Document:

Exhibit 10.4

 

AMENDED & RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS AMENDED & RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) effective as of March 5, 2018 (the “Effective Date”) is by and between First Western Financial Inc., a Colorado corporation (the “Company” or “FWFI”), and Julie Courkamp, an individual resident of the State of Colorado (the “Executive”).

 

WHEREAS, the Executive is currently employed by the Company as its Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company would like to secure the services of the Executive for at least the next three years, under certain terms and conditions;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.                                      Employment and Duties.

 

(a)                                 General. As of the Effective Date, the Executive shall continue to serve as the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”). The Executive shall have such duties and responsibilities, commensurate with the Executive’s position, as may be assigned to the Executive from time to time by the CEO. The Executive hereby accepts such employment and agrees to render the services described above.

 

(b)                                 Exclusive Services. For so long as the Executive is employed by the Company, the Executive shall devote her full-time working time to her duties hereunder, shall faithfully serve the Company, shall in all material respects conform to and comply with the lawful directions and instructions given to her by the CEO and shall use her reasonable best efforts to promote and serve the interests of the Company. Further, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, render services to any other person or organization without the consent of the CEO or otherwise engage in activities that would interfere in any material respect with her faithful performance of her duties hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Executive may serve on such other for-profit corporate boards as may be consented to by the CEO, provided that such activity does not contravene the first sentence of this Section 1(b), and (ii) the Executive may serve on not-for-profit corporate, civic or charitable boards or engage in charitable activities without remuneration therefor as may be consented to by the CEO, provided that such activity does not contravene the first sentence of this Section 1(b).

 

2.                                      Term. The term of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement commenced on January 1, 2017 and shall expire on the December 31, 2019. This Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one year terms commencing January 1, 2020, unless either party gives notice to the other 90 days before the end of a particular term. The period during which the Agreement is in effect shall be referred to as the “Term”.

 

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3.                                      Definitions.

 

(a)                                 Termination for “Cause” means termination of the Executive’s employment because of:

 

(i) the willful failure by the Executive to perform the Executive’s duties with the Company;

 

(ii) gross incompetence or gross negligence in the discharge of the Executive’s duties;

 

(iii) willful dishonesty, theft, embezzlement, fraud, breach of confidentiality, or unauthorized disclosure or use of financial information, confidential client information, client or employee lists, trade secrets, or other Company confidential or proprietary information;

 

(iv) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation of any governing authority or of the Company’s policies and procedures, including, without limitation, the Company’s employee handbook or similar document;

 

(v) the willful refusal of Executive to follow the lawful directions of the CEO within a reasonable period after delivery to Executive of written notice of such directions;

 

(vi) willful conduct that is grossly injurious to the reputation, financial condition, business or assets of the Company; or

 

(vii) willful breach of any material provision in an agreement with the Company.

 

In each of (i) through (vii) the Executive shall be given written notice of such cause for termination, and in each of (i) and (vii) the Executive shall be given an opportunity to remedy such cause for termination within sixty (60) business days of receipt of such notice.

 

(b)                                 “Change in Control” shall have the same meaning as the definition contained in Section 12.2 of the First Western Financial, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

 

(c)                                  Resignation for “Good Reason” means termination of employment by the Executive because of the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(i)                                             there is a material reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary, unless agreed to in writing by the Executive;

 

(ii)                                          there is a material reduction in the Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities;

 

(iii)                                       the failure of any successor to assume this Agreement;

 

(iv)                                      a Change in Control; and

 

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(v)                                         any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of this Agreement after the Executive provides written notice to the Company of the facts which constitute the grounds within sixty (60) business days following the initial existence of the grounds and the Company thereafter fails to cure such grounds within sixty (60) business days following its receipt of such notice (or, in the event that such grounds cannot be corrected within such sixty (60) day period, the Company has not taken all reasonable steps within such sixty (60) day period to correct such grounds as promptly as practicable thereafter).

 

4.                                      Compensation and Other Benefits. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Company shall pay and provide the following compensation and other benefits to the Executive during the Term as compensation for services rendered hereunder:

 

(a)                                 Base Salary. The Company shall pay to the Executive an annual salary (the “Base Salary”) at the rate of $220,000, payable in substantially equal installments at such intervals as may be determined by the Company in accordance with its ordinary payroll practices, as established from time to time. The Base Salary shall be reviewed annually and increased as appropriate for market changes, commencing effective January 1, 2018. The Base Salary shall not be decreased by the Company except with the prior written consent of the Executive.

 

(b)                                 Annual Bonus. Commencing March 5, 2018, for each calendar year during the Term, the Executive shall be eligible to receive a target incentive bonus of 30 percent of Base Salary per year (the “Annual Bonus”). The terms of the incentive bonus, including threshold and maximum payments applicable to the CFO position are set forth in the First Western Financial, Inc. Incentive Plan for Named Executive Officers. The Annual Bonus will be paid in a lump sum as soon as reasonably practicable following the end of the applicable calendar year, but in no event later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year to which such bonus relates. Notwithstanding the previous sentence and except as provided in Section 5(c) hereof the Executive must be employed on the last day of the calendar year to which the bonus relates in order to be eligible to receive the Annual Bonus.

 

(c)                                  Long-Term Incentive Plan. The Executive shall be eligible for grants under the First Western Financial, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan, including, but not limited to, grants of stock options, market conditioned performance share units, financial conditioned performance stock units and restricted stock units, as the Compensation Committee of the Board shall determine from time to time.

 

(d)                                 Savings and Retirement Plans. The Executive shall be eligible to participate in all savings and retirement plans applicable generally to other executives of the Company, in accordance with the terms of the plans, as may be amended from time to time.

 

(e)                                  Welfare Benefit Plans. The Executive and her eligible dependents shall be eligible to participate in and shall receive all benefits under the Company’s welfare benefit plans and programs applicable generally to other executives of the Company, in accordance with the terms of the plans, as may be amended from time to time.

 

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(f)                                   Expenses. Upon presentation of written documentation thereof, in accordance with the applicable expense reimbursement policies and procedures of the Company as in effect from time to time, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for reasonable business-related expenses incurred by the Executive in the fulfillment of her duties. Payments with respect to reimbursements of expenses shall be made promptly and in accordance with the applicable expense reimbursement policies and procedures of the Company, but in any event, on or before the last day of the calendar month following the calendar month in which the relevant expense is incurred.

 

(g)                                  Vacation. The Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation each calendar year during the Term, subject to the Company’s vacation policy in effect from time to time.

 

5.                                      Termination of Employment. The terms of any equity compensation grants outstanding as of the Effective Date, as well as any future equity compensation grants made under the First Western Financial, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan shall govern what the Executive receives on termination of employment, in terms of equity compensation, except as expressly provided in Section 5(b)(iv) hereof. All other forms of remuneration the Executive is eligible for on termination of employment are set forth in this Section 5.

 

(a)                                 Termination for Cause; Resignation Without Good Reason. If, prior to the expiration of the Term, the Executive incurs a “Separation from Service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the Treasury Regulations (“Regulations”) thereunder, by reason of the Company’s termination of the Executive’s employment for Cause, or if the Executive resigns from her employment hereunder other than for Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled only to payment of (i) any unpaid Base Salary through and including the date of termination or resignation, (ii) any Annual Bonus earned, but unpaid, for the year immediately preceding the year in which the termination date occurs (which unpaid Annual Bonus amount shall be paid no later than March 15 of the year following the year in which the amount was earned), and (iii) any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided by law or under any plan, program, policy or practice of the Company (the amounts or benefits in (i) through (iii) being referred to collectively as the “Other Accrued Compensation and Benefits”). Except as set forth in this subsection (a), the Executive shall have no further right to receive any other compensation or benefits after such termination or resignation of employment.

 

(b)                                 Termination without Cause; Resignation for Good Reason.

 

(i)                                   If the Executive incurs a “Separation from Service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and the Regulations thereunder, by reason of the Company’s termination of the Executive’s employment without Cause, or if the Executive resigns from her employment hereunder for Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to the following:

 

(A)                                       An amount equal to the Other Accrued Compensation and Benefits;

 

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(B)                                       One year’s Base Salary at the rate then in effect, and one year’s target bonus at the rate then in effect, payable in equal installments pursuant to the Company’s normal payroll practices and subject to all legally required and customary withholdings for the twelve (12) month following termination; and

 

(C)                                       Monthly payments to the Executive equal to the full premium amount (determined as of the date of termination) for continued coverage under the Company’s health plan pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended, (“COBRA”) for the Executive, and, to the extent that the Executive is providing coverage for her spouse or eligible dependents as of the termination date, for such individuals; provided, however, that the Company’s obligation to pay such premiums shall cease immediately upon the earlier of (i) the passage of eighteen (18) months, (ii) the expiration of the statutory COBRA period and (iii) the date the Executive becomes eligible for coverage under any other group health plan (as an employee or otherwise) or Medicare.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause, the Company shall provide the Executive with no less than ninety (90) days’ written notice or payment of three (3) months Base Salary in lieu of ninety (90) days’ written notice, which shall be in addition to payments described under this Section 5(b)(i).

 

(ii)                                Unless otherwise provided herein, all payments and benefits provided under this Section 5(b) shall commence on the first payroll date following the 60th day after the Executive’s termination of employment. The Company shall not be required to make the payments and provide the benefits provided for under this Section 5(b)(i)(A), (B) or (C) unless the Executive executes and delivers to the Company, within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment, a release substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, and the release has become effective and irrevocable in its entirety in such 60-day period. The Executive’s failure or refusal to sign the release (or the Executive’s revocation of such release in accordance with applicable laws) will result in the forfeiture of the payments and benefits under this Section 5(b)(i)(A), (B) or (C). To the extent any amount payable under this Section 5 is deferred compensation subject to the Code, if the period during which the Executive has discretion to execute or revoke the general release of claims straddles two of the Executive’s taxable years, then the Company shall make the severance payments starting in the second of such taxable years, regardless of which taxable year the Executive actually deliver the executed general release of claims to the Company. The Executive may not, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year or timing of payments. This Section 5(b)(ii) shall expressly not apply to payments made on account of a Change in Control, pursuant to Section 5(b)(iv) hereof.

 

(iii)                             If, following a termination of employment without Cause or a resignation for Good Reason, the Executive breaches the provisions of Sections 6 through 10 hereof or breaches any provision set forth in the executed copy of the general release of claims, the Executive shall not be eligible, as of the date of such breach, for the payments and benefits described in Section 5(b)(i)(A), (B) or (C), and any and all

 

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obligations and agreements of the Company with respect to such payments shall thereupon cease, This Section 5(b)(iii) shall expressly not apply to payments made on account of a Change in Control, pursuant to Section 5(b)(iv) hereof.

 

(iv)                            If the Company undergoes a Change in Control, and within 24 months of such Change in Control the Executive is terminated without Cause or resigns for Good Reason, then the Executive shall be entitled to all payments set forth in this Paragraph 5(b) except that:

 

(A)                                       Instead of the one year’s Base Salary and target bonus referred to in Section 5(b)(i)(B), the Executive shall be eligible for two year’s Base Salary and two years’ target bonus.

 

(B)                                       Instead of the amounts specified in Section 5(b)(iv)(A) being made in monthly payments as referred to in Section 5(b)(i)(C), they shall be paid in a lump sum on the date the Executive incurs a Separation from Service within the meaning of Section 409 A of the Code and the Regulations thereunder, or on such later date required under Section 409A of the Code and the Regulations thereunder.

 

(C)                                       In the event that it is determined that any payment or distribution of any type to or for the benefit of an Executive made by the Company, by any of its Affiliates, by any person who acquires ownership or effective control or ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets (within the meaning of Code Section 280G) or by any affiliate of such person, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of any equity compensation plan, this Agreement or otherwise (the “Total Payments”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Code Section 4999 or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (the “Excise Tax”), then, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any equity compensation plan to the contrary, any right of the Executive to any payment or benefit under this Agreement or any such equity compensation plan shall be reduced or eliminated, but only to the extent necessary to avoid imposition of the Excise Tax. In no case, however, shall such cutback be made if Total Payments after the imposition of the Excise Tax are greater than Total Payments cut back as provided in this Section 5(b)(iv) to avoid the Excise Tax.

 

(D)                                       In the event that a cutback of Total Payments is permitted under Section 5(b)(iv)(C), and except as required by Code Section 409A or to the extent that Code 409A permits discretion, the Compensation Committee shall have the right, in the Compensation Committee’s sole discretion, to designate those rights, payments, or benefits and all other agreements that should be reduced or eliminated so as to provide the Executive with the maximum pre-tax amount which avoids imposition of the Excise Tax. For example, the Compensation Committee may choose to cut back cash severance, if that would yield a higher pre-tax amount than cutting back equity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent any payment or benefit constitutes deferred compensation under Code Section 409A, in order to comply with Code Section 409A the Compensation Committee shall instead accomplish such reduction by first reducing or eliminating any cash payments (with the payments to be made furthest in the future being reduced first),

 

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then by reducing or eliminating any accelerated vesting of options or stock appreciation rights, then by reducing or eliminating any accelerated vesting of restricted stock or restricted stock units:

 

(c)                                  Termination Due to Death or Disability. The Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate automatically on the Executive’s death. In the event of the Executive’s Disability (as defined herein), the Company shall be entitled to terminate her employment. In the event of the Executive’s death or if the Executive incurs a “Separation from Service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, or the Regulations thereunder, by reason of the Executive’s Disability, the Company shall pay to the Executive (or her estate, as applicable), (i) the Executive’s Base Salary through and including the date of termination and any Other Accrued Compensation and Benefits (ii) a pro-rata Annual Bonus for the year of termination, based on actual audited year-end results and payable when bonuses are normally paid to employees, and (iii) three (3) months Base Salary at the rate then in effect, payable in equal installments pursuant to the Company’s normal payroll practices and subject to all legally required and customary withholdings for the three (3) month following termination.

