Our Story
we are benetrends
Focused On Your Funding Needs — Nothing Else
Benetrends Financial offers you the experience, knowledge, and guidance you need to put your trust in us—so you can stop asking, “is it the right time to buy a business” and start believing “how soon can I start?”
From our own humble beginnings in 1983 by Leonard Fischer, one of the nation’s leading ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) attorneys, Benetrends Financial has grown to help thousands of others see the same success. Since blazing the trail for 401(k)/IRA retirement funding with our innovative Rainmaker Plan®, we’ve helped entrepreneurs maximize the benefits of their retirement plans with the most compliant and efficient setup for building optimal wealth as a small business owner.
While funding partners are around every corner, we believe in being there for every part of your business ownership journey—from gaining funds and opening doors to overcoming challenges and experiencing the true benefits that all happen after funding is in place. And that’s where our 40 years of acquired expertise is invaluable to entrepreneurs and future owners.
A dedicated team of over 100 experts, offering a wide array of funding vehicles and solutions for entrepreneurs. “What hasn’t changed after all these years is Benetrends’ passionate obligation to ensure the continued viability of retirement funding in America and our complete dedication to our clients.”
core values & culture
Working With Benetrends
Founded With a Purpose
Our company provides long-term small business lending solutions that fund the dreams of entrepreneurs. We’re happy to help you start up, and we stick around!
Suite of Innovative Funding Options
Complimentary Consultations
40+ Years Of Industry Expertise
A Long-Term Partnership
Endless Support & Resources
Our Pledge to You
Building Sustainable Funding Solutions
Our Small Business Lending Group Is Passionate About Helping You Realize Your Dreams
Our mission is to make every Benetrends client our champion. For over 40 years, our Rainmaker Plan® has been tested and proven to work, providing a means for more than 30,000 entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams of business ownership, creating both jobs and prosperity. We are so confident in the Rainmaker Plan® design that we stand fully behind our work, backing every client with our Rainmaker® Guarantee.
Our Executive Team
Len & Cheryl Fischer
Founder & Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman of the Board
Len Fischer has more than 50 years of experience in the field. He is a member of the bar in New York and California, specializing in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Fischer is an author and speaker who has lectured extensively on small business funding, rollover business funding, ERISA and employee benefits. He holds an undergraduate degree in economics from the Bernard M. Baruch School of Business and Public Administration of The City College. He graduated from Brooklyn Law School, cum laude.
Cheryl Fischer brings over 50 years of experience to the Benetrends team. With extensive expertise in the development of organizational structure and team management, she instills the philosophy of outstanding service throughout Benetrends.
Founder & Chairman Of The Board, Vice Chairman of the Board
Len & Cheryl Fischer
Rocco Fiorentino, CFE
Vice Chairman & CEO
Rocco Fiorentino, CFE, brings over 35 years of experience in franchising. He serves on key boards, including the Multi-Unit Franchise Conference, the Titus Center for Franchising at Atlantic University, and Locate AI, a real estate technology firm. In 2024, Rocco joined the Board of Directors for the YUM Center for Franchising at the University of Louisville. A frequent speaker, moderator, and IFA Board member, Rocco holds a Master’s in Management with an emphasis in Leadership and the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation. His leadership and expertise continue to drive growth and innovation in the franchise industry, shaping the future of franchising for the next generation.
Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Rocco Fiorentino, CFE
Michael Minitelli
SVP of Business Development
Mike Minitelli is the vice-president of business development. Minitelli will target and drive the growth of the company’s new business relationships with franchisors, as well as managing the department’s existing clientele Mike provides communication and relationship support for the franchise brands on their roster. In addition, Minitelli’s brings more than 15 years of Fortune 500-level sales experience and has a proven track record of driving multimillion dollar growth and market expansion. Prior to joining the Benetrends team, Minitelli served as the national sales and relationship manager for one of the industry’s leading franchise consultancy firms.
