Episode #200 Fireside Chat with Peter Zeihan, Geopolitical Strategist

For the 200th episode of Fireside Chats, geopolitical strategist Peter Zeihan joins Jesse to discuss global economic shifts, demographic challenges, and insights on building resilient communities and industries in a rapidly changing world.

In this week’s Fireside Chat, David shares his journey from CPA to leading a national equipment finance business. He discusses mentorship, navigating finance and operations, building strong teams, and adapting to economic and industry changes. 

In this week’s Fireside Chat, Kit shares his unconventional path to equipment finance, insights on building strong client relationships, and the importance of persistence, follow-up, and industry networking.

In this Fireside Chat, Kortney shares her journey from starting small in a dorm room to becoming an expert in equipment finance. She discusses empowering entrepreneurs, supporting women in business, and the lessons she’s learned from decades in the industry.

Joe reflects on his 26-year career and leading a two-year-old equipment finance division built from scratch. He shares his unexpected entry into the industry, lessons from starting a new division, and the importance of resilience and investing in new talent to ensure the industry’s growth. 

In this week’s Fireside Chat, Katie shares her journey from IT to becoming a successful equipment finance broker. She discusses key career moments, the relationships that helped her grow, and adds personal anecdotes, including her love of bourbon, for an engaging and insightful conversation.

In this week’s Fireside Chat, Cole shares his journey from tax and accounting to operations, discusses the appeal of fractional work, and explains how networking and diverse experiences shaped his career in the industry.

Todd shares his journey from accounting and fleet management to leading strategic partnerships, offering insights on equipment finance, responsible lending, and navigating industry cycles.

In this week’s Fireside Chat, Guy reflects on his 20+ year journey in equipment finance—from starting in wealth management to building a boutique, high-volume finance firm. He shares lessons learned from economic challenges, the importance of face-to-face vendor relationships, leveraging technology efficiently, and diversifying both regionally and across equipment types to sustain long-term success.

Lisa shares insights on the growth of Monitor Suite, the power of data and executive insights, and how the upcoming Converge Conference offers a hands-on, interactive platform for equipment finance leaders to innovate, collaborate, and shape the future of the industry.

Ken shares his remarkable journey in equipment finance law — from a music-filled youth playing in bands (including with Dee Snider of Twisted Sister) to a 40+ year career protecting clients in the industry. In this fireside chat, he opens up about blending law with music, building community through associations, and organizing unforgettable events — including bringing Foreigner’s members to kick off the AACFB conference with a cancer benefit concert.

In this fireside chat, Jesse sits down with Cory as he shares his journey from startup beginnings and ski slopes to scaling fintechs and now leading Velocity with a fresh approach to small-ticket equipment financing. 

In this interview, Amy reflects on her two decades in equipment finance. She talks about her early career roots at Manifest, the founding and growth of AFP, and what it means to run a successful business from a small town. Amy also shares insights on building long-term relationships, adapting through change, and celebrating 20 years of leadership in the industry. 

In this Fireside Chat, Sarah shares her journey growing up in equipment finance, working across both funding companies and service providers, and eventually launching her own consulting firm. She discusses the lessons learned from years in operations, documentation, and vendor relations, and explains how KSK helps funding companies select the right platforms, improve processes, and bridge communication between sales and accounting. 

Amy shares her 30+ year journey in the industry—from leadership training at GE Capital to building municipal and vendor finance businesses at Key. She reflects on navigating career transitions, the value of industry associations, and the importance of community and connection in equipment finance.

Kip shares his journey from launching the company in 2001—just one day before 9/11—to building a resilient platform serving both prime and subprime markets nationwide. He discusses the evolution from brokering to holding paper, the firm’s deep Texas roots, a strong broker protection model, and the balance between local culture and a growing remote workforce.

Jesse sits down with Chad and Robert to discuss the state of the National Equipment Finance Association. They recap 2023’s strong growth, member engagement, and retention, then look ahead to NEFA’s strategic plan—highlighting goals around education, community, regional events, and resources to support brokers, funders, and service providers across the industry.