 

(i)                                             For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” means a physical or mental disability or infirmity of the Executive that prevents the normal performance of substantially all her duties for a period in excess of ninety (90) consecutive days or for more than ninety (90) days in any consecutive twelve (12)-month period. Evidence of such physical or mental disability or infirmity shall be certified by a physician licensed to practice in the state of residence of the Executive, which physician is mutually agreeable to the Board and the Executive. If there is no agreement on the selection of the physician, then the Board shall select one physician and the Executive shall select one physician, and the two physicians shall attempt to mutually agree upon such physical or mental disability or infirmity. If the two physicians cannot agree, then the two physicians shall jointly select a third physician, whose opinion on such physical or mental disability or infirmity shall control.

 

(d)                                 Notice of Termination. Any termination of employment by the Company or the Executive shall be communicated by a written “Notice of Termination” to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 24 of this Agreement. In the event of a termination by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, the Notice of Termination shall (i) indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) specify the date of termination, which date shall not be more than thirty (30) business days after the giving of such notice, provided that the date of termination will not occur before the expiration of any applicable cure period.

 

The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executive’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.

 

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(e)                          No Further Rights. The Executive shall have no further rights under this Agreement or otherwise to receive any other compensation or benefits after such termination or resignation of employment.

 

6.                              Confidentiality.

 

(a)                         Confidential Information.

 

(i)                                             The Executive agrees that she will not at any time, except with the prior written consent of the Company or its Affiliates or as required by applicable law, directly or indirectly, reveal to any person, entity or other organization (other than the Company or its Affiliates or its respective employees, officers, directors, shareholders or agents) or use for the Executive’s own benefit any confidential or proprietary information of any member of the Company or its Affiliates (“Confidential Information”) relating to the assets, liabilities, employees, goodwill, business or affairs of any member of the Company or its Affiliates, including, without limitation, any information concerning past, present or prospective clients, intellectual capital, marketing data, or other confidential information used by, or useful to, any member of and known to the Executive by reason of the Executive’s employment by, shareholdings in or other association with the Company or its Affiliates, other than disclosure while employed by the Company which the Executive reasonably and in good faith believes to be in or not opposed to the interests of the Company; provided that such Confidential Information does not include any information which is available to the general public or is generally available within the relevant business or industry other than as a result of the Executive’s breach of this Agreement. Confidential Information may be in any medium or form, including, without limitation, physical documents, computer files or disks, videotapes, audiotapes, and oral communications.

 

(ii)                                          In the event that the Executive becomes legally compelled to disclose any Confidential Information, the Executive shall, if permitted by law, provide the Company with prompt written notice so that the Company may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy. In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, the Executive shall furnish only that portion of such Confidential Information or take only such action as is legally required by binding order and shall exercise her reasonable efforts to obtain reliable assurance that confidential treatment shall be accorded any such Confidential Information. The Company shall promptly pay (upon receipt of invoices and any other documentation as may be requested by the Company) all reasonable expenses and fees incurred by the Executive, including attorneys’ fees, in connection with her compliance with the immediately preceding sentence. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall (A) prohibit the Executive from making reports of possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity in accordance with the provisions of and rules promulgated under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or of any other whistleblower protection provisions of state or federal law or regulation, or (B) require notification or prior approval by the Company of any reporting described in clause (A).

 

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(b)                                 Confidentiality of Agreement. The Executive agrees that, except as may be required by applicable law or legal process, during the Term and thereafter, she shall not disclose the terms of this Agreement to any person or entity other than the Executive’s accountants, financial advisors, attorneys or spouse, provided that such accountants, financial advisors, attorneys and spouse agree not to disclose the terms of this Agreement to any other person or entity.

 

(c)                                  Exclusive Property. The Executive confirms that all Confidential Information is and shall remain the exclusive property of the Company or its Affiliates. All business records, papers and documents kept or made by the Executive relating to the business of the Company or its Affiliates shall be and remain the property of the Company or its Affiliates. Upon the request and at the expense of the Company or its Affiliates, the Executive shall promptly make all disclosures, execute all instruments and papers and perform all acts reasonably necessary to vest and confirm in the Company or its Affiliates, fully and completely, all rights created or contemplated by this Section 6.

 

7.                                      Noncompetition. The Executive agrees that, for a period commencing on the January 1, 2017 and ending 365 days following the Executive’s termination of employment (the “Restricted Period”), the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, and whether as principal or investor or as an employee, officer, director, manager, partner, consultant, agent or otherwise, alone or in association with any other person, firm, corporation or other business organization, carry on a Competing Business (as defined herein) within the County of Denver and contiguous counties, For purposes of this Section 7: (a) carrying on a “Competing Business” means to engage in the competing business of any business carried on by the Company or its Affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall limit the Executive’s right to own not more than one (1) percent of any of the debt or equity securities of any business organization that is then filing reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

8.                                      Non-Solicitation. The Executive agrees that for the Restricted Period the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, (a) interfere with or attempt to interfere with the relationship between any person who is, or was during the Restricted Period or the 3-month period immediately preceding the commencement of the Restricted Period, an employee, officer, representative or agent of the Company or its Affiliates and any member of the Company or its Affiliates, or solicit, induce or attempt to solicit or induce any of them to terminate their employment or service relationship with any member of the Company or its Affiliates or violate the terms of their respective service contracts, or any employment arrangements, with such entities, provided that the foregoing shall not prevent general employment or service solicitations that do not specifically target any such persons; or (b) induce or attempt to induce any customer or client of any member of the Company or its Affiliates to cease doing business with any member of the Company or its Affiliates, or in any way interfere with the relationship between any member of the Company or its Affiliates and any customer or client of any member of the Company or its Affiliates.

 

9.                                      No Conflicting Agreement. The Executive represents, warrants and covenants to the Company that the Executive is not a party to any agreement, whether written or

 

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oral, that would be breached by or would prevent or interfere with the execution by the Executive of this Agreement or the fulfillment by the Executive of the Executive’s obligations hereunder.

 

10.                               Nondisparagement. Each party represents, warrants and covenants to the other that at no time during the Term or thereafter shall such party make, or cause or assist any other person to make, any statement or other communication to any third party which impugns or attacks, or is otherwise critical of, the reputation, business or character of the other party or any of its respective directors, officers or employees, as applicable; provided this Section shall not prohibit truthful testimony by or on behalf of either party in any judicial or administrative proceeding.

 

11.                               Section 409A of the Code. This Agreement is intended to meet the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and shall be interpreted and construed consistent with that intent. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that the right to any payment (including the provision of benefits) hereunder provides for the “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A(d)(l) of the Code, if the Executive is a “Specified Employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code on the date of the Executive’s “Separation from Service” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code (the “Separation Date”), then no such payment shall be made or commence during the period beginning on the Separation Date and ending on the date that is six months following the Separation Date or, if earlier, on the date of the Executive’s death. The amount of any payment that would otherwise be paid to the Executive during this period shall instead be paid to the Executive on the fifteenth day of the first calendar month following the end of the period.

 

12.                               Certain Remedies.

 

(a)                                 Forfeiture/Payment Obligations. In the event the Executive fails to comply with Sections 6 through 10, other than any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure, the Executive agrees that she will forfeit any amounts not already paid pursuant to Section 5(b)(i)(A), (B) or (C) of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, the Executive shall be given written notice of each alleged failure to comply with Sections 6 through 10, and the Executive shall be given an opportunity to remedy such failure within (60) sixty business days of the receipt of such notice. For purposes of clarity, the Executive’s failure to comply with Sections 6 through 10 shall not result in forfeiture of amounts required to be paid but not already paid on account of a Change in Control pursuant to Section 5(b)(iv) of this Agreement.

 

(b)                                 Injunctive Relief. Without intending to limit the remedies available to the Company or its Affiliates, including, but not limited to, that set forth in Section 12(a) hereof, the Executive agrees that a breach of any of the covenants contained in Sections 6 through 10 of this Agreement may result in material and irreparable injury to the Company or its Affiliates for which there is no adequate remedy at law, that it will not be possible to measure damages for such injuries precisely and that, in the event of such a breach or threat thereof, any member of the Company or its Affiliates shall be entitled to seek a temporary restraining order or a preliminary or permanent injunction, or both, without bond or other security, restraining the Executive from engaging in activities prohibited by the covenants contained in Sections 6 through 10 of this Agreement or such other relief as may be required specifically to enforce any

 

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of the covenants contained in this Agreement. Such injunctive relief in any court shall be available to the Company or its Affiliates in lieu of, or prior to or pending determination in, any arbitration proceeding.

 

13.                                       Defense of Claims. The Executive agrees that, during the Term, and for a period of seven (7) years after termination of the Executive’s employment, upon request from the Company, the Executive will reasonably cooperate with the Company in the defense of any claims or actions that may be made by or against the Company that affect the Executive’s prior areas of responsibility, except if the Executive’s reasonable interests are adverse to the Company in such claim or action. The Company agrees to promptly pay in advance or reimburse the Executive for, as requested by the Executive, all of the Executive’s reasonable travel and other direct costs and expenses incurred, or to be reasonably incurred, to comply with the Executive’s obligations under this Section 13, including, but not limited to, legal costs and expenses.

 

14.                                       Alternative Dispute Resolution. The Company and the Executive agree that any dispute that arises out of or relates to Executive’s employment or termination of employment with the Company, including any dispute that the Executive may have with any present or former officer, manager, director, employee, agent, attorney or insurer of the Company, shall first be submitted to mediation through the Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (“CPR”) (or such other nationally-recognized alternative dispute resolution service as the Executive and Company may agree). The Executive and the Company shall use their reasonable efforts to commence and conclude such mediation in a prompt manner. If the dispute is not resolved through mediation within thirty (30) days after notice thereof, such dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the rules and procedures of the CPR (or such other nationally-recognized alternative dispute resolution service as the Executive and the Company may agree). Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having in person and subject matter jurisdiction. The Company and the Executive hereby submit to the jurisdiction of the federal and state courts in Denver, Colorado, for the purpose of confirming any such award and entering judgment thereon. The Company shall pay for all administrative costs and fees charged by the CPR (or such other nationally-recognized alternative dispute resolution service) as well as the fees charged by the arbitrator. Each party shall pay for her or its attorneys’ fees and costs.

 

15.                                       Nonassignability; Binding Agreement.

 

(a)                                         By the Executive. This Agreement and any and all rights, duties, obligations or interests hereunder shall not be assignable or delegable by the Executive.

 

(b)                                         By the Company. This Agreement and all of the Company’s rights and obligations hereunder shall not be assignable by the Company except as incident to a reorganization, merger or consolidation, or transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.

 

(c)                                          Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto, any successors to or assigns of the Company and the Executive’s heirs and the personal representatives of the Executive’s estate.

 

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16.                                       Withholding. Any payments made or benefits provided to the Executive under this Agreement shall be reduced by any applicable withholding taxes or other amounts required to be withheld by law or contract.

 

17.                                       Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement may not be modified, amended or waived in any manner, except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties hereto. The waiver by either party of compliance with any provision of this Agreement by the other party shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by such party of a provision of this Agreement.

 

18.                                       Governing Law and Forum. The Executive and the Company agree that this Agreement and all matters or issues arising out of or relating to the Executive’s employment with the Company shall be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado applicable to contracts entered into and performed entirely therein. Any action to enforce this Agreement shall be brought solely in the state or federal courts located in the County of Denver, Colorado.

 

19.                                       Survival of Certain Provisions. Unless expressly provided otherwise, the rights and obligations set forth in this Agreement shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

20.                                       Entire Agreement; Supersedes Previous Agreements. This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the matters covered herein, and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous negotiations, commitments, agreements and writings with respect to the subject matter hereof, all such other negotiations, commitments, agreements and writings shall have no further force or effect, and the parties to any such other negotiation, commitment, agreement or writing shall have no further rights or obligations thereunder.

 

21.                                       Severability. The provisions of the Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions herein.

 

22.                                       Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by either of the parties hereto in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

 

23.                                       Headings. The headings of sections herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

24.                                       Notices. All notices or communications hereunder shall be in writing, addressed as follows:

 

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To the Company:

 

First Western Financial, Inc.

1900 16th St

Suite #1200

Denver, CO 80202

Attention: Secretary and General counsel

 

To the Executive:

 

Julie Courkamp

14730 Verbena Court

Brighton, Colorado 80602

 

All such notices shall be conclusively deemed to be received and shall be effective (i) if sent by hand delivery or nationally recognized courier, upon receipt or (ii) if sent by electronic mail or facsimile, upon receipt by the sender of such transmission.

