New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Robert (Bob) Fanelle was hired as Equipment Finance Direct Lender,  Relationship Manager, North Mill Equipment Finance, Norwalk, Connecticut.  He is located in Clementon, New Jersey. Previously, he was Program Manager, Balboa Capital, Remote (May, 2024 - December, 2024); Sales Consultant, Quality Equipment Finance, Remote (February, 2023 - May, 2024); Broker Relationship Manager, North Mill Equipment Finance, LLC(August, 2020 - February, 2023); Business Development Manager, Marlin Capital Solutions (2015 - August, 2020).
Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-fanelle/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-fanelle/

Alysssa Howe was hired as Leasing Administrator, NFS Leasing, Beverly, Massachusetts. Previously, she was at TimePayment  starting as Team Leader, Client Funding, February, 2013), promoted March, 2018, VFG Funding Supervisor, promoted Funding Manager (October, 2021 - August, 2024).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-howe-42121b9a/

Mike Jones was hired as Senior Director, National Sales & Strategy, Flagstar Financial & Leasing, LLC., Dallas Forth Worth Metroplex. Previously, he was SVP Business Development, Commercial Dealer Services, Wintrust Commercial Finance (April, 2024 - December, 2024); Director, National Direct Channel, Flagstar Financial * Leasing (December, 2021 - April, 2024); Executive Sales Manager, Signature Financial LLC (March, 2015 - December, 2021); VP, Relationship Manger, Bancorp South Equipment Finance (March, 2008 - March, 2015).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-jones-976b35180/

Deja Shah was hired as Director Funder, Top Capital, New York, New York. Previously, she was Iso Representative, Alpine Advance (January, 2023 - October, 2024).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deja-shah-1b1478279/

Nicholas Trapani was hired as Staff Accountant, Oakmont Capital Services, JA Mitsui Leasing Group, West Chester, Pennsylvania. He is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Previously, he was Research Assistant, Internship, Franklin & Marshall College, Remote (May, 2022 - July, 2022).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-trapani-616b252a3/

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The Art of Pretend Recklessness:
Unleashing Success through Bold Moves

Success in life often requires taking risks and making daring choices. However, not all risks need to be reckless. Sometimes, the illusion of reckless abandon can be just as powerful in propelling us toward success; I love the concept of "pretend recklessness" and how it can be harnessed as a strategic tool to achieve our goals and dreams.


Defining Pretend Recklessness

Pretend recklessness is not about being reckless in the traditional sense, but rather about exuding confidence and conviction in our actions, even when we're unsure or facing uncertainty. It involves taking calculated risks while projecting an aura of daring courage to inspire ourselves and others.

The Power of Perception

Perception plays a significant role in how we are perceived by others and even ourselves. By adopting a mindset of pretend recklessness, we can harness the power of perception to our advantage. People are drawn to those who display confidence, fearlessness, and a willingness to embrace challenges. Such traits can attract opportunities and create an environment where success becomes more likely.

Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

Fear and self-doubt are common obstacles that hinder our progress toward success. By pretending to be reckless, we can trick our minds into believing that we are capable of more than we think. Embracing this mindset helps us step out of our comfort zones, allowing us to grow and achieve beyond our perceived limitations.

Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone

Pretend recklessness does not mean we should ignore the possibility of failure. Instead, it encourages us to view failure as a stepping stone rather than a roadblock. With this mindset, we can learn from our mistakes, adapt, and keep moving forward. Failure becomes a valuable experience rather than something to be feared.

Inspiring Innovation and Creativity

A culture of pretend recklessness within a team or organization can inspire innovation and creativity. When team members feel empowered to take bold steps without the fear of immediate consequences, they are more likely to explore new ideas and find unconventional solutions to challenges.

Authenticity and Transparency

It's essential to clarify that pretend recklessness doesn't advocate for dishonesty or deception. Authenticity is still crucial in every action we take. Pretending to be reckless should be a conscious effort to push past self-imposed limitations, not an excuse for irresponsible behavior or misleading intentions.

Incorporating the concept of pretend recklessness into our lives can be a powerful catalyst for success. By projecting confidence, embracing calculated risks, and seeing failure as an opportunity for growth, we can transform the way we approach challenges. Remember, pretend recklessness is not about being reckless but about tapping into the courage within us to venture into the unknown. So, dare to be a little bolder, embrace uncertainty, and pave your way to success through the art of pretend recklessness.

