Reactions to Randy Haug
being named Leasing News Person of the Year

Shari Lipski, ECS Financial Services
Congratulations on being named Leasing News’ 2024 Person of the Year!

Kit’s write-up is wonderful, but it could never fully capture the incredible things you’ve accomplished. Most notably, you’ve shown everyone what it means to be a truly remarkable human being.

When I saw the words ‘servant leader’ in the article, I thought Encyclopedia Britannica should add your photograph. No words, no definition—just your smile. Anyone who’s met you would instantly understand what it means.

I’ve never encountered anyone who didn’t feel an immediate connection to your energy and warmth. Your constant and genuine engagement with others, along with your deep interest in people, has helped so many do more in their endeavors through your example.

You are always smiling, always laughing, and always willing to pitch in—no matter the task, you are all-in and nothing less.

Thank you for everything you do. Congratulations again on this well-deserved recognition my friend!

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Reid Raykovich, Chief Executive Officer Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation
Randy is such a wonderful person and deserves this award for being the human being that he is. I’m lucky to call him a personal friend, and can always hear him saying my name, “Reider.”

Congratulations, Randy

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Hugh Swandel, Meridian OneCap Credit Corp
Randy is the gold standard of what people in our industry should aspire to be like. He has recognized that we all have a responsibility to contribute to the greater good of the industry that provides our living. He has “walked the talk” in this regard for decades. A great choice!

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Marshal Goldberg, Glass & GoldbergGlass & Goldberg
Randy, I am so happy for you. You are so deserving. I can think of no one who is more well qualified.  You were the perfect candidate, and you are the perfect winner. Congrats.

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Bruce Kropschot, The Alta Group
I was surprised that you had not previously been honored as Leasing News Person of the Year. You have been a very respected member of the equipment finance industry for so many years, and you seem to never be too busy to pitch in with ELFA and NEFA activities or provide advice to whomever asks for it, whether or not there might be a.business opportunity for your company. I doubt that there is anyone in our industry who knows you who would not think that you are deserving of this award.

Best wishes to you, and I am confident that you will continue to smile when asked to take on a task.

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Steven Grant, CFO at Americorp Financial, LLC
Congratulations Randy! Well deserved!! You’ve been a leader and inspiration in our industry for a long time. I value our friendship and wish you continued success!

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Mark Blais, Chief Information Officer, Channel Partners Capital
Congratulations Randy Haug. Happy to see you get the recognition you so much deserve. I always enjoy and learn from any time with you.

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Nick Fong, Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Technology Officer at AP Equipment Financing
Congratulations Randy Haug! You have mentored and guided so many individuals in this industry and your energy has always had a positive effect. Well deserved!

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Frank Swann, COO Beacon Consulting Group Inc

Congratulations! The nicest man in the industry.

taken from email and LinkedIn

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Leasing News Will Not Have a Monday News Edition
MLK Day January 20

It is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday. All federal and state courts and non-essential services will be closed on Monday, and all banks will be closed. US Postal offices will be closed. It is also the first holiday honoring an African American.

It also is the date of the 60th Presidential Inauguration celebration in Washington, D.C. marking the return of President-elect Donald Trump to the White House. Billionaires and three former presidents are among those on the guest list. This precedes multi-million dollar inauguration events that kick off Saturday at his Virginia golf club and will feature four days of celebrations.

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

 

Dana Goldis, CLFP, was hired as Senior Credit Analyst, North Mill Equipment Finance, Norwalk, Connecticut. She is located in Los Angeles, California. Previously, she was Operations Specialist, SLIM Capital, LLC (June, 2018- September, 2024); Vice President Operations, Goldix Associates Appraisals (January, 2004 - June, 2018).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-goldis-clfp-138261262/

Priscilla A. Gray, CLFP, was hired as Senior Contract Manager, 360 Equipment Finance, Austin, Texas.  She is located in San Carlos, California. Previously, she was Operations Manager, LendSpark (November, 2019 - January, 2025); VP of Documentations and Funding, Ford Financial Services, Inc. (January, 2004 - November, 2019).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscilla-a-gray-clfp-b53920108/

