New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Matthew Parker was promoted to Director of Sales, CTI&I, Commercial, at PEAC Solutions, Mount Laurel, New Jersey. He is located in Greater Philadelphia. Previously, he was Sales Manager, Direct Lading (February, 2024 - January, 2026) Business Finance Advisor II, Direct (2022 - February, 2024). He started as Sales Development Representative, Marlin Capital Solutions, promoted Business Finance Advisor (October, 2021 - July, 2022).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-parker-6ba040209/

Steve Scheuble was promoted to Principal at Blue Owl Capital. Previously he was Director of Business Development, Atalaya Leasing, Atalaya Capital Management (May, 2021 - September, 2024). He began his career at C&IB, PNC (August, 2011 - December, 2020).             
https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-scheuble-6a581b1b/

Ava (Nolfi) Shields was hired as Internal Sales Manager, Vanguard, Malvern, Pennsylvania. She is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   Previously, she was at Hartford Funds, starting May, 2018, Advisor Support Consultant, promoted to Senior Internal Advisor Consultant (April, 2019 - January, 2026); Business Development Manager, Marlin Capital Solutions (December, 2014 - April, 2018).      
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anolfi/

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Equipment Finance Industry Confidence at 11-Month High

Washington, DC, January 22, 2026 – The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) today released its January 2026 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI), revealing confidence in the equipment finance market rose to 64.6, up from 58.3 in December, and the highest level since February 2025. The index provides a qualitative assessment from key executives in the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry.

January 2026 Survey Results:

• Business Conditions – When assessing the next four months, 34.6% of responding executives believe business conditions will improve, up from 12.5% in December. Those who believe business conditions will remain the same declined to 57.7% from 75% the previous month. The percentage of executives who believe business conditions will worsen also declined to 7.7% from 12.5% in December.
• Capex Demand – For the next four months, 40% of the survey respondents believe demand for leases and loans to fund capital expenditures (capex) will increase (up from 20.8% in December). Additionally, 56% expect demand to remain the same (down from 75%), and 4% believe demand will decline, relatively unchanged from December.
• Access to Capital – Over the next four months, 32% of respondents expect greater access to capital to fund equipment acquisitions, an increase from 25% in December. The majority (68%) anticipate the “same” access to capital to fund business, a decrease from 70.8% the previous month. None expect “less” access to capital, unchanged from December.
• Employment – Regarding employment over the next four months, 38.5% of executives expect to hire more employees, a decrease from 50% in December. Also, 57.7% foresee no change in headcount (up from 45.8% last month), and 3.9% expect to hire fewer employees, down slightly from 4.2% in December.
• U.S. Economy – Of the respondents, 3.9% evaluate the current U.S. economy as “excellent,” up from none in December; 96.2% assess it as “fair,” down from 100% last month; and none evaluate it as “poor,” unchanged from December.
• Economic Outlook – Over the next six months, 30.8% of respondents believe that U.S. economic conditions will “get better,” a marked increase from 12.5% in December. Another 61.5% expect the U.S. economy to “stay the same,” up from 58.3%; and 7.7% believe economic conditions will worsen, a dramatic decline from 29.2% last month.
• Business Development Spending – Over the next six months, 34.6% of respondents believe their company will increase spending on business development activities, down from 35.7% in December. Those who believe there will be “no change” in business development spending increased to 65.4% (up from 58.3% in December), and none believe there will be a decrease in spending (down from 4.2% last month).

January 2026 MCI-EFI Survey Comments from Industry Executive Leadership:

Bank, Small Ticket
“2025 was a strong year for our business and much of the industry. I think we will carry that momentum into 2026 and find new opportunities to continue our growth this year.” David Normandin, CLFP, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wintrust Specialty Finance

Captive, Small Ticket
“We observed an increase in December that has continued into January. We believe the improved interest rate environment has contributed to this momentum. Additionally, we suspect that a "tariff pre-buy" effect is occurring, as customers accelerate purchasing decisions ahead of potential cost increases.” Jim DeFrank, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, Isuzu Finance of America, Inc.

Independent, Small Ticket
“As interest rates and the economy improve in 2026, the equipment finance industry will likely be facing more competition from banks, the larger independents and new entrants.”  James D. Jenks, CEO, Global Finance and Leasing Services, LLC

Independent, Middle Ticket
“I’m optimistic about AI and automation along with onshoring creating new demand for equipment. However, isolationist policies and lack of workforce are challenges to these positives, so it’s a mixed bag.” Jeffry Elliott, CLFP, CEO of Elevex Capital and Equipment Leasing & Finance Association Treasurer

ELFA and the Foundation are unifying their research efforts. Starting in January 2026, all industry data and reports historically produced by the Foundation will move to a streamlined home on the ELFA website. To access more details and read the full survey results, visit the MCI web page.

