On August 1, 1987, Sterling Acceptance Corporation, opened its doors for the very first time. Throughout the last 30-years, Sterling Acceptance has financed countless boats and RVs. As Sterling Acceptance Headquarters has grown it has moved from Shady Oaks Marina in West River, Maryland to Oak Grove Marine Center in Edgewater, Maryland and is now established on the corner of Rowe Boulevard and Melvin Avenue in Annapolis, Maryland. Karen Trostle, president of Sterling Acceptance adds: “Sterling Acceptance was created by the love of family, strength of marine loans, and support from the lending community. We are proud to be the longest serving independently owned recreational loan company. Over the years we have expanded to remote offices all over the country and we are currently seeking offices in the Great Lakes and the Gulf Coast. Sterling Acceptance’s 30-year success could not have been possible without the continued support of its lenders, brokers, and customers. We wanted to thank all of you for your support, repeat business, and referrals over the years. We look forward to continuing these great relationships through the next 30-years.” During Karen’s tenure, she has been recognized as a leader in the industry. Her roles, beyond President of Sterling Acceptance Corporation, has included President of the National Marine Lenders Association (NMLA) from 2008 to 2012 and continues to participate in the NMLA as a board member. As our original slogan said, “We’re not just bankers, we’re boaters too and we care." That is still true today and will remain part of the core of our business ongoing. Sterling also announces the newest member of the Sterling Acceptance Corporation Team, Katherine Henard. Katherine joins the team with years of experience in the boating community. She grew up on the Chesapeake Bay boating, fishing, crabbing, and kayaking with her family, in particular her Grandfather and Uncle. Living on the bay has truly become part of who she is. She obtained her Bachelor’s in Sociology from UMBC. While working for DNR Katie found her niche in the boating world. With the combined love for boating, water sports, and customer service, Katie is the perfect fit for the Sterling Acceptance team. You can often find her kayaking, traveling down to Florida to visit family and Disney World, or attending a concert. Her heart is most full being by the Bay and she hopes to fill her client’s hearts with that same feeling. Katherine Henard