New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Linda Jacobson was hired as Vice President, Operations, Post Road Equipment Finance (formerly known as Encina Equipment Finance), Westport, Connecticut. She is located in Naperville, Illinois. Previously, she was Senior Leasing Specialist, Insight Investment LLC (March, 2022 - March, 2024); Equipment Leasing, Fifth Third Bank (June, 2022 - March, 2023). Full bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-jacobson-bb8532b/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-jacobson-bb8532b/

Jared Pastore was hired as Director of Business of Development, Newbury Capital, LLC, New York, New York.  He is located in North Bergen, New Jersey. Previously, he was Chief Executive Officer, SSV Financial Group (January, 2013 - April, 2024); Senior Funding Advisor, Shield Funding (January 2023 - February, 2023); Senior Funding Advisors, Sutton Funding (July, 2022 - January, 2023). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-pastore-336a442b/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-pastore-336a442b/

Anthony J. Salm was hired as SVP of Sales, Ohio Regional Offices, First National Capital Corporation, Irvine, California. He is located in Strongsville, Ohio. He previously was Chief Investment Officer, Lexant Capital Corp (January, 2018 - March, 2024); he started January, 2020, Executive Vice President, Sales, January, 2020. Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-j-salm-b523ab7/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-j-salm-b523ab7

 

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Well-Oiled Machines
Sales Makes it Happen by Scott Wheeler, CLFP

Top producers in the commercial equipment finance and leasing industry are well-oiled machines. They do not let distractions "gum up" the works. They focus on moving their production forward. Their goals are to be their personal best, to offer superior services, and to exceed all expectations.

Tom F. recently stated, "While my competitors are distracted, I am soliciting and winning their vendors and end-users."

Using Tom's motivation, I am making the following suggestions to my coaching clients:

• Get organized - stop wasting time.
• Focus on relationships that align with your capabilities.
• Market more aggressively to your targeted key accounts.
• Do not let distractions hinder your ability to win and fund high quality transactions.
• Expect more from yourself and your clients - you get what you expect.
• Think bigger, bolder, and more aggressively.
• Set stretch goals and exceed them quickly.

Well-oiled machines are never idle, they are stamping out new successes every hour.

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 

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Brokers: Attend This Open Bar in NYC
Sunday, May 19, 2024  7:00pm - 9:00pm

May 20: deBanked Broker Fair, New York City: https://brokerfair.org/register

Broker Fair is a large gathering of business loan brokers, MCA, lease originators 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.

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

Broker Fair is a large gathering of business loan brokers, MCA, lease originators 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.

 

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Leasing and Finance Industry Help Wanted

To Be Great: Harnessing Your Past
for a Brighter Future
By Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners, Managing Director

In the tapestry of life, every thread—be it vibrant, muted, or seemingly out of place—contributes to the complexity and beauty of the final piece. Our past, with its spectrum of experiences ranging from the good and the bad to the downright ugly, serves as an invaluable reservoir of lessons, strength, and motivation. It's time we recognize the power of our history to propel us towards greatness. Let's embark on a journey to leverage our past as the ultimate catalyst for transformation and achievement.

Embrace Every Facet of Your Journey

To forge a path toward greatness, the first step is embracing every facet of your past. The joyful peaks, the sorrowful troughs, and the seemingly mundane plains in between are all integral chapters of your unique story. Acknowledging and accepting each aspect of your history is crucial. It's easy to celebrate the good times and feel proud of the accomplishments, but the true depth of character is formed in the furnace of adversity. The bad and the ugly moments are not stains on your narrative but badges of resilience and strength. They are proof of your ability to endure, learn, and emerge stronger.

Extract Lessons from Every Experience

Every experience, regardless of its nature, comes with valuable lessons. The challenge lies in our ability to extract and internalize these insights. Reflect on the moments of triumph and consider what they taught you about your capabilities, values, and the strategies that lead to success. Similarly, delve into the memories of failures and hardships to uncover lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of seeking support when needed.

Transform Setbacks into Stepping Stones

The path to greatness is rarely linear. It's a journey rife with setbacks and detours. However, each setback serves as a potential stepping stone towards your goals. The key is to transform these obstacles into opportunities for growth. Ask yourself: What can this situation teach me? How can I use this experience to better myself and my approach to future challenges? By adopting a growth mindset, you can turn the most daunting hurdles into invaluable growth opportunities.

