Pledge Agreement



 Exhibit 10.6 
  
 PLEDGE AGREEMENT 
  
 THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of January 19, 2006 is entered into between QC Financial Services, Inc., a
Missouri corporation (the “Pledgor”), and U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association, as Agent under the Credit Agreement (the “Secured Party”), with reference to the following: 
  
 WHEREAS, QC Holdings, Inc., a Kansas corporation (the “Borrower”),
Secured Party and certain Banks (the “Banks”) are parties to that certain Credit Agreement (as amended, restated, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), of even date herewith, pursuant to which
the Banks have agreed to make certain financial accommodations to the Borrower; 
  
 WHEREAS, the Pledgor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Borrower and will materially benefit from the Loans made and Letters of Credit issued under the Credit Agreement to the Borrower; 
  
 WHEREAS, Pledgor beneficially owns the Equity Interests (as hereinafter
defined) in the Issuers (as hereinafter defined); 
  
 WHEREAS, to
induce the Banks to make the financial accommodations provided to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement, Pledgor desires to pledge, grant, transfer, and assign to Secured Party a security interest in the Collateral (as hereinafter defined)
to secure the Secured Obligations (as hereinafter defined), as provided herein. 
  
 NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, representations, and warranties set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows: 
  
 1. Definitions and Construction. 
  
 (a) Definitions. All initially capitalized terms used herein
and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement. As used in this Agreement: 
  
 “Bankruptcy Code” means United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq.), as in effect from time to time, and any
successor statute thereto. 
  
 “Business Day”
means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or other day on which national banks are authorized or required to close. 
  
 “Code” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of from time to time. 
  
 “Credit Agreement” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto
in the recitals to this Agreement. 







 “Credit Documents” shall mean the Credit Agreement and all other agreements,
instruments, or other documents entered into or executed in connection therewith, in each case, as amended, restated, or otherwise modified from time to time. 
  

“Collateral” shall mean the Pledged Interests, the Future Rights, and the Proceeds, collectively. 
  
 “Equity Interests” means all securities, shares, units,
options, warrants, interests, participations, or other equivalents (regardless of how designated) of or in a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or similar entity, whether voting or nonvoting, certificated or uncertificated,
including general partner partnership interests, limited partner partnership interests, common stock, preferred stock, or any other “equity security” (as such term is defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated
by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). 
  
 “Event of Default” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement. 
  
 “Future Rights” shall mean: (a) all Equity Interests (other than Pledged Interests) of the Issuers, and all securities convertible
or exchangeable into, and all warrants, options, or other rights to purchase, Equity Interests of the Issuers; and (b) the certificates or instruments representing such Equity Interests, convertible or exchangeable securities, warrants, and
other rights and all dividends, cash, options, warrants, rights, instruments, and other property or proceeds from time to time received, receivable, or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of such Equity Interests.

  
 “Holder” and “Holders”
shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in Section 3 of this Agreement. 
  
 “Issuers” shall mean each of the Persons identified as an Issuer on Schedule 1 attached hereto (or any addendum thereto), and any successors thereto, whether by merger or otherwise. 
  
 “Lien” shall mean any lien, mortgage, pledge, assignment
(including any assignment of rights to receive payments of money), security interest, charge, or encumbrance of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, or any agreement to give
any security interest). 
  
 “Pledged Interests”
shall mean (a) all Equity Interests of the Issuers identified on Schedule 1; and (b) the certificates or instruments representing such Equity Interests. 
  
 “Pledgor” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble to this Agreement. 
  

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 “Proceeds” shall mean all proceeds (including proceeds of proceeds) of the Pledged
Interests and Future Rights including all: (a) rights, benefits, distributions, premiums, profits, dividends, interest, cash, instruments, documents of title, accounts, contract rights, inventory, equipment, general intangibles, payment
intangibles, deposit accounts, chattel paper, and other property from time to time received, receivable, or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for, or as a replacement of or a substitution for, any of the Pledged Interests, Future
Rights, or proceeds thereof (including any cash, Equity Interests, or other securities or instruments issued after any recapitalization, readjustment, reclassification, merger or consolidation with respect to the Issuers and any security
entitlements, as defined in Section 8-102(a)(17) of the Code, with respect thereto); (b) “proceeds,” as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(64) of the Code; (c) proceeds of any insurance, indemnity, warranty, or
guaranty (including guaranties of delivery) payable from time to time with respect to any of the Pledged Interests, Future Rights, or proceeds thereof; (d) payments (in any form whatsoever) made or due and payable to Pledgor from time to time
in connection with any requisition, confiscation, condemnation, seizure or forfeiture of all or any part of the Pledged Interests, Future Rights, or proceeds thereof; and (e) other amounts from time to time paid or payable under or in
connection with any of the Pledged Interests, Future Rights, or proceeds thereof. 
  
