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######## surrounding the article denotes it is a press release, it was not written by Leasing News nor has the information been verified, but from the source noted. When an article is signed by the writer, it is considered a byline. It reflects the opinion and research of the writer.

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NMEF Acquires Pawnee, Marking A Significant Milestone
Of Growth And Industry Leadership

April 1, 2025, NORWALK, CT – North Mill Equipment Finance LLC (“NMEF”), a leading independent commercial equipment lender and lessor headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, is pleased to announce that it has closed on its acquisition of Pawnee Leasing Corporation and certain other assets (“Pawnee”) from an affiliate of Chesswood Group Limited (“Chesswood”) pursuant to final approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware as a result of a court-supervised Sale and Investment Solicitation Process initiated in Canada in December 2024. NMEF acquired substantially all of Pawnee’s assets, while certain excluded assets and liabilities were transferred to a newly formed entity, which will remain subject to Canadian and U.S. restructuring proceedings.

With the addition of the Pawnee portfolio of leases and loans, NMEF’s total gross receivables under management now exceed $2 billion, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. The Pawnee and Tandem brand names will be retired, and no new originations will occur under Pawnee’s former referral partner programs. The servicing of Pawnee’s managed investment partnerships has been transferred to NMEF.

More than half of Pawnee’s former employees are joining NMEF and will be located mostly in Ft. Collins, Colorado. These highly skilled professionals—primarily in Collections, Legal Recoveries, Data Analytics, Customer Service, and Accounting—demonstrated exceptional resilience and dedication throughout a challenging transition.

David C. Lee, Chairman and CEO of NMEF said, “We are thrilled to finally complete the acquisition of Pawnee after years of discussions with Chesswood.

“Pawnee has been in business for over 40 years and was the gold standard for referral partner-based small-ticket equipment financing—so much so that we modeled many aspects of NMEF’s business strategy around Pawnee following our recapitalization in 2018. Through no fault of Pawnee’s first-rate management team, the company endured financial distress when Chesswood filed for creditor protection in Canada and Delaware in late 2024, ultimately resulting in the court-sanctioned sale to NMEF.”

Mark Bonanno, President and Chief Revenue Officer, explained, “The acquisition of Pawnee is immediately accretive to NMEF. We successfully refinanced approximately 50% of Pawnee’s assets at significantly improved cost of funds and leverage levels, driving an attractive return on equity for our stakeholders.”

Tom Lyle, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said, “We went from court approval to closing in just over three weeks which was only made possible by the incredible collaboration between our companies.

“I couldn't be more impressed by how our two teams, aligned around a common goal, came together and delivered. I have the highest respect for the former Pawnee team and am excited to welcome them into the NMEF family - stronger together.”

Truist Securities, Inc. acted as exclusive U.S. financial advisor to NMEF, while Oaklins Canada served as NMEF’s Canadian financial advisor. Legal counsel for NMEF was provided by Moore & Van Allen (U.S.) and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Canada). FTI Consulting Canada Inc. served as the court-appointed Monitor of Chesswood, including Pawnee. Legal counsel for the Monitor was provided by Osler Hoskin and Harcourt LLP (Canada), Alston & Bird LLP (U.S.), and Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP (Delaware)

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Jerald Collens, CLFP, was hired as Senior Finance Specialist, Stryker Dealership Group, Scottsdale, Arizona, where he is also located. Previously, he was at Meridian Equipment Finance, 2 years, 8 months, layoff/position eliminated (July, 2023 - April, 2024); Business Development Account Executive, Meridian Equipment Finance (September, 2021 - July, 2023); Senior Finance Consultant, Quail Financial Solutions (2020 - September, 2021).
Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-collens-clfp-1478706/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-collens-clfp-1478706/

Gary Rigelsky was promoted to Regional Commercial Manager, North America, DLL, Atlanta, Georgia. He is located in Cumming, Georgia. He joined DLL January, 2010, District Sales Manager, promoted Area Sales Manager, January, 2013, promoted US Head of Sales, OE (December, 2013 - March, 2025); Senior District Manger, GE Capital (January, 2000 - January, 2010); Director of Financial Operations/Director Equipment Leasing, IKON Office Solutions (1992 - 1999); Vice President, Team Coordinator, AT&T Capital Corp., Eaton Finance (October, 1998 - February, 1992).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-rigelsky-ba961a9/