Rana Mitra was hired as Managing Director, Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., New York, New York, where he  is located. Previously, he was Managing Director, Atalaya Capital Management (March, 2009 - September 2024); Vice President, Del Mar Asset Management (April, 2008 - February, 2009); Director, Marc Bell Capital Partners (July, 2003 - March, 2008); Financial Analyst, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. (July, 2001 - June, 2003).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rana-mitra-285969/

Mark Sheehan was hired as Senior Executive "to drive sales growth and team development,” at Banclease Acceptance, Irving Texas. He is located in Lewisville, Texas. Previously, he was Relationship Manager, Everbank (December, 2012 - January, 2025); VP Technology Finance (February, 2004 - December, 2012). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-sheehan-25949a2/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-sheehan-25949a2/

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Leasing and Finance Industry Help Wanted
Excellent Compensation/Marketing Support

BSB Leasing Partners with Northteq to Automate
Loan Origination and Enhance Broker Experience
with Aurora LOS

Aurora LOS Implementation Accelerates Efficiency and Broker Success

Northteq, a leading provider of equipment finance loan origination software, has partnered with BSB Leasing, a superbroker that connects brokers with direct funding sources. By implementing Northteq’s Aurora Loan Origination System (LOS), BSB Leasing has automated processes, reduced deal turnaround times, and enhanced the broker and vendor experience with advanced automation and compliance tools.

Dylan Myerson, Vice President at BSB Leasing, said, "We’ve cut down deal turnaround times, which is huge for our brokers. Northteq’s automation eliminates a lot of the back-and-forth and inefficiencies. The enhanced transparency throughout the process has improved our broker’s satisfaction and trust in BSB Leasing.”

BSB Leasing replaced time-consuming tasks with automated workflows, ensuring their brokers and vendors can focus on business growth instead of manual data entry and verifications. With faster funding decisions, an intuitive user experience, and a compliance-driven workflow, Aurora LOS ensures brokers receive timely approvals while maintaining BSB Leasing’s commitment to regulatory excellence.

Kristian Dolan, Chief Executive Officer of Northteq, said, “Our partnership with BSB Leasing highlights how automation can scale your syndication process and daily operations without compromising the personal touch brokers value.

"Aurora LOS automates the loan origination process, making it faster and more adaptable while creating an amazing vendor, broker, and borrower experience. This implementation shows how lenders can use automation to scale their businesses while maintaining the personalized service their customers expect."

Built on the Salesforce platform, Aurora LOS combines powerful automation with customizable workflows that enable BSB Leasing to quickly adapt to market shifts while maintaining consistent, reliable service. By streamlining the application and approval process through a dedicated broker portal, BSB Leasing empowers its partners to process deals faster and provide better service to their customers.

"Aurora LOS is not just about solving today’s problems—it’s about giving us the flexibility to grow and scale as market conditions and partner needs change," Myerson added.

About BSB Leasing
Founded in 1981, BSB Leasing is a leading provider of equipment leasing and financing solutions, specializing in helping brokers and small businesses across the United States secure the funding they need. With over $1 billion in financing provided, BSB Leasing offers personalized service, flexible financing options, and a commitment to empowering partners and clients to succeed. Learn more at bsbleasing.com.

### Press Release ########################

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Previous Leasing Persons of the Year
Several for Careers of their Body of Work

2024 - Randy Haug, EVP, Vice Chairman, Co-Founder LTi
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2025/01_15.htm#haug

2023 - Ken Greene, Attorney https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2024/01_17.htm

2022 - Steve Glazer, California State Senator
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2023/01_05.htm#poy

2021 - Lovern J. Gordon, CLFP
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2022/01_04.htm#poy

2020 - Tom McCurnin, Attorney, Barton, Klugman & Oetting, Leasing News Legal Editor/Writer
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2021/01_05.htm#poy

2019 - Monica Harper, Executive Director, American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers
 https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2020/01_08.htm#poy

