In Memoriam: Bob Teichman, CLFP, a Visionary and Industry Leader
January 14, 1934 - March 31, 2026

Robert Homans, co-founder of Aperio Associates, posted on LinkedIn:

"Robert Teichman - In Memoriam

Robert Teichman, co-founder of Aperio Associates, passed away March 31, at age 92. Bob was a giant in the financial leasing industry in the United States. He was (original author) of the Certified Leasing and Financial Professional (CLFP) Association (Handbook), and he served as President on several occasions. In 2008, Bob was elected by his peers as "Leasing Person of the Year."

Relatively late in life, Bob took his leasing knowledge overseas, becoming a major figure in the organization of the Certified Leasing Specialists Union (CLS-U) of Ukraine & Moldova, the first organization of leasing specialists outside of North America. Bob arranged for leasing professionals who passed a vigerous exam to receive a joint certification from both CLFP in the United States and CLS-U.

Bob was the Co-Author of the International Financial Corporation's Global Leasing Toolkit, a comprehensive guide to establishing and operating a leasing company. The Toolkit contains over 30 real-world case studies, including several from Bob's long career in financial leasing.

Bob, rest in peace."

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Teichman bio from 2017 - Leasing News Advisory Board Chairman

Bob was appointed by Kit Menkin as chairman May 8, 2005, primarily to recognize him as our number one good will ambassador. Kit has known him for over forty-five years since the early 1970's when he was President of Dividend Leasing, Santa Clara, California, and Bob was the champion salesman, just out of Crocker Bank Leasing. Later roles were reversed when Kit sold him deals at various funding companies he represented. He also tutored him to pass the Certified Leasing Professional test, but could never get Kit to run the HP calculator correctly.

Bob joined the Leasing News Advisory Board July 7, 2000. He was actually involved in the "perception" of the newsletter before this date, making many contributions before we went “online” as a website that also distributed a news edition.

He is the one readers call with the most complaints, or wanting the editor to print a press release or explain what was written. Perhaps he started to get the calls as at one time he wrote about all the leasing conferences for Leasing News, wrote many articles, "pal'd around" with Kit at conferences, where many learned he was a very close friend.

Many don't know Bob is quite a musician, a dancer, and choral singer.

Bob Teichman, CLFP, was born in New York City. After attending the High School of Music & Art and the New York College of Music, he received his undergraduate degree from Columbia College.

“I studied music for a lot of years. I even played piano professionally while in college“, he added. “I have kept up my interest in music by singing in a local chorus for the past 32 years. There are about 100 of us and we give concerts several times a year, mostly pre-20th century composers like Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven. But we do get away from the 18th and 19th centuries. At a recent concert we performed 15th and 20th century music.” He pursued his graduate studies in Geneva, Switzerland.

"In 1956, when I was a graduate student in Geneva, I met my wife Patricia," he wrote. "She was working at the UN and she and I were members of a group of expatriates- Americans, British, Russians, Swedes, mid-Easterners- who all hung around the same cafes.

"It was the late 1950's and Switzerland was affordable for students like me. The ski slopes were close and most of the rest of Europe was less than a day’s drive away.

"But sooner or later reality sets in. More than fifty years ago we married in New York and came to California; driving cross-country in a 1957 Bristol sedan my father had picked up on one of his many trips. The car had right-hand drive, so it was a real challenge maneuvering on the two-lane roads (yeah, they were paved; it was the middle of the 20th, not the 19th, century.) Still, it was an adventure when we had car trouble on a couple of occasions.

"Patty is an avid gardener and an excellent watercolorist. The two interests coincide in her botanical paintings. 

Bob on a walk outside his cabin in the backcountry

"We spend our vacations at a small and very primitive cabin in the California Sierra backcountry. Summers only; the roads aren't plowed in the winter. Nice country in summer, though. Pines, firs, granite outcrops, streams, meadows. Also coyotes, bears and deer. We don't bother them, they don't bother us. A bear did chew on my neighbor's cabin. Probably liked the taste of the wood stain.

"Thanks for your friendship over all these years. After having been in the leasing business for over 50 years, I really appreciate all the wonderful people I have met, and the lasting friendships I have formed. I still enjoy the business immensely. There is always something new around the corner."

Bob started in automotive leasing in 1963 in sales, then moved into equipment leasing in the late 1960's. For over 20 years he provided funding for leasing companies as an officer of both bank and non-bank lenders.

