News & Press Releases

Keller Financial Group Of Orange County Is Now First Foundation Inc.

February 9, 2009

Name Change Reflects Financial Firm's Delivery Of Seamless Financial Services.

IRVINE, Calif.- Feb. 9, 2009 - First Foundation Bank has become a recognized brand in its first 15 months of operation because it has a strong balance sheet and client centered focus. The First Foundation name is now being extended to other affiliates of the Keller group of companies to communicate that it is a seamless provider of investment management, banking trust services, financial planning and wealth consulting services for all its clients in these difficult economic times.

"Astute financial decisions in a time of declining wealth are best made in concert," said CEO Rick Keller, who founded the Irvine-based business in 1990. "Your banker, your financial planner and your wealth advisor should work together to manage your assets and strengthen your portfolio to establish a safe foundation in an uncertain market."

Recognizing the need for consolidated financial services, The Keller Financial Group has grown significantly in recent years to include a private bank, a wealth management group, philanthropic consulting and trust services. This has allowed the firm to offer a full range of financial services under one roof to its high net-worth clientele.

The Keller Financial Group of companies includes:

First Foundation Bank www.firstfoundationbank.com
First Foundation Bank is a federally chartered bank offering trust management, depository accounts, commercial lending and other services. The bank's client base is mid-to-high net worth individuals, as well as small businesses and owners, with most loans being business lines of credit, multi-family property loans, commercial investment and commercial owner-user real estate.

"First Foundation Bank has flourished over the past 15 months, despite one of the worst banking crises this country has experienced in decades," said bank CEO Scott F. Kavanaugh. "We initially projected a total of $69 million in deposits by the end of 2008; yet we ended the year with more than $91 million and unlike many banks, we are making loans."

The Keller Group www.kellerinvest.com
The Keller Group - which will change its name to First Foundation Investment Management later this year - provides investment advisory and financial planning services to high net worth families, trusts and business entities with a minimum investment of $500,000. The firm currently manages more than $1 billion of assets for 1,000+ clients, most of whom live in Orange County or Southern California.

"Other managers say 'personalized service', but we really mean it," said Executive Vice President Victoria Collins. "During these tough economic and market times, we stay in touch with our clients by phone, email, conference calls, seminars and meetings. Each client has different needs and we design our portfolios with that in mind. We're well positioned to outlast the downturn and our clients are relatively calm. Communication is key."

First Foundation Advisors www.firstfoundationadvisors.com
First Foundation Advisors is a combination of the firm's wealth consulting services that includes estate planning, philanthropic guidance and investment management consulting for families that have a net worth beyond $10 million.

"First Foundation companies offer a broad, integrated wealth management, family, and philanthropic platform normally found only in large, national financial institutions," said Doug Freeman, Chairman of First Foundation Advisors. "We can offer the total package through a community based financial service firm."

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