New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Stefani Ashley was promoted to Operations Coordinator, The Unified Group, Hoofddprp, Netherlands. She is located in the Greater Chicago Area. Previously, she was Executive Assistant (June, 2021 - February, 2026); Project Account Manager, Stevenson Crane Rigging & Heavy Haul (May, 2017 - June, 2021).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefani-ashley-55bb9a216/

Nicholas Balzer, CLFP, was hired as Head of Syndications, Summers Engineering Capital, Franklin, Tennessee. He is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Previously, he was at Civista Leasing and Finance, starting as Senior Credit Analyst, October, 2017; promoted to Senior Credit Underwriter (September, 2023 - February, 2026).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-balzer-clfp-52b548102/

Teagan Carter, MSM was hired as Sales Analyst, Healthcare, First American Equipment Finance. Previously, she was Respite, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, Part-time (May, 2024 - Present). Previously, she was at Paychex, starting as Inside Sales, HCM Small
Market.  Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagan-carter-msm-70320721b/

Scott Grady was hired as Executive Vice President, Business Development, LORCAPT, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where he is located. Previously, he was President, Walnut Hill Capital, (January, 2025 - January, 2026); Director of Business Development, Huntington Technology Finance, Inc. (January, 2020 - December, 2024);  Division President, Crestmark Equipment Finance (October, 2014 - February, 2018); Co-Founder/President, TIP CAPITAL (July, 1999 - October, 2014). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-grady-548330/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-grady-548330/

Tom Grossman was hired as Account Executive, LTi Technology Solutions, Omaha, Nebraska. He lives in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area. Previously, he was Senior Account Manager, Protolabs (July 2024 - February, 2026); DHL Express for 11 years, 2 months, starting as Telesales Executive, July, 2010, promoted Manager of International Sales, February, 2015, promoted Area Sales Manager (June, 2023 - July, 2024). Intern, Carlier Company (May, 2012 - August, 2012).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomgrossman1019/

Austin Kellogg was hired as Senior Credit Analyst, Paramount Financial, Phoenix, Arizona.  He is located in Omaha, Nebraska. Previously, he was Senior Credit Analyst, Envision Capital Group (October, 2023 - August, 2025); Senior Credit Analyst, Partners Credit Group (September, 2021 - September, 2023); Credit Analyst, Amur (October, 2019 - September, 2021); Personal Banker, WCB
(November, 2018 - October, 2019). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-kellogg-218a3766/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-kellogg-218a3766/

Ty Leitow, MBA, Esq., was hired as General Counsel, Merrimack Capital Company, Metro Detroit, Michigan, where he is located. Previously, he was General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer (Head of Group: Legal), Mobis North America LLC & Mobis US Electrified Powertrain LLC (February, 2023 - February, 2026); Associated General Counsel, Via Motors (August, 2022 - February, 2023); Legal Counsel, EOS (December, 2019 - August, 2022); Senior Contract Negotiator, Assistant Vice President, MetaBank (December, 2016 - December, 2019). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-leitow-mba-esq-96648923/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-leitow-mba-esq-96648923/

George Vartanov was hired as Director, Archway Inc, Boston, Massachusetts, where he is located. Previously, he was at SLR Credit Solutions for 5 years, 8 months starting as Associate, March, 2020,  promoted Vice President, February, 2021, promoted Director, February, 2023 - October, 2025); Associate, Wells Fargo (January, 2018 - March, 2020); Analyst, Conning (May, 2016 - August, 2017); Analyst, First Eagle Investments (June, 2015 - May, 2016).  Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgevartanov/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgevartanov/

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The Power of Data
By Scott Wheeler

Professionals in the commercial equipment finance and leasing industry have been collecting data for decades. Filing cabinets, CRM systems, and digital storage platforms are overflowing with information. Yet despite this abundance, very few companies, and even fewer individual originators, use their data effectively.

