New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Connie Gutierrez was hired as Partner Ambassador, PEAC Solutions, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. She is located in Spring, Texas. She joined Tandem Finance August, 2019, Vendor Service Representative, promoted Vendor Service Coordinator, October, 2021, promoted Vendor Service Supervisor (November, 2022  - May, 2023).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-gutierrez-45018027b/

Jerry Mathew was hired as Vice President, Wintrust Commercial Finance, Rosemont, Illinois. He is located in El Dorado Hills, California. Previously, he was Vice President, Equipment Finance, Signature Financial Group, Signature Bank (May, 2015 - March, 2024); AVP, Equipment Finance, GE Capital (November, 2011 - April, 2015); GE Energy Industrial Water, Engineering Services, GE Power (March, 2003 - November, 2011); GE Capital, Technology Leadership Program, (January, 2001 - March, 2003).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrycmathew/

Marc Shapiro was hired as Account Manager, Capital Markets, Dext Capital, Lake Oswego, Oregon. He will be  reporting to Donna Hamel, SVP of our Capital Markets Channel. He is located in Chico, California. Previously, he was Relationship Manager, AVP Equipment Finance Department, Tri Counties Bank (October, 2016 - March, 2024). Prior, he was a Licensed Salesperson, Select Real East Inc. * Alain Pinel Realtors Brokerage (2003 - 2016). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcjosephshapiro/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcjosephshapiro

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Update on the Kris Roglieri Saga
By deBanked Staff

The trustee overseeing Kris Roglieri’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy case asked the Court on Tuesday to convert it to a Chapter 7. That’s because among the facts to come out of that and related proceedings thus far are that Roglieri did not ever maintain financial records for his various business entities, has no revenue coming in, and has no path to keeping his businesses going. The trustee also noted the added complexity of an FBI investigation and that the Receiver in a related civil case believes Roglieri owes creditors more than $100 million, funds that were allegedly derived from a Ponzi scheme.

A Chapter 7 is a liquidation. The Court still has to approve it. A Chapter 7 trustee would have added powers that allows them to pursue assets for the benefit of creditors. The assets would be sold off.

Up until at least one month ago, Roglieri’s wholly-owned business, the National Alliance of Commercial Loan Brokers conference (NACLB), was still soliciting for sponsorships. However, the ability to purchase tickets was shut off in early April and as of last week, the conference website has gone completely offline. Roglieri previously attested that $436,237 was outstanding and due to Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas for their 2023 conference.

The Receiver in the Prime Capital Ventures case has also argued that the NACLB bank account had been the recipient of at least $20,000 in allegedly misappropriated funds and that $200,000 had been withdrawn from the NACLB’s bank account to aid in the present legal defense of Roglieri.

Source: deBanked.com

For More, see News Briefs

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FTC Bans Noncompete Agreements
By Ken Greene, Leasing News Emeritus

Noncompete clauses, also known as “covenants not to compete,” are agreements between employers and employees that prevent employees from working for a competitor or starting a similar business for a set period or within a specific geographic area. About 30 million people in the United States are bound by these previously legitimate provisions.

That changed Tuesday. “The Biden administration has issued a nationwide ban on the ability of employers to make their workers sign noncompete agreements; a move regulators said would help boost employee pay but which is set to be challenged in court by business groups.” NBC News

This has been a nationwide issue for years. Employers invest time and money in their employees and do not like the idea of employees taking and utilizing those resources elsewhere. On the flip side, noncompetes reduce the number of employment opportunities and, in many instances, create lower wages for those desperate for a job.

The Federal Trade Commission, enacted the ban by a 3-2 vote, has made it retroactive. That means that existing noncompete provisions are void. In addition, employers will now be legally obligated to notify employees that such provisions in their contracts are no longer legally enforceable. The AFL-CIO also praised the rule, saying noncompetes “trap workers from finding better jobs, drive down wages and stifle competition.”

This new rule, which will take effect in August 2024, is widely expected to set up a legal showdown among business groups.

