Equify Financial, Fort Worth, Texas
Seems To Be In Trouble

Several insiders report Equify Financial has had their lines cut.

It is also reported in Linkedin that the Equify Vendor Group has let 17 go, including National Sales Manager, 9 Outside Sales People, 4 Account Managers, 2 Credit Managers and 1 Documentation Specialist. The entire Dealer Vendor Group: https://equifyfinancial.com/dealer-vendor/

Several employees also posted they were looking for a position after being let go. Here is a sample of one:

Bryan Anderson, CLFP, formerly Regional Sales Manager at Equify Financial, LLC, posted on Linkedin: “Unfortunately, my team and I were recently laid off after the company decided to shut down our entire group. While this is a challenging time, I’m confident that a great opportunity is on the horizon. As they say, when one door closes, another one opens.

“If you know of any opportunities, potential connections, or have any advice to offer, I would greatly appreciate it.”
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-anderson-clfp-93a8317b/

Leasing News was not able to get a statement from Equify Financial.

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    New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Abhay Bhootra, was hired as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Ansley Park Capital, White Plains, New York. He is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, he was Director, Financial Services Investment Banking, Truist Securities (January, 2011 - December, 2023); Senior Director, Analytics Practice Lead, Profit Technologies (March, 2009 - February, 2011); Associate, Wachovia Securities, LLC (April, 2007 - August, 2008); Business Manager, Capital One (December, 1998 – March, 2007).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaybhootra/

Francisco Concepcion was hired as Senior Regional Sales Business Manager, Jupiter Equipment Finance, Jupiter Florida. He is located in Melvlle, New York. He was at Eastern Funding LLC starting October, 2016, as Sales Assistant, working his way up to Senior Sales Assistant (August, 2024 - October, 2024).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-concepcion/

Michael Gay was promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer, Ansley Park Capital, White Plains, New York. He is located in the San Francisco Bay Area. He joined Ansley Park Capital November, 2024, as Senior Managing Director and Head of Sponsor Coverage. Previously, he was Executive Vice President and Senior Managing Director, Group Head Sponsor Finance, Stonebriar Commercial Finance (November, 2018 - May, 2024). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbo engay/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbodengay/

John Messina was hired as Specialist, Jupiter Equipment Finance, Jupiter, Florida.  He is located in Denver, Colorado.  He previously was at First American Equipment Finance, starting as Sales Support Specialist Internship (May, 2022), promoted Sales Analyst (January, 2023 - June, 2024).

(Retired)

Dennis Schlesner announced his retirement as President, MidFirst Business Credit, Alpharetta, Georgia. (May, 2016 -October, 2024). He is located in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area.  He joined First Merit Bank Business Credit as Business Development Team Leasing (December, 2011 -2017), promoted 2011 - September, 2015). He began his career at  Wells Fargo Capital Finance, reaching Senior Vice President (September, 1985 - October, 2011) (26 yrs. 2 mos.)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-schlesner-542a7311/

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CLFP Foundation Adds 9 New CLFPs
With Photos

The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation is pleased to announce that 9 individuals who recently sat through the online proctored CLFP exam, have passed.  They are:

Kelly Black-Swartz, CLFP
Accountant /AVP & Asst Sec, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance

Nicholas Crawford, CLFP
Sales Support Associate, Auxilior Capital Partners, Inc.

Max DeVellis, CLFP Associate
President, EquipLoan

Elonzo Fairbanks, CLFP
Credit Analyst, Auxilior Capital Partners, Inc.

Adrene Moulton-Palmer, CLFP
Structured Credit Analyst, DLL

Daniel Oyekanmi, CLFP Associate
Senior Syndication Analyst, Element Fleet Management

Kevin Rice, CLFP
Vice President, Client Development, Financial Partners Group

Carlos Santos, CLFP
Vice President of Credit & Risk, Commercial Equipment Finance, Inc.

Andrea Tsao, CLFP Associate
Assistant Vice President, First American Equipment Finance

 

Carlos Santos, said, “I decided to obtain the certification because, although I have been in the financing industry for some time in positions related to corporate credit and relationship management, I had never been directly exposed to the commercial equipment finance industry.

“The program greatly helped me understand the complete cycle of equipment financing, from the moment the sale begins, approval, funding, and portfolio management.  The exam was quite challenging since it is very comprehensive and covers many areas of the business.  Anyone who wishes to expand their knowledge in this industry should go through the process.”

Adrene Moulton-Palmer attended the spring DLL ALFP and shares, “The CLFP designation offers a wealth of knowledge and incorporates all areas of leasing. With ten years of experience in leasing I was still able to learn about areas I had no experience in. This allowed me to broaden my knowledge base and to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the industry as a whole. 

“I was excited to be given the opportunity to earn a certification while learning about my industry. I am a more confident leasing professional thanks to the CLFP Foundation and DLL.”

