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Below is our recent interview with Steven Mandis, Chairman of Kalamata:
Q: Could you provide our readers with a brief introduction to your company?
A: Kalamata was founded in 2013. At Kalamata, the mission is simple. We are passionate about providing fast and easy tools, services, and financing to small businesses to help them grow and create jobs. We combine technology, experience, and common sense. Mandis continues to lead the Company. In 2021, Kalamata and selected affiliates had over 80 employees. Kalamata is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has an A-plus rating.
Q: Any highlights on your recent announcement?
A: We started Kalamata, named after where Mandis’ parents immigrated from in Greece, to provide people with better opportunities. The Company recently announced paying special bonuses to current employees who volunteered to take temporary pay reductions the Pandemic. All employees with annual salaries over $75,000 volunteered to take temporary pay reductions of at least 10 percent. Due to the employees’ actions, Kalamata did not furlough any employees during the Pandemic. The Company believes that its action to pay special bonuses are consistent with the organization’s values and culture.
Q: Can you give us more insights into your offering? What can we expect from your company in next 6 months? What are your plans?
A: Kalamata continues to evolve and adapt to better serve small businesses and our sourcing partners and ISOs.
Kalamata will purchase credit card residual portfolios and look at other acquisitions and partnerships in the payments area.
Payments companies are realizing that providing capital improves client relationships and lowers attrition. However, it is better to partner with Kalamata than underwrite, balance sheet and service deals.
Q: What is the best thing about your company that people might not know about?
A: We integrate fast and easy tools, services, and financing to small businesses. In 2021, the Company averaged 400-500 applications per day for capital. On a typical day the Company can quickly provide capital to 10 to 30 small businesses. Kalamata is then able to provide additional tools and services to help small businesses grow and create jobs.
