United Finance Company—a trusted leader in installment loans since 1922—gathered its management team for an unforgettable annual meeting on October 17th and 18th, 2025. Hosted at the McMenamin’s Gearhart Hotel, the event blended high-energy team building, strategic planning, and well-deserved celebrations, setting the stage for a successful year in 2026. With 25 branches spanning Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Nevada, United Finance’s managers came together not just to reflect on 2025’s results but to forge stronger bonds and sharper strategies amid the backdrop of Gearhart’s windswept dunes and historic elegance.
Kicking Off with Adrenaline: Zip Lining at High Life Adventures
The meeting launched with lunch and a team building activity on Friday at High Life Adventures in nearby Warrenton, Oregon. This premier coastal zip lining destination, known for its guided tours over a pristine seven-acre lake and through lush Pacific Northwest forests, offered the perfect icebreaker. Participants soared across eight exhilarating lines, reaching heights of up to 75 feet and covering more than a mile of canopy, all while guided by High Life’s expert team.
Laughing through the nerves and cheering each other on the activity was tailored for team building. Emphasizing trust, communication, and resilience—core values that United Finance champions in its customer-centric approach to personal and auto loans.
Coastal Hospitality and Festive Beginnings
The McMenamin’s Gearhart Hotel provided an idyllic venue that fuses historic charm with modern comfort. The property’s unique architecture and craft brews set a relaxed yet professional tone, allowing managers to unwind while focusing on what matters most.
Friday evening’s opening banquet transformed the hotel’s grand dining space into a lively hub of camaraderie. The group toasted to the year’s milestones. Laughter echoed into the night, building anticipation for the productive day ahead.
Saturday Meeting: 2025 results and Charting 2026
The managers convened in Gearhart’s conference room for a full day of immersive sessions. The agenda celebrated the 2025 results with much focus on 2026. Key focuses included elevating customer service, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and delivering hands-on training in business best practices.
The day started with the awards ceremony, a highlight that brought trophies and plaques as top performers were recognized. Leading the pack was the Klamath Falls office, clinching first place overall and earning the Best Office trophy. Manager Mike Baum accepted the honor with humility, crediting his team’s “relentless focus on putting customers first.”. Other accolades spotlighted top ROI’s, insurance sales and audit excellence. The Longview branch was recognized as the lone member of the 2025 Chairman’s Club.
Interactive workshops broke down real-world scenarios: from streamlining loan applications for faster approvals to navigating compliance in a digital-first era. Speakers reinforced the importance of ethical lending and superior customer service, empowering managers to bring fresh ideas back to their branches. The energy remained high throughout.
A Festive Finale Under the Stars
The meeting finished up on a high note with a festive dinner and celebration. Toasts rang out for Mike Baum and the Klamath Falls crew, along with Raul Cruz and the Gresham branch with the highest ROI which earned the honor of passing out the victory cigars.
As managers departed Gearhart with actionable plans and close bonds, the stage is set for 2026—a year poised to deliver even greater value to customers across the Pacific Northwest.
