When Don Bowden joined Finance Now in December 2000 as one of its first employees, he took what he calls “a big leap”, leaving an established position at a well-known brand to join a startup finance company. What convinced him was his trust in founders Phil Ellison and Wayne Evans, whom he had worked with previously. “I just had complete faith in both Phil and Wayne,” Don recalls.
That faith proved well-placed. Twenty-four years later, Don continues to serve as a relationship manager for the South Island region, looking after an area from Timaru to Nelson. He’s seen the company grow from humble beginnings in a boardroom above Dean Brownie’s store to become a significant player in New Zealand’s finance industry.
For Don, Finance Now’s success stems from its progressive approach and family-like culture. “We brought a different dynamic to the finance market,” he explains, noting how the company pioneered online credit scoring and processing systems for retailers. But beyond the technology, it’s the personal connections that have kept him engaged for over two decades.
“We’re very much close to our customers, our retailers, and we build very strong bonds,” says Don. He particularly values the company’s caring nature, which he’s experienced firsthand through various life events, including health challenges. “If I didn’t like it, I would have gone,” he reflects. “The business has always worked well for me.”
Don Bowden
