Consult Disrupt Fireside Chats Series

 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. 

In this Fireside Chat, Jesse is joined by Mike to discuss his 25-year journey in the industry, how Farm Credit Leasing supports rural America, the impact of the pandemic on agriculture and equipment finance, and the role of advocacy and leadership within the equipment finance community. 

In this Fireside Chat, Jesse is joined by Kathy for a wide-ranging conversation on her nearly 30-year career in equipment finance, the evolution of Canon’s business from copiers to cutting-edge imaging and satellite technology, and how leadership, adaptability, and foresight have shaped both her journey and the company’s success through disruption and change.

In this Fireside Chat, Jesse is joined by Daniel to discuss Equify’s growth strategy, the importance of servant leadership, national expansion plans, and how a strong culture and capital foundation are driving the company toward becoming a top 10 player in the industry.

In our first Foundation Friday, Jesse speaks with Peter and Tony who share how EPIC is transforming the lives of students with autism—focusing on community integration, communication, and employment—and how families like Tony’s have experienced life-changing progress through the school’s individualized approach.

This week, Jesse talks with Tom about his career in equipment finance and growing a global leasing company through acquisitions. They discuss managing international operations, the recent Marlin acquisition, and the shift from captive finance to independent leasing. Tom also shares insights on navigating inflation and current economic challenges.

In this Foundation Friday episode, Carol Trapani, Kevin Furman, and Jamie Haber from Beyond Blindness discuss the organization’s mission to provide early intervention and family support for children who are blind or visually impaired. They share personal stories and explain how donations help deliver comprehensive care, empowering both children and their families throughout their journey.

Jesse interviews Ryan about their Leespark software—a cloud platform for equipment and asset finance that offers end-to-end automation, CRM, and analytics. Ryan stresses employee retention, workflow automation, and Tao’s strong client success record with flexible, modular solutions. 

In this Foundation Friday episode, Steve and Lisa share the story behind MAGIC—Making A Great Investment in Children. Inspired by personal adoption experiences, the nonprofit focuses on four pillars: foster care, education, health, and advocacy. They highlight how the equipment finance industry can support the cause through work, wisdom, and wealth. 

In this week’s Fireside Chat, Jesse welcomes Jenna. With a decade of experience in equipment finance—from frontline sales to CEO—Jenna shares her journey, insights on flexibility in leadership, the importance of customer advocacy, and why she believes in the power of outsourcing to elevate operational performance. 

In the 100th episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, Sheriff Mark Lamb joins Jesse for a candid conversation that steps outside the world of equipment finance. From his surprising path from pest control entrepreneur to law enforcement leader, to the power of personal branding, servant leadership, and the challenges of modern recruitment—Sheriff Lamb shares his unique perspective on building trust, staying true to your values, and creating an identity that resonates far beyond a uniform. 

Join this week’s fireside chat with Lisa as they share their career journeys and experiences in the equipment finance industry. They discuss the importance of mentorship, networking at conferences, and how ELFA supports professional growth through education, volunteer opportunities, and new initiatives like the conference buddy program and career pathways. Discover how ELFA is evolving to help members at all stages build meaningful connections and advance their careers. 

In this week’s fireside chat, Jesse welcomes Jim to share insights from his impressive 40-year career in equipment finance. Jim takes us through his early days starting in collections, his experience growing truck financing businesses, and the challenges of launching Isuzu’s captive finance company in 2007 just before the financial crash. They also dive into how supply chain disruptions and the pandemic have impacted truck inventory, pricing, and customer financing, revealing what’s ahead for dealers and fleet operators in this evolving market. 

In this week’s chat, Vince shares his extensive equipment finance journey, insights on navigating industry challenges, and how Element has become North America’s leading full-service fleet management company — leveraging telematics and global reach to deliver innovative solutions. 

In our first Foundation Friday, Jesse speaks with Peter and Tony who share how EPIC is transforming the lives of students with autism—focusing on community integration, communication, and employment—and how families like Tony’s have experienced life-changing progress through the school’s individualized approach.