Jesse welcomes back Jeff to talk about the company’s evolution since his last appearance on Fireside Chat. Jeff shares insights on the launch of Leasepath Enterprise, how the market is responding to an end-to-end platform approach, and why staying focused on culture, talent, and customer partnerships has fueled Leasepath’s 4x growth across four countries in just four years.

 In this episode of Fireside Chat with Jesse, Jesse is joined by Alexa Carnibella and Lisa Ramirez of the Equipment Finance Association to recap a strong 2023 and share what’s ahead for 2024. They highlight record event attendance, new conference locations, and continued industry engagement. The conversation also previews expanded education initiatives, including enhanced Career Pathways and a new virtual learning toolkit for members. Overall, it reflects EFA’s momentum and commitment to professional growth in equipment finance. 

Noah shares his journey from Fintech to Equipment Finance, discusses Solifi’s growth into a global technology provider for secured finance, and highlights the tight-knit industry culture, emerging trends, and opportunities amid economic uncertainty. 

Jim shares his journey from the equipment auction industry to leading equipment finance initiatives, exploring market trends, the power of data, and how technology is reshaping the auction and finance world.

Nancy reflects on her first year as President of Eastern Funding, sharing her journey of stepping into a leadership role, navigating a company acquisition, and implementing hybrid work strategies. She discusses the challenges of managing change, fostering team collaboration, and embracing her responsibilities as the decision-maker while maintaining a transformational leadership style.

Mark shares his 25+ year journey in equipment finance—from cold-calling at small firms, leading vendor captive programs, to overseeing healthcare and infrastructure finance at Leaf Commercial Capital—offering insights on leadership, capital markets, and navigating industry challenges.

This week’s Fireside Chat features Mike who shares his 35+ years in equipment finance—from bank credit training to GE Capital, Textron, and launching his own publishing ventures, plus his insights on mentoring, prospecting, and delivering industry news.

Quentin discusses his long career in equipment finance, the value of outsourced servicing, leveraging technology for transparency and efficiency, and how Orion helps clients improve borrower experience and portfolio performance.

 In Episode 151 of Fireside Chat with Jesse, Brian Madison, North American Group Head for Acquis, shares insights from his 35+ years in equipment finance. He discusses Acquis’ expansion into the U.S. market and how lease insurance solutions can help lenders manage risk and improve margins. The conversation also explores industry trends, innovation, and opportunities ahead in a changing economic landscape. 

In this episode, Jesse sits down with Murray to explore his decades-long career in equipment finance — from his early days at National Leasing to his transition into consulting, and now helping build Sonoma Capital from the ground up. Murray shares candid insights on the pros and cons of consulting versus corporate leadership, the evolution of certification programs like CLFP in Canada, and how Sonoma is embracing hybrid work to attract and retain top talent across the country.

In this episode, Jesse talks with Cheryl about her journey from mortgage brokerage to launching her own equipment finance company. Cheryl shares how overcoming personal challenges shaped her career, why she pivoted from merchant cash advances to equipment financing, and how she became a trusted partner in the trucking industry. She also discusses the value of industry associations, her role in promoting diversity in finance, and how she’s leveraging AI tools to streamline operations and prepare her business for the future.

Jim Bates reflects on his 35-year journey in equipment finance—from starting at Caterpillar Financial to building Access Financial’s $100M portfolio—sharing lessons on credit, risk, and shaping the next generation of industry professionals. 

In this episode of the Fireside Chat, Jesse sits down with Craig to talk about his 23-year journey in equipment finance, the impact of Ascentium’s acquisition by Regions Bank, and how technology continues to drive speed and efficiency in the industry. Craig also shares his passion for mentoring the next generation through the Emerging Talent Advisory Council and his perspective on balancing leadership, family, and growth in a rapidly evolving market.

From renting high-end cameras and lenses to film productions across six continents, to navigating multiple currencies, cultural differences, and evolving technology, Anne Dalgaard gives an inside look at Dynamic Rentals and the unique challenges of global equipment finance. 

In this fireside chat, Jesse sits down with Jill to explore her 23-year journey in the industry, the value of learning from the ground up, and her perspective on leadership, networking, and supporting future talent in equipment finance.

