Providing client stability through a market shock

When pricing shifts outside of a company’s control, strong businesses can suddenly find themselves under pressure. Here’s how a recent partner protected decades of reputation during a critical shift in their client’s financing.
 
First Harvest* has spent more than 55 years building a distribution business rooted in the nut industry, supported by trusted relationships with growers and vendors, and by a seasonal supply chain that depends on consistency.
 
Their business model was solid until market volatility introduced stress. As commodity prices rose, collateral values shifted, changing how the company’s senior bank assessed risk and extended credit. The business suddenly faced a winter slowdown without the liquidity it needed.
 
The strain didn’t absolve First Harvest of obligations. Vendor commitments and farmer relationships remained, making timing critical. That’s when their financial advisor recognized the need for an alternative solution and referred them to National, a direct lender that looks beyond the balance sheet. 

Together, we have structured a $5M term loan, enabling the client to make vendor payments on time, preserve supply chain relationships, and keep business growth on track.
 
This capital story highlights a common challenge partners see with established businesses: collateralize valuation and embedded value don’t always align. Flexibly structured capital can bridge that gap, protecting reputation and continuity during market disruptions.