 

REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK IN WITNESS

 

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WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be signed by its officer pursuant to the authority of its Board, and the Executive has executed this Agreement, as of the day and year first written above.

 

	
 
    	
FIRST WESTERN   FINANCIAL, INC.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Scott Wylie
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
JULIE COURKAMP
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
/s/ Julie Courkamp
    

 

14Exhibit 10.5

*00037957909-10000-007010312009*   BANK BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Principal Loan Date Maturity Loan No Call / Coll   Account Officer Initials $19,750,000.00 10-31-2009 06-30-2010 37957909-10000 00006195777   24740 LAK References in the boxes above are for Lender’s use only and do not   limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item. Any   item above containing “***” has been omitted due to text length limitations. Borrower:   First Western Financial, Inc. Lender: M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank 1200   17th St Suite 2650 Correspondent Banking Denver, CO 80202-5852 770 N. Water   Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT dated October 31,   2009, is made end executed between First Western Financial, Inc. (“Borrower”)   and M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank (“Lender”) on the following terms and   conditions. Borrower has received prior commercial loans from Lender or has   applied to Lender for a commercial loan or loans or other financial   accommodations, including those which may be described on any exhibit or   schedule attached to this Agreement. Borrower understands and agrees that:   (A) In granting, renewing, or extending any Loan, Lender is relying upon   Borrower’s representations, warranties, and agreements as set forth in this   Agreement; (B) the granting, renewing, or extending of any Loan by Lender at   all times shall be subject to Lender’s sole judgment and discretion; and (C)   all such Loans shall be and remain subject to the terms and conditions of   this Agreement. TERM. This Agreement shall be effective as of October 31,   2009, and shall continue in full force and effect until such time as all of   Borrower’s Loans in favor of Lender have been paid in full, including principal,   interest, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, and other fees and charges, or   until such time as the parties may agree In writing to terminate this   Agreement. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH ADVANCE. Lender’s obligation to make   the initial Advance and each subsequent Advance under this Agreement shall be   subject to the fulfillment to Lender’s satisfaction of all of the conditions   set forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents. Loan Documents.   Borrower shall provide to Lender the following documents for the Loan (1) the   Note: (2) together with all such Related Documents as Lender may require for   the Loan, all in form and substance satisfactory to Lender and Lender’s   counsel. Borrower’s Authorization. Borrower shall have provided in form and   substance satisfactory to Lender properly certified resolutions, duly   authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Note and the   Related Documents. In addition, Borrower shall have provided such other   resolutions, authorizations, documents and instruments as Lender or its   counsel, may require. Payment of Fees and Expenses. Borrower shall have paid   to Lender all fees, charges, and other expenses which are then due and   payable as specified in this Agreement or any Related Document. Representations   and Warranties. The representations and warranties set forth in this   Agreement, in the Related Documents, and in any document or certificate   delivered to Lender under this Agreement are true and correct No Event of   Default. There shall not exist at the time of any Advance a condition which   would constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement or under any   Related Document. REPRESENTATIONS ANO WARRANTIES. Borrower represents and   warrants to lender, as of the date of this Agreement, as of the date of each   disbursement of loan proceeds, as of the date of any renewal, extension or   modification of any Loan, and at all times any Indebtedness exists Organization.   Borrower is a corporation for profit which is, and at all times shall be,   duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under and by virtue of   the laws of the State of Colorado. Borrower is duly authorized to transact   business in all other states in which Borrower is doing business, having   obtained all necessary filings governmental licenses and approvals for each   state in which Borrower is doing business. Specifically, Borrower is, and at   all times shall be, duly qualified as a foreign corporation in all states in   which the failure to so quality would have a material adverse effect on its   business or financial condition. Borrower has the full power and authority to   own its properties and to transact the business in which it is presently   engaged or presently proposes to engage. Borrower maintains an office at 1200   17th St Suite 2650, Denver, CO 80202-5852. Unless Borrower has designated   otherwise in writing, the principal office is the office at which Borrower   keeps its books and records including its records concerning the Collateral   Borrower will notify Lender prior to any change in the location of Borrower’s   state of organization or any change in Borrower’s name. Borrower shall do all   things necessary to preserve and to keep in full force and effect its   existence, rights and privileges, and shall comply with all regulations,   rules, ordinances, statutes, orders and decrees of any governmental or   quasi-governmental authority or court applicable to Borrower and Borrower’s   business activities. Assumed Business Names. Borrower has filed or recorded   all documents or filings required by law relating to all assumed business   names used by Borrower. Excluding the name of Borrower, the following is a   complete list of all assumed business names under which Borrower does   business: None. Authorization. Borrower’s execution, delivery, and   performance of this Agreement and all the Related Documents have been duly   authorized by all necessary action by Borrower and do not conflict with,   result in a violation of, or constitute a default under (1) any provision of   (a) Borrower’s articles of incorporation or organization, or bylaws, or (b)   any agreement or other Instrument binding upon Borrower or (2) any law,   governmental regulation, court decree, or order applicable to Borrower or to   Borrower’s properties. Financial Information. Each of Borrower’s financial   statements supplied to Lender truly and completely disclosed Borrower’s   financial condition as of the date of the statement, and there has been no   material adverse change in Borrower’s financial condition subsequent to the   date of the most recent financial statement supplied to Lender. Borrower has   no material contingent obligations except as disclosed in 

    

 

BUSINESS LOAN   AGREEMENT Loan No: 37957909-10000- (Continued) Page 2 such financial   statements. Legal Effect. This Agreement constitutes, and any instrument or   agreement Borrower is required to give under this Agreement when delivered   will constitute legal, valid, and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable   against Borrower in accordance with their respective terms. Properties.   Except as contemplated by this Agreement or as previously disclosed in   Borrower’s financial statements or in writing to Lender and as accepted by   Lender, and except for property tax liens for taxes not presently due and   payable. Borrower owns and has good title to all of Borrower’s properties free   and clear of all Security interests, and has not executed any security   documents or financing statements relating to such properties. All of   Borrower’s properties are titled in Borrower’s legal name, and Borrower has   not used or filed a financing statement under any other name for at least the   last five (5) years. Hazardous Substances. Except as disclosed to and   acknowledged by Lender in writing. Borrower represents and warrants that, (1)   During the period of Borrower’s ownership of the Collateral, there has been   no use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or   threatened release of any Hazardous Substance by any person on, under, about   or from any of the Collateral, (2) Borrower has no knowledge of, or reason to   believe that there has been (a) any breach or violation of any Environmental   Laws; (b) any use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal,   release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance on, under, about or   from the Collateral by any prior owners or occupants of any of the   Collateral; or (c) any actual or threatened litigation or claims of any kind   by any person relating to such matters. (3) Neither Borrower nor any tenant,   contractor, agent or other authorized user of any of the Collateral shall   use, generate, manufacture, store, treat, dispose of or release any Hazardous   Substance on, under, about or from any of the Collateral, and any such   activity shall be conducted In compliance with all applicable federal, state,   and local laws, regulations, and ordinances, including without limitation all   Environmental Laws Borrower authorizes Lender and its agents to enter upon   the Collateral to make such inspections and tests as Lender may deem   appropriate to determine compliance of the Collateral with this section of   the Agreement Any inspections or tests made by Lender shall be at Borrower’s   expense and for Lender’s purposes only and shall not be construed to create   any responsibility or liability on the part of Lender to Borrower or to any   other person. The representations and warranties contained herein are based   on Borrower’s due diligence in investigating the Collateral for hazardous   waste and Hazardous Substances. Borrower hereby (1) releases and waives any   future claims against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event   Borrower becomes liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws, and   (2) agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Lender against any and all   claims, losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, and expenses which Lender   may directly or indirectly sustain or suffer resulting from a breach of this   section of the Agreement or as a consequence of any use, generation   manufacture, storage, disposal, release or threatened release of a hazardous   waste or substance on the Collateral. The provisions of this section of the   Agreement, including the obligation to indemnify and defend, shall survive   the payment of the Indebtedness and the termination, expiration or   satisfaction of this Agreement and shall not be affected by Lender’s   acquisition of any interest in any of the Collateral, whether by foreclosure   or otherwise. Litigation and Claims. No litigation, claim, investigation   administrative proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid   taxes) against Borrower is pending or threatened, and no other event has   occurred which may materially adversely affect Borrower’s financial condition   or properties, other than litigation, claims, or other events, if any, that   have been disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing. Taxes. To the   best of Borrower’s knowledge, all of Borrower’s tax returns and reports that   are or were required to be filed, have been filed, and all taxes, assessments   and other governmental charges have been paid in full, except those presently   being or to be contested by Borrower in good faith in the ordinary course of   business and for which adequate reserves have been provided. Lien Priority.   Unless otherwise previously disclosed to Lender in writing. Borrower has not   entered into or granted any Security Agreements, or permitted the filing or   attachment of any Security interests on or affecting any of the Collateral   directly or indirectly securing repayment of Borrower’s Loan and Note, that   would be prior or that may in any way be superior to Lender’s Security   Interests and rights in and to such Collateral. Binding Effect. This   Agreement, the Note, all Security Agreements (if any), and all Related   Documents are binding upon the signers thereof, as well as upon their   successors, representatives and assigns, and are legally enforceable in   accordance with their respective terms AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower   covenants and agrees with Lender that, so long as this Agreement remains in   effect, Borrower will: Notices of Claims and Litigation. Promptly inform   Lender in writing of (1) all material adverse changes in Borrower’s financial   condition, and (2) all existing and ail threatened litigation, claims,   investigations, administrative proceedings or similar actions affecting   Borrower or any Guarantor which could materially affect the financial   condition of Borrower or the financial condition of any Guarantor. Financial   Records. Maintain its books and records in accordance with GAAP, applied on a   consistent basis, and permit Lender to examine and audit Borrower’s books and   records at all reasonable times. Financial Statements. Furnish Lender with   the following. Annual Statements. As soon as available, but in no event later   than one-hundred-twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year.   Borrower’s balance sheet and income statement for the year ended, audited by   a certified public accountant satisfactory to Lender Additional Requirements.   (i) Copy of Federal Reserve form FR Y-9 required by the Federal Reserve Board   for Borrower no later than the due date required by this agency prepared in   accordance with agency requirements, certified by the financial   representatives of Borrower now owned or hereafter acquired. (ii) Copies of   all quarterly Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Form 041   (“Call Reports”) required by the FDIC and the Federal Reserve Board of First   Western Trust Bank and First Western Trust Bank (Arizona) (collectively the   “Banks”) no later than 10 days offer the due date required by these agencies   prepared in accordance with agency requirements, certified, by the financial   representatives of Banks, now owned or hereafter acquired. All financial   reports required to be provided under this Agreement shall be prepared in   accordance with GAAP, applied on a consistent basis, and certified by   Borrower as being true and correct. Additional Information. Furnish such   additional information and statements, as Lender may request from time to   time Financial Covenants and Ratios. Comply with the following covenants and   ratios: Minimum Income and Cash flow Requirements. Other Cash Flow   requirements are as follows: ROA. Banks shall maintain at all times an ROA   greater than 0.25%, tested annually. ROA means annualized net income divided   by average total assets.

    

 