In this fireside chat, Jesse sits down with Steve to talk about his journey from leasing and investment banking to leading technology initiatives, the importance of building strong relationships, and the evolving role of tech in shaping industries like finance, insurance, and beyond. 

In this week’s Fireside Chat, Jesse sits down with Matthew to discuss his journey into equipment finance litigation, the importance of speed and efficiency in legal practice, and how long-term relationships have shaped his unique approach to serving clients in the industry. 

In this week’s Fireside Chat, Jesse sits down with Andy to talk about his journey from the U.S. Mint and Treasury Department to ELFA, his experiences shaping financial policy, and the latest updates on Section 1071.”

Michael shares his 20-year journey in equipment finance, the growth of his company from a small team to a multi-state organization, and how culture and technology continue to shape their success. 

Ken reflects on nearly four decades in the equipment finance industry. From his early days at GE Capital and Siemens to founding CPR Finance 14 years ago, Ken shares lessons from economic downturns, industry mergers, and vendor partnerships—while highlighting why personal service and lasting client relationships remain his company’s greatest differentiator.

From building loan origination systems as a software engineer to founding Northteq, Kristian shares his journey in equipment finance and how his company is revolutionizing the industry with user-focused portals, automation, and the flexibility of an open Salesforce platform.

In this week’s fireside chat, Jesse sits down with Hilary to discuss the power of authentic conversations, emotional intelligence, and positive leadership. From guiding teams through people challenges to helping individuals uncover their own brilliance, Hilary shares insights on creating safe, connected, and high-performing environments where empathy, compassion, and self-awareness drive real impact.

From sales floors to the corner office, Spencer opens up about leading with a people-first approach, fostering a tight-knit culture, embracing technology for growth, and guiding the company through mergers and expansion in the equipment finance industry.

Farooq shares his 18-year journey in equipment finance and software. He discusses working with international markets, leading digital innovation, and transforming asset finance globally. Farooq also explores the challenges of implementing software across different countries and managing the human side of organizational change.

Join Jesse for this week’s fireside chat with Hollis as she shares her journey from starting in equipment finance in 2005 to building a coast-to-coast team, pioneering diversity and inclusion in the industry, leading with hands-on expertise, and navigating the challenges and growth of running her own company.

Jesse sits down with Andrew to discuss his 22-year journey in the industry, evolving client-focused strategies, leveraging technology without losing the personal touch, and building meaningful relationships across the equipment finance and collections sectors.

In this week’s Fireside Chat, Jesse sits down with Jen to talk about her 25+ year journey in equipment finance, her recent return to the industry, what drew her to Peak, and the powerful role culture and human connection play in leadership and career growth. The full conversation dives into hybrid work, mentorship, mental health, and why relationships in this tight-knit industry matter more than ever. 

In this episode of Fireside Chat, Jesse is joined by RJ for a wide-ranging and candid conversation on economic uncertainty, the future of equipment finance, the rise of fractional talent, the evolving role of technology, and how leaders must adapt to stay competitive. They also dive into personal stories, travel, and the challenges facing small businesses and homeowners in today’s market.

In this week’s Fireside Chat, Jesse is joined by Brittany who has been involved with the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) for nearly 20 years, specializing in commercial litigation and bankruptcy within equipment finance. She shares how her unexpected path into this niche field has shaped her career and the value of strong industry connections. 

Join Steve as he shares his 40-year journey in equipment finance, leadership insights, and how his team is navigating today’s challenges with innovation, strong culture, and a customer-first approach.

In this week’s fireside chat, Jesse is joined by Dan to discuss his journey building a global tech firm. From Coder to CEO, Dan reflects on his roots in software development, his continued hands-on approach, and how Leventus evolved with a strong focus on Microsoft technologies, cybersecurity, and automation. The conversation touches on cloud tradeoffs, CRM trends, and why a solid data foundation is key before diving into AI. 

In this Fireside Chat, Jesse sits down with Mike for an honest and entertaining conversation about his 13-year journey in equipment finance, the evolution of NCMIC’s business from insuring chiropractors to financing equipment, and the keys to building lasting relationships, staying resilient through disruption, and thriving in a competitive industry. 