 “Registered Organization” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 9-102(a)(7) of the Code. 
  
 “Secured Obligations” shall mean all liabilities, obligations, or undertakings owing by Pledgor to Secured Party of any kind or
description arising out of or outstanding under, advanced or issued pursuant to, or evidenced by the Unlimited Guaranty Agreement of even date herewith made by Pledgor and other guarantors for the benefit of the Secured Party, the Credit Agreement,
this Agreement, or the other Credit Documents, irrespective of whether for the payment of money, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, voluntary or involuntary, whether now existing or hereafter arising, and
including all interest (including interest that accrues after the filing of a case under the Bankruptcy Code) and any and all costs, fees (including attorneys fees), and expenses which Pledgor is required to pay pursuant to any of the foregoing, by
law, or otherwise. 
  
 “Secured Party” shall
mean U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as Agent for the Banks under the Credit Agreement, together with its successors or assigns. 
  
 “Securities Act” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 9(c) of this Agreement. 
  

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 (b) Construction. 
  
 (i) Unless the context of this Agreement clearly requires otherwise, references to the plural include the
singular and to the singular include the plural, the part includes the whole, the term “including” is not limiting, and the term “or” has, except where otherwise indicated, the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase
“and/or.” The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and other similar terms in this Agreement refer to this Agreement as a whole and not exclusively to any particular provision of this
Agreement. Article, section, subsection, exhibit, and schedule references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified. All of the exhibits or schedules attached to this Agreement shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference. Any reference
to any of the following documents includes any and all alterations, amendments, restatements, extensions, modifications, renewals, or supplements thereto or thereof, as applicable: this Agreement, the Credit Agreement, or any of the other Credit
Documents. 
  
 (ii) Neither this Agreement nor
any uncertainty or ambiguity herein shall be construed or resolved against Secured Party or Pledgor, whether under any rule of construction or otherwise. On the contrary, this Agreement has been reviewed by both of the parties and their respective
counsel and shall be construed and interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of the words used so as to fairly accomplish the purposes and intentions of the parties hereto. 
  
 (iii) In the event of any direct conflict between the express terms and provisions of this Agreement and of
the Credit Agreement, the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement shall control. 
  
 2. Pledge. As security for the prompt payment and performance of the Secured Obligations in full by Pledgor when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise (including amounts that would
become due but for the operation of the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code), Pledgor hereby pledges, grants, transfers, and assigns to Secured Party a security interest in all of Pledgor’s right, title, and interest in and to the Collateral.

  
 3. Delivery and Registration of Collateral. 

 
 (a) All certificates or instruments representing or
evidencing the Collateral shall be promptly delivered by Pledgor to Secured Party or Secured Party’s designee pursuant hereto at a location designated by Secured Party and shall be held by or on behalf of Secured Party pursuant hereto, and
shall be in suitable form for transfer by delivery, or shall be accompanied by duly executed indorsement certificate in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A or other instrument of transfer or assignment in blank, in form and substance satisfactory
to Secured Party. 
  
 (b) Upon the occurrence and
during the continuance of an Event of Default, Secured Party shall have the right, at any time in its discretion and without notice to Pledgor, to transfer to or to register on the books of the Issuers (or of any other Person maintaining records
with respect to the Collateral) in the name of Secured Party or any of its nominees any or all of the Collateral. In addition, Secured Party shall have the right at any time to exchange certificates or instruments representing or evidencing
Collateral for certificates or instruments of smaller or larger denominations. 
  