BUSINESS LOAN   AGREEMENT Loan No: 37957909-10000- (Continued) Page 3 Non-performing Loans to   Total Loans. Banks shall maintain at all times a ratio of Non-performing   Loans to Total Loans which is less than 2.00%, tested quarterly   “Non-performing Loans” means loans outstanding, which are not accruing   interest, have been classified as renegotiated pursuant to guidelines   established by the Federal Financial Examination Institution Council or are   90 days or more past due in the payment of principal or interest. “Total   Loans” means the sum of loans and direct lease financings, net of unearned   income of Banks Well-Capitalized Banks must maintain at all times well   capitalized ratios, as required by federal regulators Additional   Requirements. Borrower shall maintain $500,000.00 in cash or marketable   securities at all times when a balance exists under the Note. Except as   provided above, all computations made to determine compliance with the requirements   contained in this paragraph shall be made In accordance with generally   accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis, and certified   by Borrower as being true and correct. Insurance. Maintain fire and other   risk insurance, public liability insurance, and such other insurance as   Lender may require with respect to Borrower’s properties and operations, in   form, amounts, coverages and with insurance companies acceptable to Lender.   Borrower, upon request of Lender, will deliver to Lender from time to time   the policies or certificates of insurance in form satisfactory to Lender,   including stipulations that coverages will not be cancelled or diminished   without at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to Lender Each   insurance policy also shall include an endorsement providing that coverage in   favor of Lender will not be impaired in any way by any act, omission or   default of Borrower or any other person. In connection with all policies   covering assets in which Lender holds or is offered a security interest for   the Loans, Borrower will provide Lender with such lender’s loss payable or   other endorsements as Lender may require. Insurance Reports. Furnish to   Lender, upon request of Lender, reports on each existing insurance policy   showing such information as Lender may reasonably request, including without   limitation the following: (1) the name of the insurer, (2) the risks insured:   (3) the amount of the policy; (4) the properties insured. (5) the then   current property values on the basis of which insurance has been obtained,   and the manner of determining those values; and (6) the expiration date of   the policy In addition, upon request of Lender (however not more often than   annually). Borrower will have an independent appraiser satisfactory to Lender   determine, as applicable, the actual cash value or replacement cost of any   Collateral. The cost of such appraisal shall be paid by Borrower. Other   Agreements. Comply with all terms and conditions of all other agreements,   whether now or hereafter existing, between Borrower and any other party and   notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in connection with any   other such agreements Loan Proceeds. Use all Loan proceeds solely for   Borrower’s business operations, unless specifically consented to the contrary   by Lender in writing Taxes, Charges and Liens. Pay and discharge when due all   of its Indebtedness and obligations, including without limitation all   assessments, taxes, governmental charges, levies and liens, of every kind and   nature, imposed upon Borrower or its properties, income, or profits, prior to   the date on which penalties would attach, and all lawful claims that, if   unpaid, might become a lien or charge upon any of Borrower’s properties,   Income, or profits Provided however. Borrower will not be required to pay and   discharge any such assessment, tax, charge, levy, lien or claim so long as   (1) the legality of the same shall be contested in good faith by appropriate   proceedings, and (2) Borrower shall have established on Borrower’s books adequate   reserves with respect to such contested assessment, tax, charge, levy, lien,   or claim in accordance with GAAP. Performance. Perform and comply, in a   timely manner, with all terms, conditions, and provisions set forth in this   Agreement, in the Related Documents, and in all other instruments and   agreements between Borrower and Lender. Borrower shall notify Lender   immediately in writing of any default in connection with any agreement. Operations.   Maintain executive and management personnel with substantially the same   qualifications and experience as the present executive and management   personnel; provide written notice to Lender of any change in executive and   management personnel; conduct its business affairs in a reasonable and   prudent manner. Environmental Studies. Promptly conduct and complete, at   Borrower’s expense, all such investigations, studies, samplings and testings   as may be requested by Lender or any governmental authority relative to any   substance, or any waste or by-product of any substance defined as toxic or a   hazardous substance under applicable federal, stale, or local law, rule,   regulation, order or directive, at or affecting any property or any facility   owned, leased or used by Borrower. Compliance with Governmental Requirements.   Comply with all laws, ordinances, and regulations, now or hereafter in   effect, of all governmental authorities applicable to the conduct of   Borrower’s properties, businesses and operations, and to the use or occupancy   of the Collateral, including without limitation, the Americans With   Disabilities Act Borrower may contest in good faith any such law, ordinance,   or regulation and withhold compliance during any proceeding, including   appropriate appeals, so long as Borrower has notified Lender in writing prior   to doing so and so long as, in Lender’s sole opinion, Lender’s interests in   the Collateral are not jeopardized Lender may require Borrower to post   adequate security or a surety bond, reasonably satisfactory to Lender, to   protect Lender’s interest. Inspection. Permit employees or agents of Lender   at any reasonable time to inspect any and all Collateral for the Loan or   Loans and Borrower’s other properties and to examine or audit Borrower’s   books, accounts, and records and to make copies and memoranda of Borrower’s   books, accounts, and records. If Borrower now or at any time hereafter   maintains any records (including without limitation computer generated   records and computer software programs for the generation of such records) in   the possession of a third party, Borrower, upon request of Lender, shall   notify such party to permit Lender free access to such records at all   reasonable times and to provide Lender with copies of any records it may   request, all at Borrower’s expense. Environmental Compliance and Reports.   Borrower shall comply in all respects with any and all Environmental Laws,   not cause or permit to exist, as a result of an intentional or unintentional   action or omission on Borrower’s part or on the part of any third party, on   property owned and/or occupied by Borrower, any environmental activity where   damage may result to the environment, unless such environmental activity is   pursuant to and In compliance with the conditions of a permit issued by the   appropriate federal, state or local governmental authorities; shall furnish   to Lender promptly and in any event within thirty (30) days after receipt   thereof a copy of any notice, summons, lien, citation, directive, letter or   other communication from any governmental agency or instrumentality   concerning any intentional or unintentional action or omission on Borrower’s   part in connection with any environmental activity whether or not there is   damage to the environment and/or other natural resources Additional   Assurances. Make, execute and deliver to Lender such promissory notes,   mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, assignments, financing   statements, instruments, documents and other agreements as Lender or its   attorneys may reasonably request to evidence and secure the Loans and to   perfect all Security Interests RECOVERY OF ADDITIONAL COSTS. If the imposition   of or any change in any law, rule, regulation or guideline, or the   interpretation or application of any thereof by any court or administrative   or governmental authority (including any request or policy not having the   force of law) 

    

 

BUSINESS LOAN   AGREEMENT Loan No: 37957909-10000- (Continued) Page 4 shall impose, modify or   make applicable any taxes (except federal, state or local income or franchise   taxes imposed on Lender), reserve requirements, capital adequacy requirements   or other obligations which would (A) increase the cost to Lender for   extending or maintaining the credit facilities to which this Agreement   relates. (B) reduce the amounts payable to Lender under this Agreement or the   Related Documents, or (C) reduce the rate of return on Lender’s capital as a   consequence of Lender’s obligations with respect to the credit facilities to   which this Agreement relates, then Borrower agrees to pay Lender such   additional amounts as will compensate Lender therefor, within five (5) days   after Lender’s written demand for such payment, which demand shall be   accompanied by an explanation of such imposition or charge and a calculation   in reasonable detail of the additional amounts payable by Borrower, which   explanation and calculations shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest   error. LENDER’S EXPENDITURES. If any action or proceeding Is commenced that   would materially affect Lender’s interest in the Collateral or if Borrower   falls to comply with any provision of this Agreement or any Related   Documents, including but not limited to Borrower’s failure to discharge or   pay when due any amounts Borrower is required to discharge or pay under this   Agreement or any Related Documents. Lender on Borrower’s behalf may (but   shall not be obligated to) take any action that Lender deems appropriate,   including but not limited to discharging or paying all taxes, liens, security   interests, encumbrances and other claims, at any time levied or placed on any   Collateral and paying all costs for Insuring, maintaining and preserving any   Collateral. All such expenditures incurred or paid by Lender for such   purposes will then bear interest at the rate charged under the Note from the   date incurred or paid by Lender to the date of repayment by Borrower All such   expenses will become a part of the Indebtedness and, at Lender’s option, will   (A) be payable on demand, (B) be added to the balance of the Note and be   apportioned among and be payable with any installment payments to become due   during either (1) the term of any applicable insurance policy; or (2) the   remaining term of the Note, or (C) be treated as a balloon payment which will   be due and payable at the Note’s maturity NEGATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower   covenants and agrees with Lender that while this Agreement is in effect,   Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of Lender: Indebtedness   and Liens. (1) Except for trade debt incurred in the normal course of   business and indebtedness to Lender contemplated by this Agreement, create,   incur or assume indebtedness for borrowed money, including capital leases,   (2) sell, transfer, mortgage, assign, pledge, lease, grant a security   interest in, or encumber any of Borrower’s assets (except as allowed as   Permitted Liens), or (3) sell with recourse any of Borrower’s accounts,   except to Lender. Additional Financial Restrictions. Management. Borrower   shall notify Lender of any material changes in senior management. Mergers.   Borrower shall notify Lender if they merge into or consolidate with any other   business enterprise or another business enterprise merges into Borrower. Adverse   Regulatory Action. Borrower and/or Banks shall not become subject to a “memorandum   of understanding,” a “cease and desist order” or any other regulatory actions   that reflect a material adverse change in the safety and soundness of   Borrower and/or Banks Continuity of Operations. (1) Engage in any business   activities substantially different than those in which Borrower is presently   engaged, (2) cease operations, liquidate, merge, transfer, acquire or   consolidate with any other entity, change its name, dissolve or transfer or   sell Collateral out of the ordinary course of business, or (3) pay any   dividends on Borrower’s stock (other than dividends payable in its stock),   provided, however that notwithstanding the foregoing, but only so long as no   Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the   payment of dividends, if Borrower is a “Subchapter S Corporation” (as defined   in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended). Borrower may pay cash   dividends on its stock to its shareholders from time to time in amounts   necessary to enable the shareholders to pay income taxes and make estimated   income tax payments to satisfy their liabilities under federal and state law   which arise solely from their status as Shareholders of a Subchapter S   Corporation because of their ownership of shares of Borrower’s stock, or   purchase or retire any of Borrower’s outstanding shares or alter or amend   Borrower’s capital structure Loans, Acquisitions and Guaranties. (1) Loan,   invest in or advance money or assets to any other person, enterprise or   entity, (2) purchase, create or acquire any interest in any other enterprise   or entity, or (3) Incur any obligation as surely or guarantor other than in   the ordinary course of business. Agreements. Borrower will not enter into any   agreement containing any provisions which would be violated or breached by   the performance of Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement or in   connection herewith. CESSATION OF ADVANCES. If Lender has made any commitment   to make any Loan to Borrower, whether under this Agreement or under any other   agreement, Lender shall have no obligation to make Loan Advances or to   disburse Loan proceeds if (A) Borrower or any Guarantor is in default under   the terms of this Agreement or any of the Related Documents or any other   agreement that Borrower or any Guarantor has with Lender, (B) Borrower or any   Guarantor dies, becomes incompetent or becomes insolvent, files a petition in   bankruptcy or similar proceedings, or is adjudged a bankrupt, (C) there   occurs a material adverse change in Borrower’s financial condition. In the   financial condition of any Guarantor, or in the value of any Collateral   securing any Loan; or (D) any Guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise attempts   to limit, modify or revoke such Guarantor’s guaranty of the Loan or any other   loan with Lender, or (E) Lender in good faith deems itself insecure, even   though no Event of Default shall have occurred RIGHT OF SETOFF. To the extent   permitted by applicable law. Lender reserves a right of setoff in all   Borrower’s accounts with Lender (whether checking, savings, or some other   account). This includes all accounts Borrower holds jointly with someone else   and all accounts Borrower may open in the future However, this does not   include any IRA or Keogh accounts, or any trust accounts for which setoff   would be prohibited by law Borrower authorizes Lender, to the extent   permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the debt   against any and all such accounts, and, at Lender’s option, to   administratively freeze all such accounts to allow Lender to protect Lender’s   charge and setoff rights provided in this paragraph DEFAULT. Each of the   following shall constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement: Payment   Default. Borrower fails to make any payment when due under the Loan Other   Defaults. Borrower fails to comply with or to perform any other term,   obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any of   the Related Documents or to comply with or to perform any term, obligation,   covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and   Borrower Default in Favor of Third Parties. Borrower or any Grantor defaults   under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales   agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person   that may materially affect any of Borrower’s or any Grantor’s property or   Borrower’s or any Grantor’s ability to repay the Loans or perform their   respective obligations under this Agreement or any of the Related Documents. False   Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to   Lender by Borrower or on Borrower’s behalf under this Agreement or the   Related Documents is false or misleading in any material respect, either now   or at the time made or furnished or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter.   

    

 