The CLFP designation identifies an individual as a knowledgeable professional to employers, clients, customers, and peers in the commercial equipment finance industry. There are Certified Lease & Finance Professionals and Associates located throughout the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, India, Pakistan, Africa, and Australia.

For more information, visit http://www.CLFPFoundation.org

 

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

CLFP Foundation and ELFF Partner
with the University of North Texas to Launch
Commercial Equipment Finance Course

Joint Press Release -The Department of Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Law (FIREL) of the G. Brint Ryan College of Business at the University of North Texas (UNT) has announced  a partnership with the Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation and theEquipment Leasing & Finance Foundation to launch a new course on commercial equipment finance. The course, FINA 4700-Survey of Commercial Equipment Leasing & Finance, will begin in spring 2025.

This course will use The Certified Lease & Finance Professionals’ Handbook for the textbook, and will cover foundational concepts, origination topics, and operations and servicing areas. Upon successful completion, students will be awarded the Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Student Certification.

The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation is providing financial support and resources, including academic scholarships, internship opportunities, and networking events. This partnership is a natural alignment with the Foundation’s Campus to Career academic outreach program created to raise awareness for student talent development and provide learning and connection opportunities through resources for both students and employers.

The program was developed by Michael P. Gallo, B.Fin., M.Fin., J.D., Lecturer Professor at FIREL and 35-year veteran of the industry having held positions in sales, management and legal, and is currently associated with Padfield & Stout, LLP.  “This collaboration supports a comprehensive academic program in commercial equipment leasing and finance thatbridges the gap between academia and industry, preparing the next generation of professionals,” Gallo said. “It creates a platform for students to gain real-world insights and hands-on experience, positioning them for successful careers.”

The program also provides direct access to top talent, enabling equipment finance companies to:

• Engage with the program and students.
• Identify future professionals with industry knowledge and CLFP Student Certification.
• Benefit from students skilled in foundational concepts, origination, and operations.
• Ensure a steady pipeline of qualified graduates ready to contribute to the industry's success.

Future plans for the program include expanding to other colleges and universities across the country to facilitate wider access.

The G. Brint Ryan College of Business offers a special thanks to Kirk Phillips, President & CEO of Wintrust Commercial Finance, for his critical role in providing industry leadership and spearheading efforts to foster support for this groundbreaking program.

Companies can support the program by posting their open internship opportunities at the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation’s Internship Resources page: https://www.leasefoundation.org/campus-to-career/internship-resources-page/ . Others wishing to participate in the program can contact Professor Gallo at 972.358.4213, Michael.gallo@unt.edu

About University of North Texas G. Brint Ryan College of Business
As one of the largest business schools in the nation, the University of North Texas (UNT) G. Brint Ryan College of Business serves over 9,000 students and has been AACSB-accredited since 1961. UNT is ranked among the nation’s top-tier research universities as per the Carnegie Classifications. Partnerships at UNT’s Ryan College of Business strengthen programs while providing industries valuable connections to students. The blend of classroom instruction, practical experience, and financial incentives creates a dynamic learning environment. With  the support of the Dallas economy, this course will boost students' career prospects and contribute to industry growth. Learn more at https://cob.unt.edu/ 

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Leasing and Finance Industry Help Wanted
  Excellent Compensation/Marketing Support
    Many Openings, Many Remote

Dext Capital Secures $200MM Credit Facility
with Deutsche Bank

Lake Oswego, OR – Dext Capital, an independent equipment finance company, commenced a $200 million revolving credit facility with Deutsche Bank. The additional bank line increases Dext’s facility capacity to $750 million.

Conrad Nilsen, Senior Vice President, Finance, “We at Dext Capital are excited to welcome Deutsche Bank as our newest financing partner. We look forward to working together as Dext builds upon several years of positive momentum. Our partnership will provide Dext with additional capital to support our vendor relationships and customers.” - 

Dext Capital is a recurring ABS issuer and will use the expanded facility capacity to bring larger securitizations to market. To date, Dext has closed four ABS transactions, all of which were well oversubscribed. 

For more information about AutoDocs on DART from Dext Capital, please visit www.dextcapital.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dext-capital/

 

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Top Ten Most Read by Readers
October 15 to October 17

(1) North Mill Sues Traction Capital and Leasing
Ken Greene, Esq., Leasing New Emeritus
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2024/10_17.htm#nm

(2) Law Firm of Berger Montague, Toronto, Canada
Files Action Against Chesswood Group Limited
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2024/10_17.htm#lsw

(3) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2024/10_15.htm#hires

(4) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2024/10_17.htm#hires

(5) Dext Capital Relocates to New
Office Space to Support Rapid Growth
https://leasingnews.org/archives/

(6) Working Niche Marketplaces
By Kit Menkin
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2024/10_15.htm#working