In this episode of Fireside Chat, Jesse is joined by Lyndon to reflect on Lyndon’s 35-year journey through equipment finance, the evolution of Byline, leadership through acquisitions, and what lies ahead for the industry amid shifting rates and supply chain challenges. 

 In this week’s Fireside Chat, Jesse is joined by Doug Cohen, Senior Partner Manager at Vertex. Doug shares his 25-year journey with the company, how Vertex helps simplify complex sales tax in equipment and vehicle leasing, and why automation is critical in today’s ever-changing tax landscape. They also dive into industry trends, global expansion, and how sales processes are evolving. 

 This week on Fireside Chat, Jesse is joined by James Cress, VP & GM of Stryker Flex Financial. James shares his journey from commercial banking and NC4 to building Stryker’s captive finance arm, now nearly 100 employees strong across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. They discuss culture in a hybrid world, lessons learned from industry mentors, and how Stryker’s mission to make healthcare better drives everything Flex Financial does. 

 This week on Fireside Chat, Jesse sits down with Jim DeFrank, EVP & COO of Isuzu Finance of America. Jim reflects on his 40 years in equipment finance, from his early days at the Associates to building Isuzu’s captive finance company from the ground up. He also shares insights on navigating cycles from the 2008 downturn to today’s supply chain challenges, and how the industry continues to adapt. 

This week, Jesse welcomes Vince Belcastro, Group Head of Syndications at Element Fleet Management. Vince shares highlights from his career spanning banking, credit, restructuring, and equipment finance leadership, including his time at CIT and Citi. He also talks about Element’s global fleet business, industry trends like supply chain disruptions, and the importance of advocacy through ELFA and Monitor.

 This week, Jesse welcomes Robert who shares his journey from launching online marketplaces in the late ’90s to building Approve, a fintech that embeds equipment financing directly into the buyer’s journey. He discusses lessons from past startups, why he sees financing as a sales tool, and how embedded finance is reshaping vendor–customer relationships. 

 This week, Jesse welcomes Peter who reflects on a global career in auto finance with Daimler, his move from the customer side to the software side, and how NetSol is helping lenders modernize with its next-gen Ascent platform. He shares insights on digital transformation, the importance of user experience, and the evolving U.S. equipment finance market. 

 Jesse welcomes Donna who shares her unique path from 14 years at TV Guide to 25 years in equipment finance, building a billion-dollar portfolio, and “un-retiring” to help launch a new division. They discuss navigating market shifts, giving back through ELFA and the Foundation, championing women in leadership, and why servant leadership defines her management style. 

 Jesse sits down with Steve O’Leary, CEO & Co-Founder of Clarus Capital. Steve shares his journey from breaking into equipment finance during the 1990 recession to leading at Fleet, AT&T Capital, and NuStar before launching Clarus. He talks about building Clarus with an “all-star team,” why blending equipment finance and cash flow lending expertise gives them an edge, lessons from starting up during COVID, and how they’re scaling fast while staying focused on culture, talent, and client relationships. 

 In this week’s fireside chat, Jesse and Deb Reuben highlight the upcoming EF Equipment Finance Cares event, emphasizing how innovation is about empowering people and fostering creativity. They discuss panelists’ insights, the impact of EFC’s charitable efforts, and the importance of authenticity and connection in the industry. The conversation wraps with reflections on the fireside series, memorable guest moments, and plans to expand the content to a podcast. 

 Matt Green, Head of Equipment Finance at CIBC, discusses launching their U.S. equipment finance group, focusing on middle-market clients, leveraging outsourcing for efficiency, and building a strong team. He shares challenges of starting a new business during the pandemic, balancing multiple roles, and his entrepreneurial side projects outside finance. 

 In this week’s fireside chat, Jesse sits down with Mark Bonanno, President and CEO of North Mill Equipment Finance, to explore his career journey from finance to operations, the growth and diversification of North Mill, and the culture of transparency and empowerment that drives the company’s success. 

