New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Travis Carroll was promoted to Vice President, Information Technology, Omaha, Nebraska. He is located in the Denver Metropolitan area. He joined LTi October, 2020, Senior Director,  Information Technology, promoted January, 2024, Vice President, Informaton Technology. Previously, he was Vice President of Information Technology, ORails (January 2018 - June, 2020).
Full Bio:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/traviscarroll/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/traviscarroll/

Bob Fite was hired as Equipment Finance Specialist, Jupiter Equipment Finance, Cincinnati, Ohio. He began his career at PNC Equipment Finance, LLC, May, 2015, Operations Manager, promoted Relationship Manager II, Program Manager (July, 2022 - March 2024).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-fite-76935b240/

Molly Foglia was hired as Digital Marketing Specialist, LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Previously, she was Marketing Coordinator, New Lane Finance (January, 2023 - March 2024); Marketing Manager, Dakota (September, 2021 - December, 2022); Digital Marketing and Social Media Coordinator, Henry Corporation (October 2020). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyfoglia/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyfoglia/

Matt Lang was promoted to Senior Vice President, Equipment Finance, TriState Bank, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He joined  Tri-State  December, 2021, as  Vice President, Equipment Finance. Previously, he was AVP, Account Executive, The Bancorp (January, 2018 - December, 2021); Manager, Baieri Automotive (December, 2014 - November, 2017).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-lang-7a1839186

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How Top Producers Deliver Fast Wins
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP

In the first quarter of 2024, I have provided executive coaching to several veteran originators who have accepted new positions in the commercial equipment leasing and finance industry. These professionals have proven records in their previous positions (within the same company or a previous employer). The new positions require them to, once again, start fresh and prove themselves as valuable producers.

These originators need to deliver some fast wins. They need to work harder, longer, and smarter than they have for years. Below are a few of my suggestions to various originators who have accepted new positions in the last six months.

• Focus 100% of your efforts on the current capabilities of your (new) employer. You accepted your current position to move forward. Stop working in the past.

• Develop a 30- 60- 90-day plan which will deliver real results immediately. Share your plan with your manager and listen to her confirmations, critiques, and/or suggestions.

• Spend sufficient time with the credit department and review a sampling (10) of transactions which have been won, approved, and funded in the last 60 days. Also, review a sampling of deals that have been turned down over the same period.

• Develop a realistic prospect list based upon your past experiences and more importantly, your current objectives and capabilities.

• Jump start your success by spending most of your day fully engaged with vendors and /or end-users. Complete your administrative tasks after hours. Remember what it was like when you found success the first time. You are smarter now but the process is still the same.

Be internally inquisitive; do not assume that the processes in your previous position apply to your current position. Accept the current processes as the rule book to operate within. The company does not need to bend to your expectations. You need to bend to its capabilities. Changes can be suggested once you prove your ability to succeed in your current position.

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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AP’s Q1 Achievements: 16.3% Funding Increase
Mike Snyder and John Pratt Join Team

AP Equipment Financing has increased Q1 2024 funding volume by 16.3 percent, compared to Q1 in 2023. AP is projecting success in 2024 driven by industry expansions and targeted origination strategies.

AP recently onboarded Mike Snyder as Senior Director of Business Development in the new Fleet & Mobility Divisionand John Pratt as Senior Vice President of Business Development, Specialty Vehicle Division.

Chris Lerma, CLFP, President of AP, said, “AP is thrilled to welcome such talented and seasoned professionals to run the targeted expansion of these industries. With their leadership, we are poised to achieve exponential growth and record-breaking Q2 funding in 2024.”

Alex Coveney, Equipment Vice President of Fleet & Mobility, said, "We are extremely excited to have Mike Snyder join the Fleet & Mobility Division at AP.

"Mike’s vast experience with rental and leasing, along with his innovative mindset and priority on the client experience, perfectly aligns with AP’s core mindset and the vision of the Fleet & Mobility Division.

Mike Snyder brings his 30 years of experience to help expand AP’s presence in Fleet & Mobility by building and fostering strategic relationships and implementing innovative fleet solutions for clients across all industries.

John Pratt said, “I am excited to join AP Equipment Financing as Senior Vice-President of Business Development. In this role, I am committed to putting a veteran sales team together and growing the footprint of AP Equipment Financing.”

Pratt has over three decades of experience in vocational and specialty vehicle financing and program development with equipment manufacturers. He played a pivotal role in establishing Wells Fargo Equipment Finance's specialty vehicle group and has extensive experience in providing financing solutions for truck dealers and their customers. Pratt comments on his on boarding,

AP Equipment financing has been providing equipment leasing and financing solutions for U.S. businesses since 1998. Partnering with businesses across the United States, AP is a premier lender that specializes in providing their customers and dealer partners with competitive financing options. Whether you are an owner operator looking to finance the next addition to your fleet or a nationwide equipment dealer looking for the right financing partner to offer fast and easy financing to your customers. AP Equipment Financing has the team, technology, and competitive programs to help fuel your growth.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century, a publicly traded global investment and finance firm, AP Equipment Financing has the resources and support to grow your business with competitive and comprehensive equipment finance and lease programs. AP has built a reputation on providing equipment finance and lease programs that match your business needs. Experience the Power of Personal by working with AP Equipment financing.

https://apfinancing.com/

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Leasing and Finance Industry Help Wanted

It's Called Fishing, Not Catching
By Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners, Managing Director

Have you ever gone fishing? Stood there for hours and hours wondering why the fish aren’t coming to you? And thought, ‘this is dumb, I am either walking away with no fish, or I am going to change my tactics so that I can get a fish.’

That why It is called fishing, not catching.

