LOS ANGELES -

Back in 1988, a gallon of gas cost less than a dollar, and birds did all of the tweeting.

Now with fuel much more expensive and tweeting having an entirely different connotation, Westlake Financial Services is celebrating, having reached 30 years in business this week and growing to one of the largest, privately owned auto finance companies in the country.

“Westlake’s longevity is a testament to our products and our people,” Westlake Financial Services president Ian Anderson said. “Our employees are encouraged daily to be forward thinkers, use technology to improve efficiency and identify new products and services we can offer our dealer partners.”

To commemorate the occasion, Westlake hosted an employee appreciation event to celebrate three decades in the auto industry and honor its employees’ hard work and dedication. This event consisted of games, raffles, food, and of course, birthday cake.

“Thirty years in business is an amazing milestone,” added Don Hankey, chairman of the board for Westlake Financial Services. “I would like to thank Westlake’s employees for continuing to believe in the Westlake brand and products.”

In 1988, Hankey founded Westlake Financial Services based on a need for subprime lending for his customers through his dealership. What started out as a footprint solely in subprime auto financing, Westlake Financial Services has blossomed into an operation with $7.73 billion in assets.

Today, Westlake offers dealerships a full spectrum of finance solutions, including indirect lending through Westlake and Western Funding, floor plan financing through Westlake Flooring Services, portfolio acquisitions and servicing through ALPS and Westlake Portfolio Management, auto leasing trough CULA, and direct-to-consumer secured loans through Wilshire Consumer Credit.

Individuals and dealerships interested in learning more about Westlake Financial Services can contact the company at (888) 893-7937 or online at www.westlakefinancial.com.