New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Nick Fennell was hired as Strategic Partner with JP Financial LLC, Savage, Minnesota, where he is also located. Previously, he was Inside Sales Manager, America Financial Partners (October, 2017 - August, 2025); Vice President of Business Development, Northpoint Commercial Credit, LLC. (October, 2010 - September, 2017); Equipment Finance Specialist, USBank Business Equipment Finance Group (February, 2008 - September, 2010); Internal Sales Representative, Wells Fargo Financial (January,
3006 - January, 2008). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-fennell-a6627222/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-fennell-a6627222/

Ryan Norman was promoted to Director, Strategic Sales, Stryker    Hr id located in the Greater Phoenix area. He is located Om the Greater Phoenix area. He joined Stryker, Mako & Enabling Technologies. Flex Financial, March 17, as Regional Finance Manager, promoted Area Sales Manager, Western U.S. (August, 2021 - August, 2025). Previously, he was Director of Sales & Market Development, DLL (January, 2013 - March, 2017). He began his career at U.S. Bank Equipment Finance, Healthcare, starting August, 2007, Account Executive, promoted Sales (February, 2009 - January, 2013).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-norman-b7a81717/

Gianna Priolo was hired as Regional Sales Manager, C&U Southeast Region, PNC.  She is located in St. Augustine, Florida. Previously, she was Vice President of Business Development, SLR Equipment Finance (July, 2022 - April, 2025). She began her career at DLL April, 2015, Financial Account Executive, Technology Solutions, promoted October, 2016, Fleet Solutions Sales Specialist, Construction, Transportation and Industrial, promoted U.S. Regional Sales Executive, Construction, Transportation and Industrial (October, 2018 - July, 2022).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/giannapriolo/

Shari Williams was hired as Chief Risk Officer (CRO). Elevex Capital, Westlake, Ohio. Previously, she was Chief Risk Officer (CRO), SLR Equipment Finance (October, 2022 - August, 2025); She joined Nexsser Capital as Executive Vice President of Credit and Risk Management, January, 2018, promoted Chief Risk Officer and Head of Capital Markets (March, 2021 - October, 2022); Senior Vice President, Direct of Credit and Portfolio Risk, Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing SMBC/Sumitomo Corporation (October, 2014 - January, 2018).
Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilynnwilliams0327-/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilynnwilliams0327-/

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More on Arbitration
By Ken Greene, Chief Leasing News Legal Editor

Leasing News received a response to my last article about Alternative Dispute Resolution from Attorney Paul Bent, whose firm is located in Long Beach, California. Mr. Bent has been active in the leasing and finance industries for as long as I have, and in the past, has written several articles on arbitration, his specialty, according to Chief Editor Kit Menkin. We both welcome his input. He has also served as an arbitrator in hundreds of commercial cases, so he clearly has valuable insight into the process.

Perhaps Mr. Bent paints a more favorable picture of ADR than I do. He raises some good points. First of all, arbitration, unlike most court proceedings, is confidential. That means the witnesses, testimony, evidence and argument remain within the confines of the private place in which the arbitration is conducted. Only the award is made public if and when it is confirmed by a judge. This can be especially important in certain cases which are damaging to the parties absent that confidentiality and can certainly be a compelling reason to opt for arbitration.

Paul also points out that there is a benefit to being able to select an arbitrator rather than having a judge who is chosen at random. You can of course, recuse judges but that is a tricky process. The right to choose your arbitrator means you can find someone who is familiar with the type of controversy being presented.

If you are an equipment lessor, you can choose someone with experience and knowledge in this area, rather than a judge who has to learn on the fly. Believe it or not, not everyone knows what equipment leasing is. Dennis Brown, a former lobbyist for the ELFA (ELA at the time) told me this anecdote about a lobbying meeting with then-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. A few minutes into the meeting, the Governor said (in his best Jersey accent)y “Whaddya talking about….you can’t lease equipment”)*. Smart guy, but not his area. This can be true of the best and smartest judges.

My article talked about the difficulty of setting aside an arbitration award. Paul correctly points out that it is not impossible. Still, you usually have to show corruption, fraud, arbitrator misconduct, or use of excessive power. In my experience, at least, you cannot attack the award on its merits.

Finally, and something I should have mentioned, a mandatory arbitration provision can help you avoid a jury trial, which is otherwise difficult, at least in California, where jury waivers are unenforceable. For most commercial litigation cases, arbitration, whatever its limitations, is probably preferable to s jury trial.