The Noncompete Rule:
https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/noncompete-rule

Ken Greene
Law Office of Kenneth Charles Greene
5743 Corsa Avenue Suite 208
Westlake Village, California 91362
Tel: 818.575.9095
Fax: 805.435.7464
ken@kengreenelaw.com
Alternate: kengreenelaw@outlook.com

https://leasingnews.org/Advisory%20Board/Greene_Law.htm

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Leasing and Finance Industry Help Wanted

Embracing Change: How to Stay Adaptable and
Resilient in a Rapidly Evolving Job Market
By Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners, Managing Director

The job market is continuously evolving, driven by technological advancements, economic shifts, and changing consumer behaviors. This constant flux can be daunting, but by staying adaptable and resilient, professionals can not only survive but thrive in this dynamic environment. Here are some strategies to help you remain competitive and flexible in a rapidly changing job market.

Stay Informed About Industry Trends
The first step to staying adaptable is being aware of what’s happening in your industry. This means regularly reading industry publications, following thought leaders on social media, and participating in professional forums. Subscribing to newsletters and attending webinars and conferences are also excellent ways to stay abreast of new technologies, emerging market trends, and shifts in consumer preferences. By staying informed, you'll be better equipped to anticipate changes and react proactively rather than being caught off guard.

Be Open to Learning New Skills
One of the most direct ways to maintain relevance in a changing job market is to continually update and expand your skill set. This could mean learning new technologies, methodologies, or soft skills like leadership and communication. Consider taking courses, either online or in-person, to acquire new certifications or degrees that can enhance your professional value. Embracing a lifelong learning mindset will not only make you more adaptable but also more marketable to potential employers.

Cultivate a Mindset of Resilience
Resilience is key to navigating the uncertainties of a shifting job market. This involves not just bouncing back from setbacks, but also using them as opportunities to learn and grow. Cultivating resilience can mean different things to different people. For some, it might involve setting clear, achievable goals. For others, it might mean seeking support from mentors or peers who can offer guidance and encouragement. Practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques can also help maintain your mental well-being and keep your performance at its peak during challenging times.

Network Continuously
Building and maintaining a robust professional network can provide a significant advantage in a volatile job market. Networking isn’t just about finding new job opportunities; it’s about exchanging ideas, seeking advice, and staying visible in your industry. Active networking can provide insights into how others are adapting to changes, which can in turn inform your own strategies. Make an effort to connect regularly with colleagues, attend industry meet-ups, and participate in community events to keep your network vibrant and active.

Embrace Flexibility
Lastly, being flexible in your career path can significantly enhance your adaptability. This might mean being open to changing your role, industry, or even geographic location to find new opportunities. Flexibility can also relate to your work environment and style—be prepared to adapt to remote work arrangements or hybrid models as businesses evolve.

The only constant in life is change and the job market is no exception. By staying informed, continuously learning, cultivating resilience, networking effectively, and embracing flexibility, you can not only adapt to changes but also pave the way for continued professional success. Remember, adaptability isn’t about fearing change but embracing it as an opportunity to evolve and improve

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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Tesla Has Lowest Maintenance
and Repair Cost of Any Brand
By Mathew W. Daus, Esq.

Tesla has the lowest maintenance and repair cost of any brand, according to a new study by Consumer Reports.

For years, Tesla and a few other all-electric brands have been claiming that electric vehicles will have much lower repair and maintenance costs due to having much fewer moving parts than combustion engine vehicles.

Some have been skeptical about this, especially for Tesla since it is a premium brand, and those rarely get good maintenance and repair costs, but now we have actual data to prove it.

Consumer Reports released its 2023 Annual Auto Surveys, which includes data direct from thousands of cars owners in the US.

The magazine confirmed that Tesla’s maintenance and repair costs are the lowest of any brand in the auto industry.

Matthew W. Daus, Esq.
Partner and Chairman, Windels Marx Transportation Practice Group
Contact: mdaus@windelsmarx.com

Full Story:
https://electrek.co/2024/04/22/tesla-lowest-maintenance-repair-cost-any-brand

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Commercial Finance/Leasing Finance Conferences
2024

April 30-May 1: AGLF Conference, Austin, Texas
Registration, Attendee List, Hotel & Travel
https://www.aglf.org/2024-annual-conference

May 5–7: Equipment Finance Connect, Nashville, Tenn.
https://equipmentfinanceconnect.com

May 20: deBanked Broker Fair, New York City
https://brokerfair.org/register
Pooja Nene, Balboa Capital, Broker Relations Manager, will be covering for Leasing News.