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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Leasing and Finance Industry Help Wanted
Excellent Compensation/Marketing Support

Observations going into 2025
Scott Wheeler, CLFP,
Wheeler Business Consulting

December is the time to reflect on what has happened over the past year and to position an organization for the coming year. The commercial equipment finance and leasing industry is robust, flexible, and innovative.

Participants have made many changes over the past eighteen months. Most industry participants have successfully navigated or are well into the process of navigating, the transitional period. I have described 2024 as being consistently inconsistent. Delinquencies leveled off and then suddenly rose again, followed by a normalization of delinquencies. Production has been erratic. Originators and companies have had record production months and significantly lower production months throughout 2024. The constants in 2024 were that credit standards rightfully continued to tighten and pricing remains elevated compared to previous years (2020 through 2024).The transition has been painful for some participants and has created unlimited opportunities for others. The industry has corrected and normalized, and the basic principles of risk and reward have been restored. Below are a few observations going into 2025:

• Participants that are focused on the future rather than the past will flourish.
• Automation and AI are rapidly changing the industry. The changes will be measured in months rather than years.
• The industry has once again been reminded that the equipment matters, and success requires equipment expertise.
• Vendors and end-users reward professional value-added services and expect their financial partners to know more than commodity-based products. Flexibility, creativity, and innovation are always rewarded.
• The industry needs leaders who truly understand every aspect of the commercial equipment finance and leasing industry. The next generation of industry professionals has a tremendous opportunity to reshape the industry to service the equipment needs of businesses.
• There are many new opportunities developing in the industry and participants need strong hunters to identify, prospect, and win these relationships.
• There is pent-up demand for commercial equipment in nearly every sector. The commercial equipment finance and leasing industry will be facilitating these acquisitions in 2025.
• There are unlimited opportunities for every organization and originator in 2025.
• I remain bullish and optimistic for the industry and all individuals who are fully engaged in offering superior products to both vendors and end-users.

-------------------

Please take part in our Annual Survey. For nine years, Wheeler Business Consulting has facilitated an annual survey of originators' production numbers and incomes. The survey results are shared on the website and through a monthly newsletter.

Click here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3SYMT53

Any questions, please don’t hesitate to telephone me.

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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Funders Looking for Broker Business

There is no advertising fee or charge for a listing. They are “free.” Leasing News makes no endorsement of any of the companies listed, except they have qualified to be on this specific list.

We encourage companies who are listed to contact us for any change or addition they would like to make. We encourage adding further information as an "attachment" or clarification of what they have to offer would be helpful to readers.

Please send company name, contact/email or telephone number as well as a URL to attach or description to kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

Alphabetical list - click on company name to view more details

1st Enterprise Bank Leasing 360 Equipment Finance Allegheny Valley Bank Leasing Balboa Capital Corp. Bankers Capital Barrett Capital Corporation Baystone Government Finance/ KS StateBank Black Rock Capital Blue Bridge Financial Boston Financial & Equity Corp. BSB Leasing, Inc. Calfund, LLC Celtic Bank C.H. Brown Company Chesapeake Industrial Leasing Co., Inc.

Clicklease Dakota Financial Dedicated Funding Dext Capital FirstLease, Inc. First Federal Leasing First Midwest Equipment Finance Co. Financial Pacific Leasing Forum Financial Services, Inc. Gonor Funding Global Financial & Leasing Services, LLC International Financial Services Corporation Madison Capital Maxim Commercial Capital, LLC

Mesa Leasing National Equipment Finance Navitas Credit Corp. NewLane Finance NexTier Leasing NFS Leasing, Inc North Mill Equipment Finance Northwest Leasing Company, Inc Padco Financial Services Pacific Mercantile Bank SLIM Capital, LLC Standard Professional Services, LLC Targeted Funding Co., LLC TEAM Funding Solutions TimePayment

Leasing Associations: All non-profit leasing associations are abbreviated. To see the full name and learn more about the association, please click here.

A -Accepts Broker Business | B -Requires Broker be Licensed | C -Sub-Broker Program
| D -"Private label Program" | E - Also "in house" salesmen

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Mel Vinson, CLFP "Unforgettable Day"
Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon

Melissa (Mel) Vinson, CLFP
VP of Marketing & Development at the CLFP Foundation

I did it! 13.1 miles run and it was an unforgettable day of at the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon. I ran with my good friend, Sean Scampton, after setting this goal for ourselves earlier this spring at the National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) spring conference.