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 (c) If, at any time and from time to time, any Collateral (including any certificate or
instrument representing or evidencing any Collateral) is in the possession of a Person other than Secured Party or Pledgor (a “Holder”), then Pledgor shall immediately, at Secured Party’s option, either cause such Collateral to
be delivered into Secured Party’s possession, or cause such Holder to enter into a control agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to Secured Party, and take all other steps deemed necessary by Secured Party to perfect the security
interest of Secured Party in such Collateral, all pursuant to Sections 9-106 & 9-313 of the Code or other applicable law governing the perfection of Secured Party’s security interest in the Collateral in the possession of such Holder.

  
 (d) Any and all Collateral (including
dividends, interest, and other cash distributions) at any time received or held by Pledgor shall be so received or held in trust for Secured Party, shall be segregated from other funds and property of Pledgor and shall be forthwith delivered to
Secured Party in the same form as so received or held, with any necessary indorsements; provided that cash dividends or distributions received by Pledgor, may be retained by Pledgor in accordance with Section 4 and used in the ordinary course
of Pledgor’s business. 
  
 (e) If at any
time, and from time to time, any Collateral consists of an uncertificated security or a security in book entry form, then Pledgor shall immediately cause such Collateral to be registered or entered, as the case may be, in the name of Secured Party,
or otherwise cause Secured Party’s security interest thereon to be perfected in accordance with applicable law. 
  
 4. Voting Rights and Dividends. 
  
 (a) So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Pledgor shall be entitled to exercise any and all voting and
other consensual rights pertaining to the Collateral or any part thereof for any purpose not inconsistent with the terms of the Credit Documents and shall be entitled to receive and retain any cash dividends or distributions paid or distributed in
respect of the Collateral. 
  
 (b) Upon the
occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, all rights of Pledgor to exercise the voting and other consensual rights or receive and retain cash dividends or distributions that it would otherwise be entitled to exercise or receive
and retain, as applicable pursuant to Section 4(a), shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in Secured Party, who shall thereupon have the sole right to exercise such voting or other consensual rights and to receive and
retain such cash dividends and distributions. Pledgor shall execute and deliver (or cause to be executed and delivered) to Secured Party all such proxies and other instruments as Secured Party may reasonably request for the purpose of enabling
Secured Party to exercise the voting and other rights which it is entitled to exercise and to receive the dividends and distributions that it is entitled to receive and retain pursuant to the preceding sentence. 
  

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 5. Representations and Warranties. Pledgor represents, warrants, and covenants as follows:

  
 (a) Pledgor has taken all steps it deems
necessary or appropriate to be informed on a continuing basis of changes or potential changes affecting the Collateral (including rights of conversion and exchange, rights to subscribe, payment of dividends, reorganizations or recapitalization,
tender offers and voting and registration rights), and Pledgor agrees that Secured Party shall have no responsibility or liability for informing Pledgor of any such changes or potential changes or for taking any action or omitting to take any action
with respect thereto. 
  
 (b) Pledgor is a
Registered Organization, organized under the laws of the state set forth on Schedule 2. Pledgor’s type of organization is set forth on Schedule 2. 
  
 (c) All information herein or hereafter supplied to Secured Party by or on behalf of Pledgor in writing with respect to the Collateral is,
or in the case of information hereafter supplied will be, accurate and complete in all material respects. 
  
 (d) Pledgor is and will be the sole legal and beneficial owner of the Collateral (including the Pledged Interests and all other Collateral
acquired by Pledgor after the date hereof) free and clear of any adverse claim, Lien, or other right, title, or interest of any party, other than the Permitted Liens. 
  
 (e) This Agreement, and the delivery to Secured Party of the Pledged Interests representing Collateral (or
the control agreements referred to in Section 3 of this Agreement), creates a valid, perfected, and first priority security interest in one hundred percent (100%) of the Pledged Interests in favor of Secured Party securing payment of the
Secured Obligations, and all actions necessary to achieve such perfection have been duly taken. 
  
 (f) Schedule 1 to this Agreement is true and correct and complete in all material respects. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing: (i) except as set forth on Schedule 1, all the Pledged Interests are in certificated form, and, except to the extent registered in the name of Secured Party or its nominee pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, are registered
in the name of Pledgor; and (ii) the Pledged Interests as to each of the Issuers constitute at least the percentage of all the fully diluted issued and outstanding Equity Interests of such Issuer as set forth in Schedule 1 to this Agreement.