June 4-7: National Automotive Finance Association Annual Conference, Fort Worth, TX
Conference Info: https://www.nafassociation.com/naf2024#Hotel

Sept. 4-5: AACFB Commercial Financing Expo, New Orleans, LA
https://expo.aacfb.org/home

Sept. 10-12: CFLA Conference, St. John's, NL, Canada

Oct. 16-18: NVLA Conference, Clearwater Beach, Florida
https://www.nvla.org/page/2024conference
Sloan Schickler, Esq., Schickler & Schickler, wlll be covering the conference for Leasing News. She is also presenting there.

Oct. 27-29: 63rd ELFA Annual Convention, Austin, TX
Convention details

Nov. 11-14: NEFA Funding Symposium, Indianapolis, Indiana

SBA Lending Conference Schedule

April 2 - 4: Mid America Lenders Conference (MALC), Fort Worth, Texas
https://malc-conference.com/

August 6 - 8: Great Lakes Lender Conference Grand Rapids, MI
https://glcf.org/lendersconference/

August 14 -16: America East, New York City
https://americaeast.net

Sept, 11 - 13: LEND360, Nashville, Tennessee
https://www.lend360.org/

Equipment Finance Cares Events

Tuesday, May 14th – Philadelphia, PA
Hosted by Oakmont Capital Services
About this Event
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/equipment-finance-cares-pennsylvania-2024-tickets-784672716217?aff=oddtdtcreator

Monday, August 5th – Annual EF Cares
Charitable Golf Tournament at Rockland County Country Club

Wednesday, September 25th - Minneapolis, MN
Hosted by CHANNEL

If you are interested in hosting, participating on a panel, or sponsoring a future EF Cares event please reach out to: Jesse@equipmentfinancecares.com

For additional information on EFC please go to:to: www.equipmentfinancecares.com

 

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

Equipment Finance Cares Announces Panel, Speaker and Foundations
for May Event in Pennsylvania

The Equipment Finance Cares Pennsylvania event, hosted by Oakmont Capital Services, will be held on Tuesday, May 14th, from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Museum of the American Revolution in downtown Philadelphia.

The human side of equipment finance panel, moderated by Brad Peterson, CEO of Channel, includes Kyin Lok, CEO of Dext Capital; Jennifer Fanz, VP of Sales at PEAC Solutions; Cole Farmer, CLFP, Fractional CFO/Controller at Consult Disrupt; and Rob Boyer, CLFP, President of First Commonwealth Bank Equipment Finance.

Topics of discussion include why people love to work in equipment finance, engaging with the younger workforce, work-life balance, and the current state of the industry.

Nancy Robles, President of Eastern Funding is the event’s feature speaker. Robles will be discussing her most recent book project, The Many Pieces of Me. Other topics of discussion include being your true self, mental health awareness, and DEI.

Blair Dawson from Sterling Rose is chairing the event. "I could not be more excited to bring industry professionals together in Philadelphia for an unforgettable event. From our amazing panel discussion to the fabulous venue, every detail has been carefully curated to inspire meaningful conversations. Highlighting the crucial topic of mental health, this event promises to be both enlightening and empowering. I look forward to welcoming everyone to our city as we unite for a cause that truly matters.”

Equipment Finance Cares is a platform that showcases how equipment finance professionals and organizations are giving back to their respective communities.  Foundations showcased for this event include Love Life Now, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, the Chris Walker Educational Fund, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and MAGIC Charities.  The day will conclude with a networking event for all attendees.

Jesse Johnson, founder of Equipment Finance Cares, said, “Equipment Finance Cares is excited to come back to. We are grateful to Oakmont Capital Services for hosting and to our sponsors for making these events possible.”

Joe Leonard, CLFP, President/CEO of Oakmont Capital Services, said, “Oakmont Capital Services is honored to sponsor next month’s Equipment Finance Cares event in our home city of Philadelphia. We strongly support this organization, which brings together equipment finance industry peers for learning, networking, and, most importantly, philanthropic giving. We are excited to encourage colleagues to join, participate, and come together to support each other and amazing non-profit organizations.” – Joe Leonard, CLFP, President/CEO of Oakmont Capital Services.

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

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Watch at Home
by Fernando Croce, Leasing News Movie Reviewer

A double-bill of gastronomic gems (“Menus Plaisirs—Les Troigros,” “The Taste of Things”) make for a feast of new streaming releases, which also include sweeping sci-fi (“Dune: Part Two”), touching animation (“Orion and the Dark”) and a most unconventional Western (“Strange Way of Life”).