(7) Used EVs Sell for Bargain Prices Now
Putting Owners and Dealers in a Bind
https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/used-evs-sell-for-bargain-prices-now-putting-owners-and-dealers-in-a-bind-a44e1718

(8) Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation
Scholarship Winners - Where Are They Now?
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2024/10_17.htm#elff

(9) Maxim Commercial Capital Funds Nearly 80%
More Transactions for the Third Quarter of 2024
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2024/10_17.htm#maxim

(10) Confidence "Steady" Reports the
the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2024/10_17.htm#confidence

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Commercial Finance/Leasing Finance
Conferences and Forums

Oct. 27-29: 63rd ELFA Annual Convention, Austin, TX           
Join 1,100+ at ELFA Annual Conference
Check out the Industry Breakout Sessions on Monday and Tuesday
https://www.elfaonline.org/education-networking/2024/annual-convention/schedule
Full Education Session Lineup
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2024/09_09.htm#elfa

Bruce Kropschot, Senior Managing Director, The Alta Group, will be covering the ELFA Convention, as he has done for Leasing News for many years.

---

Nov. 6, 2024, Brokers Expo, New York City
700+ Registered
https://thefundersforumbrokerexpo.com/ny/agenda 
Daymond John of the Shark Tank is behind this group. A lot of investor friends involved in funding leasing and finance transactions.
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2023/02_14.htm#expo        
Shark Tank's Kevin Harrington To Speak at Brokers Expo  https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2024/10_09.htm#shark

---

Nov. 11-14: NEFA Fall Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana
Special Registration for members and those who will come one by November 11th, Plus Speakers. And programs
https://web.cvent.com/event/653f9e73-4bf5-4117-80de-c935474e7f72/summary

Vicki Shimkus, CLFP, Balboa Capital, Broker Relationship Manager, will be covering the conference for Leasing News readers.

---

Nov. 13-15 SFNet's 80th Annual Conference, Houston,
Join us where industry movers, shakers and decision makers meet to accelerate growth - 
Full Info
https://www.sfnet.com/home/events/event-detail/2024/11/13/default-calendar/sfnets-80th-annual-convention

---

To be listed or update: kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

News Briefs

New Jersey Tries Commercial Financing
   Disclosure Bill Again
    By DeBanked Staff
https://debanked.com/2024/10/new-jersey-tries-commercial-financing-disclosure-bill-again/

In Canada, tobacco Giants to Pay Nearly $24 Billion
    to Settle Long-Running Legal Battle
https://sfpost.com/tobacco-giants-to-pay-nearly-24-billion-to-settle-long-running-legal-battle/

Tentative deal announced to end Boeing strike
    Vote is on Wednesday
https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/19/business/boeing-deal-to-end-strike/index.html

The Powerful Companies Driving Local
    Drugstores Out of Business
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/19/business/drugstores-closing-pbm-pharmacy.html

Senate report: How private equity ‘gutted’
    dozens of U.S. hospitals
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/10/17/private-equity-steward-hospital-bankruptcy/

Wealthier Americans are driving retail spending
    powering US economy
https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/10/18/economy-affluent-consumers

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Want to Understand the U.S. Economy?
   Watch "Shark Tank"
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/10/17/business/shark-tank-economy.html

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Sports Briefs---

Steve Kerr’s plan for deep rotation echoes
    Warriors’ title team 50 years ago
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/jenkins/article/warriors-deep-rotation-steve-kerr-19844508.php

Minus Steph Curry, Warriors pound Lakers backups
to finish preseason undefeated
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/warriors/article/warriors-pound-lakers-backups-finish-preseason-19844200.php

Patriots once were the embodiment of NFL,
 the best of the best; but the past is all they have left nowadays.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/10/20/sports/patriots-tara-sullivan-commentary/

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California News Briefs---

California housing demand drops in September
as buyers remain hesitant amid falling mortgage rates
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california-housing-demand-drops-in-september-as-buyers-remain-hesitant-amid-falling-mortgage-rates-car-reports-302279526.html

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

Years in the making, new Bay Area Costco
  to camped-out crowds in Napa
https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/customers-camped-bay-area-county-costco-19847073.php

Local winemaker in hot water after challenging
massive American wine brand
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/lifestyle/lee-meiomi-constellation-brands/

Establishment of the Crystal Springs of Napa Valley    
   Viticultural Area; Modification of the Calistoga
Viticultural Area
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/16/2024-23655/establishment-of-the-crystal-springs-of-napa-valley-viticultural-area-modification-of-the-calistoga

San Leonardo Named 2025 "Winery of the Year"
by Italy's Top Wine Guide Gambero Rosso
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/293909

Boxed Wine Comes Off The Bottom Shelf with
Erin Kirschenmann and Jason Haas, Ep 93
https://sipsiphooraypodcast.com/2024/10/09/boxed-wine-comes-off-the-bottom-shelf-w-erin-kirschenmann-and-jason-haas-ep-93/