  
 (g) There are no presently existing Future
Rights or Proceeds owned by Pledgor. 
  
 (h) The
Pledged Interests have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable. 
  
 (i) Neither the pledge of the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement nor the extensions of credit represented by the Secured Obligations
violates Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. 
  

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 6. Further Assurances. 
  
 (a) Pledgor agrees that from time to time, at the expense of Pledgor, Pledgor will promptly execute and
deliver all further instruments and documents, and take all further action that may be necessary or reasonably desirable, or that Secured Party may request, in order to perfect and protect any security interest granted or purported to be granted
hereby or to enable Secured Party to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder with respect to any Collateral. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Pledgor will: (i) at the request of Secured Party, mark conspicuously
each of its records pertaining to the Collateral with a legend, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Secured Party, indicating that such Collateral is subject to the security interest granted hereby; (ii) execute and such
instruments or notices, as may be necessary or reasonably desirable, or as Secured Party may request, in order to perfect and preserve the first priority security interests granted or purported to be granted hereby; (iii) allow inspection of
the Collateral by Secured Party or Persons designated by Secured Party; and (iv) appear in and defend any action or proceeding that may affect Pledgor’s title to or Secured Party’s security interest in the Collateral. 
  
 (b) Pledgor hereby authorizes Secured Party to file one or
more financing or continuation statements, and amendments thereto, relative to all or any part of the Collateral. A carbon, photographic, or other reproduction of this Agreement or any financing statement covering the Collateral or any part thereof
shall be sufficient as a financing statement where permitted by law. 
  
 (c) Pledgor will furnish to Secured Party, upon the request of Secured Party: (i) a certificate executed by an authorized officer of Pledgor, and dated as of the date of delivery to Secured Party, itemizing in
such detail as Secured Party may request, the Collateral which, as of the date of such certificate, has been delivered to Secured Party by Pledgor pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement; and (ii) such statements and schedules further
identifying and describing the Collateral and such other reports in connection with the Collateral as Secured Party may request. 
  
 7. Covenants of Pledgor. Pledgor shall: 
  
 (a) Perform each and every covenant in the Credit Documents applicable to Pledgor; 
  
 (b) Neither change its jurisdiction of organization nor
cease to be a Registered Organization, in each case, without giving Secured Party at least fifteen (15) days prior written notice thereof; 
  
 (c) To the extent it may lawfully do so, use its best efforts to prevent the Issuers from issuing Future Rights or Proceeds, except for
cash dividends and other distributions to be paid by any Issuer to Pledgor; and 
  
 (d) Upon receipt by Pledgor of any material notice, report, or other communication from any of the Issuers or any Holder relating to all
or any part of the Collateral, deliver such notice, report or other communication to Secured Party as soon as possible, but in no event later than five (5) days following the receipt thereof by Pledgor. 
  

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 8. Secured Party as Pledgor’s Attorney-in-Fact. 
  
 (a) Pledgor hereby irrevocably appoints Secured Party as
Pledgor’s attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and stead of Pledgor and in the name of Pledgor, Secured Party or otherwise, from time to time at Secured Party’s discretion, to take any action and to execute any instrument
that Secured Party may reasonably deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement, including: (i) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to receive, indorse, and collect all instruments
made payable to Pledgor representing any dividend, interest payment or other distribution in respect of the Collateral or any part thereof to the extent permitted hereunder and to give full discharge for the same and to execute and file governmental
notifications and reporting forms; (ii) to enter into any control agreements Secured Party deems necessary pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement; or (iii) if an Event of Default is in effect, to arrange for the transfer of the
Collateral on the books of any of the Issuers or any other Person to the name of Secured Party or to the name of Secured Party’s nominee. 
  
 (b) In addition to the designation of Secured Party as Pledgor’s attorney-in-fact in subsection (a), Pledgor hereby irrevocably
appoints Secured Party as Pledgor’s agent and attorney-in-fact to make, execute and deliver any and all documents and writings which may be necessary or appropriate for approval of, or be required by, any regulatory authority located in any
city, county, state or country where Pledgor or any of the Issuers engage in business, in order to transfer or to more effectively transfer any of the Pledged Interests or otherwise enforce Secured Party’s rights hereunder. 
  
