Celebrating the Career of CEO Wayne Coker & New Leadership Team Announcement

Today we are celebrating the career of Wayne Coker, President/CEO, and announcing our new leadership team.

“I want to recognize and thank Wayne Coker for his tremendous leadership and impact as Advantage’s CEO for more than 32 years,” said Robert Mrlik, president of Central Bank. “We are pleased that Wayne will continue to support the organization and provide strategic counsel in his new role as senior advisor.”

In 1985, Wayne established his own factoring company and entered the industry. In 1994, he launched Advantage Finance Corporation. In 2000, Wayne and Advantage joined Central Bank of Houston, TX, and formed Advantage Business Capital. Throughout his career, Wayne has been active within the International Factoring Association (IFA), serving on the IFA’s inaugural board as well as two terms as an advisory director.

Under Wayne’s leadership, Advantage has more than tripled in size over the last 10 years. Today, Advantage has four offices, more than 40 employees and hundreds of clients in more than 12 states.

“It’s been a privilege to lead and oversee Advantage’s growth,” said Wayne Coker. “I want to express my gratitude to the ownership and leadership of Central Bank. Across both organizations, we have excellent people and the future is very bright. In my new role, I look forward to focusing on strategic initiatives such as acquisitions, new products and enhancing partnerships within our industry.”

Effective May 15, 2026, Lee Elmore will be elevated from EVP, ABL Portfolio Manager to president/CEO. Supporting Elmore will be Mark Tiggeloven, EVP, chief operations officer; Brad Baird, EVP, chief credit officer; and David Phillips, EVP, originations.