Arlene Martin

Arlene Martin was Words on Wheels first Executive Board President, when it first founded. She also served as the organization’s Vice President on many committees. She has since retired and become involved as an Advisory Board Member.

As the founder of Martin Financial Resources, LLC. Arlene has determined that there is a great need for business owners to gain access to capital. It is most often a critical component to the success of businesses during  start up and growth periods.  Arlene has over 30 years of experience in the Financial industry ranging from Business Banking/Commercial Lending to Commercial Real Estate. 

She enjoys working with a range of businesses with Gross revenues up to $40 M and is well versed in Federal loan programs (SBA Lending) and the State lending programs that are very advantageous for business owners.  In addition, she has a strong background in Commercial Real Estate.  Arlene believes in supporting the Entrepreneurial Business Owners that have emerged and now become the backbone of our country.   

Specialties: Her client base ranges from small to mid size businesses. She focuses on a variety of industries as well as Nonprofit organizations.  Manufacturers, service industries and franchise operations are just a few of the many industries that she is able to provide access to capital.

Arlene also has more than 15 years of nonprofit experience which includes several different nonprofit board appointments including: North Pointe Resources, Inc, the Zion Business Development Council, Lake County Community Action Partnership, the YWCA of Lake County, Words on Wheels, Inc, the Greater Waukegan Development Coalition, Tempo Women's Networking Group, Athena Powerlink, St. Mary's Lutheran Church, Spirit Alive Church, and the Racine Kilties Drum & Bugle Corps.

Arlene enjoys running and spending time with her grandkids.