2018 - Gerald "Jerry" Parrotto, retired CEO/President, Molloy Associates; Publisher Monitor, ABF Journal 
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2019/01_03.htm#loy2018

2017 - Deborah Monosson, President and CEO, Boston Financial& Equity Group 
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2018/01_03.htm#poy

2016 - Reid Raykovich, CLFP, Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation 
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2017/01_04.htm#poy

2015 - Bruce Kropschot, The Alta Group 
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2106/01_06.htm#poy

2014 Valerie Jester, President, Brandywine Capital Associates 
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2015/1_05.htm#jester

2013 Bernard D. Boettigheimer, CLFP, Founder, Lease Police 
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2014/1_07.htm#poy

2012 Tony Golobic, President, GreatAmerica Financial Services 
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2013/1_07.htm#poy

2011 John C. Deane, Sr. Mgr. Partner, The Alta Group 
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2012/1_04.htm#2011_poy

2010 Curt Ritter, CIT, VP, Communications/Media Relations 
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2011/1_04.htm#ritter

2009 Ralph Petta, COO, Equipment Leasing and Finance Association 
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2010/1_05.htm#poy

2008 Robert Teichman, CLFP, Teichman Training 
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/January%202009/01-05-09.htm#year

2007 Randall H. Brook, Sr. Attorney, Federal Trade Commission 
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/January%202008/01-07-08.htm#lpy

2006 Paul A. Larkins, Key Equipment Finance 
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/January%202007/01-03-07.htm#year

2005 Paul J. Menzel, CLFP, Pacific Capital Bancorp. http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/January%202006/01-03-06.htm#person

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Maxim Commercial Credit Reports Funded
25% More Deals in 2024 Than Prior Years

The financing industry had many twists and turns during 2024. While many other lenders retracted or went out of business, we remained committed to our mission to provide essential financing to experienced small business owners with challenged credit and startups with limited to no experience. As a result, we funded 25% MORE deals in 2024 than the prior year!

Michael Kianmahd, CEO, said "Our team stepped up to fill an increasing capital void for small businesses in 2024. Our consistent delivery over the past 16 years and flexible terms have earned Maxim a strong reputation among finance brokers and entrepreneurs alike, as reflected by our repeat customers and strong Google reviews.”

Maxim is your specialty lender for non-bankable clients who need liquidity to seize business opportunities. Submit your deals for clients who:

• Need working capital and own residential, commercial or multi-family Real Estate
• Want to buy/lease new or used Heavy Equipment
• Are drowning in short term debt and own Heavy Equipment and/or Real Estate
• Want to buy/lease and operate a used Class 8 or Class 6

https://www.maximcc.com/our-company/contact/

43,000 Fewer Drivers on Manhattan Roads
after Congestion Pricing Turned on, MTA
By Mathew W. Daus, Esq.

(photo: MTA)

The launch of congestion pricing led to some 43,000 fewer drivers on average entering Manhattan below 60th Street each weekday last week than would be typical for that time of January, according to data released by the MTA on Monday. The data comes just over a week after the tolls went live.

The decline in traffic only amounts to a 7.5% reduction compared to projections based on Januarys from the last few years, before congestion pricing was activated. Under the projections, an average of 583,000 drivers would enter the toll zone each day. But such a reduction, many people in Manhattan have observed, can be the difference between flowing traffic and gridlock.

“It has been a very good week here in New York,” MTA deputy chief Juliette Michaelson said at a news conference. She cautioned that congestion pricing had only been in effect for eight days and that traffic patterns could change.

Traffic times on all inbound crossings — like the Williamsburg Bridge and the Holland Tunnel — have decreased between 30% to 40% on average, particularly during the morning commute, according to the MTA’s data. Bus speeds also increased after the tolls were turned on. The Manhattan-bound B39 bus, which crosses the Williamsburg Bridge, ran 28% faster compared to a similar January week last year. Other buses like the SIM24 and the M50 saw increases in speeds, as well.