 9. Remedies upon Default. Upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default: 
  
 (a)
Secured Party may exercise in respect of the Collateral, in addition to other rights and remedies provided for herein or otherwise available to it, all the rights and remedies of a secured party on default under the Code (irrespective of whether the
Code applies to the affected items of Collateral), and Secured Party may also without notice (except as specified below) sell the Collateral or any part thereof in one or more parcels at public or private sale, at any exchange, broker’s board
or at any of Secured Party’s offices or elsewhere, for cash, on credit or for future delivery, at such time or times and at such price or prices and upon such other terms as Secured Party may deem commercially reasonable, irrespective of the
impact of any such sales on the market price of the Collateral. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Secured Party may be the purchaser of any or all of the Collateral at any such sale and shall be entitled, for the purpose of bidding
and making settlement or payment of the purchase price for all or any portion of the Collateral sold at any such public sale, to use and apply all or any part of the Secured Obligations as a credit on account of the purchase price of any Collateral
payable at such sale. Each purchaser at any such sale shall hold the property sold absolutely free from any claim or right on the part of Pledgor, and Pledgor hereby waives (to the extent permitted by law) all rights of redemption, stay, or
appraisal that it now has or may at any time in the future have 

  

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under any rule of law or statute now existing or hereafter enacted. Pledgor agrees that, to the extent notice of sale shall be required by law, at least ten
(10) calendar days’ notice to Pledgor of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which a private sale is to be made shall constitute reasonable notification. Secured Party shall not be obligated to make any sale of
Collateral regardless of notice of sale having been given. Secured Party may adjourn any public or private sale from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time
and place to which it was so adjourned. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Pledgor hereby waives any claims against Secured Party arising because the price at which any Collateral may have been sold at such a private sale was less than the
price that might have been obtained at a public sale, even if Secured Party accepts the first offer received and does not offer such Collateral to more than one offeree. 
  
 (b) Pledgor hereby agrees that any sale or other disposition of the Collateral conducted in conformity with
reasonable commercial practices of banks, insurance companies, or other financial institutions in the city and state where Secured Party is located in disposing of property similar to the Collateral shall be deemed to be commercially reasonable.

  
 (c) Pledgor hereby acknowledges that the sale
by Secured Party of any Collateral pursuant to the terms hereof in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933 as now in effect or as hereafter amended, or any similar statute hereafter adopted with similar purpose or effect (the “Securities
Act”), as well as applicable “Blue Sky” or other state securities laws, may require strict limitations as to the manner in which Secured Party or any subsequent transferee of the Collateral may dispose thereof. Pledgor
acknowledges and agrees that in order to protect Secured Party’s interest it may be necessary to sell the Collateral at a price less than the maximum price attainable if a sale were delayed or were made in another manner, such as a public
offering under the Securities Act. Pledgor has no objection to sale in such a manner and agrees that Secured Party shall have no obligation to obtain the maximum possible price for the Collateral. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
Pledgor agrees that, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, Secured Party may, subject to applicable law, from time to time attempt to sell all or any part of the Collateral by a private placement, restricting the
bidders and prospective purchasers to those who will represent and agree that they are purchasing for investment only and not for distribution. In so doing, Secured Party may solicit offers to buy the Collateral or any part thereof for cash, from a
limited number of investors reasonably believed by Secured Party to be institutional investors or other accredited investors who might be interested in purchasing the Collateral. If Secured Party shall solicit such offers, then the acceptance by
Secured Party of one of the offers shall be deemed to be a commercially reasonable method of disposition of the Collateral. 
  
 (d) PLEDGOR EXPRESSLY WAIVES TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW: (i) ANY CONSTITUTIONAL OR OTHER RIGHT TO A JUDICIAL HEARING
PRIOR TO THE TIME SECURED PARTY DISPOSES OF ALL OR ANY PART OF THE COLLATERAL AS PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION; (ii) ALL RIGHTS OF REDEMPTION, STAY, OR APPRAISAL THAT IT NOW HAS OR MAY AT ANY TIME IN THE FUTURE HAVE UNDER ANY RULE OF LAW OR STATUTE


  

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NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ENACTED; AND (iii) EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN SUBSECTION (a) OF THIS Section 9, ANY REQUIREMENT OF NOTICE, DEMAND, OR
ADVERTISEMENT FOR SALE. 
  
