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######## surrounding the article denotes it is a press release, it was not written by Leasing News nor has the information been verified, but from the source noted. When an article is signed by the writer, it is considered a byline. It reflects the opinion and research of the writer.

From the creation of the designation in 1985, to gaining our comma in 2021 by welcoming our 1,000th CLFP, to all of the growth, development, memories, opportunities, connections, and more - we are so grateful for this community of CLFPs, companies, friends, peers, and candidates that are a part of our story. Thank you to the ever-growing community of members and friends that support us and help us live our mission of building a better industry together. Cheers to 4,000 LinkedIn followers and to celebrating 40 years of the CLFP designation! We are so happy you are all here, and can't wait for the continued growth that is to come.

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Todd Anderson was hired as Vice President of Sales, First Corporate Solutions, Inc., San Francisco, California. He is located in the Greater Chicago Area. Previously, he was at CSC, starting December, 2010, National Financial Account Executive, promoted December 2018 , Director of Financial Sales, promoted Market Manager & Product Management Director (December, 2020 - April, 2025); District Manager, Midwest, De Lage Landen (August, 2007 - December, 2010)l Senior Account Executive, Marlin Leasing Corp. (2005 - 2007).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ander620/

Lou Manitzas was hired as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Swag Solution, Austin, Texas, where he is also located. Previously, he was Independent Writer and Day Trader (January, 2022 - August, 2025); President, Board Member, OneWorld Business Finance/OneWorld Leasing (Jun, 2009 - 2022). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/loumanitzas/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/loumanitzas/

Jonathan VanKouwenberg was hired as Business Development Account Executive, Alterna Capital Solutions, Rochester, New York, where he is also located. Previously, he was at First American Equipment Finance, starting as Sales Analyst, December, 2018, promoted Assistant Vice President, Chemical Life Sciences Division (October, 2019 - October, 2022), promoted Vice President (October, 2022 - March, 2025). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-vankouwenberg/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-vankouwenberg/

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Mel Vinson, CLFP, Team Completes Oregon
Mt. Hood to Coast Race Series
By Melissa (Mel) Vinson, CLFP

This past weekend, I ran for the 11th year in the Hood To Coast Race Series Relay and served my 6th year as co-captain of our team.

I ran 17.8 miles over three legs of the 196-mile course from Mt. Hood to Seaside, Oregon. I had two legs of intense hills (including one known as the hardest in the entire relay), and one stunning run in the night among glittering stars. Temperatures soared into the high 90s during the race and two of my three runs were punishing under the relentless sun and fierce heat. ☀️

At every exchange, teammates were waiting with water, cheers, and encouragement. Volunteers stayed steadfast and smiling in the heat, guiding thousands of us forward. Strangers and friends lined the course with cowbells and signs. Those small moments of support carried us through miles that felt impossible. 🙏🏻

And then came the finish line! After two days of brutal heat, hills, and exhaustion, our team came together to cross as one. While running may feel like an individual effort, the celebration as a team working towards a common goal together is always the most magical part of the experience.

I’m especially grateful for my van, which is a group of unique individuals who came together solely through running. We all connected because of social media and have been on the same team together for years. We are different in so many ways but, year after year, we unite to cheer, support, and lift each other up. 🏅

I’m also proud to share that thanks to the generosity and kindness of so many, I surpassed my fundraising goal for Active Minds, Inc., supporting mental health awareness and funding resources. Each donation and word of encouragement are so sincerely appreciated. Mental health and caring for each other are a number one priority, always.

This weekend and all that I learned on the course this year made me want to reiterate to my network the following: I want you to know I will always be that teammate for you. I’ll cheer you on, celebrate your wins, and encourage you through whatever challenges you face. And I’ll never give up on the big goals in my own life, either.

Running teaches us how to do really hard things in a beautiful way. The intention you choose to execute your goals and your challenges with changes everything about how you participate. The same is true professionally; when we establish our intentions with purpose, positivity, and resilience, the outcome is transformed for the better each and every time.

To everyone who supported me on the course, in fundraising, or simply by cheering me on, thank you! Your encouragement carried me through every step, and I’m endlessly grateful.

Until next year.

Mel Vinson, CLFP, VP of Marketing & Development,
CLFP Foundation
(206)- 535-5281)
(866-795-5839)
www.clfpfoundation.org
mel@clfpfoundation.or

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

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Your Relationship is Most Important
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP

True leaders advocate not just for their companies, but for the entire commercial equipment finance and leasing industry. They recognize that their success is deeply intertwined with the success of others. Ours is a tightly woven community—one where professionals compete fiercely, yet support one another even more fiercely.

What allows originators to thrive aren’t just their relationships with clients—vendors and end-users—but the bonds they build with funding partners, association contacts, service providers, and yes, even direct competitors. These connections form the backbone of our industry.

I recall an originator who was devastated after losing a major deal to a competitor. “Disappointed” doesn’t quite capture it—he was furious. When I suggested he call his competitor to offer congratulations, he was stunned. But he followed through.

That call led to a lunch. The lunch led to understanding. And understanding led to a long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship between two professionals—and their companies. They discovered that while there were minor overlaps, their goals, credit profiles, and capabilities were distinct. Over time, they referred deals to one another, collaborated on projects, and shared best practices. They celebrated promotions, supported each other through challenges, and yes—competed head-to-head when the moment called for it.

But they always learned from one another. And they became stronger, more effective professionals because of the relationship they chose to build.

The commercial equipment finance and leasing industry is stronger because of the relationships we cultivate. When we choose collaboration over isolation, and respect over resentment, we elevate not just ourselves—but the entire community.

Let’s continue to build bridges. Let’s continue to advocate for one another. Because in this industry, success is never a solo act—it’s a shared journey.

https://leasingnews.org/items/call_to_action_wheeler52025.jpg
To Order Book from Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Call-Action-Commercial-Equipment-Professionals/dp/1508750378
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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2025's 25 Hardest Working States
By Wallethub

Hover over state for data

Source: WalletHub

With Americans working an average of over 1,800 hours per year, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2025’s Hardest-Working States in America, as well as expert commentary.

In order to determine where Americans work the hardest, WalletHub compared the 50 states across ten key metrics. The data set ranges from average workweek hours to share of workers with multiple jobs to annual volunteer hours per resident.

Top 20 Hardest-Working States in America
1. North Dakota      11. Kansas
2. Alaska                12. Georgia
3. South Dakota      13. Tennessee
4. Texas                14. Oklahoma
5. Hawaii                15. Colorado
6. Virginia                16. Montana
7. New Hampshire 17. Mississippi
8. Wyoming             18. Iowa
9. Maryland             19. Minnesota
10. Nebraska         20. Alabama

Key Stats

Alaska has the longest hours worked per week, which is 12 percent longer than in Utah, the state with the shortest.
New York has the longest average commute time, which is 1.9 times longer than in South Dakota, the state with the shortest.
Mississippi has the highest share of workers leaving vacation time unused, which is 1.6 times higher than in Ohio, the state with the lowest.
Montana has the highest share of workers with multiple jobs, which is 2.4 times higher than in Mississippi, the state with the lowest.

To view the full report and your state’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/hardest-working-states-in-america/52400

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Most Influential Lawyers
in Equipment Finance and Leasing

Andrew Alper
Julie Babcock
Bill Carey
Richard Contino
Jonathan Fleisher
Marshall Goldberg
Kenneth Greene
David G. Mayer
Allan J. Mogol
Frank Peretore
John G. Sinodis
Mark Stout
Kevin Trabaris
Allan Umans
Mark Wada
Irwin Wittlin

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

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