SVP of Business Development
Michael Minitelli
Bhavin Contractor
With more than 20 years of experience,, Bhavin holds master’s degree in engineering & various other academic/professional certifications. With strong knowledge of a unique combination of technology, engineering expertise, and distinct business understanding, Bhavin has been trusted to lead technology strategy, high-velocity projects, and digital transformations with results-based vision, balanced risk, and focused execution. Bhavin is recognized as a creative strategist and reliable solutions builder. Bhavin is building monumental transformations to drive technology-enabled innovation for Benetrends staff and customers.
Director of IT
Bhavin Contractor
Ali Kraus
VP of Marketing
Ali is an experienced marketing and events professional in the franchise industry. She brings marketing experience to Benetrends from the franchisor and digital advertising side of the industry. She is skilled in franchise development marketing, digital marketing strategy, brand awareness, social media marketing, public relations, and event planning. She is an active member of the IFA’s Women in Franchising Committee and the Women’s Franchise Network and has been named a Young One to Watch by 1851 Magazine and a Top Franchise Influencer.
VP of Marketing
Ali Kraus
George Smith
VP of Operations
George has 25 years of retirement experience which covers TPA, bundled and software space. George is a member of, as well as credentialed by the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries, National Institute of Pension Administrators and International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and holds his ERPA designation with the IRS. His experiences leading retirement teams, industry knowledge and his ability to communicate with our customers will help our customers when they transition from new business to operations. George holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
VP of Operations
George Smith
Reg Byrd
President SBA & Bank Financing
For almost 30 years, Reg has been assisting entrepreneurs in all aspects of business development with a focus on financing, business planning, and budgeting. The scope of his work ranges from mom-and-pop brick and mortar independent businesses to Fortune 500 hotel development projects, acquisitions, and dispositions. Securing debt being his forte, Reg and his team have been successful in placing over two-billion dollars in debt; vis-à-vis relationships with traditional lenders using SBA products, commercial lending, and leasing. Within the franchise community, Mr. Byrd is known as the “master” when it comes to SBA financing, consulting entrepreneurs, and securing financing for projects in varying stages.
President SBA & Bank Financing
Reg Byrd
Charles Brodany
Director of Client Services
Charles oversees the Onboarding experience of all new clients. He brings 16 years of experience in retirement plan administration, including daily operation, plan design, and compliance. He is committed to developing others to provide exceptional, quality service. With strengths in creativity, problem solving, and relationship management, Charles assists clients in accomplishing their goals. Charles has over 15 years of leadership experience working in Christian Churches focusing on staff development, organizational assessment, and strategic planning.
Director of Client Services
Charles Brodany
Kristen Gordon
National Account Manager
Kristen Gordon is the National Account Manager at Benetrends Financial with a primary focus of education and strategic relationships amongst the entrepreneurial community. Kristen has been active in the small business finance industry for ten plus years. Her knowledge and expertise within the financial service industry allows her the ability to assist clients and help them successfully capitalize their business by using an array of funding options and edify franchise executives on how to maximize their funding relationships.
National Account Manager
Kristen Gordon
partnering together
Expert Team, Dedicated to Helping Entrepreneurs
We love to help entrepreneurs live their dreams and succeed in business ownership. This is where our 40+ years of expertise is invaluable. We’ve grown to include a dedicated team of over 80 experts, offering a wide array of funding vehicles and solutions for entrepreneurs. What hasn’t changed after all these years is our passionate obligation to ensure the continued viability of retirement funding in America – and our complete dedication to our clients. We’re here with you for as long as you need us, even well after funding has been secured.
ongoing guidance
Transforming The World of Small Business Loans
Benetrends’ Rainmaker Plan® was designed to help potential entrepreneurs maximize the benefits of their retirement plans by allowing them to fund a business without taking out a loan – and it has worked for over 30,000 small business owners since its inception. Today, more than 10% of all franchises, as well as numerous start-ups and existing businesses, are now financed utilizing the 401(k) business funding solution pioneered by Benetrends.
ROBS innovator
Working With an Industry Pioneer
Other IRA/401(k) rollover business funding plan companies have sprung up in the past 40+ years since we pioneered the concept. However, none of them have the same depth and breadth of expertise as Benetrends. The entire Benetrends team is dedicated solely to retirement planning and plan services, offering the best guidance during the initial process, providing ongoing services and ensuring continued compliance with tax laws as your business moves forward.