 10. Application of Proceeds.
Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, any cash held by Secured Party as Collateral and all cash Proceeds received by Secured Party in respect of any sale of, collection from, or other realization upon all or any part
of the Collateral pursuant to the exercise by Secured Party of its remedies as a secured creditor as provided in Section 9 shall be applied from time to time by Secured Party as provided in the Credit Agreement. 
  
 11. Indemnity and Expenses. Pledgor agrees: 
  
 (a) To indemnify and hold harmless Secured Party and each of
its directors, officers, employees, agents and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, demands, losses, obligations, judgments and liabilities (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) in any way
arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or the Secured Obligations, except to the extent the same shall arise as a result of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the party seeking to be indemnified; and 
  
 (b) To pay and reimburse Secured Party upon demand for all
reasonable costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) that Secured Party may incur in connection with (i) the custody, use or preservation of, or the sale of, collection from or other
realization upon, any of the Collateral, including the reasonable expenses of re-taking, holding, preparing for sale or lease, selling or otherwise disposing of or realizing on the Collateral, (ii) the exercise or enforcement of any rights or
remedies granted hereunder, under the Credit Agreement, or under any of the other Credit Documents or otherwise available to it (whether at law, in equity or otherwise), or (iii) the failure by Pledgor to perform or observe any of the
provisions hereof. The provisions of this Section shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the repayment of any of the Secured Obligations, the termination of the commitments of Secured Party under the Credit Agreement and the
termination of this Agreement or any other Credit Document. 
  
 12. Duties of Secured Party. The powers conferred on Secured Party hereunder are solely to protect its interests in the Collateral and shall not impose on it any duty to exercise such powers. Except as provided in Section 9-207
of the Code, Secured Party shall have no duty with respect to the Collateral or any responsibility for taking any necessary steps to preserve rights against any Persons with respect to any Collateral. 
  
 13. Choice of Law and Venue; Submission to Jurisdiction; Service of
Process. 
  
 (a) THE VALIDITY OF THIS
AGREEMENT, ITS CONSTRUCTION, INTERPRETATION, AND ENFORCEMENT, AND THE RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES HERETO SHALL BE DETERMINED UNDER, GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF KANSAS (WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE CHOICE OF LAW
PRINCIPLES THEREOF). THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ALL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS ARISING IN CONNECTION 

  

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WITH THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE TRIED AND LITIGATED ONLY IN THE STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF JOHNSON, STATE OF KANSAS OR, AT THE SOLE
OPTION OF SECURED PARTY, IN ANY OTHER COURT IN WHICH SECURED PARTY SHALL INITIATE LEGAL OR EQUITABLE PROCEEDINGS AND WHICH HAS SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION OVER THE MATTER IN CONTROVERSY. 
  
 (b) PLEDGOR HEREBY SUBMITS FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, TO THE
JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS AND WAIVES, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO ASSERT THE DOCTRINE OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS OR TO OBJECT TO VENUE TO THE EXTENT ANY PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS
SECTION. 
  
 (c) PLEDGOR HEREBY WAIVES PERSONAL
SERVICE OF THE SUMMONS, COMPLAINT, OR OTHER PROCESS ISSUED IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AND AGREES THAT SERVICE OF SUCH SUMMONS, COMPLAINT, OR OTHER PROCESS MAY BE MADE BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL ADDRESSED TO PLEDGOR AT ITS ADDRESS FOR NOTICES
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT SERVICE SO MADE SHALL BE DEEMED COMPLETED UPON THE EARLIER OF PLEDGOR’S ACTUAL RECEIPT THEREOF OR THREE DAYS AFTER DEPOSIT IN THE UNITED STATES MAILS, PROPER POSTAGE PREPAID. 
  
 (d) NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED OR OPERATE TO
AFFECT THE RIGHT OF SECURED PARTY TO SERVE LEGAL PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW, OR TO PRECLUDE THE ENFORCEMENT BY SECURED PARTY OF ANY JUDGMENT OR ORDER OBTAINED IN SUCH FORUM OR THE TAKING OF ANY ACTION UNDER THIS AGREEMENT TO
ENFORCE SAME IN ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE FORUM OR JURISDICTION. 
  
