A MESSAGE FROM TIMOTHY J. ABELL, CEO AND PRESIDENT

I want to congratulate the Philadelphia Eagles, the 2025 World Champions! As the Official Bank of the Philadelphia Eagles, we couldn’t be prouder to stand alongside this incredible team and the Eagles organization as they brought another championship home to Philadelphia.

Their perseverance, teamwork, and passion mirror the values we uphold at Firstrust, and we are honored to be part of their journey.

In that same spirit of teamwork and giving back, we are happy to have kicked off our fundraising efforts for the Eagles Autism Challenge, culminating in the inspiring walk, run, and bike event held on May 17, 2025. Supporting autism research and awareness is a cause close to our hearts, and I encourage everyone to get involved as we work together to make a meaningful impact.

At Firstrust, we are committed to fostering prosperity—not just for our customers, but also for the communities we serve. This quarter is already shaping up to be an exciting one, and I’m proud to share some of the other things Firstrust is doing to positively impact our community.

We held the Firstrust Entrepreneur’s Game Plan Pitch Competition, held in May 2025 where 5 teams of students from 4 area-based high schools competed in a business pitch challenge and presented their ideas. This competition reflects our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting bold new business ideas. Congratulations to our first-place winner, The Sweet Dream Project, and to all the other outstanding teams! Each participating team received a cash prize to support their school’s business program.

We will be celebrating the Samuel A. Green Scholarship Awards Ceremony on June 3, 2025 and awarding $360,000 in multiyear support to students in the Greater Philadelphia area, each receiving up to $20,000 in multiyear support towards college. Investing in the next generation of leaders is a fundamental part of our mission, and this event serves as a reminder of the bright future ahead.

As Philadelphia’s Hometown Bank we take pride in supporting Simon’s Heart and Johnnie’s Place as an Elite Race Sponsor for the Conshy Classic Bike Race held on May 10th. The race, in its second year, was held at the Boro of Conshohocken’s 175th Anniversary event. Support of the Conshy Classic helps efforts to rally the community, raise autism awareness, protect hearts, and save lives in the fight against sudden cardiac arrest in children.

As one of the 2025 Philadelphia Police Athletic League (PAL) Honorees, we are proud to support our Philadelphia Police Athletic League and their mission of “Cops Helping Kids” with their annual awards gala held on April 30, 2025. Giving back has always been a core value of Firstrust.

Aside from highlighting some community activities, we know Small Businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we are excited to have launched our new Small Business Checking product with Autobooks. This offering provides small businesses the tools they need to manage finances more efficiently, accept payments seamlessly, and grow their businesses with confidence.

Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for our community.

‍Timothy J. Abell
‍CEO, Firstrust Bank

Introducing Small Business Checking & Autobooks – A Smarter Way to Manage Your Business Finances. 
Your business deserves a checking account that does more than just hold your money—it should help you manage your payables and receivables with ease. That’s why Firstrust Bank is excited to introduce Small Business Checking, now with Autobooks integration!

With Small Business Checking, you get a flexible and cost-effective solution designed to support your business. And with Autobooks, managing your cash flow has never been simpler. Send professional invoices, accept online payments, and track your income—all from your checking account.

Open a Small Business Checking account today and take control of your business finances with Autobooks!

Philadelphia Business Journal's Best Real Estate Deals & Dealmakers - Daniel B Green House Honored by PBJ - March 27th @ the Lucy.

The Philadelphia Business Journal has named the Daniel B. Green House development in Trevose among its 2024 Best Real Estate Deals and also earning 3^rd place in the affordable housing category. This recognition highlights impactful real estate transactions and developments across Greater Philadelphia.

​Each year, the journal evaluates projects based on acquisitions, leases, financing agreements, and completions. Honorees are selected by an independent panel of industry experts. 

The Daniel B. Green House stands out as a significant development in the region, contributing to its evolving real estate landscape.

The Daniel B. Green House is an affordable senior living community at 4695 Somerton Road in Trevose, Bensalem Township. Developed by Federation Housing Inc., this three-story residence will offer 60 one-bedroom apartments designed for low-income seniors aged 62 and older.

Adjacent to the existing Florence E. Green House, which opened in 2013, the new development will double the number of affordable units available to seniors in the area. Named in honor of the late Daniel B. Green, former Chairman of Firstrust Bank and an original board member of Federation Housing, the community reflects his lifelong commitment to philanthropy and service.

