First Financial Leasing and Finance has expanded the firm's equipment leasing and healthcare sector focus. The Lauderdale By the Sea firm was seeking someone with experience in both industries and found that combination in Hank Koche. Mr. Koche joined the company in May and is the National Sales Director of Healthcare Financing and Equipment Leasing. His extensive experience in healthcare equipment leasing and as a healthcare facility owner and operator will be critical assets for the business going forward.

"There is a mistaken idea that with all the consolidation in healthcare, there is no place for small businesses or individual physician practices," states Mr. Koche. "This sort of transition does create opportunities for growth. Hospitals must keep current with technology as well as independent physicians who will need to expand their services to compete and therefore can benefit from the financing of tangible assets and low rate working capital loans."