Source: Gothamist
https://gothamist.com/news/43k-fewer-drivers-on-manhattan-roads-after-congestion-pricing-turned-on-mta-says

Matthew W. Daus, Esq.
Partner and Chairman, Windels Marx Transportation Practice Group
President, International Association of Transportation Regulators,
Transportation Technology Chair, University Transportation Research Center
Contact: mdaus@windelsmarx.com
156 West 56th Street | New York, NY 10019
T. 212.237.1106 | F. 212.262.1215

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Nonresidential Construction Spending
Dips 0.1% in November, Flat Year Over Year

Source: Virginia Tech - U.S. Forest Service Report

National nonresidential construction spending declined 0.1% in November, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.234 trillion. On a year-over-year basis, nonresidential construction spending is up 2.8%, approximately flat in inflation adjusted terms.

Spending was down on a monthly basis in 8 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories. Private nonresidential spending was unchanged, while public nonresidential construction spending was down 0.2% in November.

"Contractor confidence surged post-election," said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. "Many contractors expect a combination of deregulation and tax cuts to support greater activity and profitability going forward, including substantial investment in traditional energy sectors and manufacturing. Still, there are reasons for concern.

"Nonresidential construction spending momentum has all but disappeared, despite an ongoing boom in data center construction (up 43% year over year), largely because project financing costs remain elevated," said Basu.

"With inflation remaining stubbornly high and potentially accelerating going forward, interest rates stand to stay higher for longer. Prospective tariff increases threaten to push construction materials prices higher, and shifting immigration policies could expand future worker shortages. Only time will tell whether the recent upswing in optimism will prove justified.”

News Briefs

Biden won’t enforce TikTok ban, official says,
    leaving fate of app to Trump
https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-trump-executive-order-1e95d9836bf6f8c0c245ed1c3234d968

Your Money in the New Trump Administration:
    Four Things to Watch
https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/trump-policy-financial-money-impact-0233e0bb?st=yBFXXE&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

United Health, employer of slain exec Brian Thompson,
 found to have overcharged some cancer patients
    for drugs by over 1,000%
https://fortune.com/2025/01/15/ftc-pbms-unitedhealth-brian-thompson-cvs-caremark-cigna-pharmacy-benefit-managers/ 

NYC Mayor Adams’ defense fund in corruption case
    owes $735K as legal fees pile up — and donors disappear
https://nypost.com/2025/01/16/us-news/nyc-mayor-adams-defense-fund-owes-735k-as-legal-fees-pile-up-and-donors-disappear/

Live L.A. fire updates: Crews improve containment
    on Palisades, Eaton fires as winds die down
https://www.latimes.com/california/live/2025-01-16/fire-winds-los-angeles-california-eaton-altadena-palisades-updates

American Express to pay $230 million to settle
    DOJ fraud probe, deceptive marketing claim
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/16/american-express-doj-fraud-credit-cards-marketing-settlement.htm

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Highlights plus District Reports
    Beige Book - January 2025
https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/beigebook202501-summary.htm

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Sports Briefs---

In Bungling the Mike McCarthy Breakup, Has Jerry Jones Once Again Misplayed His Hand?
https://theringer.com/2025/01/13/nfl/jerry-jones-mike-mccarthy-part-ways-dallas-cowboys-coaching-search

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California News Briefs---

These Gardeners, Housekeepers, Nannies Kept
Pacific Palisades Going. Fire Took Their Jobs
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-14/housekeepers-gardeners-nannies-fire-income

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

Rare wine ‘powerhouse’ created
   by California acquisition
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/rare-wine-powerhouse-created-by-california-acquisition/

A Wealth of Medals Awarded at Dan Berger's
International Wine Competition
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/297224

How AI Is Transforming The Ancient
Art Of Fine Winemaking
https://bernardmarr.com/how-ai-is-transforming-the-ancient-art-of-fine-winemaking/

Gallo secures funding for hybrid electric
glass furnace plan
https://www.glass-international.com/news/gallo-secures-funding-for-hybrid-electric-glass-furnace-plan