IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First Foundation Inc. (NASDAQ: FFWM), a financial services company with two wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, First Foundation Advisors and First Foundation Bank, announced today that its CEO, Scott F. Kavanaugh, has been selected as a finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of The Year® Award in the Orange County region. The award recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.
Kavanaugh, who played an integral role in founding First Foundation, oversees the growth and development of First Foundation Advisors and First Foundation Bank. His vision and leadership has guided the firm through many of its milestones to date, including surviving the 2008 financial crisis and taking the firm public in 2014. He has played an instrumental part in the company’s five acquisitions which has helped fueled the company’s expansion. First Foundation will operate over 20 locations across three states, once the acquisition with Premier Business Bank is complete. All of this is a validation of his knowledge of the financial services industry. He was also a main supporter of starting First Foundation’s “Supporting Our Communities” initiative, which provides financial aid and consulting services to local nonprofits.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by Ernst & Young and to be named alongside some of industry’s distinguished leaders,” said Kavanaugh. “This accolade is a testament to the collaborated effort of the entire First Foundation team and their enduring devotion to help the firm flourish and adapt to the evolving landscape of the industry. I truly believe we have built something very special at First Foundation – for our employees, our clients, and the community at-large.”
Now in its 32nd year, the Entrepreneur of The Year® 2018 award has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 145 cities and over 60 countries throughout the world. Kavanaugh was selected as a finalist by a panel of independent judges. The winners will be announced at a special gala event on June 22, 2018 at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, California.
To learn about First Foundation Inc., please visit: www.firstfoundationinc.com.
About First Foundation
First Foundation, a financial institution founded in 1990, provides private wealth management, personal banking, and business banking. The Company has offices in California, Nevada, and Hawaii with headquarters in Irvine, California. For more information, please visit www.firstfoundationinc.com.
About Entrepreneur of The Year ®
Entrepreneur of The Year®, founded by Ernst & Young, is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs, chosen from an independent panel of judges including entrepreneurs and prominent leaders from business, finance, and the local community. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities and more than 60 countries.