Along the way, he started several successful leasing companies. His company, Teichman Financial Training, located in Sausalito, California, was founded in 1998 and provides lease education and consulting services to lessors, funders, brokers, government and international agencies, and other members of the financial community.

He is active in leasing associations, having served on the Board of Directors of the United Association of Equipment Leasing (UAEL) for four years. For three years he was the Chairman of their Education Committee with responsibility for the Certification Program and Educational Programs. He was also a member of other committees including the Standards Committee.

Bob is a frequent speaker at leasing industry events, and has written articles for UAEL's Newsline and other industry publications. He is a co- author of the Certified Lease Professional's Handbook and a co-author of the World Bank’s Global Leasing Toolkit.

He served seven years on the Board of the Certified Lease and Finance Profession al Foundation including two years as President and one year as Chairman. He is also a member of the National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers.

2017: Leasing News Advisory Board Chairman
Robert “Bob” Teichman, CLFP
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2017/03_31.htm#teichman

2012: The History of the CLP Handbook
by Robert Teichman, CLP
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2012/10_10.htm#handbook

2008: Leasing News Person of the Year
https://leasingnews.org/archives/January%202009/01-05-09.htm#year

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Logan Cattie was hired as Market Development Representative, PitchBook, New York, New York. He is located in Hoboken, New Jersey. Previously, he was Account Executive, Score Capital (June, 2022 - April, 2026); Account Coordinator Intern, Bradshare (May, 2021 - August, 2021).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-cattie-649317191/

Lesley (Thomas) Farmer, CLFP, was hired as Business Development Team Lead, Commercial Equipment Finance Consultant at KLC Financial, Inc., Minnetonka, Minnesota. She is located in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area. She was a Board Member, Turnaround Management Association (January, 2020 - Present); Experienced Commercial Equipment Leasing/Finance, KLC Financial, Inc. (October, 2005 - Present); Board Member, President, VP, Communications, Young Professionals, Mentor Risk Management Association of Minnesota (Sep 2006 - Present · 19 yrs 9 months); President of the PTA, Burroughs Community School (August, 2016 -
August, 2018).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas-farmer-clfp-9078b45/

Allen Glynn was promoted to Equipment Finance Business Developer, KLC Financial, Building Vendor Relationships & Helping Businesses Recapitalize, KLC Financial, Minnetonka, Minnesota, where he is also located. He joined KLC Financial as Business Development - Equipment Transactions, $250,000- $5,000,000 (August, 2006 - Present).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-glynn-b048157/

Joey Tocco was hired as Credit Analyst, Amur. He is located in Fort Collins, Colorado. Previously, he was Credit & Collections Specialist, Woodward, Inc. (September, 2024 - May, 2026);  Previously, he was at Pawnee Leasing Corporation, starting as Credit Analyst, November, 2021, promoted April, 2023, Collections Representative, promoted Credit/Fraud Analyst (April, 2023 - November, 2024).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-t-a71b2a305/

Brian Todd was hired as Senior Vice President, Vendor Channel at Fox Ridge Capital, Business Strategy. He is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Previously, he was at First Citizens Bank, joining them as Sales Director, Equipment Finance (May, 2022 - May, 2025); Promoted to SVP Sales, Customer Direct Channel, Equipment Finance, (May, 2025 – March, 2026); Director, Sales Operations, Small Business Solutions, CIT Bank (May, 2018 - May, 2022). He joined Direct Capital, a Division of CIT Bank, NA., as Senior Account Executive (November, 1999 - January, 2008), promoted Sales Manager (January, 2008 - October, 2015); Vice-President, Sales Operations (October, 2015 – February, 2018).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-todd-9a3800/

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Arrest made in Woodhill Capital
Multi-Million Dollar Leasing Ponzi Scheme

Woodhill Capital Corporation, Williamsville, New York, President Richard Teplitskey was arrested for Ponzi Scheme.

Teplitskey and the loan agency has been charged with defrauding over $10 million from more than 100 victims, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

The 71-year-old Teplitsky, is accused of soliciting funds from investors across Western New York, allegedly claiming the funds would be used to finance loans from businesses that were seeking to borrow money to acquire commercial equipment.

Teplitsky would allegedly give the investors copies of financing agreements and repayment schedules from the borrowers. Investors would then receive payments via check or electronic transfer.

Leasing News has been reporting on this since April, and arrest has now been made and case filed in court.

