Firsthand
understanding
Programs and support informed by the realities of direct sales, in-home presentations, and specialty consumer purchases.
About Belmont
Built by
people
who
understand
direct sales.
Belmont Finance was founded in 2005 by John and Karen Harris after 17 years working in direct sales. They set out to build a finance company rooted in fair relationships, responsive service, and a practical understanding of what happens in the field.
Read our story- Founded
- 2005
- Headquartered
- Plover, Wisconsin
- Specialized in
- Direct and in-home sales
01
Our Story
Built by distributors.
Growing together.
Belmont Finance was founded by people who understood the realities of specialty sales firsthand. What began as a practical financing solution for one distributor has grown into a nationwide partner for businesses that need responsive service, flexible programs and a team that understands how they sell.
Throughout that growth, Belmont has remained focused on the same goal: making financing easier for its partners and their customers.
-
2005
A deliberate start
John and Karen Harris founded Belmont in June, with Cara Harris Bloom joining as the company’s first employee. Six months later, Belmont welcomed its first outside distributor.
-
2008
Proven through adversity
By year-end, Belmont was working with 36 distributors across nine states while navigating one of the most difficult economies in a generation.
-
2010
Growth through partnership
Belmont grew to serve more than 120 distributors across 18 states, driven by the success of its partners in the field.
-
2011–13
Built for the next stage
After expanding its facility in 2011, Belmont moved into a 14,000-square-foot location in 2013, creating room to support a growing team and distributor network.
-
2014–16
Expanding into new markets
Belmont continued building its licensing footprint across the country and expanded into additional specialty markets, including financing programs for security-system dealers.
-
2017–21
Extending our reach
New state licenses and a broader range of financing programs allowed Belmont to support more businesses, product categories and customers nationwide.
-
2022
Investing in technology
Belmont added dedicated technology leadership to guide its systems strategy, strengthen information security and improve the financing experience for partners and customers.
-
2026
Positioned for the next chapter
Belmont completed a recapitalization of its consumer loan portfolio, creating additional capacity to invest in technology, service and continued growth.
-
Today
A nationwide financing partner
Belmont now supports more than 300 distributor partnerships across the country. From home products and safety systems to retail, mobility and other specialty consumer categories, Belmont helps businesses offer financing with the personal service and practical support that have defined the company from the beginning.
02
What Endures
The principles
have stayed
simple.
Belmont has grown, but its founding perspective still shapes the way the company works with dealer partners and supports borrowers.
Firsthand
Fair
relationships
A belief that lasting partnerships are earned through clear communication, practical collaboration, and honest business.
Responsive
service
Support that considers the dealer relationship and the borrower experience from application through account servicing.
03
Leadership
The people
behind Belmont.
Belmont’s leadership brings together direct-sales experience with operational, lending, compliance, treasury, client-service, and technology expertise.
Chief Executive Officer
John Harris IV
John founded Belmont with Karen Harris in 2005 after 17 years in direct sales. He guides the company’s vision and executive leadership, drawing on firsthand experience with the businesses Belmont serves. John graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh with a degree in business and communications and a minor in economics.
Chief Operating Officer
Ashlyn Parent
Ashlyn joined Belmont in 2009 as Recovery Manager and went on to lead loans and funding, support sales and marketing, and serve as Director of Operations. As COO, she oversees daily operations and works with Belmont’s leadership team to strengthen company strategy, policies, procedures, and culture.
Chief Technology Officer
Lana Alleman
Lana joined Belmont in 2022 and leads the company’s technology strategy, IT initiatives, and information security program. Her background spans insurance, national banking, and technology consulting. She holds a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics with a concentration in software development from the University of Wisconsin–Stout.
Vice President of Client Services
Cara Harris Bloom
Cara joined Belmont as its first employee and has helped carry the company’s founding mission into its work with clients, partners, and employees. As VP of Client Services, she focuses that experience on strong client relationships and responsive support. Cara studied marketing and fashion merchandising in Madison.
Compliance Officer & Treasury Manager
Andrew Erler
Andrew joined Belmont in 2021 as Compliance Specialist and was promoted to Compliance Officer in 2022. He oversees Belmont’s compliance system, regulatory requirements, and corporate policy and governance. In 2025, he added Treasury management, including bank and investor relations, financial risk, portfolio management and cash flow. Andrew holds a J.D. from Minnesota Law and a B.A. from UW–Stevens Point.
Dealer partnerships
Let’s build a
financing
program
around your
business.
Tell us about your products, sales channel, average transaction, markets, and financing volume. A Belmont representative will review the information and contact you to discuss potential fit.