Wells Fargo spokesperson Natalie Brown told SubPrime Auto Finance News late this summer that the company doesn’t “grow for growth’s sake.” So it’s likely the company made a concerted effort with its due diligence as it opened its 57th regional business center (RBC) this week.

Wells Fargo Dealer Services chose to make its expansion in Texas, adding the RBC as the fifth location in the Lone Star State and the second one in the Houston market. The facility — located at 12603 Southwest Freeway, Suite 315, in Stafford — will serve approximately 100 existing dealerships in the region.

“Our new RBC reflects Wells Fargo’s continued commitment to providing localized service to the dealership community through a team of in-market auto finance experts who understand the market because we live and work in the communities we serve,” said Mark Beedlow, greater Texas market manager for Wells Fargo Dealer Services.

“Through this new RBC and four others in the state, we will continue to offer solutions that meet the dealers’ needs, so they can provide vehicle financing for their customers across the credit spectrum,” Beedlow said.

Steven Kannenberg was appointed to lead the new RBC that will initially house 11 Wells Fargo Dealer Services team members. Kannenberg has more than 15 years of industry experience.

Wells Fargo Dealer Services now operates 57 RBCs nationwide staffed with teams of in-market auto finance experts who provide financial solutions for the dealer community, including indirect auto financing, real estate and floor plan financing with access to commercial banking services designed to help dealers operate more efficiently.

“Our story is one of consistency and discipline, and we are pleased with how we’re performing and growing,” Brown said. “We are committed to responsibly providing consumers access to a broad credit spectrum of financing through our network of dealers in all economic cycles.

“We are located in the communities with our dealers and customers,” Brown continued. “Being in the same market helps us understand the local economy, industry, employment and pay scales and this information helps us make responsible lending decisions. It also helps us remain a leader in serving the transportation needs for millions of customers.”