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In Front Australian Business Solutions

Shane Smith (Managing Director) founded In Front in 2012 after a successful career in Commercial Finance with a multinational financier.  The business started out as a finance broking & consulting business and it soon became apparent that there was a gap in the market in which businesses were struggling to secure the assets they needed. Factors included tight bank policies, historical issues affecting credit files, quick-growing businesses requiring equipment, and many more examples.

Out of a strong desire to help a customer whose situation was challenging but had merit, Shane agreed to purchase an excavator (a piece of equipment) and rent it to the customer.  From small beginnings, good things grow.  That was the start of our Equipment Rental product and in the years since we have assisted many customers with their equipment requirements.  

We have over
100
years of collective commercial finance experience
Represented in
4
States across Australia and expanding
Your trusted finance partner.

Experience the difference with our extensive industry knowledge and customer-focused approach.

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Meet The Team

Get to know the talented individuals behind In Front Australian Business Solutions. Our experienced team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to provide you with the best solutions and exceptional service.

“The Equipment Rental Specialists.”

Director

Shane Smith

Shane has over 30 years of commercial Finance experience with an extensive track record of successfully building businesses. Prior to incorporating In Front Australian Business Solutions, Shane was the General Manager of GE Capital Distribution Finance and was responsible for a team of 60 staff across Australia and New Zealand. Shane is the owner and director of In Front and has overseen the growth of the business over the last 10 years, during which time it has become one of the major players in the equipment finance sector.

Partner

George Paolucci

George has held senior finance executive positions for the past 20+ years and more recently with GE Capital Australia in roles as Chairman and Managing Director. These roles had the responsibility to lead a significant business with assets of $1 billion and develop products and strategies to support business growth.

 

George also led the business through considerable change and developed and coached a number of senior staff who have now moved on to successful careers. George has extensive experience in Commercial and Consumer Finance and is widely acknowledged as an expert in a broad range of financial products. He has considerable experience and expertise in a number of business disciplines including pricing maximisation, cost control, sales growth and origination and risk management.

General Manager

Rick Rigney

Rick has over 30 years in the banking & finance industry and joined the In Front Australian Business Solutions team in 2014. Throughout his career he has held management roles in commercial finance, retail banking and funds management. With his diverse experience & expertise, plus a strong customer service focus, Rick is able to structure complex scenarios to provide suitable solutions. As a business owner, Rick understands the challenges involved and is motivated to ensure best possible outcomes.

General Manager, Sales, WA

Steve Batka

Steve is a sales professional with 20 years commercial finance experience over a broad segment of industry including transport, construction, agriculture, caravan and marine whilst also holding senior roles in consumer finance and risk management. He has been awarded multiple sales awards throughout his career and his main strength is solving complex problems and delivering quality outcomes to clients across challenging economic times.

Cash Flow Specialist

Jason Rawling

With over 25 years’ of experience in the Banking and Finance industry, Jason has worked in all forms of commercial finance but has a passion for finding ways to assist businesses with meeting their cash flow requirements. Jason has built a strong reputation for being able to structure funding solutions that recognise the value of a business. Jason joined In Front following roles with Scottish Pacific in the area of Debtor Finance and has also held senior sales-related roles with ANZ, BOQ, St George Bank, and the Commonwealth Bank.

Chief Financial Officer

Andhika Sambuaga

Andhika completed his undergraduate study majoring in Finance and Economics as well as a postgraduate degree in Business Administration from Edith Cowan University, WA. Andhika spent 2.5 years in the mortgage services industry before joining In Front Australian Business Solutions where he provides support in all aspects of the business, including financing, marketing, human resources, and development of information technology infrastructure.

Head of Operations

Paul Lazarus

Paul holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Corporate Finance, Financial & Managerial Accounting) and a Master of Marketing. Paul has had many years’ experience in both Sales and Risk roles in the commercial finance industry and oversees In Front’s back-office team.

Broking Manager

Rohan Clark

Senior Relationship Manager

Jessica McCartney

Jessica McCartney has over 20 years of operational and management experience in the food and agriculture industries. With a B.Sc majoring in production management, she has worked closely with several of Australia’s largest cropping producers and brings a wealth of agribusiness knowledge. Jessica has served on the boards of AusChem WA and Safe Farms WA. Raised on a farm, Jessica thoroughly understands the needs of agriculture businesses and uses her industry insights to help Australian Agri Finance clients navigate their financial challenges and meet their business goals.

Senior Relationship Manager

Matt Priddis

Matt Priddis is typically recognised for his sporting achievements as a Brownlow Medalist and leader at West Coast Eagles Football Club. Having earned a Certificate IV in Mortgage and Finance Broking, Matt has been part of the InFront ABS and Australian Agri Finance team since 2017. Matt is extremely motivated to help agro businesses Australia-wide accomplish their goals.

Senior Relationship Manager

Greg Kemp

Greg has over 35 years’ of experience in the Banking & Finance industry both in the Commercial and Consumer sectors, including Dealer / Distributor (Wholesale) Floor Plan funding. Greg has been involved with and has worked in high-performing finance teams that aligned closely with the Agricultural sector to satisfy Dealer inventory funding needs and requirements. Greg is Six Sigma qualified, holding Green Belt certification to assist with streamlining and improving operations for increased productivity and efficiency.

Senior Relationship Manager

Kyle Knott

Kyle has over 10 years’ experience in the Finance industry, specifically in the Equipment Rental sector. Kyle has a strong background in Sales and a Certificate IV for Mortgage and Finance Broking, and takes great joy in helping customers achieve their financial needs.