 In this week’s Fireside Chat, Jesse is joined by Jacklynn Manning, VP of Marketing at Amur, for a fun and insightful conversation about building a bold brand in equipment finance, leading with culture, and what it really takes to stand out — from correcting the pronunciation of “Amur” to launching a leopard mascot named Axel. They dive into marketing strategy, women in leadership, and how Amur kept its team connected (and entertained) through the pandemic.

  In this Fireside Chat, Mike Jones, President of Business Capital at CIT, discusses his career from early equipment finance roles to leading CIT’s tech-driven, diverse team. He reflects on pandemic-driven remote work changes, customer support efforts, and ongoing supply chain and equipment valuation challenges. 

   In this fireside chat, Susan Carol, CEO of Susan Carol Creative, shares how she began in equipment finance at ELFA before launching her virtual PR firm in 1989. She supports innovative clients in finance, tech, and healthcare with marketing and thought leadership. Embracing tools like social media and concise writing styles, Susan emphasizes adaptability and clear messaging. Her approach is centered on meeting client needs and staying ahead of industry trends. 

Jesse chats with Cindy Fleck and Christie Schone from Channel Partners. Cindy shares her 30+ year path in equipment finance, while Christie discusses rebranding and marketing transformation. They highlight Channel’s rapid growth, evolving products, and strong culture—even through the pandemic. 

In this Fireside Chat, Jesse speaks with Katie Crawford, Regional Sales Manager at Arvest Equipment Finance, about her career journey from banking to equipment finance, her passion for sales, and what it meant to be featured in Monitor’s Women in Equipment Finance issue. Katie shares insights on Arvest’s rapid growth, her leadership role, and the importance of relationship-building at industry events like ELFA. 

 This week, Jesse welcomes Ralph Petta, President and CEO of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA), to discuss his 34-year career with the organization, the mission of ELFA, and how the industry has adapted—especially through the pandemic’s shift to virtual events. Ralph shares insights on the collaborative and supportive culture within the equipment finance community, the importance of member education, and the ongoing innovation that keeps ELFA strong. 

  In this week’s Fireside Chat, Willis Kleinjan, CEO of Northland Capital, discussed his 35-year career and the company’s 25-year growth in equipment finance, focusing on agriculture and four verticals: food, fuel, waste, and recycling. He highlighted the firm’s faith-based culture, long employee tenures, and lessons from COVID-19, including remote work, technology use, and resilience in essential industries. 

 In this fireside chat, Scott Thacker shares his decades-long journey in equipment finance, the evolution of Ivory Consulting’s technology solutions, and his deep involvement with ELFA and the ELFA Foundation—highlighting leadership, industry collaboration, talent development, and the growing focus on equality, sustainability, and innovation in equipment finance. 

 In this fireside chat, Rick Remiker, Vice Chairman of The Alta Group, reflects on his 33+ year career in equipment finance, shares insights on industry trends like M&A, digitalization, and market expansion, and highlights the value of trade associations and networking in building relationships and strengthening the equipment finance community. 

  In this fireside chat, Ron Elwood, Vice President of Business Development at Navidus Credit Corp, shares his long-standing career in equipment finance, the evolution of Navidus from Republic Leasing to a nationally operating, bank-backed lender, insights on broker and third-party transactions, and strategies for recruiting and developing top talent through university programs and internal leadership initiatives. 

In this fireside chat, Jon Gerson, President and Executive Recruiter at Executive Solutions, shares insights on talent acquisition in equipment finance, the impact of the “Great Resignation,” remote and hybrid work trends, work-life balance, and strategies for attracting and developing emerging talent in an evolving, hourglass-shaped industry.

  In this fireside chat, Tom Prendergast, Director of Operations at NEC Financial Services, shares his 20+ years in equipment finance, how NEC supports customers across office technology and cinema, and how the company navigated the pandemic. He discusses adapting operations for remote work, supporting clients through unprecedented challenges, and leveraging technology to maintain service and customer relationships. 