The court document states, “The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”

Full release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/williamsville-man-arrested-charged-complaint-multi-million-dollar-fraud-scheme

 

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Celebrating Resilience: How Phil Silva
and Ameris Bank Equipment Finance
Empower Small Businesses

In celebration of Small Business Month, we’re highlighting the resilience of entrepreneurs and the partners who help them scale. For many small business owners, the leap from a vision to a fully operational reality hinges on one thing: having the right tools for the job. We sat down with Phil Silva, president of Ameris Bank Equipment Finance and a 20-year veteran employee, to discuss how the Equipment Finance team is streamlining the path to growth and why preserving capital is the "superpower" every owner needs.

Speed as a Competitive Advantage

Small business owners famously wear many hats, and when a critical piece of machinery or software fails, there isn’t a moment to waste, and replacement cannot happen fast enough. 

Ameris Bank Equipment Finance is built for this exact pace. "We provide one-hour credit decisions along with ease and convenience in documentation," Phil explains, “so for equipment transactions for soft assets like software that are under $350,000 or hard collateral assets up to $500,000, the process is distilled down to a simple, one-page application.”

This speed extends through the entire lifecycle of the deal. By utilizing electronic documentation and a 24/7 Customer Portal, Ameris Bank Equipment Finance ensures that equipment providers are paid quickly, and entrepreneurs receive their equipment and can get back to work with minimal downtime.

The Golden Rule: Preserve Your Capital

When asked about the most common mistakes business owners make, Phil is direct when he says, “Don’t tie up your liquidity in equipment. Flexibility is key.”

"Precious capital should be used for running the business," Phil advises. Whether the economic climate is booming or uncertain, his recommendation remains the same, “use equipment financing to fuel growth.” By partnering with a respected, long-term firm, owners can acquire the latest technology—including emerging AI-infused solutions—without draining the cash reserves needed for payroll, marketing or emergency pivots.

The Power of the Ameris Bank 

The integration of Balboa Capital into Ameris Bank has fundamentally shifted the resources available to small and medium-sized businesses. This evolution combines the agility of a fintech leader with the stability of a $28 billion asset institution.

Full blog: https://www.amerisbank.com/Personal/Learn/Financial-Articles-Advice/Running-A-Business/Celebrating-Resilience-How-Phil-Silva-and-Ameris-B

Help Wanted Ad
    Ameris Bank Equipment Finance

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Fox Ridge Capital, LLC Selects LTi’s ASPIRE™ Platform to Power
the Launch of Its Hybrid Equipment Finance Business Platform

OMAHA, NE, – LTi Technology Solutions (LTi), a leading provider of software solutions for the equipment finance and asset finance industry, today announced that Fox Ridge Capital has selected LTi’s ASPIRE™platform as the foundational technology to power the launch
of its new equipment finance business.

Founded by visionary entrepreneur Tom Depping, with backing from LKCM Headwater Investments, Fox Ridge Capital provides access to business capital – bringing agility, swiftness and a relationship-driven approach to small and mid-sized businesses across the United States.

Building on a Modern Equipment Finance Platform From Day One
As a newly launched organization, Fox Ridge Capital approached platform selection with a clear mandate: build a scalable, high-performance operation without the limitations of legacy systems.

Following a comprehensive evaluation of technology partners, Fox Ridge Capital prioritized three non-negotiable criteria: scalability, speed to market, and long-term flexibility to adapt as its business evolves. In each dimension, LTi’s ASPIRE™platform – and the depth of partnership and integrated ecosystem behind it – stood apart.

Executive Perspective
“Launching a new business gives you a unique opportunity - you’re not constrained by legacy
systems or outdated processes. We were intentional about building our foundation the right way from day one,” said Tom Depping, Founder and CEO at Fox Ridge Capital. “LTi stood out because they understand how to support high-growth organizations and bring a level of partnership that goes beyond technology. ASPIRE™ gives us the confidence to execute on our vision and adapt as we grow.”

“LTi’s ability to align with our broader technology ecosystem – including NorthTeq, deploying its Aurora platform, and Eide Bailly, implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central – ensures a fully integrated and operationally ready environment from the moment we go live,” continued Andrew Depping, Chief Technology Officer at Fox Ridge Capital.

Randy Haug, EVP/Co-Founder at LTi Technology Solutions highlighted the advantage of an LTi-led lifecycle integration in today’s market: “companies can build on a modern flexible foundation without inheriting the constraints of legacy technology. Fox Ridge Capital has taken a deliberate and forward-looking approach not just in selecting ASPIRE™, but in architecting their entire ecosystem for scale. At LTi, we go beyond delivering technology —we’re a strategic partner to ensure their platform, and every solution connected to it, is configured to their needs.”