 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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Maxim Commercial Capital Grew Team
by 21% during 2025

Maxim Commercial Capital (“Maxim”) announced the addition of Lyndon Elam as Chief Operating Officer and Donald Cosenza as SVP of Business Development while steadily navigating the volatile economy during 2025.

Maxim fuels small businesses and entrepreneurship nationwide in underserved market segments by providing loans and leases from $10,000 to $3 million collateralized by over-the-road trucks, trailers, construction and agricultural heavy equipment, and real estate for the last 17 years.

Michael Kianmahd, Maxim’s CEO, explained, “We began 2025 with an aggressive plan to invest in our most valuable asset, our people, and we are pleased to announce the expansion of our executive and operating teams. Both Lyn and Don have tremendous experience, exceptional energy, and strong leadership skills to help propel Maxim into 2026 and beyond.

"We also expanded our operations and accounting teams with skilled, growth-minded talent to support our vision to be the nation’s preeminent alternative lender to small and mid-sized businesses.”

Founded during the 2008 financial crisis, the privately-owned lender remained a reliable funding source for small and mid-sized businesses through 2025’s market turbulence caused by shifting interest rates, an economic slowdown, disruption in the trucking markets, and tariffs. Keys to Maxim’s success over its 17-year history include its steadfast commitment to funding non-prime customers, including startups and those with challenged credit; serving as a reliable funding source for its referral network of equipment vendors and finance brokers; and offering creative funding solutions, such as no cash down transactions where the business may pledge excess equipment or real estate as collateral.

About Maxim Commercial Capital
Maxim Commercial Capital is redefining access to capital for underserved small and mid-sized business owners nationwide, helping them unlock growth opportunities and fueling their dreams of entrepreneurship by providing essential loans and leases (“financing”) from $10,000 to $3 million secured by heavy equipment, real estate, trucks, and trailers. The company funds equipment purchase financings and leases, working capital, and debt consolidations.

Maxim’s more creative financing structures leverage equity in real estate and owned heavy equipment to facilitate growth and preserve customers’ cash. As a leading provider of transportation equipment financing, Maxim supports startup and experienced owner-operators and non-CDL small fleet owners with financing for class 8 and class 6 trucks, trailers, and reefers. Learn more at www.maximcc.com or by calling 877-776-2946.

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Help Wanted Ad
    Ameris Bank Equipment Finance

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Stellify Capital, LLC Announces Closing of $75 Million
Credit Facility with SLC Management

Fort Collins, Colorado  ---Stellify Capital, LLC (“Stellify”), a specialty finance platform exclusively serving the third-party originations channel, announced the successful closing of a $75 million credit facility with SLC Management, a leading global institutional and alternatives asset manager.

Stellify Capital is led by the former full leadership team of Pawnee Leasing Corporation. This new facility strengthens Stellify’s balance sheet and provides additional capacity to support the firm’s growing portfolio and expanding originations activity. The partnership with SLC Management reflects the strength of Stellify’s management, the investor group’s strong prior relationship, and successful business performance.

Gary Souverein, President of Stellify Capital, LLC, said “We have been both pleased and humbled by the support and reception from all of our prior business relationships in the equipment finance industry.

"Complementing the significant equity investment of our ownership group, this facility substantially underpins our ability to once again serve our third-party partners with our operating team’s signature underwriting, service, and relationship standards that defined our platform over many years. We are very thankful for the confidence in Stellify that SLC Management’s commitment represents.”

Brian Walmsley, Managing Director of Specialty Finance and Securitization at SLC Management, said, "“We were pleased to renew our partnership with Stellify for this new venture launch.

“With Stellify’s experience and strong ownership group, they are well positioned to support the third-party channel, and we’re excited to work with the team as they enter the market under a new banner.”

About Stellify Capital, LLC
Stellify Capital, LLC is a specialty finance firm focused on purchasing small-ticket commercial equipment leases and loans of “B”, “C” and “Start-Up” credit quality exclusively from third-party originators and other lessors.