The truth is simple: effective use of data drives efficiency, profitability, and long‑term sustainability. In today’s competitive environment, data analytics is no longer optional. It is essential for success and, in many cases, survival.

Every originator faces the same fundamental questions:

• Which vendors and end‑users truly align with my capabilities?
• Which opportunities can be won, adjudicated, and funded most efficiently?
• Which relationships will produce the greatest long‑term returns?

The answers already exist; often buried within systems companies have owned for years. Leading organizations and top originators are distinguishing themselves by collecting the right data, analyzing it with intention, and using it to prioritize the relationships and activities that matter most. Below are a few factors to consider:

1. Commercial buying habits are predictable.
Commercial entities tend to purchase equipment on consistent cycles. These patterns can be leveraged to determine:

• Who is likely to buy
• When they are likely to buy
• What equipment they are likely to need

If originators are not tracking these predictable opportunities, they are leaving production on the table.

2. CRM systems are underutilized across the industry.
Most companies have sophisticated CRM and back‑end platforms, yet many originators use them as little more than electronic rolodexes. Basic contact information is not enough.

A modern CRM should:

• Sort and prioritize opportunities
• Integrate external market intelligence
• Pull in internal backend data
• Highlight the highest‑value prospects in real time

When used correctly, the CRM becomes a strategic engine — not a storage bin.

3. Public data can dramatically enhance industry expertise.
There is a wealth of public information available about vendors, end‑users, equipment types, and industry trends. Integrating this intelligence into an originator’s data ecosystem:

• Sharpens expertise
• Creates value in every conversation
• Helps originators anticipate needs rather than react to them
• Opens doors to larger, more strategic opportunities

The most successful originators are not just embracing technology — they are advancing it. They are more productive, more efficient, more informed, and ultimately higher‑income professionals. Their advantage is not accidental; it is intentional. They use data to drive decisions, prioritize activities, and concentrate their time on the relationships with the greatest potential. By leveraging the intelligence already available within their systems and the broader market, they consistently position themselves ahead of competitors and transform data into meaningful, measurable action

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

Help Wanted Ad
    Ameris Bank Equipment Finance

Leasing News Advisory Board Chair
Shari L. Lipski, CLFP

Shari L. Lipski, CLFP
Principal
ECS Financial Services
3400 Dundee Road, Suite 180
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
847.897.1711
SLipski@ecsfinancial.com
www.ecsfinancial.com

December 31, 2020 she was named Chair of the Leasing News Advisory Board when Bob Teichman, CLFP, retired. January 1, 2019 Shari was named Vice-Chair of Board. She is both intelligent and diplomatic, and well respected in the industry.

Shari previously served on the Leasing News Advisory Board from March, 2003 to January, 2005 and rejoined in February, 2016. Her resume includes over 30 years of experience in equipment lease portfolio management, lease originations, and corporate business development.

From 1989 through 1997, Shari worked for Public Funding Corporation, a financer of small-ticket governmental equipment leases.  During her time with Public Funding, she held various positions including Lease Administrator, Corporate Secretary, and garnered equity ownership when she took the position of Vice President.  In 1997, Public Funding was sold to First Sierra Financial, Inc.  It was at that time Shari assumed responsibilities for managing operations in the Chicago branch office, as well as a portfolio of vendor relationships.

In 1999, Shari joined ECS Financial Services, Inc., CPAs, and is responsible for corporate business development with a direct focus on the Equipment Lease and Loan Portfolio Management Division as well as the Tax, Accounting, and Audit Divisions.  She also serves the firm’s clients by offering an expertise in many areas including marketing and managing a lease/loan portfolio, back-office leasing company operations, business process outsourcing, sales and personal property tax compliance, and consulting.

Shari has written for several trade publications, served as an educational instructor for several associations, as well as the Certified Leasing and Finance Professional Foundation. She was featured in the 2019 Monitor Magazine “Women in Leasing.”

