Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Local Lending Partner Since 1950
Established in the 1950s, Town & Country Finance has built a legacy of trust and reliability in consumer lending. Our family-owned business specializes in helping individuals with bad credit, no credit, or past bankruptcies access essential financial services. We offer a wide range of secured loans, including car equity, boat, ATV, land, and consolidation loans, tailored to meet diverse needs. With over six decades of experience, we prioritize understanding our clients' unique circumstances rather than relying solely on credit scores. Our team of seasoned professionals maintains a commitment to confidentiality, simplicity, and personalized service. Operating primarily within a 45-mile radius of Milaca, Minnesota, we've expanded our lending reach while maintaining local expertise.Our history of growthfrom $300 maximum loans in the 1950s to a $10 million portfolio todayreflects our adaptability and enduring community focus. We pride ourselves on transparent communication, flexible collateral options, and a customer-centric approach that values human connection over automated systems. Our staff combines generational knowledge with modern financial practices to deliver solutions that rebuild credit and empower clients. As a locally rooted institution, we understand regional economic dynamics and tailor our services to support both urban and rural communities across Central Minnesota.
Services
Car Purchase Loans
Car Equity Loans
Boat/ATV Loans
Land Loans
Consolidation Loans
Credit Rebuilding Loans
Details
- Year established: 1950
Highlights and features
- Family-owned expertise spanning three generations
- Specialize in helping clients with challenged credit histories
- Flexible collateral options beyond traditional lending standards
- Locally-based decision making since 1950
- Confidential, face-to-face service with personalized solutions
Services
Car Purchase Loans
We provide secured car purchase loans with flexible terms for individuals with varying credit histories. Our process considers multiple factors beyond traditional credit scores, making vehicle ownership accessible to more customers. This service helps build long-term financial stability through reliable transportation.
Car Equity Loans
Leverage your vehicle's equity for fast funding while maintaining possession of your car. We offer competitive rates based on your specific circumstances rather than rigid credit formulas. This solution provides liquidity without disrupting daily transportation needs.
Boat/ATV Loans
Finance recreational assets like boats, ATVs, and campers with tailored loan programs. We understand the value of leisure investments and work with clients to structure payments that align with their financial situation and usage patterns.
Land Loans
Secure financing for land purchases with terms that accommodate rural development and investment goals. Our underwriting considers property value and usage plans alongside borrower capacity, supporting both residential and commercial land acquisitions.
Credit Rebuilding Loans
Specialized loan programs designed to help clients establish or restore creditworthiness through consistent payment history. We report to major credit agencies and provide financial guidance to support long-term credit health improvements.
People
Bill Hjort
President/Owner
Third-generation finance professional with economics degree from St. Olaf College. Former FDIC/RTC examiner with extensive experience in bank liquidation and real estate. Leads the business with focus on community lending and personalized service.
Bob Hjort
Vice President
Business founder with naval aviation background and decades of consumer finance experience. Transformed $300 maximum loans into $10M portfolio. Maintains active role in business operations and strategic direction.
Renee Fransen
Office Manager/Lender
Local lending expert with 20+ years of experience. Manages daily operations and client relations. Combines insurance background with financial services expertise to deliver comprehensive solutions to Milaca community members.
Linda Kampa
Administration/Collections
Finance professional with medical industry background. Specializes in client communication and account management. Brings organizational skills from healthcare sector to support efficient loan administration and customer service.
Questions
What types of loans do you offer?
We offer car purchase loans, car equity loans, boat/ATV loans, land loans, consolidation loans, and credit rebuilding loans secured by various assets.
Can I get a loan with bad credit?
Yes, we specialize in helping clients with bad credit, no credit, or past bankruptcies through personalized underwriting that considers multiple factors beyond credit scores.
How far do you extend your lending services?
Our primary service area is a 45-mile radius around Milaca, Minnesota, with extended lending possible for qualified applicants outside this zone.
What collateral options are available?
We accept vehicles, real estate, RVs, boats, ATVs, and other miscellaneous items as collateral for secured loans.
How quickly can I get approved?
Our streamlined application process typically provides approval decisions promptly, with funding available after completing necessary documentation.