About SLC Management
SLC Management is a global asset manager that offers institutional investors traditional, alternative and yield-orientated investment solutions across public and private fixed income markets, as well as global real estate equity and debt. SLC Management is the brand name for the institutional asset management business of Sun Life Financial Inc. under which the entities of Sun Life Capital Management (U.S.) LLC in the United States, and Sun Life
Capital Management (Canada) Inc.  in Canada operate. These entities are also referred to as SLC Fixed Income and represent the investment grade public and private fixed income strategies of SLC Management.

As of September 30, 2025, SLC Management has assets under management of C$422 billion (US$304 billion). Total firm AUM includes assets managed by the SLC Management group of companies on behalf of external clients, and the Sun Life General Account. AUM includes unfunded commitments, cash, equity, and other balances. Total firm AUM excludes assets under administration. AAM represents an additional approximate C$14 billion (US$10 billion) in assets under administration. The methodologies used to compile the total AUM are subject to change and may not reflect regulatory AUM.

For more information, please visit
https://www.stellifycapital.com/
https://www.slcmanagement.com/us/en

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Developing a Key Account
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP

Successful originators in the commercial equipment finance and leasing industry understand the transformative power of Key Accounts. They know that sustained production growth doesn’t come from chasing every opportunity—it comes from cultivating deep, strategic relationships that align with their capabilities and create meaningful efficiencies for vendors and end‑users.

Key Accounts are the most efficient relationships an originator can develop. They generate a consistent flow of fundings, supported by shared data, predictable patterns, and mutual trust. These relationships are multi‑dimensional: originators engage with multiple stakeholders inside the account to ensure continuity, alignment, and long‑term success. Over time, the originator and their internal team gain a full understanding of the account’s strengths, opportunities, and challenges, allowing them to deliver solutions that matter in real time.

Developing a Key Account requires expertise, patience, and commitment. But the payoff is undeniable—Key Accounts elevate an originator’s production trajectory and, more importantly, their career.

Most top producers maintain several Key Accounts at any given time. They also recognize that not every relationship qualifies. They don’t abandon their average accounts; instead, they identify the few with the greatest potential and work intentionally to elevate them. Moving an account into Key Account status requires fresh thinking, deeper engagement, and a willingness to ask the critical question:

What must be true for this relationship to become significantly more efficient, more predictable, and more valuable?

The originators who consistently win in this industry are the ones who can answer that question—and act on it. Their success is rooted in their ability to convert a handful of average accounts into high‑quality, high‑efficiency relationships year after year.

The formula is simple, but not easy. The rewards, however, are extraordinary.

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

This "Sales Tip" is provided by Wheeler Business Consulting.
Comments, questions, and suggestions regarding weekly tips are welcome.
Phone: 410-877-0428
email: scott@wheelerbusinessconsulting.com

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Shawn Halladay, Senior Managing Director of Amembal & Halladay, will instruct a free webinar on January 26.

Halladay has been a frequent contributor to Leasing News, particularly regarding accounting, changes to FASB rules, tax rulings, as well as covering several of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association events and conferences.

The sale-leaseback, a variation of the standard lease, is another manifestation of that versatility. Whether monetizing the user’s balance sheet or enabling innovative financial products, the sale-leaseback meets many needs.

In this 30-minute presentation, attendees will be exposed to not only the financial product benefits for lessees and lessors alike, but also the structural elements of how this often-overlooked product works.

Attendees Will Learn:

• Customer motivations for entering into sale-leasebacks
• Structural components
• The requirements for recognizing gains
• The impact of transactions on the customer's balance sheet
• Risk considerations: The effect on lessor and lessee tax positions
• The role of sale-leasebacks in various products, including EaaS

Who Should Attend:
Salespeople will find the information in this webinar invaluable in learning how to unlock new sources of business and better engage their customers, while newcomers will appreciate gaining deeper insights into the industry. Back-office personnel and the operations team will gain insights into how to meet the complex requirements of sale-leasebacks in order to better support the sales team while, at the same time, mitigating the unique risks of this product.

Register Here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_r908hlgIS3WYlktl066Arw#/registration

Halladay has been involved in the equipment finance industry for over forty years on both a US and international basis. During this time, he has acted as a lessee and applied his knowledge on a practical basis in several equipment leasing companies. In addition to his practical leasing experience, Halladay has taught classes on numerous leasing subjects, consulted extensively for both large and small companies, and provided expert advice to the government. He brings added value to his clients through his ability to effectively combine and translate the risk, finance, accounting and tax complexities of leasing into a commercial perspective.