BUSINESS LOAN   AGREEMENT Loan No: 37957909-10000- (Continued) Page 5 Insolvency. The   dissolution or termination of Borrower’s existence as a going business, the   insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver for any part of   Borrower’s property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of   creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy   or insolvency laws by or against Borrower. Defective Collateralization. This   Agreement or any of the Related Documents ceases to be in full force and   effect (including failure of any collateral document to create a valid and   perfected security interest or lien) at any time and for any reason Creditor   or Forfeiture Proceedings. Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture   proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any   other method, by any creditor of Borrower or by any governmental agency   against any collateral securing the Loan This includes a garnishment of any   of Borrower’s accounts, including deposit accounts, with Lender. However,   this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a good faith dispute by   Borrower as to the validity or reasonableness of the claim which Is the basis   of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and if Borrower gives Lender written   notice of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and deposits with Lender   monies or a surely bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an   amount determined by Lender, in its sole discretion, as being an adequate   reserve or bond for the dispute Events Affecting Guarantor. Any of the   preceding events occurs with respect to any Guarantor of any of the   Indebtedness or any Guarantor dies or becomes incompetent, or revokes or   disputes the validity of, or liability under, any Guaranty of the   Indebtedness Change in Ownership. Any change in ownership of twenty-five   percent (25%) or more of the common stock of Borrower. Adverse Change. A   material adverse change occurs in Borrower’s financial condition, or Lender   believes the prospect of payment or performance of the Loan is impaired. Insecurity.   Lender in good faith believes itself insecure. EFFECT OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT.   If any Event of Default shall occur, except where otherwise provided in this   Agreement or the Related Documents, all commitments and obligations of Lender   under this Agreement or the Related Documents or any other agreement   immediately will terminate (including any obligation to make further Loan   Advances or disbursements), and, at Lender’s option, all indebtedness   immediately will become due and payable, all without notice of any kind to   Borrower, except that in the case of an Event of Default of the type   described in the “Insolvency” subsection above, such acceleration shall be   automatic and no, optional. In addition. Lender shall have all the rights and   remedies provided in the Related Documents or available at law, in equity, or   otherwise Except as may he prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender’s   rights and remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or   concurrently. Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude   pursuit of any other remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take   action to perform an obligation of Borrower or of any Grantor shall not   affect Lender’s right to declare a default and to exercise its rights and   remedies. HEDGING INSTRUMENTS. The obligations and indebtedness secured   hereby shall include, without limitation, all obligations, indebtedness and   liabilities arising pursuant to or in connection with any interest rate swap   transaction, basis swap, forward rate transaction, interest rate option, price   risk hedging transaction or any similar transaction between Borrower and   Lender. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are   a part of this Agreement: Amendments. This Agreement, together with any   Related Documents, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the   parties as to the matters set forth in this Agreement. No alteration of or   amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless given in writing and   signed by the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the   alteration or amendment Attorneys’ Fees; Expenses. Borrower agrees to pay   upon demand all of Lender’s costs and expenses, including Lender’s attorneys’   fees and Lender’s legal expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement   of this Agreement Lender may hire or pay someone else to help enforce this   Agreement, and Borrower shall pay the costs and expenses of such enforcement.   Costs and expenses include Lender’s attorneys’ fees and legal expenses   whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorneys’ fees and legal   expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate   any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment   collection services Borrower also shall pay all court costs and such   additional fees as may be directed by the court. Caption Headings. Caption   headings in this Agreement are for convenience purposes only and are not to   be used to interpret or define the provisions of this Agreement Consent to   Loan Participation. Borrower agrees and consents to Lender’s sale or   transfer, whether now or later, of one or more participation interests in the   Loan to one or more purchasers, whether related or unrelated to Lender.   Lender may provide, without any limitation whatsoever, to any one or more purchasers,   or potential purchasers, any information or knowledge Lender may have about   Borrower or about any other matter relating to the Loan, and Borrower hereby   waives any rights to privacy Borrower may have with respect to such matters.   Borrower additionally waives any and all notices of sale of participation   interests, as well as all notices of any repurchase of such participation   interests. Borrower also agrees that the purchasers of any such participation   interests will be considered as the absolute owners of such interests in the   Loan and will have all the rights granted under the participation agreement   or agreements governing the sale of such participation Interests. Borrower   further waives all rights of offset or counterclaim that it may have now or later   against Lender or against any purchaser of such a participation interest and   unconditionally agrees that either Lender or such purchaser may enforce   Borrower’s obligation under the Loan irrespective of the failure or   insolvency of any holder of any interest in the Loan Borrower further agrees   that the purchaser of any such participation interests may enforce its   interests irrespective of any personal claims or defenses that Borrower may   have against Lender Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by federal   law applicable to Lender and, to the extent not preempted by federal law, the   laws of the State of Wisconsin without regard to its conflicts of law   provisions. This Agreement has been accepted by Lender in the State of   Wisconsin. Choice of Venue. If there is a lawsuit, Borrower agrees upon   Lender’s request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Milwaukee   County, State of Wisconsin. No Waiver by Lender. Lender shall not be deemed   to have waived any rights under this Agreement unless such waiver is given in   writing and signed by Lender No delay or omission on the part of Lender in   exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other   right. A waiver by Lender of a provision of this Agreement shall not   prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender’s right otherwise to demand strict   compliance with that provision or any other provision of this Agreement. No prior   waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Borrower, or   between Lender and any Grantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender’s   rights or of any of Borrower’s or any Grantor’s obligations as to any future   transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this   Agreement, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not   constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is   required and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole   discretion of Lender. Notices. Any notice required to be given under this   Agreement shall be given in writing, and shall be effective when actually   delivered, when actually received by telefacsimile (unless otherwise required   by law), when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier, or,   if mailed, when deposited in the United States mail, as first class,   certified or registered mail postage prepaid, directed to the addresses 

    

 

BUSINESS LOAN   AGREEMENT Loan No: 37957909-10000- (Continued) Page 6 shown near the   beginning of this Agreement Any party may change its address for notices   under this Agreement by giving formal written notice to the other parties,   specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party’s address   For notice purposes, Borrower agrees to keep Lender Informed at all times of   Borrower’s current address Unless otherwise provided or required by law, if   there is more than one Borrower, any notice given by Lender to any Borrower   is deemed to be notice given to all Borrowers. Severability. If a court of   competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Agreement to be illegal,   invalid, or unenforceable as to any circumstance, that finding shall not make   the offending provision illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any other   circumstance. If feasible, the offending provision shall be considered   modified so that it becomes legal, valid and enforceable. If the offending   provision cannot be so modified, it shall be considered deleted from this   Agreement. Unless otherwise required by law, the illegality, invalidity, or   unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the   legality, validity or enforceability of any other provision of this   Agreement. Subsidiaries and Affiliates of Borrower. To the extent the context   of any provisions of this Agreement makes it appropriate, including without   limitation any representation, warranty or covenant, the word “Borrower” as   used in this Agreement shall include all of Borrower’s subsidiaries and   affiliates Notwithstanding the foregoing however, under no circumstances   shall this Agreement be construed to require Lender to make any Loan or other   financial accommodation to any of Borrower’s subsidiaries or affiliates. Successors   and Assigns. All covenants and agreements by or on behalf of Borrower   contained in this Agreement or any Related Documents shall bind Borrower’s   successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Lender and its   successors and assigns Borrower shall not, however, have the right to assign   Borrower’s rights under this Agreement or any interest therein, without the   prior written consent of Lender. Survival of Representations and Warranties.   Borrower understands and agrees that in making the Loan. Lender is relying on   all representations, warranties, and covenants made by Borrower in this   Agreement or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by Borrower to   Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents Borrower further agrees   that regardless of any Investigation made by Lender, all such   representations, warranties and covenants will survive the making of the Loan   and delivery to Lender of the Related Documents, shall be continuing in   nature, and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as   Borrower’s Indebtedness shall be paid in full, or until this Agreement shall   be terminated In the manner provided above, whichever is the last to occur. Time   is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of this   Agreement. Waive Jury. All parties to this Agreement hereby waive the right   to any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by any   party against any other party. Previous Loan Agreement. This Business Loan   Agreement supercedes and replaces that certain Letter Agreement between   Lender and Borrower dated November 11, 2008. DEFINITIONS. The following   capitalized words and terms shall have the following meanings when used in   this Agreement. Unless specifically stated to the contrary, all references to   dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of   America Words and terms used in the singular shall include the plural, and   the plural shall include the singular, as the context may require. Words and   terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings   attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code. Accounting words and   terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings   assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles   as in effect on the date of this Agreement: Advance. The word “Advance” means   a disbursement of Loan funds made, or to be made, to Borrower or on   Borrower’s behalf on a line of credit or multiple advance basis under the   terms and conditions of this Agreement. Agreement. The word “Agreement” means   this Business Loan Agreement, as this Business Loan Agreement may be amended   or modified from time to time, together with all exhibits and schedules   attached to this Business Loan Agreement from time to time Borrower. The word   “Borrower” means First Western Financial, Inc. and includes all co-signers   and co-makers signing the Note and all their successors and assigns Collateral.   The word “Collateral” means all property and assets granted as collateral   security for a Loan, whether real or personal property, whether granted   directly or indirectly, whether granted now or in the future, and whether   granted in the form of a security interest, mortgage, collateral mortgage,   deed of trust, assignment, pledge, crop pledge, chattel mortgage, collateral   chattel mortgage, chattel trust, factor’s lien, equipment trust, conditional   sale, trust receipt, lien, charge, lien or title retention contract, lease or   consignment intended as a security device, or any other security or lien   interest whatsoever, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise Environmental   Laws. The words “Environmental Laws” mean any and all state, federal and   local statutes, regulations and ordinances relating to the protection of   human health or the environment, including without limitation the   Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of   1980. as amended, 42 U S C Section 9601, et seq. (“CERCLA”), the Superfund   Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub L. No. 99-499 (“SARA”), the   Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S C Section 1801, et seq. the   Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq, or   other applicable state or federal laws, rules, or regulations adopted   pursuant thereto Event of Default. The words “Event of Default” mean any of   the events of default set forth in this Agreement in the default section of   this Agreement GAAP. The word “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting   principles. Grantor. The word “Grantor” means each and all of the persons or   entities granting a Security Interest in any Collateral for the Loan,   including without limitation all Borrowers granting such a Security Interest.   Guarantor. The word “Guarantor” means any guarantor, surety, or accommodation   party of any or all of the Loan. Guaranty. The word “Guaranty” means the   guaranty from Guarantor to Lender, including without limitation a guaranty of   all or part of the Note Hazardous Substances. The words “Hazardous Substances”   mean materials that, because of their quantity, concentration or physical,   chemical or infectious characteristics, may cause or pose a present or   potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly used,   treated, stored, disposed of, generated, manufactured, transported or   otherwise handled. The words “Hazardous Substances” are used in their very broadest   sense and include without limitation any and all hazardous or toxic   substances, materials or waste as defined by or listed under the   Environmental Laws The term “Hazardous Substances” also includes, without   limitation, petroleum and petroleum by-products or any fraction thereof and   asbestos. Indebtedness. The word “Indebtedness” means the indebtedness   evidenced by the Note or Related Documents, Including all principal and   interest together with all other indebtedness and costs and expenses for   which Borrower is responsible under this Agreement or under any of the   Related Documents. 

    

 

BUSINESS LOAN   AGREEMENT Loan No: 37957909-10000- (Continued) Page 7 Lender. The word “Lender”   means M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank, its successors and assigns Loan.   The word “Loan” means any and all loans and financial accommodations from   Lender to Borrower whether now or hereafter existing, and however evidenced,   including without limitation those loans and financial accommodations   described herein or described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this   Agreement from time to time. Note. The word “Note” means the Note executed by   First Western Financial, Inc. In the principal amount of $19,750,000.00 dated   October 31, 2009, together with all renewals of, extensions of, modifications   of, refinancings of, consolidations of, and substitutions for the note or   credit agreement Permitted Liens. The words “Permitted Liens” mean (1) liens   and security interests securing Indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender. (2)   liens for taxes, assessments, or similar charges either not yet due or being   contested in good faith; (3) liens of matenalmen, mechanics, warehousemen, or   carriers, or other like liens arising in the ordinary course of business and   securing obligations which are not yet delinquent; (4) purchase money liens   or purchase money security interests upon or in any property acquired or held   by Borrower in the ordinary course of business to secure indebtedness   outstanding on the date of this Agreement or permitted to be incurred under   the paragraph of this Agreement titled “Indebtedness and Liens”; (5) liens   and security interests which, as of the date of this Agreement, have been   disclosed to and approved by the Lender in writing; and (6) those liens and   security interests which in the aggregate constitute an immaterial and   insignificant monetary amount with respect to the net value of Borrower’s   assets Related Documents. The words “Related Documents” mean all promissory   notes, credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements,   guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds,   collateral mortgages, and all other instruments, agreements and documents,   whether now or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Loan Security   Agreement. The words “Security Agreement” mean and include without limitation   any agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, understandings or other   agreements, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise, evidencing,   governing, representing, or creating a Security Interest. Security Interest.   The words “Security Interest” mean, without limitation, any and all types of   collateral security, present and future, whether in the form of a lien,   charge encumbrance, mortgage, deed of trust, security deed, assignment,   pledge, crop pledge, chattel mortgage, collateral chattel mortgage, chattel   trust, factor’s lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien   or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security   device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever whether created by   law, contract, or otherwise BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE   PROVISIONS OF THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT AND BORROWER AGREES TO ITS TERMS.   THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT IS DATED OCTOBER 31, 2009. BORROWER:FIRST   WESTERN FINANCIAL, INC. By: /s/ Ryan Trigg By: /s/ Scott Wylie Ryan Trigg,   CFO of First Western Scott Wylie, Chairman & CEO of First Western Financial,   Inc. Financial, Inc. LENDER: M&I MARSHALL & ILSLEY BANK By:   [ILLEGIBLE] By: [ILLEGIBLE] Authorised Signer Authorized Signer [ILLEGIBLE] 

    

 

