Nicholas Financial, Inc. today announced the promotions of Rick Francis from Regional Director to Area Vice President and Douglas Marohn from Branch Manager to Regional Director.

Mr. Francis started with Nicholas Financial in 1996 as the manager of the Orlando, Florida Business Development Center (BDC). In 1997, he launched the company's expansion into Georgia and the Carolinas by establishing a BDC in Atlanta, Georgia. Since then Rick has returned to Florida and has been instrumental in building Region II into a key profit center for the company. Mr. Francis will be based out of Orlando, Florida and in his new role will be responsible as Area Vice President for two Florida East Coast Regions and assist in employee training at the Nicholas Academy.

Mr. Marohn started with the company in 1998 and built the Longwood, Florida BDC into the most profitable office in the company during his three years there. Doug was promoted in June to take over the Florida West Coast Region. Mr. Marohn, based in Tampa, Florida, will be responsible for developing new branch expansion at locations throughout the country. Doug and Rick will report to Matthew Foget, Vice President of Sales.

Founded in 1985, Nicholas Financial is one of the largest publicly traded specialty auto finance companies based in the Southeast. The company operates 22 full service Business Development Centers throughout Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina. For more information, visit the website at www.nicholasfinancial.com.