Firstly, I want to express how incredibly humbled I am by the generosity shown this past month in support of my fundraiser raising money for mental health resources for youth. My fundraiser ended up raising $1,033—more than *double* my initial goal—for Active Minds, Inc. I thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who supported this cause, recognized the value of mental health, and those who cheered me on; your kindness is beyond words.

Race day was picture-perfect. A flat, scenic course full of Indianapolis history, brilliant fall colors, and crowds cheering us on with positivity and hilarious signs! I felt strong yesterday!

Then, at mile 11, something unexpected happened. A few feet ahead of me, an older runner collapsed, hitting the pavement face-first. He was bleeding profusely. I rushed to his side along with another runner and we did what we could to help while we waited for medical support. Sean ran to get water and stayed to support this fallen runner with me. Pausing our own race to make sure he was safe and ensuring we didn’t leave him alone left a profound impact on me; it was such a strong reminder that our goals matter, but the connections and compassion we bring along matter even more. After spending nearly an hour ensuring he was cared for and safely on the way to the hospital, we returned to the race course but I was pretty shaken. My focus was completely gone but I was determined to finish strong.

As we picked up the pace, all I could think about was how impactful the connections we make and the ways we show up for each other are. Loving others is the biggest victory of them all. Sean and I ran the rest of the way to the finish and completed 13.1 miles together!

I want to thank you for all the love and encouragement along this journey! I am so deeply appreciative of those who donated and to everyone that cheered for me over the last few days, weeks, and months. Your kindness in all capacities means more than I could ever possibly say. Participating in this race with Sean was a great reminder of the importance of shared goals and the support we offer one another, no matter what happens!

Please send good thoughts for the injured runner, and know that I am beyond grateful for this experience and to everyone who helped me reach this milestone. I am very tired (running jet-lagged is no joke!) but my heart is full. Know that no matter how tired I am or what goal I have in my own life, I will always make the time to stop and help someone in need. I am proud to be running with my heart first, and can’t wait for the next race.

Source: LinkedIn

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News Briefs

Elon Musk rips ‘totally crazy’ ruling by Delaware judge   
    denying his $100B Tesla pay package: ‘Absolute corruption’
https://nypost.com/2024/12/03/business/elon-musk-blasts-ruling-denying-him-100-billion-pay-package/

Houthis attack US cargo ships
    US Navy vessels fight off rebel missiles
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/houthis-attack-us-cargo-ships?oly_enc_id=7354E3969723H7B

Minnetonka-based Cargill to lay off about
    8,000 people, 5% of global workforce
https://www.startribune.com/cargill-layoffs-8000-5-percent-global-workforce-minnesota-ag-trader-minnetonka-hq/601190081

Billd Teams Up with American Express to Help Suppliers
    Extend Flexible Finance Terms
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/billd-teams-up-with-american-express-to-help-suppliers-extend-flexible-finance-terms-across-the-1-5-trillion-us-construction-industry1-302321292.html

Scientists develop foam that can filter up
    to 99.9% of microplastics from water
https://www.courthousenews.com/scientists-develop-foam-that-can-filter-up-to-99-9-of-microplastics-from-water/

US job openings rose last month, though hiring slowed
    in mixed picture for labor market
https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-openings-layoffs-quits-workers-economy-661a86cc493a92af6a0f1eec289ab37a

Jaguar reveals first concept car after
    controversial rebrand
https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/03/style/jaguar-type-00-electric-car-scli-intl/index.html

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In the Battle Against Porch Pirates, People Will Try Anything
https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/porch-pals-package-delivery-insurance-69d55b7b?st=bu3gLG&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

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Sports Briefs---

Warriors look likely to trim Kerr’s huge
   rotation after four straight losses
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2024/12/01/amid-losing-streak-warriors-rotation-tweaks-on-horizon/

Andrew Luck returning to Stanford football
as general manager
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2024/11/30/andrew-luck-returning-to-stanford-football-as-general-manager-report                             

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California News Briefs---

Tech firm signs huge Menlo Park office deal,
    enough space for thousands
https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/12/03/menlo-park-tech-economy-jobs-snowflake-property-real-estate-facebook/

Daniel Lurie stares down dire S.F. deficit:
   City now faces $876 million shortfall
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/daniel-lurie-stares-down-dire-s-f-deficit-19954605.php

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

Pilot Program Brings in Detector Dogs to Hunt For
Vine Mealybugs, Grapevine Leafroll-associated Virus 3
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/295788

Smurfit Westrock Unveils New Innovation to Help
  Bag-in-Box Customers Meet Forthcoming
Packaging Regulations
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/295747