Thank you, Paul Bent!

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
www.kengreenelaw.com

Leasing and Finance  Help Wanted
Balboa Capital
We Are Growing Our Senior Sales Team Now

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Online Personal Reviews Can Help Grow Your Sales
FinTech #102 by Alex Vasilakos

In this digital age, people keep forgetting that word-of-mouth is still one of the best sources of marketing out there. This also applies to your listing in Google, LinkedIn, and the Interviews in Leasing News.

If you have not asked for reviews or testimonials from your customers, you are missing a huge opportunity to help you create more sales.

This applies not only to references from clients, but colleagues, vendors, even accolades from your company

Why Are Online Reviews So Important? Look at their value from potential clients, as well as business, restaurant and other reviews:

• 88% of users have read reviews to determine the quality of a small business.
• 72% of consumers say positive reviews make them trust a business more.
• 90% of customers say their decision to decide on your services or abilities is influenced by online reviews.

Asking for reviews as a business owner costs you nothing. Benefits of Having Online Business Reviews:

Online reviews can certainly have a huge impact and effect on your business’s lead generation and growth.

There are two major factors that are important in securing online business reviews:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Google loves online reviews and they help with your local SEO. Since search engines are targeting more local now, they love online reviews for the primary reason that consumers love reviews. Search engines are in the business of providing relevant and accurate information for people on-the-go or even at home and assist them in making the right decision, especially if it comes to purchases. The faster they can produce the most relevant results, the more the customer will go back.

Personal human interactions and conversions: Clients are going to check online before engaging in your business or even purchasing your services. The more testimonials and/or reviews, the more acceptances will be given to you.

Alex Vasilakos
Digital Marketing Consultant.
Vasilakos Design: Use the Power of Imagination|
avasilakos@gmail.com
web: www.vasilakosdesign.com

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Top Ten Most Read by Readers
August 4 to August 8

(1) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2025/08_08.htm#hires

(2) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2025/08_06.htm#hires

(3) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2025/08_04.htm#hires

(4) Bob Sweeney passed away; formerly CFO
  National Funding, EVP Chief Financial Officer,
    Direct Capital, American Express and
      Rockford Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2025/08_04.htm#sweeney

(5) Weekly Sales Tip for Financing/Leasing Originators
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2025/08_06.htm#comp

(6) Maxim Commercial Capital Fills Capital Void in Q2
    2025;  Alternative lender fueled growth for start-ups
and subprime business owners
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2025/08_06.htm#maxim

(7) APR Programs Are Widely Available on the Internet
Search Annual Percentage Rate Programs
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2025/08_06.htm#apr

(9) Brean Capital Serves as Co-Manager on Inaugural
    $192 Million Securitization for MMP Capital
By Jack Swartz
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2025/08_08.htm#brean

(10)  Back Office Companies
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2025/08_08.htm#bo

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Conferences and Forums -  Updated
Commercial Finance/Leasing Finance

September 10-12: AACFB Commercial Financing Expo, Austin, Texas
Hotel Details: AT&T Hotel and Conference Center 1900,  University Avenue, Austin, TX 78705
Meet the Funders
https://www.aacfb.org/events/calendar

List of Exhibitors
https://members.aacfb.org/Expo/Expo/Exhibitors.aspx
Women in Finance Breakfast
https://members.aacfb.org/Expo/
Charity Cruise in Austin
Sept. 10:  6pm - 8pm - $85.00
Dinner, drinks, Riverboat Cruise
https://conta.cc/40Oqh9J 
Mel Vinson, CLFP, Vice President of Marketing and Development, CLFP Foundation, will be covering The conferences for Leasing News reads.

September 17: Brokers Expo NYC Center, 415 Fifth Avenue in Midtown  - Full Information: https://thefundersforumbrokerexpo.com/ny/?utm_source=BENY&utm_medium=email&utm_term=button

1. The Experts Want to Hear from You: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/---Don-t-Miss-Out--Game-Changing-Panels---Power-Networking-at-Brokers-Expo-NYC-2025---Register-Now-------.html?soid=1133130637774&aid=prP58Y9ItbQ

Don Cosenza, CLFP, will cover the conference for Leasing News. Public Relations and spokesman for North Mill Equipment Finance for 10-Years, plus past National Equipment Finance Association past board member.
.