Cultivate Resilience and Persistence

Resilience and persistence are byproducts of facing and overcoming adversity. Your past has already equipped you with these essential qualities, even if you're not fully aware of their presence. Tap into this reservoir of inner strength. Remind yourself of the times you thought you couldn't go on, yet did. Use these memories as fuel to persist through current and future challenges, always keeping your eyes on the prize.

To embark on the journey towards greatness, we must start with a profound appreciation and understanding of our past. Every experience, be it good, bad, or ugly, is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. By embracing our history, extracting lessons from every experience, transforming setbacks into stepping stones, cultivating resilience, taking action towards our vision, and celebrating our evolution, we set the stage for achieving greatness. Let's start today. Your past is not just a story of where you've been; it's the foundation of where you're going. Let it propel you to heights you've never imagined.

Ken Lubin, 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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How to Use Your LinkedIn Summary
to Stand Out from the Crowd
By Alex Vasilakos

In today’s digitally driven professional landscape, your LinkedIn profile can be the gateway to new opportunities, from networking with industry leaders to landing lucrative deals. Among the many sections of a LinkedIn profile, the summary is a strategic element that can set the stage for personal branding and effective communication of your professional story.

This comprehensive guide is tailored for entrepreneurs, business professionals, and commercial loan brokers who wish to harness the power of their LinkedIn summary to differentiate themselves in their respective markets. By applying the art of storytelling and employing savvy SEO techniques, you can transform this often-overlooked space into a compelling snapshot that leaves a lasting impression.

Crafting a Compelling LinkedIn Summary

The very first few lines of your summary are prime real estate; they must instantly captivate your reader’s interest. Start with a punchy opening that reflects your professional persona and the value you offer. Remember, this isn’t a biography—keep it direct and to the point.

Clear and Concise Introduction

Think of your LinkedIn summary as an elevator pitch. What do you do, and why does it matter? Answering these questions concisely lays the groundwork for the rest of your narrative.

Highlighting Key Achievements

This is your chance to shine. Highlight major projects, accomplishments, or skills that differentiate you from the average professional. Use metrics whenever possible to add tangible proof to your claims.

What makes you unique? Maybe it’s your approach to problem-solving, your leadership style, or a niche market you excel in. Whatever it is, make sure it’s front and center in your summary.

Using Keywords for Search Ability

Keywords are the SEO bread and butter of LinkedIn. Integrate terms that are commonly searched for in your industry to ensure that you pop up in relevant searches. Just be sure to do it organically—no keyword stuffing here.

Engaging Your Target Audience

Tailoring your summary can make a significant difference in how it’s received by your intended audience. Speak their language, address their pain points, and offer solutions that you can provide.

Entrepreneurs seek agility, innovation, and a collaborative spirit. Your summary should reflect these qualities and how you’ve applied them to achieve success or facilitate business growth.

Addressing Business Professionals

Savvy and results-oriented, business professionals want to partner with the best to drive their organizations forward. Show them how your expertise can be instrumental in reaching their objectives.

Reaching Commercial Loan Brokers

For loan brokers, trustworthiness, access to a wide network, and a strong deal-closing track record are of utmost importance. Use your summary to reinforce these critical elements and the value of your connections and experience.

Incorporating Industry-Specific Language and Examples

The use of industry-specific jargon and case examples not only speaks volumes about your expertise but also solidifies your credibility within that field.

A well-optimized LinkedIn profile is more likely to appear at the top of relevant search results. Here’s how you can make sure your summary is working for your visibility.

Identify and prominently feature the keywords that best describe your skills and expertise. This not only helps with search rankings but also ensures that your summary is immediately recognizable to those looking for your particular talents.

Including images, videos, or links to portfolios can enrich your profile and provide a more comprehensive look at your work. LinkedIn’s algorithm loves multimedia, and your visitors will appreciate the effort to showcase your skills visually.

End your summary with a clear call to action. It could be to message you for inquiries, visit your website, or connect on a professional level. This not only guides the reader but also prompts LinkedIn to recognize your profile as active and engaged.

Case Studies or Examples

Examining successful LinkedIn profiles in your field can provide you with valuable insights into what works. Look for professionals with high engagement and see how they’ve structured their summaries to convey their value effectively.

Your LinkedIn summary should evolve as you do—so keep it fresh and updated with your latest achievements and skills. By applying the guidance in this post, you’ll elevate your professional online presence, command attention, and attract the right opportunities that are aligned with your goals.

Remember, in the noisy world of digital networking, a unique and well-crafted LinkedIn summary is often the key to making an indelible mark. Engage, optimize, and tell your story with confidence. It’s time to stand out on the professional stage.