Janet Seniuk was hired as Operations & Marketing Manager, Sonoma Capital Corp., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Previously, she was Manager, Change Communications ,People Corporation
(May, 2023 - February, 2025). She joined Canadian Western Bank June, 2021, Manager, Internal Communications, promoted Senior Communication Advisor, CWB Wealth (November, 2022 - April, 2023). Prior, she was at CWB National Leasing, starting Manager, Strategic Planning, September, 2019, promoted Manager, Strategic Planning and Interim Manager, Corporate Communications, July, 2020 - September, 2021).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-seniuk-37006088/

Joe Winters was hired as Director of Business Development, CAN Capital, He is located in Greater Philadelphia. He joined CAN Capital as Senior Business Development Manager, Team Lead (April, 2021 - March, 2025); Senior Business Development Manager, NewLane Finance (November, 2020 - April, 2021); Senior Business Development Manager, Marlin Capital Solutions (May, 2016 - October, 2020): Store Supervisor, TD (May, 2013 - April, 2016).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-winters-957967aa

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Balboa Capital Available Position
Program Manager II- Equipment Broker Sales

Don't Be Intimidated
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP

Top originators need to learn from their competition rather than being intimidated. Top originators invite the opportunity to conduct business with stronger, larger vendors and end-users; they are never intimidated by the possibility of expanding their network with clients that will help build their careers.

A relatively new originator (with less than three years of experience) was hesitant when soliciting business from a national vendor that had a relationship with a large national competitor. However, rather than being intimidated, it was advised that the originator schedule an in-person discovery meeting with the vendor to determine how his competition was servicing the needs of the vendor.

The meeting resulted in a better understanding about the "real" capabilities of multiple competitors and helped the originator understand his position within the market.

The originator carved out a portion of the vendor's business in which he was able to offer a better solution. Additionally, the meeting allowed the originator to approach other vendors with more confidence and win significant business based upon the gained market intelligence.

A seasoned originator with over ten years of experience learned he had the opportunity to solicit business from a large, publicly traded end-user. The transaction was significantly larger than the originator's typical transaction.

The opportunity was a referral from a smaller company with which the originator has an on-going relationship and is a subcontractor for the publicly traded company. Rather than being intimidated, the originator used the opportunity to learn the nuances of facilitating larger transactions with more sophisticated end-users. We kept encouraging him to learn more about getting the larger deals.
The originator won the transaction and was subsequently introduced to other larger end-users. His business activity has increased over the past twelve months with both his traditional database and the larger end-users.

The originator's confidence has improved exponentially and, while other originators may be struggling, he is gaining market share. We were very glad to hear his confidence had grown since our conversations.

Scott A. Wheeler, CLFP
Wheeler Business Consulting
1314 Marquis Ct.
Fallston, Maryland 21047
Phone: 410 877 0428
Fax: 410 877 8161
Email: scott@wheelerbusinessconsulting.com
Web: www.wheelerbusinessconsulting.com

Wheeler Business Consulting is working with individual originators and sales teams throughout the industry to ensure that they are well positioned in the market, capturing their fair share of business, and outperforming the competition. To schedule a one-on-one meeting contact Scott Wheeler at: scott@wheelerbusinessconsulting.com

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Leasing/Finance/Business Training
to Learn the Industry and Help Place Their Deals

These companies train and instruct on the method, rules, and sales abilities to both find and close transactions. Several also serve in placing the transaction for the student, who will earn a commission.

All means of learning financing include from business loans, equity loans and equipment and vehicle leasing, as well as finding your niche.

Many will continue with the training approach, learning and placing transactions, almost like a franchisee. Others will choose to become independent originators, often starting their own super broker company.

Commercial Finance Academy

Global Leasing

Wheeler Leasing School

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Commercial Finance Academy

Jeff Brannon, Joint Venture Partner at SLIM Capital, has formed this academy. "Our Mission is to empower the next wave of financial entrepreneurs to take control of their professional life by creating a path to success and the perfect work/life balance."

He told Leasing News, "We are running a COVID-19 special of $9,995 for the 5-day class. Eventual price will be $14,995. This will include premium commission opportunities when CFA graduates fund deals through SLIM!!"