 14. Amendments; etc. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement nor consent to any departure by Pledgor herefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Secured Party, and then
such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given. No failure on the part of Secured Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising any right under this Agreement, any other Credit
Document, or otherwise with respect to any of the Secured Obligations, shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right under this Agreement, any other Credit Document, or otherwise with respect to any of the
Secured Obligations preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies provided for in this Agreement or otherwise with respect to any of the Secured Obligations are cumulative and not exclusive of any
remedies provided by law. 
  

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 Notices. Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, all notices shall be given as provided in
the Credit Agreement. Notice to the Pledgor shall be given at the same address for notices as set forth for the Borrower in the Credit Agreement. 
  
 15. Continuing Security Interest. This Agreement shall create a continuing security interest in the Collateral and shall: (a) remain in full
force and effect until the indefeasible payment in full of the Secured Obligations, including the cash collateralization, expiration, or cancellation of all Secured Obligations, if any, consisting of letters of credit, and the full and final
termination of any commitment to extend any financial accommodations under the Credit Agreement; (b) be binding upon Pledgor and its successors and assigns; and (c) inure to the benefit of Secured Party and its successors, transferees, and
assigns. Upon the indefeasible payment in full of the Secured Obligations, including the cash collateralization, expiration, or cancellation of all Secured Obligations, if any, consisting of letters of credit, and the full and final termination of
any commitment to extend any financial accommodations under the Credit Agreement, the security interests granted herein shall automatically terminate and all rights to the Collateral shall revert to Pledgor. Upon any such termination, Secured Party
will, at Pledgor’s expense, execute and deliver to Pledgor such documents as Pledgor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination. Such documents shall be prepared by Pledgor and shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to Secured Party. 
  
 16. Security Interest Absolute. To
the maximum extent permitted by law, all rights of Secured Party, all security interests hereunder, and all obligations of Pledgor hereunder, shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of: 
  
 (a) any lack of validity or enforceability of any of the
Secured Obligations or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto, including any of the Credit Documents; 
  
 (b) any change in the time, manner, or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Secured Obligations, or any other
amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from any of the Credit Documents, or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto; 
  
 (c) any exchange, release, or non-perfection of any other collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to departure
from any guaranty for all or any of the Secured Obligations; or 
  
 (d) any other circumstances that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, Pledgor. 
  
 17. Headings. Section and subsection headings in this Agreement are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a
part of this Agreement or be given any substantive effect. 
  
 18.
Severability. In case any provision in or obligation under this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions or obligations, or of such
provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. 
  

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 19. Counterparts; Telefacsimile Execution. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement by telefacsimile shall be equally as effective as delivery of an
original executed counterpart of this Agreement. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Agreement by telefacsimile also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this Agreement but the failure to deliver an original executed
counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, or binding effect hereof. 
  
 20. Waiver of Marshaling. Each of Pledgor and Secured Party acknowledges and agrees that in exercising any rights under or with respect to the Collateral: (a) Secured Party is under no obligation to
marshal any Collateral; (b) may, in its absolute discretion, realize upon the Collateral in any order and in any manner it so elects; and (c) may, in its absolute discretion, apply the proceeds of any or all of the Collateral to the
Secured Obligations in any order and in any manner it so elects. Pledgor and Secured Party waive any right to require the marshaling of any of the Collateral. 
  

21. Waiver of Jury Trial. PLEDGOR AND SECURED PARTY HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED
UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW OR STATUTORY CLAIMS. PLEDGOR AND SECURED PARTY REPRESENT THAT EACH HAS
REVIEWED THIS WAIVER AND EACH KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL. IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

  
 [Signature page to follow.] 
  

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 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Pledgor and Secured Party have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and
delivered by their officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above. 
  

			
	PLEDGOR:
	
	QC Financial Services, Inc.,
	a Missouri corporation
		
	By:	 	 /s/ Douglas E. Nickerson


	 	 	Douglas E. Nickerson
	 	 	Chief Financial Officer
	
	SECURED PARTY:
	
	U.S. Bank National Association
	as Agent
		
	By:	 	 /s/ Timothy Petty 


	 	 	Timothy Petty
	 	 	Senior Vice President


  

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