The project, with an estimated cost of $26 million, is expected to be completed by summer 2025. Funding sources include state and federal tax credits, contributions from Bucks County, Firstrust Bank, and private donors such as the Green Family and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

Residents will have access to various amenities, including activity rooms, a computer lab, a library, and an outdoor walking path. To promote independent living, supportive services such as transportation, meal programs, and recreational activities. ​

For years, Philadelphia native Sonya Combs had put her bachelor’s degree in Biobehavioral Health from Penn State to good use as an Intervention Training Specialist at the University of Pennsylvania.

According to Combs, the job was great.

Until it wasn’t.

“I did a lot of traveling and had been to almost every country in the world,” she said. “I was burned out.”

Combs, a graduate of Parkway High School in Center City, decided in 2012 that it was time to pursue a newfound passion.

“I love to entertain,” she said. “When I bought my first home, I purchased a grill and quickly developed a love for outdoor cooking.”

What started as a hobby meant to entertain family and friends quickly blossomed into Smokin’ Sone’s Fresh Grill, a catering and private chef company that’s now expanding into a restaurant. The Black-owned, woman-owned business specializes in upscale comfort food and international menus comprised of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

February is Black History Month, an ideal time to celebrate Black-owned businesses and the impact they have on their communities. Black entrepreneurs have always been innovators and change-makers, despite facing some serious challenges along the way, particularly access to capital.

After years of having her house filled more with cooking equipment than furniture, Combs recently acquired her own commercial space on South 48th Street in West Philly. She has fast-tracked the opening of her restaurant — scheduled for March — by turning to Apex Commercial Capital.

Horsham-based Apex is a direct, nationwide lender that offers commercial mortgages and equipment financing to small business owners, including those who are unable to, or do not wish to, obtain that financing through banks or other traditional lenders.

“I needed a new convection oven for my restaurant and reached out to Apex, and a rep contacted me within 10 minutes,” said Combs. “The application for financing was completed in 10 minutes and was approved in less than 24 hours. The new equipment was out in front of my restaurant in less than 48 hours.”

Apex, a subsidiary of Firstrust Bank, is committed to looking beyond the numbers and understanding each customer’s story to help them achieve their goals.

“As a business owner, if you don’t expand, you’re going to start to lose money,” said Combs. “Apex has enabled me to take that next step with my business.”

For Combs and her peers in the food-service industry, there’s never a shortage of obstacles to navigate — whether it’s fluctuating prices for ingredients wreaking havoc on profit margins, the difficulty of hiring and retaining staff, or general overhead expenses.

There’s much to juggle, but Combs — and the folks at Apex — knows the key to success is good, old-fashioned customer service.

“Doing inventory, creating recipes, cooking, doing work, training staff — it’s a lot,” she said. “Adding a restaurant arm to my catering business has been a learning experience. In the end, I don’t need 1,000 new customers, but I do need repeat customers. And securing them is a function of consistency and reliable service. In this date and time, with social media, you can’t send a dish out that’s cold or a lot of people are going to hear about it. So, I’m focused on going the extra mile and pouring every ounce of effort into the customer.”

Combs encourages diners to venture beyond the confines of Center City and its more renowned restaurant scene.

“We have a diverse, multicultural customer base,” she said. “And it always puts a smile on my face when someone tries my food for the first time and realizes what they were missing.”

This article originally appeared on Vista.today on February 24, 2025, and was written by Mark Hostutler.

As with the recent high stakes, big moments, and unpredictable outcomes of college basketball, it’s important to remember that success isn’t about luck. It’s about having a proven strategy and a reliable team. In business, just like in basketball, the teams that prepare, adapt, and execute with precision are the ones that consistently win.

At Apex Commercial Capital, we know that certainty matters. In today’s shifting economic and political landscape, Brokers, Vendors, and Centers of Influence (COIs) need a financial partner that is predictable, trustworthy, and always delivers. That’s why we pride ourselves on:

• Certainty of Execution – Deals close smoothly because we do what we say, when we say it.
• Proximity of Price – Our rates are competitive and structured to align with market realities.
• Fast and Right – Speed matters, but accuracy is everything. We ensure deals move quickly while getting every detail right.
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With Apex, you never have to second-guess your next move. We’re the steady hand guiding small businesses through the financing process—no surprises, no delays, just results.