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IN-HOUSE TEAM OF CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS
No subcontractors or outsourcing of retirement plan services
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CUSTOM PLAN DESIGNED FOR YOUR NEEDS
including 401(k) and profit-sharing options
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MORE EXPERIENCE THAN ANY OTHER PROVIDER
a knowledgeable team of experts with the most industry certifications
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AUDIT SHIELD PROTECTION & IN-HOUSE-ERISA ATTORNEYS
and assurance in knowing that we’ve NEVER had a plan disqualified!
our mission
We’re A Team That Cares About Giving Back
We are a compassionate team and strongly believe in growing together as members of the local community, the nation and the world. We are committed to community service and volunteering — with the same passion and drive we have for helping entrepreneurs.
Philanthropy goals
And Having Fun
While Serving Others
Philanthropy is anything but boring. Wherever the Benetrends team shows up, there are bound to be smiles and laughter while focusing our attention on the ultimate goal – serving our neighbors.
what we do
Our Community Involvement
You have your choice of companies to aid in your business funding solutions — but few funding groups care about community involvement as much as you do.
Benetrends Financial is a socially responsible enterprise that strongly believes in growing together.
Initiatives We Truly Care About
There’s more than one way to enjoy helping the community. Benetrends’ past charitable opportunities have ranged from collecting food donations to lending a hand at summer camp.
Volunteer Days For Staff Members
Introduced by Benetrends President and CEO, Rocco Fiorentino, this initiative was created because he believes in giving back to our communities.
Year-Round Compassion
Our year-round philanthropic endeavors include serving meals at soup kitchens, gathering school supplies for at-risk youth and stocking food pantries.
Long-Term Partnerships
Benetrends and its staff members partner with several charities and outreach programs for the long term in an effort to make a real difference in the community.
our support
Current And Ongoing Community Initiatives
Benetrends is dedicated to giving back to society and encouraging philanthropic endeavors. Check out some of the worthy causes we support.
Cradles To Crayons
Every year, thousands of volunteers pass through the doors of the Cradles to Crayons Giving Factory warehouse to roll up their sleeves and help disadvantaged children around the Greater Philadelphia region. Together, we sort and package all new and like-new donations into customized KidPacks. KidPacks — each containing a week’s worth of everyday essentials — are distributed by more than 250 social service agencies to low-income and homeless children.
Manna on Main Street
Relying on a core of volunteers, Manna seeks to end hunger in the North Penn region by providing food, fulfilling social service needs and conducting community education through a food pantry and soup kitchen, emergency financial aid, counseling and referrals and community outreach. Volunteers serve 2,000 meals restaurant-style each month to local community members.
Camp Out For Hunger
Benetrends has volunteered at Camp Out For Hunger to help collect food for the local community. Camp Out For Hunger collects non-perishable food items on behalf of Philabundance. Since 1998, WMMR’s Preston & Steve morning show has held an annual Camp Out For Hunger, in which both Preston and Steve “camp out” for one week in November to raise food for Philabundance.
The Little Rock Foundation
To strengthen its commitment to community service and volunteering, Benetrends’ executive team has supported the volunteer efforts at Camp Little Rock, a tri-state area facility day camp for the blind or visually impaired. Together, Benetrends and The Little Rock Foundation are aligned around the commitment to create awareness and support the efforts in expanding education and service to the blind and visually impaired.
Join the Benetrends Team!
Benetrends is looking for motivated people to add to its staff and give to our vision of turning WANTrepreneurs into ENTREPRENEURS.
A Benetrends Financial career offers numerous career and lifestyle advantages, and our benefits program has been specially designed to deliver flexibility, financial security, a meaningful work experience, and a work-life balance.
View our available job postings below and apply to start helping entrepreneurs get the funding they need for their startup and franchise businesses.
IFA’s Chosen Partner for Retirement Funding
As a long-time supporter of franchising, we're proud to be named the preferred vendor and partner for IRA/401(k) rollover financing by the International Franchise Association (IFA). We’re happy to help name brands big and small, as well as hundreds of emerging franchises, build success and growth through our innovative Rainmaker Plans® and ROBs funding solutions.