OFFICES/POSITIONS HELD:
2021-present:  Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation, Trustee
2017-2020:  SFN-Midwest Leadership Committee Member and Membership Committee, Co-Chair, and Women in Commercial       Finance Committee Member (formerly CFA)
2017-2020:  ELFA, Service Providers Business Council Steering Committee
2019 Named one of the Top 50 Women in Equipment Finance, Monitor Magazine (accolade)
2019 NEFA Funding Symposium Conference Co-Chairperson
2017-2019:  ELFA, Women’s Council Founding Member
2016-present:  Advisory Board Member
2012-present:  Women In Leasing, LinkedIn Discussion Group, Owner
2013:  Advisory Committee Member, Rockford Career College
2012:  NEFA, Funding Symposium-Conference Committee
2011:  NEFA, Finance Summit-Conference Chairperson
2010-2012:  NEFA, Conference Committee Member
2008-2012:  ELFA, Service Providers Business Council Committee Member, State Government Relations Committee Member, and Annual Convention Review Committee Member
2009 Named of the 20 Most Influential Women in Leasing, Leasing News (accolade)
2005-2008:  EAEL, Director
2006-2008:  CLP Foundation, Director
2007  EAEL, Fall Expo-Conference Chairperson
2003-2005:  Leasing News Advisory Board
2004-present:  ECS Financial Services, Inc., Principal
2003:  NAELB, Conference Chairperson
2002-2003:  CLP Foundation, Marketing Committee Chairperson
2001-2004:  Mid-America Association of Equipment Lessors (MAEL), Director
1998:  UAEL, Illinois Regional Chairperson
1999-2004:  ECS Financial Services, Inc., Lease Portfolio Manager
1993-1997: Public Funding Corporation, Vice President
1989-1993: Public Funding Corporation, head envelope and stamp licker

How and Why Americans Are Using AI to Apply for Jobs
by Valentine Fourreau, Data Journalist, Statista

Artificial intelligence has become a go-to tool to help with job applications in the U.S. Results of a Statista+ survey conducted in January 2026 show that 70 percent of U.S. professionals have used AI at least once while applying for a job in the last 24 months, and that proportion goes up to 78 percent for Millennials.

As our infographic shows, motivations to use AI are pragmatic and strongly performance oriented. Close to half (49 percent) of U.S. respondents said they had used AI to compensate for weaknesses such as bad spelling or a lack of design abilities. 48 percent said AI would improve their overall chances; the same share of respondents used AI tools to better tailor each application to specific positions, and cited AI as a form of professional support. Finally, 46 percent said using AI allowed them to save time.

While LLMs such as ChatGPT were the most often used AI tool (cited by 73 percent of AI users in the United States), the most common use of AI was writing/designing a CV automatically (49 percent), followed by preparing for interviews (44 percent), and searching for or filtering job offers (40 percent).

While these results show a clear enthusiasm for AI use in the application process in the U.S., doubts seem to still exist concerning the technology: 61 percent of respondents said they believed applicants should use AI in such a way that it can't be identified.

Furthermore, of the people who hadn't used AI for a job application in the past 24 months, 39 percent said they believed a job application should reflect one's real skills and abilities, which may be distorted by the use of AI.

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Why I Became a CLFP
Ashley Smith, CPA, CISA

On this week's Why I Became a CLFP, we’re celebrating Ashley Smith, CPA, CISA and her dedication to building expertise in equipment leasing and finance. Her commitment to learning and professional excellence is exactly what CLFP represents. We’re grateful to have you as part of the CLFP Community and are proud to celebrate your journey, Ashley!

Funders Looking for Broker Business
to update or change: kitmenkin@leawsingnews.org

There is no advertising fee or charge for a listing. They are “free.” Leasing News makes no endorsement of any of the companies listed, except they have qualified to be on this specific list.

We encourage companies who are listed to contact us for any change or addition they would like to make. We encourage adding further information as an "attachment" or clarification of what they have to offer would be helpful to readers.