Alex Vasilakos Digital Marketing Consultant
Vasilakos Design: Use the Power of Imagination
o: 518-727-7921 |  m: 518-727-7921  |  t: @avasilakos | web: www.vasilakosdesign.com

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

Q2 Update to the 2024 Economic Outlook Forecasts 2.2% Expansion
in Equipment and Software Investment, 2.3% GDP Growth

Washington, DC,– Driven by strong consumer spending and a resilient labor market, the U.S. economy continues to expand at a healthy clip, according to the Q2 update of the 2024 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook. Real equipment and software investment growth is projected to be 2.2% in 2024, with activity expected to pick up in the latter half of the year. The report, which was prepared by Keybridge and released today by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, also forecasts real GDP growth of 2.3% this year, an improvement over the 1.7% growth forecasted in the Foundation’s 2024 Economic Outlook published last December.

The Foundation's report is focused on the $1.16 trillion equipment leasing and finance industry and highlights key trends in equipment investment, placing them in the context of the broader U.S. economic climate.

Leigh Lytle, President of the Foundation, and President & CEO of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, said, “The Foundation’s Q2 Outlook shows that the ‘soft landing’ appears to be on track. Although equipment and software investment has been weak across most verticals over the last year, activity is expected to pick up as the year goes on, consistent with recent releases of the Foundation’s Momentum Monitors and Monthly Confidence Index. The Fed is likely to be cautious about rate cuts, particularly given recent backtracking on inflation, but we still expect borrowing costs to fall later this year.”

Highlights from the Q2 update to the 2024 Outlook include: 

• Equipment investment was negative for the second consecutive quarter, but continued strength in software investment led to overall E&S growth of 3.2% (annualized) in Q4. Economic conditions are generally positive, however, and a modest improvement in investment activity is expected later this year.

• The U.S. economy continues to hum, driven by solid consumer spending and surprisingly robust job growth. Borrowing costs and year-to-date inflation remain elevated, however, putting pressure on U.S. consumers and raising the potential for a spending slowdown later this year. Meanwhile, a sluggish global economy may reduce business investment and demand for U.S. exports. For now, though, the Foundation expects both job growth and consumer spending to slow but remain healthy while inflation continues along its bumpy path toward the Fed’s 2% target.

• Overall manufacturing activity remains soft in early 2024. Both industry production and capacity utilization have trended downward for most of the last 18 months, and manufacturing hours worked is near its lowest point since 2010 (excluding the pandemic’s peak). One potential bright spot is the ISM Purchasing Managers Index, which moved back into expansion territory in March.

• Despite a general consensus that the U.S. economy remains on track for a soft landing, small business owners have a somewhat pessimistic outlook. Concerns regarding inflation are heightened, and both hiring and investment plans have slowed.

The Federal Reserve remains cautious, further delaying its long-awaited rate cut cycle in March, as progress toward its 2% target stalled in Q1. With job growth still robust, Fed officials are unlikely to begin cutting rates until this summer or fall. Two rate cuts in 2024 are the most likely outcome.

The Foundation-Keybridge U.S. Equipment & Software Investment Momentum Monitor, which is released in conjunction with the Economic Outlook, tracks 12 equipment and software investment verticals. In addition, the Momentum Monitor Sector Matrix provides a customized data visualization of current values of each of the 12 verticals based on recent momentum and historical strength. This month five verticals are expanding, two are recovering, three are weakening, and two are “on the line” between expanding and recovering. Over the next three to six months the Foundation expects the following trends to materialize on a year-over-year basis:

• Agriculture machinery investment growth is expected to improve.

• Construction machinery investment growth may improve.

• Materials handling equipment investment growth should remain relatively flat.

• All other industrial equipment investment growth is unlikely to improve and may worsen.

• Medical equipment investment should strengthen.

• Mining and oilfield machinery investment growth is likely to weaken.

• Aircraft investment growth is unlikely to change significantly.

• Ships and boats investment growth may improve modestly.

• Railroad equipment investment growth is unlikely to change significantly.

• Trucks investment growth has the potential to improve but is likely to remain relatively flat

• Computers investment growth should strengthen.

• Software investment growth should remain steady.

The Foundation produces the Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook report in partnership with economic and public policy consulting firm Keybridge Research. The annual economic forecast provides the U.S. macroeconomic outlook, credit market conditions, and key economic indicators. The Q2 report is the first update to the 2024 Economic Outlook, and will be followed by two more quarterly updates before the publication of the 2025 Economic Outlook in December.