Network with Women in
National Vehicle Leasing Association
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT
https://www.nvla.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1909329


October 14-16: National Equipment Finance Association Fall Conference, Renaissance Hotel, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Registration and Information
https://members.nefassociation.org/Online/iCore/Events/Event_display.aspx?
EventKey=FLCONF25&hkey=4aadd378-30dd-4c01-ad48-05e0ecaace0c

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

October 26-28: ELFA 64th Annual Convention, Marco Island, Florida
https://www.elfaonline.org/events-new/event-detail/elfa-64th-annual-convention
Randy Haug, LTi Technology, will be covering the conference for Leasing News

October 28-29: DeBanked B2B Finance Expo, Wynn, Las Vegas, Nevada
B2B Finance Expo is back for its highly anticipated second edition at the Wynn Las Vegas! We're thrilled to once again partner with the Small Business Finance Association (SBFA) to deliver an even bigger and better experience, uniting top professionals in the commercial finance industry.
Bob Coleman, Coleman Reports, will be a speaker. He us out with a  new book Book:   “Easy Money, Hard Time”   https://debanked.com/2025/07/coleman-reports-bob-coleman-is-out-with-a-new-book-easy-money-hard-time/
Questions? Email us at events@debanked.com

To Update, please email:  kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

RISING To the Challenge
SFNet's 81st Annual Convention
November 11-13, 2025
Los Angeles, California
https://www.sfnet.com/home/81st-annual-convention

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/

For Updates, email: kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

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The Complaint Process for Leasing and Finance Associations
AACFB, CLFP, ELFA, NEFA

The Leasing and Finance Associations have procedures to consider complaints about its members, often to resolve an issue or take other action.  

Code Of Ethics and Complaint Procedures:
https://leasingnews.org/PDF/ethics_complaint_procedure.pdf

CLFP Complaint Procedure
https://leasingnews.org/PDF/CLFP_Complaint_Procedure.pdf

Official Procedure:
https://www.elfaonline.org/about/principles-of-fair-business-practices/view-elfa's-code-of-fair-business-practices

NEFA Dispute Resolution Producer:
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/NEFAStandardsCommittee2017.pdf

News Briefs

Layoffs? Price Increases? Companies Make Hard Choices
     As Trump’s Tariffs Set In.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/09/business/trump-tariffs-prices-layoffs.html

TD Bank, despite asset cap, eyes growth
    in small biz banking
https://www.americanbanker.com/news/td-bank-despite-asset-cap-eyes-growth-in-small-biz-banking?utm_campaign=NL_AB_Daily_Briefing_08072025&position=1&utm_source=
newsletter&utm_medium=email&campaignname=NL_AB_Daily_Briefing_08072025
&oly_enc_id=3136G1731301A1X

Auction sales rebound after first decline
in roughly 2.5 years
https://www.autoremarketing.com/ar/wholesale/auction-sales-rebound-after-first-decline-in-roughly-2-5-years/?utm_source=omeda&oly_enc_id=0917D0577689C9T

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Square Loans Originates $1.64B in Small Business Loans
   in Q2
https://debanked.com/2025/08/square-loans-originates-1-64b-in-small-business-loans-in-q2/

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Sports Briefs---

 

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California News Briefs---

California Supreme Court hands victory
    to rooftop solar panel owners
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/08/07/california-supreme-court-hands-victory-to-rooftop-solar-panel-owners/

Fed up, Monaco billionaire says he's leaving Carmel
https://www.sfgate.com/centralcoast/article/billionaire-threatens-leave-carmel-california-20809197.php

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

U.S. Wine Exports to Canada Have Plummeted 97%
https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/canadians-stopped-buying-american-wine-1236961236/

Paso Robles wineries to host tastings in Central Valley
https://www.autoremarketing.com/ar/wholesale/auction-sales-rebound-after-first-decline-in-roughly-2-5-years/?utm_source=omeda&oly_enc_id=0917D0577689C9T

Kathryn Kennedy
Last call on two fan favorite red wines Winegrower at Kathryn Kennedy Winery (cabernet@kathrynkennedywinery.com)
- 2025-08-10 1619.eml

Port Wine Fest Celebrates Portuguese Wine and Cuisine
With a Week of Unique Events Across the U.S.
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/306541

Rosenthal Estate Wines in Malibu unveils new Vineyard
Experience after overcoming fire setbacks
https://www.foxla.com/news/rosenthal-estates-wines-overcomes-palisades-fire

San Francisco Giants Announce Giants Wine Club,
Presented by Sonoma County Winegrowers
First-ever MLB wine club features a diverse selection of wines, further solidifying the Giants' connection to wine country.
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/306551