Gainesville Office Manager
I was born and raised in Gainesville Georgia. I started working for First Financial Service and have been here for a little over 3 years. I started as an office assistant and currently the Gainesville office Manager. My goal is to maintain professional care throughout the company, work environment that create opportunities for others to learn, grow and succeed. As well as offering a friendly, trustworthy, and secure environment for my clients. We look forward to greeting you face to face, exceeding your highest expectations, please drop by or give us a call.
Marisol Raygoza Garcia
Office Assistant Manager- Gainesville Office
I was born in Mexico but raised in Georgia since I was young and have been working at First Financial Services of Gainesville for a little over 2 years. I’ve mostly worked in the customer service department, I enjoy helping customers since am fluent in both English and Spanish. Working at First Financial Services has given me the ability to learn and grow in this industry as a loan officer. I am grateful that we have established a great work atmosphere with our coworkers who are always willing to help each other. My goal is to continue learning and giving each client the best customer service and understanding when getting a loan with us. I look forward to serving you in the future to our existing and new customers.
Helen Nelson
Canton Office Manager
I am a native of Cherokee County and have been working for First Financial Services in our Canton location for over 14 years and have been the Manager for the past 12 years. I’m so honored to serve this community where I live and have raised my family.
I take pride in helping our customers achieve their goals and building a strong relationship with them in the process. What sets me apart from other loan Officers is not only my knowledge of the industry, but also the personal attention I’m able to give each individual client. I enjoy helping our customers in making decisions that will best suit their individual needs. I do believe the highest compliment I can receive is when my customers return and refer their family & friends. Thank you for trusting me and allowing me to continue to serve you
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