Dune: Part Two (Amazon Prime, Apple TV): The second chapter in Dennis Villeneuve’s ambitious adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science-fiction epic comes to the screen, offering as much sweeping spectacle as the original. Picking up where the first installment left off, it chronicles the journey of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) in a tale of interplanetary palatial intrigue. After the killing of his family by the foul Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard), Paul vows revenge by joining forces with the Fremen people of the Arrakis planet. There, he falls in love with the fierce Chani (Zendaya), though romance clashes with fate as Paul heads to a duel with the Baron’s vicious nephew, Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler). Featuring otherworldly grandeur, sumptuous visuals and the welcome return of Christopher Walken, Villeneuve’s saga continues to mesmerize.

Menus Plaisirs—Les Troisgros (PBS): Veteran master documentarian Frederick Wiseman (“Titicut Follies”) takes a culinary spin to his patented institutional studies, and in the process offers one of his most purely pleasurable works. A meticulous look at the generation-spanning restaurant run by the French Troisgros family, the film focuses on chef Michel and his son Cesar as they take us on a tour of the kitchen process that creates meal after artistic meal. The gathering and mixing of ingredients become the stuff of pure, captivating cinema in the hands of Wiseman, who characteristically shows the various human layers that go into an institution. This is an ultimately rapturous look at the bustling quotidian rituals—as well as the miniature artistry and harmony—of the place and its people. Available for free at pbs.org. With subtitles.

Orion and the Dark (Netflix): Neurotic, morbid, and restlessly experimental, Oscar-winning screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”) is not somebody usually associated with children’s movies. Yet here he is, bringing a lighthearted version of his obsessions to this poignant animated film from DreamWorks. Orion (voiced by Jacob Tremblay), an 11-year-old boy with a laundry list of irrational fears. At the top of the list is darkness itself, and one night the Dark (Paul Walter Hauser) materializes to him. Tired of hearing the lad complaining about him, the Dark sets out to show him that there’s nothing to be afraid of. What follows is a wild ride through the subconscious, done with ambition, wit and humor that should prove endearing for kids and adults alike.

Strange Way of Life (Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Netflix): Nearly twenty years after he was approached to direct “Brokeback Mountain,” Oscar-winning Spanish maestro Pedro Almodovar (“All About My Mother”) gives the Western genre his own spin with this exceptional short film. Taking place in the American West, it depicts the reunion, after more than decades apart, of two friends, cowboy Silva (Pedro Pascal) and Sheriff Jake (Ethan Hawke). Jake’s oath to track down the man who killed his brother’s wife leads the men to cross paths again, leading to an intimate connection stemming from their youth. Though only 30 minutes long, the story showcases Almodovar’s bold humanistic approach as his tender sensitivity subverts the machismo usually associated with the rugged genre. A resonant, soulful gem.

The Taste of Things (Amazon Prime, Apple TV): The joy of romance fuses with the joy of food in this delectable French drama from Vietnamese director Tran Anh Hung (“The Scent of the Green Papaya”). Set in 1889, it follows the relationship between the dedicated gourmand Dodin (Benoit Magimel) and expert chef Eugenie (Juliette Binoche), who has lived with and cooked for him for two decades. While Dodin wants to push their romance to the next level, Eugenie is happy with the arrangement as it is, focusing on the exquisite meals she prepares for visitors that include a traveling prince. A servant’s niece hopes to learn from her, but sudden tragedy unsettles their plans. Moving at an unhurried pace, this is a warm, sumptuous feast for the audience’s emotions and senses. With subtitles.

Fernando Croce is a nationally recognized film reviewer and has been contributing to Leasing News since 2008. His reviews appear each Friday.

Australian Shepherd Cross
Novato, California   Adopt-a-Dog

Marny

Female
Black/Tri Color
27.8 lbs
No Spayed
Age: 8 Months 1 week
Size: Medium

My health has been checked.
My vaccinations are up to date.
My worming is up to date.
I have been microchipped.

A Little Bit About Me
Meet Marny, a young Australian Shepherd with a heart as big as her curiosity. Her sweet and shy demeanor is only the surface of her charming personality. Marny is a bit under socialized, but she's eager to learn and grow. She's a quick study, with an insatiable curiosity that makes every day an adventure. Her gentle nature makes her a great companion for quiet evenings, while her youthful energy is perfect for outdoor play. Marny is looking for a loving family who can nurture her curiosity and help her blossom into the amazing companion she's destined to be.

