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Link Melley
Chairman and Co-Founder at PayFina / Specialty Finance / Socially Responsible Point of Sale and Patient Financing solutions for everyday Americans who cannot qualify for traditional credit./ Fintech
Professional Background
Link Melley has dedicated his career to providing essential financing alternatives for hardworking American consumers, particularly those who face barriers to traditional credit options. This passion was ignited in 1983 when he and his brother John launched a retail business in North Carolina. With a modest amount of seed money from their father, the brothers embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that would span over three decades. In 2004, they established a specialty finance company to better serve a community of military service members who often found themselves unable to secure loans from conventional banks due to less-than-perfect credit scores.
Over the course of 32 years, Link Melley and his team successfully grew their business to include 15 stores across 10 states, providing vital products on credit to their customers. The majority of these clients had FICO scores at 699 or below, which limited their access to credit cards and loans. Melley and his team committed to offering competitive payment solutions, enabling their customers to acquire necessary products and services with affordable financing terms. Although the term "financial inclusion" was not widely used at the time, Melley's business practices were early proponents of this important principle.
In 2019, Link Melley set his sights on an even more ambitious goal—to further enhance financial inclusion for nearly 60 million everyday Americans who lack traditional credit options. This vision led to the inception of PayFina, a point-of-sale (POS) fintech lending platform designed to provide transparent and affordable payment solutions for middle-income consumers in need of medical, dental, and other essential services.
As banks often hesitate to lend to higher-risk consumers, existing financing models from secondary and tertiary POS lenders can be expensive and convoluted. Understanding this need, Melley and his team at PayFina are on a mission to provide a simplified and accessible payment program that ensures more Americans can get the care they require, thus enhancing their overall quality of life.
Education and Achievements
Link Melley's educational background has significantly contributed to his expertise in finance and business operations. He pursued an MBA at the highly regarded University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specifically from the Kenan-Flagler Business School, which is renowned for producing capable leaders in the finance industry. His early foundation in finance was laid at The Catholic University of America, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance. Melley also attended Bergen Catholic High School, where he likely developed a strong work ethic and interpersonal skills vital for his future endeavors.
Throughout his illustrious career, Melley has held several prestigious positions, continually emphasizing his commitment to financial inclusion and innovative solutions for underserved demographics. As the Chairman and Co-Founder at PayFina, LLC, he is poised to lead a new wave of fintech solutions. He previously co-founded and served as Chairman at Flexstar Financial Solutions, reflecting his extensive experience in identifying and resolving consumer finance challenges. His leadership roles include Chief Operating Officer at Military Credit Services and Chief Executive Officer at Freedom Stores Inc., where he helped shape positive financial frameworks for military personnel and their families.
Achievements
Link Melley's most notable achievements lie in his unwavering dedication to improving access to financial solutions for those in need. With over 32 years of experience in the retail and finance sectors, he has transformed countless lives by providing better financing alternatives. His innovative contributions have been instrumental in redefining how consumers access and manage credit.
As he prepares to launch PayFina, the innovative platform promises to further establish Melley as a leader in the fintech space, particularly in the domain of medical and dental financing. By ensuring that the underserved "new middle class" has access to clear and affordable payment options, Melley continues to champion the cause of financial inclusion. This commitment not only reflects his professional ambition but also illustrates a deep-rooted conviction to enhance the lives of countless individuals who struggle with traditional credit barriers.
Link Melley embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and social responsibility. His journey demonstrates that a strong foundation in finance, combined with a genuine desire to help others, can lead to transformative change. As PayFina takes shape, the financial industry can confidently look forward to a future where disparities in access to credit are significantly diminished, thanks to Link Melley's innovative undertakings.
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