Serving as administrator, he said they will be virtual online perhaps until December, and then take it to a physical classroom or a combination of both.

From the academy's website:

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM TAKING OUR MASTER CLASS

Be your own boss. Work from anywhere, anytime
Graduate with an out-of-box business and action plan
Start working immediately and generate income, day one
Minimal startup costs. It's your business!

5-DAY INTENSIVE PROGRAM INCLUDES:

Master class in Sales and Marketing
Unique Mock Calling Program
Credit and Underwriting Instruction
Basic Financial Analysis
Efficient Deal Packaging
Pricing Strategies
Proven Closing Techniques
Networking with Industry Professionals
Legal and Documentation Knowledge
Exclusive Industry Insights and Hacks

MARKETING FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS WITH 40+ YEARS EXPERIENCE

CAREFULLY CURATED CURRICULUM

Learn industry secrets from 40+ year veterans
Understand how to best package your deal to move to the front of your lender's queue
Acquire effective tools to be a one-stop shop for all commercial finance needs
Gain access to system and processes that will make you more efficient
Post-graduate marketing support with private label material to service your clients
Reach your ultimate potential by accessing front of the line processing, funding and transaction preview

https://commercialfinanceacademy.com/

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Global Financial Training Program
Over 35 Years of Experience Financing Businesses

Program Cost: $19,950.00

Phil Dushey
President & CEO

In 2001, Global Leasing founder Phil Dushey created a new company to train independent entrepreneurs who want to enter the lucrative field of business financing. Global Financial Training Program teaches all aspects of finance including Equipment Leasing, Accounts Receivable Financing, Cash Advance, Commercial Real Estate, SBA Loans and much more. Phil’s students have found great success with his program.

Mr. Dushey is a founding member of the National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers. He has been a member and speaker at many leasing organizations for several years. He is also a founding member of the leasing news advisory board.

Global Financial Training Program provides students with everything they need to start making money immediately after four days of training. As a full-service finance company you will provide a valuable service for business owners that have difficulty getting financing from their local banks. The banks are turning down over 90% of business loan applications and you can approve at least 50% of the turndowns. After the training at their offices in New York City trainees are instantly approved with over 25 lenders, get a custom designed website, stationery package, 1000 leads and enough marketing to have their phones ringing the first week after the training and much more... It's easier than you think to fulfill your dreams of independence, living the life you deserve and enjoying the prestige of owning your own company.

You don't need prior experience. All you need is the desire to be your own boss, the ability to learn, good people skills, and a passion to succeed and make a lot of money.

How much, is up to you...

Philip Dushey
President & CEO
Global Financial Services
1 State Street, 21st Floor
New York NY 10004
Email phil@gbtsinc.com
www.globalfinancialtrainingprogram.com
Phone: 212-480-4900

The Global Group of independently owned companies are:

Global Financial Services | www.globaleasing.com
We have been actively providing financial services for 35 years

Global Church Financing | www.globalchurchfinancing.com
One of the largest independent companies financing equipment for churches nationwide

Global Financial Training Program | www.globalfinancialtrainingprogram.com
The oldest and most comprehensive training program for people who want to own their own finance company

Mr. Dushay is also on the Leasing News Advisory Board
http://www.leasingnews.org/Advisory%20Board/Dushay_Phil.htm

Own Your Own Finance Company
https://www.globalfinancialtrainingprogram.com

Moving America Forward is a business television show hosted by William Shatner, anchored by Doug Llewellyn. On this episode we talk to Phil Dushey about his business opportunity and Global.

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Wheeler Leasing School

Program Cost: $18,500

Overview

Wheeler Business Consulting L.L.C. provides training and continuous support to individuals seeking to enter the leasing/financing industry. The leasing/financing industry provides much needed funds to businesses looking to acquire essential equipment. Entrepreneurs nationwide are originating equipment financing and leasing transactions assisting small, medium and large companies. It is estimated that 80% of all businesses have leased equipment and that nearly one-third of all equipment purchased by corporations is funded by independent finance and leasing agreements.

There are tremendous opportunities to enter the leasing/financing industry. There are few barriers to entry. Individuals who are properly trained, who are networked with local, regional and national funding sources can arrange transactions for their corporate clients in the range of a few thousand dollars to multi-million dollars.