Where can you find me?
I am at the Marin Humane Society location.
You can contact me by
Phone (415) 506-6225
Address: 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato, CA

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Broker Fair 2024 New York City
May 20 - Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel

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

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

Prime Capital Ventures Receiver Says More than
    $100 Million Client Deposits May Have Gone Missing
https://www.timesunion.com/business/article/prime-capital-ventures-potential-fraud-top-100-19415548.php

GATX Reports Solid Railroad Net Income
    Showing Very Positive Earnings and Growth
https://ir.gatx.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2024/GATX-Corporation-Reports-2024-First-Quarter-Results/default.aspx

Airlines will soon have to pay you back
    if they cancel or delay your flight
https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/24/24139409/department-of-transportation-airlines

Ford just reported a massive loss on every
    electric vehicle it sold/1st Q Loss $1.3 Billion
https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/ford-just-reported-massive-loss-214534613.html

New EPA rules to substantially cut emissions
    from coal and gas plants
https://www.ajc.com/news/business/epa-releases-new-rules-for-fossil-fuel-fired-power-plants/TXLCO2SWLJFTFAXMO6AFBHDV2A/

Toyota Charges Up Investment and Jobs
    in U.S. Manufacturing
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/toyota-charges-up-investment-and-jobs-in-us-manufacturing-302126986.html

U.S. solar companies, imperiled by price
    collapse, demand protection
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/04/24/solar-biden-climate-china/

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Does your dog need more friends?
    What Research Shows
https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2024/04/25/do-dogs-need-friends/

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Sports Briefs---

NFL Draft gem Brock Bowers hails from the
  unlikeliest of places: Calif.'s Wine Country
https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/brock-bowers-napa-high-school-nfl-draft-19416989.php

Four famous 49ers could have their kids
picked in this NFL Draft
https://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-rice-gore-owens-mccaffrey-kids-nfl-draft-19418304.php

As taxpayers tire of handouts to billionaires, Major League
Baseball demands public funding for a Vegas stadium
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2024-04-24/column-as-taxpayers-tire-of-handouts-to-billionaires-major-league-baseball-demands-public-funding-for-a-vegas-stadium

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California News Briefs---

Dunn-Edwards Paints will move into some
   Kelly-Moore S.F. Bay Area stores
https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/04/23/economy-store-retail-paint-dunn-edwards-kelly-moore-jobs-real-estate/

San Jose-based solar-power firm cutting  1,000  workers   
     Slump in the rooftop solar business
https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/04/25/sunpower-to-cut-almost-one-third-of-workforce-2/

Calif. carmaker Fisker, once worth $2.9 billion,
warns of looming bankruptcy
https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/fisker-warns-bankruptcy-california-car-19418654.php

Taylor Swift makes surprise trip to
small Central Coast town: Carmel-by-the-Sea
https://www.sfgate.com/centralcoast/article/taylor-swift-surprise-trip-central-coast-19423159.php

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

White Pinot Noir Is the Latest Trend in Wine Country
   Here’s What You Need to Know
https://www.sonomamag.com/white-pinot-noir-is-the-latest-trend-in-wine-country/?utm_id=a2l0bWVua2luQGxlYXNpbmduZXdzLm9yZw
https://www.sfgate.com/centralcoast/article/taylor-swift-surprise-trip-central-coast-19423159.php

Imported Foreign Bulk Wine: The Dirty Secret
  No One in California Wine is Talking About -
     Not Labeled as Blended with Local Wine
https://lodigrowers.com/imported-foreign-bulk-wine-the-dirty-secret-no-one-in-california-wine-is-talking-about/

The Meritage, Napa Valley's Largest Resort Underwent
   a Massive Renovation -- With Suites Overlooking
    a Working Vineyard, a New Champagne Lounge,
and a Sleek Pool
https://www.travelandleisure.com/the-meritage-resort-and-spa-renovation-amenities-and-rooms-8636542

Robilant's new US campaign for Catena commemorates
120 years in love with Malbec
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/286587

Taylor Swift’s love affair with wine continues
on The Tortured Poets Department
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/04/taylor-swifts-love-affair-with-wine-continues-on-the-tortured-poets-department/