Fox Ridge Capital’s approach reflects a broader shift in the market: leading organizations are no longer selecting technology based on ease of implementation alone. They are choosing
platforms that deliver competitive advantage over the longest horizon. Fox Ridge Capital’s
answer is ASPIRE™.

About Fox Ridge Capital
Fox Ridge Capital accelerates achievement with agile business finance solutions that empower
clients nationwide to harness opportunities. As a trusted, collaborative ally, Fox Ridge Capital
takes strategic goals and transforms them into exceptional outcomes through a scalable,
hyper-fast finance platform and relationship-based approach. Fox Ridge Capital serves small to mid-sized businesses and equipment and technology providers who offer financing to their clients. To learn more, visit www.FoxRidgeCapital.com.

About LTi Technology Solutions
LTi Technology Solutions is a global provider of lease and loan finance software for the
equipment finance industry. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, LTi’s
ASPIRE™ platform is a comprehensive, highly configurable lifecycle management system used by banks, captives, and independents across North America and the United Kingdom. With more than $180 billion in assets under management on its platform and a client base that includes 40% of the MONITOR 100, LTi is one of the most trusted and widely adopted
technology platforms in equipment finance.

For more information, visit www.ltisolutions.com.

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ELFA Honors Robert S. Cohen with
Edward A. Groobert Award for Legal Excellence

The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA), the trade association representing the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry, has awarded Robert S. Cohen, Partner, Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP, the distinguished 2026 Edward A. Groobert Award for Legal Excellence. This honor is awarded in recognition of extraordinary contributions by a legal professional to the equipment leasing and finance industry.

Cohen was formally honored during ELFA’s Legal Forum on May 4 in Baltimore, MD.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to work in a field I love, surrounded by people I enjoy," said Cohen. "When you’re passionate about your work, it allows you to do it better. Being recognized for my efforts and receiving this award is truly a special honor that I will always treasure.”

With over 35 years of experience in all facets of the equipment leasing and asset-based lending industries, Cohen is a recognized leader in his field. He devotes his practice to commercial litigation, creditors’ rights, corporate transactions, bankruptcy and cybersecurity related matters. He has particular expertise in the documentation of financial transactions, electronic signatures, enforcement of equipment leases and secured loans, as well as the negotiation of workouts and resolutions.

As a member of ELFA, Cohen has served on its Legal Committee, Women’s Council Committee, and Credit and Collections Management Committee. He actively serves as a speaker and moderator at annual and bi-annual conferences for ELFA, and author, most recently, on commercial finance disclosure laws and electronic signatures.

“Bob Cohen exemplifies the commitment to legal excellence and leadership that the Groobert award represents,” said Bradley Salyer, Associate General Counsel, U.S. Bank, and Chair of the ELFA Legal Committee. “We are proud to recognize his tireless dedication to ELFA and the equipment finance industry.”

"The equipment finance industry relies on the clarity and expertise of leaders like Bob to navigate an increasingly complex economic and regulatory landscape,” said Leigh Lytle, ELFA President and CEO. “His decades of service and deep technical knowledge provide the foundation our members need to operate with confidence. We are honored to recognize Bob’s tireless commitment to the industry with this well-deserved award."

In addition to Cohen’s professional endeavors, he dedicates his time to the Special Olympics of New York, where he serves on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

Cohen holds a B.S. degree magna cum laude in finance from the University of New York at Albany, and a J.D. degree from Hofstra University.

The award was presented as part of ELFA’s annual Legal Forum, an industry-leading event that brings together top legal professionals in the equipment leasing and finance community to discuss industry trends, analyze issues shaping the future of equipment financing, and network with their peers.

About the Award
The Edward A. Groobert Award for Legal Excellence is named for ELFA’s long-time Secretary and General Counsel Edward A. Groobert, who was active in the legal affairs of the association from the mid-1960s until his retirement in 2010. Established in 2006, the award is sponsored by ELFA and the ELFA Legal Committee.

About ELFA
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) represents financial services companies and manufacturers in the $1.3 trillion U.S. equipment finance sector. ELFA’s over 600 member companies provide essential financing that helps businesses acquire the equipment they need to operate and grow. Learn how equipment finance contributes to businesses’ success, U.S. economic growth, manufacturing and jobs at www.elfaonline.org.

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Channel Names Rossi as Chief Risk Officer

Minnetonka, MN, May 5, 2026 – Channel announced today that Christian Rossi has joined the organization as Chief Risk Officer, bringing more than two decades of experience shaping credit strategy and risk performance across banking and specialty finance services.