As with most businesses, the establishment of a lease brokering operation is a long term proposition. However, with the proper training, support and encouragement, an individual can start making above average incomes relatively quickly. Within two to five years an individual should expect to generate an income which is well in the six figure range.

With quality training, individuals will be able to offer consistent, high spirited customer service to their commercial clients. Successful lease brokers can build a business from a small home based operation to a full service office in a relatively short period of time.

My goal is to share my thirty plus years of industry experience with others who are serious about learning and succeeding in the leasing/financing industry.

Contact Information:
Wheeler Business Consulting LLC 1314 Marquis Ct.
Fallston, Maryland 21047

Phone: 410-877-0428
Fax: 410-877-8161
email: scott@wheelerbusinessconsulting.com

Website: www.wheelerbusinessconsulting.com

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The States that Drink the Most
Wine in America per Capita and Overall

Washington, D.C. might be small in size, but it’s mighty when it comes to wine consumption. In the District, roughly 1.05 gallons of wine are consumed per capita every year, the most of any state or territory in the U.S. New Hampshire comes in second with 0.80 gallons; though the Northeastern state has no tax on alcohol, so sales are likely elevated by those crossing the border to stock up.

Vermont rounds out the top three with 0.72 gallons consumed per person, while West Virginians drink the least amount of wine, consuming just 0.11 gallons per capita.

As expected, the most populous states in the U.S. are the ones that drink the most wine. California, Florida, and Texas consume the most by volume with 156 million, 83.2 million, and 62.4 million gallons drunk in 2022.

Conversely, the states with the lowest population consume the least. South Dakota and West Virginia are tied for second-to-last place with 1.2 million gallons consumed, while Wyoming drinks the least wine overall, sipping just 1.1 million gallons a year.

Source: VinePair

News Briefs

Visa Offers Apple Roughly $100 Million to Take Over
Credit Card From Mastercard
https://www.wsj.com/finance/banking/apple-card-visa-mastercard-deal-3ce762da?st=FgERtC&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Who Should Pay for Ozempic
Is the Next Big Workplace Fight
https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/who-should-pay-for-ozempic-is-the-next-big-workplace-fight-d30d5992?st=u55KQS&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Trump mulling final TikTok deal on Wednesday
as Andreessen Horowitz joins talks: report
https://nypost.com/2025/04/01/business/andreessen-horowitz-could-help-buy-out-tiktoks-chinese-investors/

Hooters Files for Bankruptcy,
but Its Restaurants Will Stay Open
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/01/business/hooters-restaurant-bankruptcy.html

Mass layoffs begin at HHS, some employees turned
away after showing up to work
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/mass-layoffs-begin-hhs-reaching-impacts-public-health/story?id=120374327

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Waltz and staff used Gmail for government
communications,: report
https://nypost.com/2025/04/01/us-news/national-security-council-confirms-mike-waltz-and-staff-used-gmail-for-government-communication/

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Sports Briefs

The A's opener in Sacramento was an absolute disaster
https://www.sfgate.com/athletics/article/as-opener-sacramento-complete-utter-disaster-20252911.php

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California News Briefs

The most expensive house in America just
hit the market again
https://www.sfgate.com/la/article/most-expensive-house-listing-hits-market-again-20253245.php

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Gimme that Wine

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

How a rare pink wine grape found a home in Napa Valley
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/napa/kazumi-wines-koshu-napa/

How Costco's Kirkland Signature Brand Became a
Powerhouse - Wall Street Journal, paywall
https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/how-costcos-kirkland-signature-brand-became-a-powerhouse-29a8132d

Celebrating 50 years of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers - To demonstrate this commitment, NVG and the Napa Valley
vintners offer the annual Afternoon in the Vineyards,
to be held on Saturday, April 12, from 1:00 to 3:00pm.
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/300195

Castle Rock 2022 Columbia Valley Merlot Featured with
91 Point Rating in James Suckling's Washington 2025
Tasting Report: Winemaking Without Compromise
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/300211

Yountville Art, Sip & Stroll - Yountville Arts presents the 13th Annual Art, Sip & Stroll, on Saturday, May 17, 2025,
from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/300197

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