Please send company name, contact/email or telephone number as well as a URL to attach or description List.

Leasing Associations: All non-profit leasing associations are abbreviated. To see the full name and learn more about the association, please click here.

BBB - Better Business Report | CBB - Leasing News Complaint Bulletin Board
| CNI - Current News Information

A -Accepts Broker Business | B -Requires Broker be Licensed | C -Sub-Broker Program
| D -"Private label Program" | E - Also "in house" salesmen

N/R (not reported)
* (no response---these listing do not come from the company directly, but from our research from many sources. It is our policy not to put anything in this section without confirmation.)

Business Reports: Companies listed may make any netiquette comment about their company or reports or other information in the footnote section of their listing. Leasing News recommends readers also view the footnote as well as the section itself or searching reports on the business.

It also should be noted that if a BBB report listing is found by a reader, as there may not have been one when this was last up-dated, please send the link to kit@leasingnews.org so Leasing News may up-date this section.

There is no advertising fee or charge for a listing. They are “free.” Leasing News makes no endorsement of any of the companies listed, except they have qualified to be on this specific list.
We encourage companies who are listed to contact us for any change or addition they would like to make. We encourage adding further information as an "attachment" or clarification of what they have to offer would be helpful to readers.

Please send company name, contact/email or telephone number as well as a URL to attach or description to kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

Leasing Associations: All non-profit leasing associations are abbreviated. To see the full name and learn more about the association, please click here: https://leasingnews.org/associations.htm

We encourage companies who are listed to contact us for any change or addition they would like to make. We encourage adding further information as an "attachment" or clarification of what they have to offer would be helpful to readers as footnotes.

Please send company name, contact/email or telephone number as well as a URL to attach or description to kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

News Briefs

Good News! Economy added 130,000 jobs in January,
     unemployment falls to 4.3%
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2026/02/11/us-january-jobs-report/88589437007/ 

A Thousand People Expected at deBanked
CONNECT MIAMI 2026
https://debanked.com/2026/02/a-thousand-people-expected-at-debanked-connect-miami-2026/

Less than 14% of those arrested by ICE
had violent criminal records, document shows
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-arrests-violent-criminal-records-trump-first-year/

Trump to cut $600 million in public health grants from four
       Democratic States:  California, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/health/trump-public-health-cuts-california.html

Ford CEO admits that ‘the customer has spoken’
    after EV push drives major quarterly loss
https://nypost.com/2026/02/11/business/ford-ceo-admits-that-the-customer-has-spoken-after-ev-push-drives-major-quarterly-loss/

California ‘truly at a breaking point,’ state senator
    says as refineries close and gas prices surge
https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/california-truly-breaking-point-state-senator-says-refineries-close-gas-prices-surge-statewide

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Federal Debt to Hit Record Levels, Budget Office Warns
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/11/business/federal-debt-record-levels-budget-office.html

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Sports Briefs

In the shadow of the Super Bowl,
   Great America slowly dies
https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/super-bowl-great-america-21316236.php

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California News Briefs

California commits $90 million to Planned Parenthood in
     wake of federal cuts
https://www.courthousenews.com/california-commits-90-million-to-planned-parenthood-in-wake-of-federal-cuts/

Computer science major at UC sees declines
     for first time
https://www.sfchronicle.com/college-admissions/article/uc-major-computer-science-ai-21284464.php

BART’s cost-cutting plan risks a ‘death spiral’
      that could end all train service
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/bart-service-cost-cut-21338581.php

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Gimme that Wine

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

International White Wine Festival returns
    to Anderson Valley
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/02/02/international-white-wine-festival-returns-to-anderson-valley/

First California Budbreak Reported
    in January in Alexander Valley
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/313891

French wine, spirits export volumes sink
    to at least 25-year low
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/french-wine-spirits-exports-lose-fizz-third-year-trade-tensions-hit-2026-02-10/