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The High-Stakes Math of Machinery Management
AGWEB Farm Journal

A sharp decline in new machinery sales is creating a supply vacuum for late-model iron. This shift is forcing producers to prioritize what equipment they update when and stretching life cycles of tractors to manage costs.

According to recent insights from the Moving Iron podcast and the latest year-end data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the “new normal” isn’t just about lower values — it’s about a fundamental shift in how depreciation, supply cycles and machine types dictate the bottom line.

One of the most significant changes in the current market is the sheer scale of capital involved in trading equipment. Historically, depreciation percentages have remained relatively consistent. However, because the base price of new machinery has increased, the dollar amount “lost” during a trade has doubled.

What used to be a $75,000 to $100,000 hit is now frequently a $150,000 to $250,000 hit. While the math remains the same, the actual cash impact on an operation is much more severe, forcing a more disciplined approach to management.

In December 2025, total U.S. tractor sales were down 15% versus the previous year, with only 14,581 units sold. The year-end totals paint an even starker picture for high-horsepower equipment:

• 100+ horsepower 2WD tractors: Down 23%
• 4WD tractors: Down a 42%
• Combines: Annual sales totaled 3,579 units — 36% below 2024 levels.

Because fewer new machines were sold in 2024 and 2025, there are fewer late-model trades entering the secondary market. This supply vacuum is already starting to firm up values for clean, low-hour machines, shifting the industry’s primary “battleground” to 3-to-5-year-old iron, according
to Casey Seymour and Machinery Pete in a recent Moving Iron podcast.

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News Briefs

Dow surges nearly 600 points after Trump announces
     Greenland framework, drops tariff threat
https://nypost.com/2026/01/21/business/dow-surges-700-points-amid-trump-greenland-framework-tariff-threat-called-off/

Supreme Court appears likely to allow Lisa Cook
     to remain on Fed board
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/01/21/fed-lisa-cook-supreme-court-trump/

Volvo unveils EX60 electric SUV with 400-mile range
https://news.google.com/stories/CAAqNggKIjBDQklTSGpvSmMzUnZjbmt0T
XpZd1NoRUtEd2pWLXJtd0VCRkhmVUlpNzlNa1lpZ0FQAQ?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen

Chinese EVs Blow Past Tesla and Tariffs
    En Route to Global Reign
https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/china-cars-tariffs-byd-tesla-fa18066f?mod=business_feat4_autos_pos1

U.S. military is targeting shadow fleet of vessels
    carrying sanctioned crude
https://www.wsj.com/world/u-s-forces-seize-sixth-oil-tanker-34b3e040?mod=business_feat10_logistics_pos5

Trump pushes for lower rates and ban on investor home purchases in bid to make homes more affordable
https://apnews.com/article/trump-housing-affordability-investors-davos-aa03b50c0603be5532fedc8f1fcfd97e

 

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Immigration officers assert sweeping power
   to enter homes without a judge’s warrant, memo says
https://apnews.com/article/ice-arrests-warrants-minneapolis-trump-00d0ab0338e82341fd91b160758aeb2d

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Sports Briefs---

49ers’ stars, including Kittle, optimistic about 2026 return
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/01/19/49ers-stars-clear-out-lockers-including-optimistic-kittle-toward-healthier-2026/

Super Bowl LX travel guide:
   What to do within 10 miles of Levi’s Stadium
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/19/levis-stadium-sports-travel-tourism/

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California News Briefs---

California wildfire survivors got a rude surprise
    that could hit more Americans
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/16/la-fire-survivors-got-a-rude-surprise-that-could-hit-more-americans/

Tiny Earthquakes Reveal Hidden Faults Under
    Northern California
https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/tiny-earthquakes-reveal-hidden-faults-under-northern-california

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

Booze Rules 2026: California Alcoholic Beverage Law  
    Update    – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
https://www.beveragelaw.com/booze-rules/california-alcohol-beverage-law-update-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly

Mission Bell Winery in Madera to lay off over 200
   employees  as contracts with Gallo end
https://kmph.com/news/local/mission-bell-winery-in-madera-to-lay-off-over-200-employees-as-contracts-with-gallo-end

Could hybrid grapes help California winemakers
   adapt to climate change?
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/01/20/uc-davis-hosts-first-conference-on-hybrid-wine-grapes/

Sonoma County winemaker saves historic
    vineyard from destruction
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/01/19/im-just-a-caretaker-winemaker-saves-historic-vineyard-from-destruction/