Winning Together: How Apex Supports Brokers, Vendors & COIs

‍Like a championship team, success in business comes from having the right players in the right positions. Apex is here to empower Brokers, Vendors, and COIs with the financing solutions and support they need to help their clients win big.

For Brokers: The Assist You Can Count On

• Certainty of Execution: We follow through—no surprises, no last-minute pivots, just dependable funding solutions.
  
• Speed & Precision: Our financing process is Fast and Right, meaning deals close quickly without cutting corners.
• Competitive Rates: With Proximity of Price, we ensure pricing aligns with market expectations—keeping you and your clients in the game.
• A True Partnership: We collaborate with you every step of the way, providing the resources and insights needed to help you grow your business.
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For Vendors: The Financing Advantage You Need

• Flexible Financing Programs: Give your customers the buying power they need to acquire the latest equipment.
  
• Stronger Sales & Faster Deals: With Apex’s rapid approvals, customers get funded faster, helping you close more deals.
• Industry-Specific Expertise: From construction and technology to healthcare and manufacturing, we provide tailored financing to support growth.
  
• Reliable Funding in Any Market: No matter the economic or political climate, Apex is a stable source of capital for your customers.
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For COIs: The Trusted Partner for Your Clients

• Strategic Financial Solutions: We work with accountants, attorneys, and financial advisors to craft financing strategies that align with long-term business goals.
• Certainty of Execution: Your clients deserve reliability. Apex delivers funding solutions without surprises or last-minute changes.
• Strengthening Relationships: When you introduce your clients to Apex, you know they’ll receive top-tier service and customized financing solutions.
  
• Predictability in Uncertain Times: While the world changes, Apex remains a steady, trusted partner you can count on.
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A Game-Changing Play: Commercial Mortgage & Equipment Financing

Commercial Mortgage Loans:

• Secure, refinance, or renovate property with tailored financing solutions.
• Competitive rates keep financing predictable and cost-effective.
• A transparent, efficient process ensures deals close smoothly and on time.
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Equipment Finance Loans:

• Quick approvals ensure businesses get the equipment they need—when they need it.
• Flexible financing options give businesses the ability to lease or purchase based on their specific needs.
• Apex collaborates with vendors and distributors to provide comprehensive financing solutions for all industries.
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Predictability Wins Championships

‍While the big tournament is known for upsets and surprises, Apex is known for certainty and consistency.

• Certainty of Execution means we get deals done—no last-minute surprises.
• Proximity of Price ensures rates are competitive and aligned with market conditions.
• Fast and Right means we deliver speed without sacrificing quality.
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Just like the best teams in the tournament trust their coaching, their preparation, and their execution, businesses trust Apex to deliver financing solutions that work.
‍Let’s Make 2025 a Championship Year—Together.‍

Discover how Apex can support you and your clients. Call 800-262-APEX or contact us to learn more.

Federal Donuts & Chicken continues to expand throughout the region, now bringing their signature donuts and chicken to Radnor, Willow Grove, and soon Conshohocken. Firstrust Bank Relationship Manager Ashley Wycoff Clark has partnered with franchisees Chris Magarity, Michael Sloane, and Michael Heller to deliver the strong banking relationship and financing to help fuel their growth and vision.

Watch the video on the Fox 29 website - https://www.fox29.com

Check out the feature article in Vista Today - https://vista.today/

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‍^† Home Equity Line of Credit Annual Percentage Rates (APR’s) offered are subject to change at any time and without notice. All applications subject to individual approval. Lines of credit secured by an interest in your real estate, property insurance required. Title insurance required on lines over $400,000 with a maximum credit line of $500,000 and is estimated to range in cost from $2,600 to $3,100. Monthly payments required when there is a balance. The maximum loan-to-value ratio is 80%. The introductory APR today is 4.99% for the first 6 months. After expiration of the 6-month introductory rate period, the APR today is 7.50% which is equal to the highest U.S. Prime Rate in the Wall Street Journal + 0%, this is a variable rate which may increase. Maximum APR is 25% and the minimum APR after the introductory period is 3.25%. A $30 annual fee is waived the first year. A $250 fee applies for lines closed within twelve months of opening.

Home Equity loans and lines of credit are offered by Firstrust Bank NMLS # 424205. Information above is current as of December 20, 2024.Consult a tax adviser for further information regarding the deductibility of mortgage interest and charges

.Firstrust National Mortgage Licensing Service (NMLS) Representatives