Consult Disrupt Fireside Chats Series

 For our 250th episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, Cary Jack, entrepreneur, author, and founder of The Happy Hustle, joins to share his journey from burning out as a tech entrepreneur to building a life and business grounded in balance, purpose, and fulfillment. We discuss his tech background, what led to burnout despite external success, the principles behind The Happy Hustle, the importance of balance across faith, family, fitness, fun, and fulfillment, and key lessons from the Happy Hustle Mastermind in Montana — a conversation that reminds us that true success is about living a life aligned with your values. 

 In this week’s Fireside Chat, Jesse sits down with Joe Andre, VP and General Manager of GreatAmerica Portfolio Services. With 37 years in equipment finance, Joe shares his journey from Lion Financial to U.S. Bank and eventually launching GreatAmerica’s third-party servicing group. He discusses the growth of GreatAmerica Portfolio Services, the value of outsourcing and backup servicing, industry trends in technology and data integration, and how GreatAmerica continues to deliver trusted solutions for hundreds of clients. 

In this week’s Fireside Chat, Alan Snelling, President of Financial Pacific Leasing, shares his 27-year journey in equipment finance—from GE Capital to Marlin and now leading Fin Pac. He talks about the company’s 50-year legacy, its culture of loyalty, and how it has evolved into vendor and middle-market business after the Umpqua Bank acquisition.
 

 In this Fireside Chat, Steve shares his journey from Alpha Financial Software to building Lenscape’s equipment finance practice, highlighting the challenges and strategies of global software delivery, balancing standardization with client-specific customization, and the growing impact of AI and intelligent automation in back-office systems. 

Brett shares insightful stories about international markets, growing within a captive finance environment, and how the equipment dealer landscape is evolving today.
 

Michael shares his perspective on supporting non-prime borrowers, building trust-based partnerships, and growing Maxim into a meaningful force in the market.  Whether you're in equipment finance, business leadership, or just love a good entrepreneurial journey—this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 

This conversation explores the unique legal and operational dynamics of the equipment finance industry from the perspective of in-house counsel.  Whether you're in operations, credit, or management, Aaron provides insight into how strong legal guidance helps drive better business outcomes in a fast-paced, regulated environment. 

This episode is packed with practical insights for sales professionals, content creators, and anyone striving to build meaningful, long-term business relationships. 

 As one of the earliest guests on the show, Don returns to share the latest on Regents' growth, market strategy, and the evolving role of leadership in a competitive equipment finance landscape.
 

Steve joins Jesse to discuss his journey in equipment finance, industry insights, and his approach to consulting and leadership in the evolving finance landscape. 

A candid conversation with Craig Al on career transitions, lessons from the finance and insurance industries, and finding balance beyond work. 

Chad shares his journey from starting in sales to building a successful brokerage, discussing industry insights, technology innovations, and the power of relationships in equipment finance.

Bob shares his 35-year journey in equipment finance and how Sterns Bank is seizing opportunities to grow nationally. 

Ed shares his journey from credit law to commercial equipment finance and explains how residual value insurance supports banks, lessors, and global leasing transactions as both an accounting tool and risk mitigator. 

Jesse chats with Dan about his 30+ years shaping the equipment finance industry, leading high-performing teams, navigating bank-owned vs. independent firms, and insights on portfolio growth, tax strategy, and industry cycles.

Liz shares her 15-year journey in equipment finance, highlighting mentorship, hands-on learning, and building strong client relationships while transitioning from industry roles to a service provider.

Hannah shares her eight-year journey in equipment finance — from starting as a financial analyst in Buffalo to leading corporate finance, structured finance, and accounting teams in Virginia. She discusses breaking into a niche industry, empowering women in finance, and building relationships that drive growth and innovation.

Steven shares his journey from finance to digital sales, how data-driven strategies are transforming equipment finance, and insights on building strong dealer relationships and navigating mergers in a growing industry.

In this fireside chat, Daniel discusses the Spark Flow acquisition, how it empowers companies to centralize and analyze data, the importance of customization in reporting, and strategies for staff augmentation—all while sharing insights from years of building technology solutions for the equipment finance industry.

In this fireside chat, Tim shares his journey from business banking to equipment finance, the inspiration behind starting Aspire Finance, and his vision for building a relationship-driven, transparent, and service-focused non-bank lending company.

Chad shares the journey of building a lean, client-focused software company from his father’s early programming legacy. He discusses how Turbo Lease empowers smaller leasing companies, the evolution of equipment finance software, and the importance of supporting clients even as they outgrow the system.

Mel shares her journey from banking to equipment finance, how she discovered the CLFP designation, and her passion for expanding access to industry education through innovative courses and scholarships.

Join Jesse and Howard as he shares lessons from 40 years in equipment finance—from GE Capital and Olympic dreams to building Crossroads into a billion-dollar company, emphasizing leadership, people, and navigating cyclical markets

Jesse sits down with Melissa to explore her journey from credit and collections to leading a tech-driven servicing company, and how Ratech supports startups and established firms with innovative, cost-effective equipment finance solutions. 

In this Fireside Chat, Kevin shares his journey in equipment finance, the growth of Beacon’s sales team, and how their technology-driven approach and industry-focused strategy set them apart in asset financing.

Ofer shares his journey from starting as a college intern to becoming the co-founder of Providence Capital. He talks about how he got into the equipment finance industry, the lessons he learned in sales, and the challenges and rewards of running his own company. Ofer also reflects on the importance of company culture, technology, and collaboration in building a successful business. 

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, Courtney 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 Corey 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.

Jesse reconnects with Dan to reflect on their conversation from a year ago and to explore how AI has moved from being a promising tool to a powerful force that is reshaping business strategies, operations, and innovation across industries.

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.

Marking 50 years in equipment finance, Ed shares his career journey, the lessons he’s learned through changing economic times, and why adaptability and strong client relationships remain the foundation of lasting success.

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, Ann Dahlgard 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 North Tech, Christian 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 Kress, 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 Del Cabel Castro, 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 Rubin 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 Jacqueline 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 Carroll, CEO of Susan Carroll 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 Christy Schone from Channel Partners. Cindy shares her 30+ year path in equipment finance, while Christy 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.