The CSI Group, located in Montvale, New Jersey, is a full-service B2B marketing agency. They offer a number of solutions that cover brand storytelling, video, demand generation, virtual and experiential marketing as well as account-based marketing. With a focus on data and research, the CSI Group acts as a trusted advisor for their clients – many of whom have been with them for years.
Rich Cannava, owner of The CSI Group, has over 18 years of experience in B2B marketing. Originally starting in the industry as a video editor and motion designer, he quickly advanced to the role of producer and video department manager. In 2012, Rich was promoted to the executive team at The CSI Group where he helped run the agency and began managing the finances. A few years later, he decided he was ready to buy into the company as a partner. In 2020, as his partner was headed towards retirement, he decided this would be a great opportunity to become sole owner of the agency.
Through his connections with the Agency Management Institute, Rich was put in contact with an attorney to guide him through the partner buyout. While researching the attorney and his firm, he listened to a podcast he had developed where Adam Whitaker, our experienced SBA Business Development Officer, was the guest. Rich knew at that point that he wanted to reach out to Adam and learn more about how they could partner together. Following their conversation, Adam was able to structure an SBA 7(a) loan that allowed Rich to achieve an SBA loan with 100% financing and a 10-year term.
Rich had this to say about his experience partnering with Adam Whitaker and the team at FNB Small Business Finance:
Adam was great! From the first conversation, I could tell that he was a good guy that would be easy to work with. Throughout the process, Adam was always there to be a resource for me – answering questions and educating me on the next steps. I would and have recommended other business owners to reach out to Adam and the team at FNB Small Business Finance. You could tell the entire team did their due diligence on the company and truly wanted to help me achieve this goal. I would tell any business owner to reach out to them, because they can be creative and are willing to work beside you as a partner to get the deal done.
We are excited for Rich as he takes on sole ownership of The CSI Group!