Download the full report at https://www.leasefoundation.org/industry-resources/u-s-economic-outlook/.

Download the Momentum Monitor at https://www.leasefoundation.org/industry-resources/momentum-monitor/.

All Foundation studies are available for free download from the Foundation’s online library at http://store.leasefoundation.org/.

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

Tri-color German Shepherd Dog Mix
Irvine, California  Adopt-a-Dog

Hazel
A138713
Female
Spayed
5 Months old

Say hello to Hazel! This sweet young pup is looking for her new furever home! She will need all her basic training to get her settled into her new home. She has displayed some sign of having difficulty hearing as she does not react to sounds. She would need some tailored training to assist with her hearing issues.

She has a lot of energy that tends to show as mouthiness, so a home with lots of physical and mental stimulation is best. If you're looking for a sweet energetic puppy to raise she would love to meet you! She has been awarded a Goodpup Scholarship, which is one-on-one training at no cost to the adopter!

Included with Adoption:
Spay/neuter.
General veterinary exam.
Vaccinations appropriate to age.
Flea treatment.
Basic de-worming.
Microchip with lifetime registration.
Sample bag of Science Diet (dog or cat) or bag of hay (rabbit).
Free vet check at participating veterinarian. Search the member list here(link is external).

Irvine Animal Care Center at (949) 724-7740

Irvine Animal Care Center
6443 Oak Canyon
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: 949-724-7740
animalcare@cityofirvine.org

News Briefs

Kris Roglieri companies appear to be closed:
National Alliance of Commercial Loan Brokers,
  Finance Marketing Group, Commercial Capital   
    Training - Websites down or not updated
  Latest News from Albany Times Union:
https://www.timesunion.com/business/article/roglieri-facing-new-allegations-racketeering-wire-19402937.php

Retail sales rose sharply in the first quarter
    — and could boost U.S. GDP
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/retail-sales-in-the-u-s-rise-sharply-in-march-and-could-boost-first-quarter-gdp-f0a71bd1

Gold is shining ‘bright like a diamond’
     and could hit $3,000, says Citi
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/16/gold-is-shining-bright-like-a-diamond-and-could-hit-3000-says-citi-.html

Tesla Delays Cybertruck Deliveries,
    Leaving Buyers Confused
https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/tesla-cybertruck-delayed-deliveries-23d22af1?mod=business_lead_pos3

Budget hotel vacancies top 50% as inflation-weary
    Americans cut back on travel
https://nypost.com/2024/04/16/business/budget-hotel-vacancies-top-50-as-inflation-weary-americans-cut-back-on-travel/

News publishers group urges government to  
    investigate Google for blocking some CA news outlets
https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/16/media/news-publishers-group-urges-government-investigate-google/index.html

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‘We’re a dead ship’: Hundreds of cargo ships
    propulsion in U.S. waters in recent years
https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2024/04/16/dead-ships-propulsion-loss/

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Sports Briefs---

Caitlin Clark Rookie Contract
4 Years, $338,056

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California News Briefs---

How California fast food restaurants raised
   menu prices in response to $20 minimum wage
https://nypost.com/2024/04/16/business/california-fast-food-restaurants-raised-prices-due-to-minimum-wage/

One of S.F.’s biggest apartment complexes at risk
of defaulting on $1.8 billion mortgage
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/s-f-apartment-complex-default-19406353.php

Some colleges are charging nearly $100,000.
    Here’s how California schools compare
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/california-most-expensive-colleges-total-costs-19405993.php

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

Halter Ranch Texas talks Fredericksburg
   venture and California roots
https://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/halter-ranch-winery-fredericksburg-texas-19375746.php

Video: Down by the River, at Beaulieu Vineyard
james molesworth, wine spectator
https://www.winespectator.com/articles/video-caring-for-the-napa-river-at-beaulieu-vineyard

New Dane Cellars tasting room opens inside
    historic Sonoma Valley wine tank
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/lifestyle/wine/

Spirit Of Gallo Enters The Super Premium   
    Gin Category   With Condesa Gin, The
"Gin Of México"
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-of-gallo-enters-the-super-premium-gin-category-with-condesa-gin-the-gin-of-mexico-302117101.html

The transformation of Canada’s Gamay scene
plus 15 top bottles
https://www.decanter.com/premium/the-transformation-of-canadas-gamay-scene-plus-15-top-bottles-525762/

Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’ Faces Uphill    
Battle for Mega Deal: “Just No Way to Position
This Movie”
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/megalopolis-francis-ford-coppola-challenges-distribution-1235867556