LOAN AGREEMENT   ORIGINAL FIRST AMENDMENT TO LOAN AGREEMENT Principal Loan Date Maturity Loan   No Call / Coll Account Officer Initials $15,327,776.00 06-30-2010 10-31-2010 37957909-10000   00006195777 24740 LAK References in the boxes above are for Lender’s use only   and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or   item. Any item above containing “***” has been omitted due to text length   limitations. Borrower: First Western Financial, Inc. Lender: M&I Marshall   & Ilsley Bank 1200 17th St Suite 2650 Correspondent Banking Denver, CO   80202-5852 770 N. Wator Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 THIS FIRST AMENDMENT is   made and entered into as of June 30, 2010 by and between First Western   Financial, Inc. (“Borrower”) [ILLEGIBLE] Marshall & Ilsley Bank   (“Lender”). WHEREAS, Lender and Borrower are parties to that certain Business   Loan Agreement dated October 31, 2009 (the “Agreement”); WHEREAS, the   Agreement provides that no alteration of or amendment to the Agreement shall   be effective unless given in writing and [ILLEGIBLE] the party or parties   sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or amendment; and WHEREAS,   the parties to the Agreement now such desire and doom it advisable to amend   the Agreement on the terms provided below. NOW THEREFORE, In consideration of   the foregoing promises and the following covenants and agreements, the   parties hereby agree as [ILLEGIBLE] Section 1. All defined or capitalized   terms used in this Amendment shall have the meanings given such terms in the   Agreement, [ILLEGIBLE] terms are defined herein or unless the context dearly   indicates to the contrary. Section 2. (I) ROA. This section of the Agreement   is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows: ROA. First   Western Trust Bank shall maintain at all times an ROA of greater than 0.60%,   tested quarterly. First Western Trust Bank [ILLEGIBLE] shall maintain an ROA   of greater than 0.00%, Increasing to 0.25% at March 31, 2011, and thereafter,   tested quarterly. “ROA” [ILLEGIBLE] annualized net income divided by average   total assets. (ii) Non-performing Loans to Total Loans. This section of the   Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows. Non-performing   Loans to Total Loans. Banks shall maintain at all times a ratio of   Non-performing Loans to Total Loans, which is [ILLEGIBLE] 3.50%, tested   quarterly. “Non-performing Loans” means loans outstanding which are not   accruing interest, have been [ILLEGIBLE] renegotiated pursuant to guidelines   established by the Federal Financial Examination Institution Council or are   90 days or more past [ILLEGIBLE] payment of principal or Interest. “Total   Loans” means the sum of loans and direct lease financings, net of unearned   income of Banks. Section 3. On and after the effectiveness of this Amendment,   each reference in the Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereunder,” [ILLEGIBLE]   words of like import referring to the Agreement, shall mean the Agreement as   amended by this Amendment. Section 4. Except as expressly amended hereby, the   Agreement is hereby [ILLEGIBLE] and confirmed and shall continue in full   force and effect. Section 5. This Amendment may be executed manually or by facsimile   by the parties hereto in any number of counterparts each of [ILLEGIBLE] be   deemed on original and all of which together shall constitute one and the   same document. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment   on the day and year first above written. BORROWER: First Western Financial,   Inc. By: /s/ Ryan Trigg Ryan Trigg, CFO By: /s/ Scott Wylie Scott Wylle,   Chairman & CEO LENDER: M&I MARSHALL & ILSLEY BANK By:   [ILLEGIBLE]  Its: Vice President By:   [ILLEGIBLE] Its: Senior Vice President [ILLEGIBLE] 

    

 

SECOND   AMENDMENT TO BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Principal Loan Date Maturity Loan No Call   / Coll Account Officer Initials $10,000,000.00 10-31-2010 10-31-2013 37957909-10000   00006195777 24740 LAK References in the boxes above are for Lender’s use only   and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or   item. Any item above containing “***” has been omitted due to text length   limitations. Borrower: First Western Financial, Inc. Lender: M&I Marshall   & llsley Bank 1200 17th St Suite 2650 Correspondent Banking Denver. CO   80202-5852 770 N. Water Street Milwaukee, Wl 53202 THIS SECOND AMENDMENT is   made and entered into as of October 31, 2010 by and between First Western   Financial, Inc. (“Borrower”) and M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank   (“Lender”). WHEREAS, Lender and Borrower are parties to that certain Business   Loan Agreement dated October 31, 2009 and subsequently amended, (the   “Agreement”); WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that no alteration of or   amendment to the Agreement shall be effective unless given in writing and   signed by the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the   alteration or amendment; and WHEREAS, the parties to the Agreement now each   desire and deem it advisable to amend the Agreement on the terms provided   below. NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the   following covenants and agreements, the parties hereby agree as follows; Section   1. All defined or capitalized terms used in this Amendment shall have the   meanings given such terms in the Agreement, unless said terms are defined   herein or unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary. Section 2. (i)   NEGATIVE COVENANTS. Subsection Additional Financial Restrictions. The following   subsection is hereby added to the Agreement to read as follows: Advances. Any   line draws under the Revolving Line of Credit for the purpose of a capital   injection into First Western Trust Bank - CO, First Western Trust Bank – AZ,   or for the purpose of an acquisition require pre-approval from Lender. (ii)   Schedule I to the Business Loan Agreement is hereby added to the Agreement to   read as follows: See attached Schedule I Section 3. On and after the   effectiveness of this Amendment, each reference in the Agreement to “this   Agreement,” “hereunder,” “hereof” or words of like import referring to the   Agreement, shall mean the Agreement as amended by this Amendment. Section 4.   Except as expressly amended hereby, the Agreement is hereby ratified and   confirmed and shall continue in full force and effect. Section 5. This   Amendment may be executed manually or by facsimile by the parties hereto in   any number of counterparts each of which shall be deemed an original and all   of which together shall constitute one and the same document. IN WITNESS   WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment on the day and year first   above written. BORROWER: First Western Financial, Inc. By: /s/ Warren Joseph   Oisen Warren Joseph Olsen, Vice Chairman & CIO By: /s/ Scott Wylle Scott   Wylle, Chairman & CEO LENDER: M&I MARSHALL & ILSLEY BANK By: /s/   Lori A. Kellen Lori A. Kellen, Vice President By: /s/ David R. Ball Its:   David R. Ball, SVP [ILLEGIBLE] 

    

 

SCHEDULE I TO   THE BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Principal Loan Date Maturity Loan No Call / Coll Account   Officer Initials $10,000,000.00 10-31-2010 10-31-2013 37957909-10000 00006195777   24740 LAK References in the boxes above are for Lender’s use only and do not   limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item. Any   item above containing “***” has been omitted due to text length limitations. Borrower:   First Western Financial, Inc. Lender: M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank 1200   17th St Suite 2650 Correspondent Banking Denver, CO 80202-5852 770 N. Water   Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 In accordance with that certain Business Loan   Agreement dated October 31, 2009 (the “Agreement”) made and executed between   First Western Financial, Inc. (“Borrower”) and M&I Marshall & Ilsley   Bank (“Lender”), the parties hereby acknowledge and agree that the following   loans, obligations, and forms of indebtedness are subject to and shall be   administered in accordance with the terms of the Agreement: Revolving Line of   Credit; $4,000,000.00; October 31, 2010; Note #10001 Having read all of the   provisions of this Schedule, Borrower hereby acknowledges the accuracy of   this Schedule and agrees that the aforementioned loans, obligations, and   forms of indebtedness shall be subject to the terms of the Agreement. Borrower   also acknowledges that this Schedule does not necessarily provide an   exhaustive list of all obligations subject to the Agreement, and that this   Schedule in no way limits the general applicability of the Agreement. THIS   SCHEDULE I TO THE BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT IS EXECUTED ON OCTOBER 31, 2010.   BORROWER: First Western Financial, Inc. By: /s/ Warren Joseph Olsen Warren Joseph   Olsen, Vice Chairman & CIO By: /s/ Scott Wylie Scott Wylie, Chairman   & CEO LENDER: M&I MARSHALL & ILSLEY BANK By: /s/ Lori A. Keller   Lori A. Keller, Vice President By: /s/ David R. Ball Its: David R. Ball, SVP   . [ILLEGIBLE] 

    

 

THIRD AMENDMENT   TO BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Principal Loan Date Maturity Loan No Call / Coll Account   Officer Initials $4,000,000.00 10-31-2011 10-31-2012 37957909-10001 00006195777   24740 LAK References in the boxes above are for Lender’s use only and do not   limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item. Any   item above containing “***” has been omitted due to text length limitations. Borrower:   First Western Financial, Inc. Lender: BMO Harris Bank N.A. 1200 17th St Suite   2650 Correspondent Banking Denver, CO 80202-5852 770 N Water St Milwaukee, WI   53202 THIS THIRD AMENDMENT is made and entered into as of October 31, 2011 by   and between First Western Financial, Inc. (“Borrower”) and BMO Harris Bank   N.A., as successor by merger to M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank   (“Lender”). WHEREAS, Lender and Borrower are parties to that certain Business   Loon Agreement dated October 31, 2009 and subsequently amended, (the   “Agreement”); WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that no alteration of or   amendment to the Agreement shall be effective unless given in writing and   signed by the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the   alteration or amendment; and WHEREAS, the parties to the Agreement now each   desire and deem it advisable to amend the Agreement on the terms provided   below. NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the   following covenants and agreements, the parties hereby agree as follows: Section   1. All defined or capitalized terms used in this Amendment shall have the   meanings given such terms in the Agreement, unless said terms are defined   herein or unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary. Section 2. (i)   AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS, Subsection Financial Covenants and Ratios, Subsection   ROA is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: ROA.   First Western Trust Bank - CO shall maintain at all times an ROA of greater   than 0.30%, tested quarterly, “ROA” means annualized net income divided by   average total assets. (ii) AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS, Subsection Financial   Covenants and Ratios, Subsection Non-performing Loans to Total Loans is   hereby deleted In its entirety and replaced with the following: Non-performing   Loans to Total Loans. Bank shall maintain at all times a ratio of   Non-performing Loans to Total Loans, which is less than 5.00%, tested   quarterly. “Non-performing Loans” means loans outstanding which are not   accruing interest, have been classified as renegotiated pursuant to   guidelines established by the Federal Financial Examination Institution   Council or are 90 days or more past due in the payment of principal or   interest. “Total Loans” means the sum of loans and direct lease financings,   net of unearned income of Bank. (iii) NEGATIVE COVENANTS, Subsection   Additional Financial Restrictions, Subsection Advances is hereby deleted in   its entirety and replaced with the following: Advances. Any line draws under   the Revolving Line of Credit for the purpose of a capital injection into   First Western Trust Bank - CO, or for the purpose of an acquisition require   pre-approval from Lender. Section 3. On and after the effectiveness of this   Amendment, each reference in the Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereunder,”   “hereof” or words of like import referring to the Agreement, shall mean the   Agreement as amended by this Amendment. Section 4. Except as expressly   amended hereby, the Agreement is hereby ratified and confirmed and shall   continue in full force and effect. Section 5. This Amendment may be executed   manually or by facsimile by the parties hereto in any number of counterparts   each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall   constitute one and the same document. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have   executed this Amendment on the day and year first above written. BORROWER:   First Western Financial, Inc. By: /s/ Ryan Trigg Ryan Trigg, CFO By: /s/   Scott Wylie Scott Wylie, Chairman & CEO LENDER: BMO HARRIS BANK N.A. By:   /s/ Lori A. Keller Lori A. Keller, Vice President By: /s/ David R. Ball Its:   David R. Ball S.V.P 

    

 

 

FOURTH AMENDMENT TO BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT TO BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT is made as of October 31, 2012, by and between FIRST WESTERN FINANCIAL, INC., a Colorado corporation (the “Borrower”), and BMO HARRIS BANK N.A., successor-by-merger to M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank, a national banking association (“Bank”).

 

In consideration of the mutual covenants, conditions and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, it is hereby agreed that:

 

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

 

When used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings specified:

 

1.1          “Amendment” shall mean this Fourth Amendment to Business Loan Agreement.

 

1.2          “Credit Agreement” shall mean the Business Loan Agreement dated as of October 31, 2009, as amended, by and between the Borrower and Bank.

 

1.3          Other Capitalized Terms. All capitalized, terms used in this Amendment and not specifically defined herein shall have the definitions assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

 

ARTICLE II

AMENDMENTS

 

2.1          Amendments. The Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

 

(a)           Affirmative Covenants, Subsection Financial Covenants and Ratios, Subsection ROA is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

ROA. First Western Trust Bank shall (a) not allow a net loss for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2012 in excess of $100,000; and (b) maintain at all times an ROA of greater than or equal to (i) 0.20%, for each of the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013; and (ii) 0.25%, for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2013 and each fiscal quarter thereafter. ROA means annualized net income divided by average total assets.

 

(b)           Affirmative Covenants, Subsection Financial Covenants and Ratios, Subsection Non-performing Loans to Total Loans is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

 

Non-performing Loans to Total Loans. Bank shall maintain at all times a ratio of Non-performing Loans to Total Loans, which is less than or equal to (a) 5.8%, for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2012; (b) 5.5%, for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013; (c) 4.5%, for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2013; and (d) 4.0%, for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2013 and each fiscal quarter thereafter. “Non-performing Loans” means loans outstanding which are not accruing interest, have been classified as renegotiated pursuant to guidelines established by the Federal Financial Examination Institution Council or are 90 days or more past due in the payment of principal or interest. “Total Loans” means the sum of loans and direct lease financings, net of unearned income of Bank.

 

(c)           Affirmative Covenants, Subsection Financial Covenants and Ratios, Subsection Additional Requirements is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

Additional Requirements. Borrower shall maintain a minimum of $750,000 in cash or marketable securities at all times when a balance exists under the Note.

 

(d)           Negative Covenants, Subsection Adverse Regulatory Action is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:

 

Adverse Regulatory Action. Borrower and/or Banks shall not become subject to any public regulatory action, including without limitation a consent order or written agreement.

 

(e)           Negative Covenants, Subsection Continuity of Operations is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

Continuity of Operations. (1) Engage in any business activities substantially different than those in which Borrower is presently engaged, (2) cease operations, liquidate, merge, transfer, acquire or consolidate with any other entity, change its name, dissolve or transfer or sell Collateral out of the ordinary course of business, (3) pay any dividends on Borrower’s common stock (other than dividends payable in stock), (4) pay any dividends on Borrower’s preferred stock, if any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the payment of such dividends, (5) purchase or retire any of Borrower’s outstanding shares, except Borrower shall be allowed to purchase or retire Borrower’s outstanding shares pursuant to the contractual obligations described on Exhibit A, (6) alter or amend Borrower’s capital structure or (7) sell or

 

2

 

consent to the sale of the operations or any portion of the operations of Borrower or First Western Trust Bank in Denver.