 In this fireside chat, Jesse sits down with Bob Rinaldi, president of Rinaldi Advisory Services, to discuss his journey from growing leasing companies through major acquisitions to founding his own consulting firm. Bob shares insights on helping independent leasing companies thrive, building strong client relationships, and industry trends like securitization, new talent, and increased community bank participation. Along the way, he peppers the conversation with personal stories that highlight the human side of leadership in equipment finance.

 In this fireside chat, Jesse sits down with William Dalton and Adam Bednar, co-founders of On Your Six Capital, to discuss their journeys in equipment finance and how they came together to launch OY6. They share insights on serving the middle and lower middle market with mission-critical capital, navigating supply chain and hiring challenges, and leveraging their military-inspired approach to support clients in tough times. The conversation also highlights their commitment to mentorship, veteran engagement, and building a strong company culture. 

 Jeff Lezinski, SVP and Solution Architect at Odessa, shares his career journey from PwC consulting to joining Odessa in 2004, where he started on the help desk and grew into roles across implementation, product design, and global client engagement. He discusses how Odessa evolved from a browser-based servicing system to a full platform serving asset and auto finance companies worldwide. Jeff also highlights how the pandemic reshaped demos, travel, and implementation processes, requiring adaptability and new digital strategies. 

 Kelly Geiger, GM of Wallwork Financial, shares her 11+ year journey from public accounting to equipment finance, drawn by the company’s strong culture. She highlights Walworth’s diverse portfolio, national reach, and customer-focused relationships. Kelly also discusses recent challenges like COVID-19, supply chain disruptions, and rising used-equipment values in a competitive transportation finance market. 

 Paul Vecker, President of Macrolease, shared his journey from CPA to leading his own company and eventually Macrolease, a leader in fitness equipment leasing. He emphasized building trust, empowering employees, and leading with empathy, especially during crises like the pandemic. His approach balances strategic growth with a culture where people feel heard, valued, and inspired to follow. 

 Jena Morgan, VP of Operations at KLC Financial, brings 15 years of experience in banking and equipment finance, including roles in sales, operations, and entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility, mentorship, and redefining professionalism to retain young talent, sharing insights from her own journey balancing career growth and family life. Under her leadership, KLC thrives with a strong operational focus while fostering a culture that supports both employees and innovation. 

 In this Fireside Chat, Jesse and Lovern discuss Equipment Finance Cares, an initiative that highlights both thought leadership and philanthropic efforts within the equipment finance industry. They explain how the program began, its connection to Laverne’s work with the Love Life Now Foundation, and its focus on causes like domestic violence awareness. The conversation emphasizes the value of intimate events where industry professionals can openly share experiences, learn from one another, and spotlight meaningful causes. Ultimately, the initiative seeks to foster empathy, connection, and actionable change within the industry. 

 In this Fireside Chat, Jesse sits down with Linda Tiers, Vice President of Baystone Government Finance, to discuss her 30+ year career in municipal and nonprofit leasing, the family-owned culture at her bank, and her approach to creative, outside-the-box deal-making. They also explore women in leadership, breaking the glass ceiling in the leasing industry, and Linda’s personal journey through 2020–2021, highlighting resilience, support systems, and humor through challenging times. 

 In this fireside chat, Dave Fate, Founder and CEO of Stonebriar Commercial Finance, reflects on his decades-long career in equipment finance and the launch of his privately owned firm. He shares how Stonebriar built a diversified, high-performing portfolio across leasing platforms while maintaining disciplined risk management. Dave also discusses supply chain challenges, industry rankings, and his approach to developing generational talent within the organization. 

 In this fireside chat, Tina Stember, Director of Operations at instaCOVER, shares how she unexpectedly found her career in equipment finance and helped transform instaCOVER from a startup into a tech-driven insurance solution. She explains how the platform enables brokers and funders to quote and activate equipment insurance instantly—helping close deals faster and streamline servicing. Tina also reflects on the industry’s relationship-driven culture and how Instacover successfully adapted to remote work while continuing to support clients seamlessly. 

 In this fireside chat, Larry Scherzer, Global Head of Strategy & Payment Solutions at Cisco Capital, shares his path from credit and vendor finance to leading global payment innovation.