Many hiring managers, HR Professionals, and leaders say they can’t hire anyone good. They complain that they can’t find, attract and hire top talent. What have they truly done to get the best of the best on board, to differentiate themselves.  Using recruiters, job boards, and paying referral fees are great ways to get candidates to interview and hired but what happens next is usually what kills the deal/hire.

Once candidates are in the door, hiring organizations forget that they need keep their sales/recruiting hat on (this is critical). They forget that they need to be showing them how great their company is and how they can make a difference in the world rather than finding fault in the candidate. “A” level candidates know they can do the job, can go anywhere they want, and it is your job to recruit them, not select them out. Chances are candidates aren’t lining up outside the door begging to come to work for you.  Chances are they are they aren’t they aren’t going to take a pay cut, and chances are you aren’t that cool.  You have to differentiate yourself, sell the story, get potential candidates excited and close the deal quickly.

There is bigger and better bait on someone else's fishing pole!

Managing Director
ZRG Partners, LLC
Americas I EMEA I Asia Pacific
C: 508-733-4789
https://www.linkedin.com/in/klubin

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Marijuana Usage Data
2024 Report by Flowhub

Half of Americans have tried cannabis. according to Gallup, fully half (50%) of Americans say they have tried marijuana at some time.

In an answer to a separate question, roughly one in six Americans (17%) say they "smoke marijuana." This is also a new high for Gallup.

Key findings:

• Half of Americans have tried cannabis.
• 79% of Americans live in a county with at least one dispensary.
• The US cannabis industry is expected to reach almost $40 billion in 2024.
• 1 in 3 women over 21 consume cannabis.
• Cannabis will add $115.2 billion to the economy in 2024.
• Adult-use cannabis is now legal in 24 states.
• Support for legalizing cannabis hit a record 70%.
• Ranks of women and minority cannabis executives are rebounding.
• Cannabis earns higher tax revenue than alcohol in 9 states.
• Average retail cannabis prices dropped 32% since 2021.
• Dispensaries accepting debit earn an average of $4,627 more than cash only retailers.

California has far more dispensaries than any state: 3,659 at the time of this analysis, more than double the amount in the second-highest ranking state. A quarter of all marijuana dispensaries in the U.S. are in California and nearly all Californians (99.5%) have a dispensary in their county. Los Angeles County alone has more dispensaries (1,481) than any state other than California itself.

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Financing Cannabis Funding Sources
  Many Work with Third Party Originators

Alliance Commercial Capital
Alternative Finance Network
Cannabis Equipment Leasing
International Financial Services (IFS)
NEC Financial Services
Number One Enterprise
Slim Capital
Vertical Companies

Full List:
https://leasingnews.org/Pages/cannabis_financing.html

Shepherd Mix
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

Armadilla

Female
2 years
67.8 lbs
Location: HAR North, Dog Adoption, Kennel 11 (Community) North Campus
ID: PGH-A-105438

Meet Armadilla! This big girl was found as a stray and followed a family on their walk. She's a bit of an anxious lady, but LOVES being pet. If she could spend all day laying in your lap, she would without hesitation! Being that the world is a bit scary for her, she is on some medication to help her cope with the stress of the shelter environment and to help her transition into her new home. Like an armadillo, she may need some time to warm up and come out of her shell. This sweetheart hasn't met any children or other pets while she has been with us, so we recommend bringing any kiddos and resident pups in to meet with her if you are interested in taking her home. Come meet Armadilla today!

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh
North Side
1101 Western Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
412-345-7300

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Broker Fair 2024 New York City
May 20 - Registration Now Open

Bringing together the commercial finance industry from small business lending, factoring, merchant cash advance, equipment leasing, SBA lending, and more.

Attendees can expect:

Education
Inspiration
Networking
Many Opportunities

Broker Fair is the largest gathering of MCA and business loan brokers in the country. Focused on commercial finance and small business lending alike, this exclusive one-day event offers brokers, lenders, funders, and service providers education, inspiration, and opportunities to connect and grow their business.

Register
https://brokerfair.org/register/

Hotel:
https://brokerfair.org/hotel-2024/

Pooja Nene, Balboa Capital, Broker Relations Manager, will be covering for Leasing News.

News Briefs

The Real Estate Nightmare
    Unfolding in Downtown St. Louis
https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/commercial/doom-loop-st-louis-44505465?st=mhsbo1i4kx8s8qd&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Utah’s Tech Hub Powers America’s Hottest Job Market
    WSJ Ranking Finds - Top 60 listed
https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/utahs-tech-hub-powers-americas-hottest-job-market-wsj-ranking-finds-e67d0171?st=t0xd2ylm9umiry2&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

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Sports Briefs---

The A's move to Sacramento has an ominous
    clue about Las Vegas
https://www.sfgate.com/athletics/article/oakland-as-sacramento-move-las-vegas-19386055.php

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California News Briefs---

SF Bay Area tech startup Ghost Autonomy shuts down,
     lays off 100 workers
https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/ghost-autonomy-shutdown-tech-layoff-19385702.php

Lawmakers in California can override local
     housing limits, state court rules
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/california-court-rules-lawmakers-override-local-19379585.php

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

The NBA’s first wine partner makes
America’s favorite Chardonnay
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/nba-wine-kendall-jackson-19382300.php

Wine of the week: Truett Hurst, 2021 Old Vine
Red Rooster, Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/lifestyle/wine-of-the-week-truett-hurst-2021-old-vine-red-rooster-dry-creek-valley/

This California winery never got the fame it
deserved. After nearly 40 years, it’s closing
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/edmunds-st-john-winery-19381393.php

Did One Guy Just Stop a Huge Cyberattack?
     Shat He Discovered
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/03/technology/prevent-cyberattack-linux.html

Rombauer Vineyards: How Gallo is exporting
   the Californian dream
https://www.the-buyer.net/tasting/wine/gallo-rombauer-vineyards-keay