 

2.2          Exhibit A. Exhibit A to this Amendment is hereby added to the Credit Agreement as Exhibit A thereto.

 

2.3          Miscellaneous Amendments. The Credit Agreement, the Related Documents and all other agreements and instruments executed and delivered heretofore or hereafter pursuant to the Credit Agreement are amended hereby so that any reference therein to the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to be a reference to such agreements and instruments as amended by or pursuant to this Amendment.

 

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER

 

The Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Bank that:

 

3.1          Credit Agreement. All of the representations and warranties made by the Borrower in the Credit Agreement are true and correct on the date of this Amendment. No Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement has occurred and is continuing as of the date of this Amendment (after giving effect to the limited waiver contained in Section 4.10 hereof).

 

3.2          Authorization; Enforceability. The making, execution and delivery of this Amendment and performance of and compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary organizational action by the Borrower. This Amendment is the valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms.

 

3.3          Absence of Conflicting Obligations. The making, execution and delivery of this Amendment and performance of and compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement, as amended, do not violate any presently existing provision of law or the articles of organization or operating agreement of the Borrower or any agreement to which the Borrower is a party or by which it or any of its assets is bound.

 

ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

 

4.1          Continuance of Credit Agreement. Except as specifically amended by this Amendment, the Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

3

 

4.2          Survival. All agreements, representations and warranties made in this Amendment or in any documents delivered pursuant to this Amendment shall survive the execution of this Amendment and the delivery of any such document.

 

4.3          Governing Law. This Amendment shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Wisconsin applicable to agreements made and wholly performed within such state.

 

4.4          Counterparts; Headings. This Amendment may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same agreement. Article and section headings in this Amendment are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part hereof.

 

4.5          Severability. Any provision of this Amendment which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Amendment in such jurisdiction or affecting the validity or enforceability of any provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

4.6          Conditions. The effectiveness of this Amendment is subject to Bank having received on or before the date hereof such documents as the Bank shall request, in form and substance satisfactory to Bank and its counsel.

 

4.7          Course of Dealing. The Borrower acknowledges that neither previous waivers, extensions and amendments granted to the Borrower by the Bank nor the amendments granted herein create any course of dealing or expectation with respect to any further waivers, extensions or amendments and further acknowledges that the Bank have no obligation whatsoever to grant any additional waivers, extensions, amendments or forbearance.

 

4.8          No Defenses. The Borrower acknowledges it has no defenses, rights of setoff or rights of recoupment to the enforceability or payment of any of its obligations under the Credit Agreement as amended hereby.

 

4.9          Expenses and Attorneys’ Fees. The Borrower shall pay reasonable fees and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by Bank in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment.

 

4.10        Waivers.

 

(a)           The Bank hereby waives the defaults caused by the failure of the Borrower to comply with (a) Affirmative Covenants, Subsection Financial Covenants and Ratios, Subsection ROA of the Credit Agreement with respect to the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2012, September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2012; (b) Affirmative Covenants, Subsection Financial Covenants and Ratios, Subsection Non-performing Loans to Total Loans of the

 

4

 

Credit Agreement with respect to the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2012, September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2012; and (c) Affirmative Covenants, Subsection Financial Covenants and Ratios, Subsection Well-Capitalized of the Credit Agreement with respect to the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2012. This limited waiver shall be effective only for the specific purpose set forth in this Section and shall not be deemed to be a further or continuing waiver of any other Section of the Credit Agreement.

 

(b)           The Bank hereby waives compliance by the Borrower with clause (1) of Negative Covenants, Subsection Indebtedness and Liens and clause (3) of Negative Covenants, Subsection Continuity of Operations of the Credit Agreement, solely with respect to (i) the issuance by the Borrower of $7,625,000 of subordinated indebtedness, (ii) the issuance by the Borrower of $7,300,000 of Series D preferred stock, in each case consummated before September 30, 2012, and (iii) quarterly dividend payments on preferred stock in 2012 and 2013. This limited waiver shall be effective only for the specific purpose set forth in this Section and shall not be deemed to be a further or continuing waiver of any other Section of the Credit Agreement.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

5

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Fourth Amendment to Business Loan Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

 

	
 
    	
BORROWER:
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
FIRST WESTERN FINANCIAL, INC.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Scott Wylie
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Scott Wylie
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
CEO
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Julie Courkamp
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Julie Courkamp
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
SFO
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
BANK:
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
BMO HARRIS BANK N.A.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
[ILLEGIBLE]
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
[ILLEGIBLE]
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
VP
    
				

 

6

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Stock-based Compensation

 

Any issuances or repurchases made in connection with the Borrower’s administration of its employee benefit plan in the ordinary course of business, consistent with the Borrower’s practice.

 

Ryder Stilwell and Financial Management Advisors

 

In 2008, the Borrower acquired the assets of Financial Management Advisors, LLC (“FMA”) and Ryder Stilwell (“RSI”.) Additional consideration was payable to FMA, based upon the meeting or exceeding certain predetermined qualifying revenue targets. A portion of the target was met as of December 31, 2012, and the earn-out payment was valued at $354,000. A portion of the 2012 earn-out was satisfied during the year ended December 31, 2012 with the issuance of 8,500 shares of the Borrower’s common stock. The remainder of the 2012 earn-out will be satisfied subsequent to December 31, 2012 with the issuance of 6,826 shares of the Borrower’s common stock.

 

Pursuant to the purchase agreement with RSI, its key shareholder (the “RSI Principal”) has the right, at any time on or after October 31, 2011, until October 31, 2013, to require the Borrower to purchase up to 10,000 shares of the Borrower’s common stock held by the RSI Principal at $35.00 per share. Additionally, the RSI Principal has the right, at any time on or after October 31, 2013, to require the Borrower to purchase up to an additional 10,000 shares of the Borrower’s common stock held by the RSI Principal at $35.00 per share.

 

Sterling Partners

 

As part of the 2005 acquisition of Silversmith Financial Corporation d/b/a Sterling Partners, Inc., the seller had the right for a period of 60 days following the fifth anniversary of the closing date to require the Borrower to purchase shares of FWF common stock owned by the seller at that time that were received in connection with the acquisition up to a maximum of $3,000,000 at the then fair market value. During 2010, the put agreement was extended and amended resulting in the Borrower purchasing 50,000 of FWF shares at $25.00 per share and allowing for the repurchase of additional shares that, when combined with the shares repurchased in 2010, would, if exercised, result in an aggregate repurchase of no more than $3,000,000 from April 1, 2011 through December 31, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the seller exercised their rights and the Borrower acquired an additional 50,000 shares of its common stock for $1,250,000 from the seller, leaving $500,000 of rights remaining.

 

7

 

FIFTH AMENDMENT TO BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

THIS FIFTH AMENDMENT TO BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT is made as of October 27, 2014 but effective as of July 31, 2014, by and between FIRST WESTERN FINANCIAL, INC., a Colorado corporation (the “Borrower”), and BMO HARRIS BANK N.A., as successor-by-merger to M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank, a national banking association (“Bank”).

 

In consideration of the mutual covenants, conditions and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, it is hereby agreed that:

 

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

 

When used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings specified:

 

1.1                               “Amendment” shall mean this Fifth Amendment to Business Loan Agreement.

 

1.2                               “Credit Agreement” shall mean the Business Loan Agreement dated as of October 31, 2009, as amended, by and between the Borrower and Bank.

 

1.3                               Other Capitalized Terms. All capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not specifically defined herein shall have the definitions assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

 

ARTICLE II

AMENDMENTS

 

2.1                               Amendments. The Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

 

(a)                                 Affirmative Covenants, Subsection Financial Covenants and Ratios, Subsection ROA is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

“ROA. First Western Trust Bank shall maintain at all times an ROA of greater than or equal to 0.25%, for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2014 and each fiscal quarter thereafter. ROA means net income divided by average total assets, each calculated on a rolling four quarter basis.”

 

(b)                                 Affirmative Covenants, Subsection Financial Covenants and Ratios, Subsection Additional Requirements is hereby amended and restated by removing the requirement that the Borrower must maintain a minimum of $750,000 in cash or marketable securities at all times when a balance exists under the revolving Promissory Note.

 

2.2                               Miscellaneous Amendments. The Credit Agreement, the Related Documents and all other agreements and instruments executed and delivered heretofore or hereafter pursuant to the Credit Agreement are amended hereby so that any reference therein to the Credit Agreement shall

 

 

be deemed to be a reference to such agreements and instruments as amended by or pursuant to this Amendment.

 

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER

 

The Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Bank that:

 

3.1                               Credit Agreement. All of the representations and warranties made by the Borrower in the Credit Agreement are true and correct on the date of this Amendment. No Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement has occurred and is continuing as of the date of this Amendment.

 

3.2                               Authorization; Enforceability. The making, execution and delivery of this Amendment and performance of and compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary organizational action by the Borrower. This Amendment is the valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms.

 

3.3                               Absence of Conflicting Obligations. The making, execution and delivery of this Amendment and performance of and compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement, as amended, do not violate any presently existing provision of law or the articles of organization or operating agreement of the Borrower or any agreement to which the Borrower is a party or by which it or any of its assets is bound.

 

ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

 

4.1                               Continuance of Credit Agreement. Except as specifically amended by this Amendment, the Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

4.2                               Survival. All agreements, representations and warranties made in this Amendment or in any documents delivered pursuant to this Amendment shall survive the execution of this Amendment and the delivery of any such document.

 

4.3                               Governing Law. This Amendment shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Wisconsin applicable to agreements made and wholly performed within such state.

 

4.4                               Counterparts; Headings. This Amendment may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same agreement. Article and section headings in this Amendment are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part hereof.

 

2

 

4.5                               Severability. Any provision of this Amendment which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Amendment in such jurisdiction or affecting the validity or enforceability of any provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

4.6                               Conditions. The effectiveness of this Amendment is subject to the Bank having received on or before the date hereof, each of the following, in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank and its counsel:

 

(a)                                 a certificate of an officer of the Borrower and dated the date hereof certifying the adoption and continuing effect of resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Borrower authorizing the execution and delivery of this Amendment and the documents to be executed and delivered in connection with this Amendment;

 

(b)                                 the executed Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note and the Amended and Restated Promissory Note;

 

(c)                                  payment of a $5,000 extension fee, which fee shall be fully earned on the date hereof; and

 

(d)                                 such additional supporting documents and materials as the Bank may reasonably request.

 

4.7                               Course of Dealing. The Borrower acknowledges that neither previous waivers, extensions and amendments granted to the Borrower by the Bank nor the amendments granted herein create any course of dealing or expectation with respect to any further waivers, extensions or amendments and further acknowledges that the Bank have no obligation whatsoever to grant any additional waivers, extensions, amendments or forbearance.

 

4.8                               No Defenses. The Borrower acknowledges it has no defenses, rights of setoff or rights of recoupment to the enforceability or payment of any of its obligations under the Credit Agreement as amended hereby.

 

4.9                               Expenses and Attorneys’ Fees. The Borrower shall pay reasonable fees and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by Bank in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment.

 

4.10                        Consent. The Bank hereby (a) consents to the merger of Sunflower Financial with First Western Financial, Inc., pursuant to which Sunflower Financial will be the surviving entity, and the meger of First Western Trust Bank with Sunflower Bank, pursuant to which Sunflower Bank will be the surviving entity, and (b) waives any Event of Default under the Credit Agreement and Related Documents that would result from such mergers; provided, that, Sunflower Financial

 

3

 

shall execute a deliver, on a form satisfactory to the Bank, an assignment and assumption agreement of the Credit Agreement and the Related Documents, which agreement shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

4

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the day and year first written above.

 

	
 
    	
BORROWER:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
FIRST WESTERN FINANCIAL, INC.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Scott C. Wylie
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Scott C. Wylie
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Chief Executive   Officer
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
BANK:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
BMO HARRIS BANK N.A.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ David R. Seiler
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
David R. Seiler
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
MANAGING DIRECTOR
    

 

5

 

SIXTH AMENDMENT TO BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

THIS SIXTH AMENDMENT TO BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT is made as of March 31, 2015, by and between FIRST WESTERN FINANCIAL, INC., a Colorado corporation (the “Borrower”), and BMO HARRIS BANK N.A., as successor-by-merger to M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank, a national banking association (“Bank”).

 

In consideration of the mutual covenants, conditions and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, it is hereby agreed that:

 

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

 

When used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings specified:

 

1.1                               “Amendment” shall mean this Sixth Amendment to Business Loan Agreement.

 

1.2                               “Credit Agreement” shall mean the Business Loan Agreement dated as of October 31, 2009, as amended, by and between the Borrower and Bank.

 

1.3                               Other Capitalized Terms. All capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not specifically defined herein shall have the definitions assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

 

ARTICLE II

AMENDMENTS

 

2.1                               Amendments. The Affirmative Covenants, Subsection Financial Covenants and Ratios, Subsection ROA of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

“ROA. First Western Trust Bank shall maintain at all times an ROA of greater than or equal to 0.10%, for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2015 and each fiscal quarter thereafter. ROA means net income divided by average total assets, each calculated on a rolling four quarter basis.”