He discusses scaling programs at CIT and Dell Financial Services, and how Cisco is evolving beyond traditional payment terms to flexible, as-a-service models—while maintaining a strong culture focused on employee well-being.

  Nancy Pistorio, President of Madison Capital, shares her 35-year journey from answering a newspaper help-wanted ad to becoming owner and leader of the company she joined as an admin assistant.

She reflects on growing the firm through mergers, navigating COVID by restructuring client leases in real time, staying fully operational as an essential business, and the value of industry involvement through associations like the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation.

 Robert Cobleigh, President of PPAC Capital, shares how he built the firm from scratch—growing from zero to $750M+ in portfolio in four years. With a background at major banks and captives, he credits deep industry experience, strong partnerships, and an entrepreneurial team for cracking the Monitor 100 and scaling fast.  

 Jeffrey Bilbrey, CEO of Leasepath, shares how the company has scaled rapidly by delivering a modern, cloud-based finance origination system built on Microsoft Dynamics. He highlights the industry’s shift away from closed “monolithic” systems toward open, integration-friendly platforms—enabling flexibility, smoother upgrades, and faster innovation for equipment finance lenders. 

 In this fireside chat, Shawn Arnone, SVP at Key Equipment Finance, shares his journey from running an ice cream shop in college to building a long career with industry leaders like CIT and returning to Key. He discusses leading the commercial vendor business, the company’s strong, people-focused culture, and how COVID reshaped relationship-building—highlighting the importance of staying personally connected with clients beyond just the deal.

 In this fireside chat, Candace Reinhart, SVP of Operations & Syndications at CoreTech Leasing, shares her journey from starting in equipment finance as a teenager to leading operations and syndications. She highlights CoreTech’s middle-market focus—rooted in legal and technology finance—its solution-driven culture, and how the team successfully transitioned to remote work while maintaining strong collaboration, flexibility, and employee accountability.

 Hugh Swandel, President of Meridian OneCap, shares his path from National Leasing (now CWB National Leasing) to an 18-year consulting career before returning to an operating role. He highlights Meridian OneCap’s $1B+ small-ticket platform, its focus on construction and transportation, and how the company used COVID to strengthen operations while embracing a long-term hybrid work model.

  Shawn Smith, CEO & Founder of Dedicated Commercial Recovery, shares how he built a faith-based commercial collections firm focused on purpose, culture, and giving back. With 57 employees and cradle-to-grave servicing, Dedicated emphasizes respect-first collections, community impact (over 1M meals donated), and a people-first culture that has fueled strong growth and low turnover in a shrinking industry.

 Dan Krajewski, President of Sertant Capital, shares his 40+ year journey in equipment finance—from GE Capital and CIT to launching Certain Capital as employee number one. He discusses building a startup with experienced talent, staying disciplined in hiring through culture-fit assessments, focusing on large structured “story” credits, and adapting quickly during COVID while operating successfully in a remote-first model. 

 Kareem Jernigan, CFO of Leasing Associates Inc., shares his path from six years in public accounting at Grant Thornton to stepping into leadership at a 65+ year-old leasing company. Leasing Associates specializes in vehicle and fleet leasing, with 13 U.S. offices and long-tenured employees. Karim discusses transitioning into the CFO role during COVID, leading a major system modernization, and staying focused on a customer-first strategy to drive long-term growth.

 Eric Burnell, President of Arvest Equipment Finance, shares his 20-year banking background and leadership since 2012. The division has grown to a $500M+ portfolio, serving construction, transportation, and medical sectors—achieving record production and 13% growth during the pandemic through strong culture and remote readiness.

 Daryn Lecy, VP of Operations at Oakmont Capital, shares insights on the company’s growth, culture, and tech-driven operations.

He also discusses moving from banking to the independent space and the value of flexibility and relationships.

 Peter Howe, Aspire Product Manager at LTi Technology Solutions, shares his journey from application support and implementations to product leadership. With deep industry roots, he now focuses on aligning Aspire’s roadmap with customer strategy, staying ahead of economic and regulatory shifts, and balancing innovation with real-world client needs.