Rossi will lead Channel’s Risk and Decision Sciences, with a focus on continuing to strengthen how the company identifies, evaluates, and manages risk across its products, portfolio, and platform. His priorities will center on effectively managing credit risk decisioning, advancing data‑driven insights, and ensuring risk discipline keeps pace with the company’s growth.

“Christian brings a deep understanding of the business from modeling to transaction and operational risk that guides decisions shaping everyday performance,” said Adam Peterson, Chief Executive Officer. “He’s built teams, systems, and portfolio monitoring structures that give organizations the ability to anticipate change and respond with confidence. His experience and leadership will make us even sharper, both in how we underwrite and manage the portfolio over time.”

Rossi joins Channel after 15 years with CNH Industrial Capital, where he held roles as Director of Global Risk Modeling & Analytics and most recently served as Director of Retail Credit Underwriting. While there, he led model development and deployment, as well as front‑end credit production teams. These groups were responsible for assessing credit risk, building and implementing underwriting frameworks, and delivering exceptional service and credit standards across a large and diverse portfolio. Earlier in his career at HSBC, he focused on developing credit strategies and scorecards for consumers and small businesses, with an emphasis on practical, scalable working capital solutions.

“Christian knows how product design, credit decisions, and portfolio performance intersect,” said Rob Ceribelli, President of Channel. “He’s used that understanding to build approaches that hold up in the real world. That’s exactly what we need as we continue expanding and I’m confident he’ll have an immediate impact on how we balance growth with discipline.”

“I’m very happy to be joining Channel,” said Rossi. “I’ve been impressed by everyone I’ve had the opportunity to meet from the interview process and my initial conversations with the team to the onboarding process with support groups. Channel already feels like a wonderful family environment, and I look forward to collaborating and working alongside this talented group of people.”

Rossi is recognized for translating complex data into decisions that are both timely and grounded. At Channel, he will work closely across credit, product, sales, and operations to integrate risk insight directly into how the business runs – continuing to support smart originations, strong portfolio performance, and consistent outcomes.

This appointment furthers Channel’s continued investment into risk leadership and infrastructure as it scales its platform and expands its capabilities across equipment finance and working capital verticals in the specialty finance industry.

About Channel Founded in 2009, the Channel family of companies is a nationwide leading provider of small business financing utilizing customized technology and business processes. The organization delivers equipment finance and working capital product solutions to small businesses through third‑party partnerships, helping them provide their customers with access to capital needed to grow their business. Since its founding, Channel has funded over $3.5 billion to more than 30,000 businesses through over 45,000 transactions. With headquarters in Minnetonka, MN, the company has additional locations and business units operating from Kennesaw, GA; Mount Laurel, NJ; Des Moines, IA; and Marshall, MN.

News Briefs

Shell Reports Nearly $7 Billion  
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Iran war costing Hapag-Lloyd $40-50 million per week: CEO
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/iran-war-costing-hapag-lloyd-40-50-million-per-week-ceo?oly_enc_id=7354E3969723H7B

The Great $110 Trillion Wealth Transfer Won’t Happen Any Time Soon
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Bloodbath at Silicon Valley giant Cloudflare as
CEO’s savage memo to staff emerges
https://nypost.com/2026/05/07/business/bloodbath-at-silicon-valley-giant-as-ceos-savage-memo-to-staff-emerges

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 Experts say covert transfers at sea are used to obscure the origins of oil that left Iranian ports and the Gulf of Oman before the blockade was imposed.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2026/05/07/iran-blockade-oil-ship-transfers/

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Sports Briefs

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California News Briefs

 

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Gimme that Wine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJnQoi8DSE8

Wine Institute Secures Critical USDA Funding  
   to Drive Export Growth for U.S. Wines
https://wineinstitute.org/press-releases/wine-institute-secures-critical-usda-funding-to-drive-export-growth-f

US alcohol distributor shutters major       
operations, cuts 4,600 job
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/us-alcohol-distributor-shutters-major-operations-cuts-4600-jobs

The 30 Best Cabernet Sauvignons for 2026
https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-cabernet-sauvignons-2026/

How this California winery is seeding the next 
   generation of winemakers amid
       an industry crisis
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/obsidian-rabbit-hole-entrepreneur-program-22212287.php

Heitz Cellar Unveils "The Home Ranch, "a
    Private Multi-Estate
Tasting Destination in Napa Valley
Historic St. Helena estate reopens with
   new access to previously private wineries
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/317583