 

2.2                               Miscellaneous Amendments. The Credit Agreement, the Related Documents and all other agreements and instruments executed and delivered heretofore or hereafter pursuant to the Credit Agreement are amended hereby so that any reference therein to the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to be a reference to such agreements and instruments as amended by or pursuant to this Amendment.

 

 

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER

 

The Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Bank that:

 

3.1                               Credit Agreement. All of the representations and warranties made by the Borrower in the Credit Agreement are true and correct on the date of this Amendment. Except of the Event of Default waived pursuant to Section 4.10 hereof, no Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement has occurred and is continuing as of the date of this Amendment.

 

3.2                               Authorization; Enforceability. The making, execution and delivery of this Amendment and performance of and compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary organizational action by the Borrower. This Amendment is the valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms.

 

3.3                               Absence of Conflicting Obligations. The making, execution and delivery of this Amendment and performance of and compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement, as amended, do not violate any presently existing provision of law or the articles of organization or operating agreement of the Borrower or any agreement to which the Borrower is a party or by which it or any of its assets is bound.

 

ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

 

4.1                               Continuance of Credit Agreement. Except as specifically amended by this Amendment, the Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

4.2                               Survival. All agreements, representations and warranties made in this Amendment or in any documents delivered pursuant to this Amendment shall survive the execution of this Amendment and the delivery of any such document.

 

4.3                               Governing Law. This Amendment shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Wisconsin applicable to agreements made and wholly performed within such state.

 

4.4                               Counterparts; Headings. This Amendment may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same agreement. Article and section headings in this Amendment are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part hereof.

 

4.5                               Severability. Any provision of this Amendment which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such

 

2

 

prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Amendment in such jurisdiction or affecting the validity or enforceability of any provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

4.6                               Conditions. The effectiveness of this Amendment is subject to the Bank having received on or before the date hereof, each of the following, in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank and its counsel:

 

(a)                                 the executed Amendment No. 1 to Promissory Notes;

 

(b)                                 payment of a $5,000 extension fee for the Revolving Note, which fee shall be fully earned on the date hereof; and

 

(c)                                  such additional supporting documents and materials as the Bank may reasonably request.

 

4.7                               Course of Dealing. The Borrower acknowledges that neither previous waivers, extensions and amendments granted to the Borrower by the Bank nor the amendments granted herein create any course of dealing or expectation with respect to any further waivers, extensions or amendments and further acknowledges that the Bank have no obligation whatsoever to grant any additional waivers, extensions, amendments or forbearance.

 

4.8                               No Defenses. The Borrower acknowledges it has no defenses, rights of setoff or rights of recoupment to the enforceability or payment of any of its obligations under the Credit Agreement as amended hereby.

 

4.9                               Expenses and Attorneys’ Fees. The Borrower shall pay reasonable fees and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by Bank in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment.

 

4.10                        Waiver and Consent.

 

(a)                                 The Bank hereby waives the default caused by the failure of the Borrower to comply with (a) Affirmative Covenants, Subsection Financial Covenants and Ratios, Subsection ROA of the Credit Agreement with respect to the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2014. This limited waiver shall be effective only for the specific purpose set forth in this Section and shall not be deemed to be a further or continuing waiver of any other Section of the Credit Agreement.

 

(b)                                 Pursuant to Article 2.1(e)(5) of the Loan Agreement, the Bank must consent to any stock purchase by the Borrower of the Borrower’s stock. The Borrower has requested that the Bank consent to (a) the Borrower’s purchase of 12,000 shares of the Borrower’s stock from Mr. Warren J. Olsen on or before March 27, 2016, and (b) the Borrower’s purchase 52,000 shares of the Borrower’s stock from Mr. Scott Wylie on or before March 27, 2016, in the

 

3

 

aggregate purchase price not to exceed $1,600,000.00. The Bank hereby consents to such repurchases.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

4

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the day and year first written above.

 

	
 
    	
BORROWER:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
FIRST WESTERN FINANCIAL, INC.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Julie Courkamp
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Julie Courkamp
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
CFO
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
BANK:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
BMO HARRIS BANK N.A.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Lori Keller
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Lori Keller
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Vice President
    
				

 

5

 

SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

THIS SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT is made as of March 31, 2017, by and between FIRST WESTERN FINANCIAL, INC., a Colorado corporation (the “Borrower”), and BMO HARRIS BANK N.A., as successor-by-merger to M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank, a national banking association (“Bank”).

 

In consideration of the mutual covenants, conditions and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, it is hereby agreed that:

 

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

 

When used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings specified:

 

1.1                               “Amendment” shall mean this Seventh Amendment to Business Loan Agreement.

 

1.2                               “Credit Agreement” shall mean the Business Loan Agreement dated as of October 31, 2009, as amended, by and between the Borrower and Bank.

 

1.3                               Other Capitalized Terms.  All capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not specifically defined herein shall have the definitions assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

 

ARTICLE II 
  AMENDMENTS

 

2.1                               Amendments.  The Affirmative Covenants, Subsection Financial Covenants and Ratios, Subsection ROA of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

“ROA. First Western Trust Bank shall maintain at all times an ROA of greater than or equal to 0.20%, for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2017 and each fiscal quarter thereafter. ROA means net income divided by average total assets, each calculated on a rolling four quarter basis.”

 

2.2                               Amendments.  The Affirmative Covenants, Subsection Financial Covenants and Ratios, Subsection Non-performing Loans to Total Loans is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

“Non-performing Loans to Total Loans. Bank shall maintain at all times a ratio of Non-performing Loans to Total Loans, which is less than or equal to 2.0%, for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2017 and each fiscal quarter thereafter. “Non-performing Loans” means loans outstanding which are not accruing interest, have been classified as renegotiated pursuant to guidelines established by the Federal

 

 

Financial Examination Institution Council or are 90 days or more past due in the payment of principal or interest. “Total Loans” means the sum of loans and direct lease financings, net of unearned income of Bank.”

 

2.3                               Miscellaneous Amendments.  The Credit Agreement, the Related Documents and all other agreements and instruments executed and delivered heretofore or hereafter pursuant to the Credit Agreement are amended hereby so that any reference therein to the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to be a reference to such agreements and instruments as amended by or pursuant to this Amendment.

 

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER

 

The Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Bank that:

 

3.1                               Credit Agreement.  All of the representations and warranties made by the Borrower in the Credit Agreement are true and correct on the date of this Amendment. No Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement has occurred and is continuing as of the date of this Amendment.

 

3.2                               Authorization; Enforceability.  The making, execution and delivery of this Amendment and performance of and compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary organizational action by the Borrower. This Amendment is the valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms.

 

3.3                               Absence of Conflicting Obligations.  The making, execution and delivery of this Amendment and performance of and compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement, as amended, do not violate any presently existing provision of law or the articles of organization or operating agreement of the Borrower or any agreement to which the Borrower is a party or by which it or any of its assets is bound.

 

ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

 

4.1                               Continuance of Credit Agreement.  Except as specifically amended by this Amendment, the Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

4.2                               Survival.  All agreements, representations and warranties made in this Amendment or in any documents delivered pursuant to this Amendment shall survive the execution of this Amendment and the delivery of any such document.

 

2

 

4.3                               Governing Law.  This Amendment shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Wisconsin applicable to agreements made and wholly performed within such state.

 

4.4                               Counterparts; Headings.  This Amendment may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same agreement. Article and section headings in this Amendment are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part hereof.

 

4.5                               Severability.  Any provision of this Amendment which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Amendment in such jurisdiction or affecting the validity or enforceability of any provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

4.6                               Conditions. The effectiveness of this Amendment is subject to the Bank having received on or before the date hereof, each of the following, in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank and its counsel:

 

(a)                                 the executed Amendment No. 3 to Revolving Note and Amendment No. 2 to Term Note;

 

(b)                                 payment of a $5,000 extension fee for the Revolving Note, which fee shall be fully earned on the date hereof; and

 

(c)                                  such additional supporting documents and materials as the Bank may reasonably request.

 

4.7                               Course of Dealing. The Borrower acknowledges that neither previous waivers, extensions and amendments granted to the Borrower by the Bank nor the amendments granted herein create any course of dealing or expectation with respect to any further waivers, extensions or amendments and further acknowledges that the Bank have no obligation whatsoever to grant any additional waivers, extensions, amendments or forbearance.

 

4.8                               No Defenses. The Borrower acknowledges it has no defenses, rights of setoff or rights of recoupment to the enforceability or payment of any of its obligations under the Credit Agreement as amended hereby.

 

4.9                               Expenses and Attorneys’ Fees. The Borrower shall pay reasonable fees and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by Bank in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment.

 

[signature page to follow]

 

3

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the day and year first written above.

 

	
 
    	
BORROWER:
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
FIRST WESTERN   FINANCIAL, INC.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Julie Courkamp
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Julie Courkamp
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Chief Financial Officer
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
BANK:
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
BMO HARRIS BANK N.A.
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Lori Keller
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Lori Keller
    
	
 
    	
Title.
    	
Vice President
    

 

4

 

EIGHTH AMENDMENT TO BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

 

THIS EIGHTH AMENDMENT TO BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT is made as of September 6, 2017, by and between FIRST WESTERN FINANCIAL, INC., a Colorado corporation (the “Borrower”), and BMO HARRIS BANK N.A., as successor-by-merger to M&I Marshall and Ilsley Bank, a national banking association (“Bank”).

 

In consideration of the mutual covenants, conditions and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, it is hereby agreed that:

 

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

 

When used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings specified:

 

1.1          “Amendment” shall mean this Eighth Amendment to Business Loan Agreement.

 

1.2          “Credit Agreement” shall mean the Business Loan Agreement dated as of October 31, 2009, as amended, by and between the Borrower and Bank.

 

1.3          Other Capitalized Terms. All capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not specifically defined herein shall have the definitions assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

 

ARTICLE II

AMENDMENTS

 

2.1          Amendments. The Affirmative Covenants, Subsection Financial Covenants and Ratios, Subsection ROA of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

“ROA. First Western Trust Bank shall maintain at all times an ROA of greater than or equal to 0.30%, for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017 and each fiscal quarter thereafter. ROA means net income divided by average total assets, each calculated on a rolling four quarter basis.”

 

2.2          Miscellaneous Amendments. The Credit Agreement, the Related Documents and all other agreements and instruments executed and delivered heretofore or hereafter pursuant to the Credit Agreement are amended hereby so that any reference therein to the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to be a reference to such agreements and instruments as amended by or pursuant to this Amendment.

 

 

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER

 

The Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Bank that:

 

3.1          Credit Agreement. All of the representations and warranties made by the Borrower in the Credit Agreement are true and correct on the date of this Amendment. No Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement has occurred and is continuing as of the date of this Amendment.

 

3.2          Authorization; Enforceability. The making, execution and delivery of this Amendment and performance of and compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary organizational action by the Borrower. This Amendment is the valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms.

 

3.3          Absence of Conflicting Obligations. The making, execution and delivery of this Amendment and performance of and compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement, as amended, do not violate any presently existing provision of law or the articles of organization or operating agreement of the Borrower or any agreement to which the Borrower is a party or by which it or any of its assets is bound.

 

ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

 

4.1          Continuance of Credit Agreement. Except as specifically amended by this Amendment, the Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

4.2          Survival. All agreements, representations and warranties made in this Amendment or in any documents delivered pursuant to this Amendment shall survive the execution of this Amendment and the delivery of any such document.

 

4.3          Governing Law. This Amendment shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of Wisconsin applicable to agreements made and wholly performed within such state.

 

4.4          Counterparts; Headings. This Amendment may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same agreement. Article and section headings in this Amendment are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part hereof.

 

4.5          Severability. Any provision of this Amendment which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such

 

2

 

prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Amendment in such jurisdiction or affecting the validity or enforceability of any provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

4.6          Conditions. The effectiveness of this Amendment is subject to the Bank having received on or before the date hereof, each of the following, in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank and its counsel:

 

(a)           the executed Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note;

 

(b)           payment of a $2,500 fee for the $1,000,000 increase in the revolving note, which fee shall be fully earned on the date hereof (since a $5,000 extension fee was paid for the renewal of the revolving note in March, 2017);

 

(c)           corporate resolutions of the Borrower authoring the Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note; and

 

(d)           such additional supporting documents and materials as the Bank may reasonably request.

 

4.7          Course of Dealing. The Borrower acknowledges that neither previous waivers, extensions and amendments granted to the Borrower by the Bank nor the amendments granted herein create any course of dealing or expectation with respect to any further waivers, extensions or amendments and further acknowledges that the Bank have no obligation whatsoever to grant any additional waivers, extensions, amendments or forbearance.

 

4.8          No Defenses. The Borrower acknowledges it has no defenses, rights of setoff or rights of recoupment to the enforceability or payment of any of its obligations under the Credit Agreement as amended hereby.

 

4.9          Expenses and Attorneys’ Fees. The Borrower shall pay reasonable fees and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by Bank in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment.

 

[signature page to follow]

 

3

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the day and year first written above.

 

	
 
    	
BORROWER:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
FIRST WESTERN FINANCIAL, INC.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Julie Courkamp
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Julie Courkamp
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
CFO
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
BANK:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
BMO HARRIS BANK N.A.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ David R. Ball
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
David R. Ball
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Managing Director
    

 

4

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