Who Remembers the First Search Engine
Before Google, Wikipedia, Yahoo?

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Scott Blaeser was hired as Regional Sales Manager, Commercial Funding, Inc., Denver, Colorado.  He is located in the Denver Metropolitan Area. Previously, he was Senior Vice President, SLR Business Credit (July, 2023 - February, 2025); Senior Vice President, Pacific Western Business Finance (October, 2020 - July, 2023); Vice President, Crestmark Bank (August, 2014 - October, 2020): Vice President, Crestmark, a division of Meta Bank (August, 2014 - October, 2020). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-blaeser-7785945/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-blaeser-7785945/

Jeff Darlington, CPA, was hired as EVP & Chief Operating Officer, Wintrust Asset Finance, Frisco, Texas.  Previously, he was EVP & Chief Financial Officer, Wintrust Commercial Finance (April, 2015 - February, 2025); SVP & Chief Financial Officer, Commercial Asset Finance, AIG (December, 2007 - April, 2015). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-darlington-cpa-29b82410/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-darlington-cpa-29b82410/

Nick Demers, CLFP, was hired as Chief Financial Officer of ElmBlue Capital, Stratham, New Hampshire. He is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Previously, he was VP of Sales, First Citizens Bank (January, 2022 - January, 2025). He joined Direct Capital, a Division of CIT Bank, N.A., February, 2013 as Financial Analyst, promoted April, 2015, AVP Finance, promoted May, 207, VP Finance, promoted VP -Sales Manager (Jun, 2022 - March, 2023); Business Analyst, Technology Business Research.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-demers

Bill Summers was hired as Senior Advisor, Summers Engineered Capital, Franklin, Tennessee. He is located in the Nashville Metropolitan Area. Previously, he was at Civista Leasing & Finance, starting as Chief Executive Officer,  December, 1993), promoted as President (December, 2022 - August, 2023).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/summerswilliamp

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2025: One of Most Exciting Times for
Commercial Equipment Finance and Leasing
by Scott Wheeler, CLFP

The commercial equipment finance and leasing industry is prepared to satisfy the 2025 equipment needs of businesses throughout the US economy. Over the past twelve to eighteen months, companies and originators have re-defined their positions in the market and are actively building new relationships for the future. Opportunities are growing at a historical pace and participants that focus on data and efficiency will lead the way over the coming years. Below are a few of the trends that are in full swing:

• Technology is changing the equipment needs of end-users, vendors, and specifically, the products, services, and activities of industry participants.
• Structure, innovation, and creativity have re-emerged as critical factors in determining success within the industry. (Cash flow benefits outweigh the commonization of having the lowest interest rate.)
• Total industry knowledge is essential. (Sales professionals must fully understand credit fundamentals, credit professionals must have sales attributes, and all professionals must understand portfolio management.)
• The demands by both end-users and vendors have rightfully risen significantly over the past year. They are requiring their financial partners to fully understand their industry, their business, and the equipment they sell (or buy).
• The industry has normalized and is being rightfully paid for the risk it is assuming.
• New money and leadership are emerging based upon current and future market conditions rather than the past.
• Top performing companies and professionals are producing historical outcomes that fully align with controlled growth. (Quality assets over quantity, profits over top line numbers.)

2025 is one of the most exciting times to be involved in the commercial equipment finance and leasing industry. Don't sweat the small stuff - focus on the larger target of being a leader in the industry and providing superior products and services.

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:  https://www.wheelerbusinessconsulting.com

Wheeler Business Consulting is working with individual originators and sales teams throughout the industry to ensure that they are well positioned in the market, capturing their fair share of business, and outperforming the competition. To schedule a one-on-one meeting contact Scott Wheeler at: scott@wheelerbusinessconsulting.com

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Balboa Capital Available Position
Program Manager II- Equipment Broker Sales
Full Job Details - Benefits

Funders Looking for Broker Business Updated
18 Were Deleted from the Full List

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 Balboa Capital Corp. Bankers Capital Baystone Government Finance/ KS StateBank Blue Bridge Financial Boston Financial & Equity Corp. BSB Leasing, Inc. Calfund, LLC Celtic Bank

C.H. Brown Company Clicklease Dakota Financial Dedicated Funding Dext Capital 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 Maxim Commercial Capital, LLC Navitas Credit Corp. NewLane Finance NFS Leasing, Inc North Mill Equipment Finance SLIM Capital, 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.

BBB - Better Business Report | CBB - Leasing News Complaint Bulletin Board
| CNI - Current News Information

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

Full List: https://leasingnews.org/Funders_Only/New_Broker.htm

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Why You Should Hire Athletes
--A past popular column by Ken Lubin
Managing Director, ZRG Partners

Athletes are some of the most driven, dedicated, and disciplined individuals out there. They have spent years training their bodies and minds to perform at the highest level, often in highly competitive environments. These traits make them highly desirable employees for any organization. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider hiring athletes for your team:

1. They have a strong work ethic.
Athletes are used to putting in long hours of training and practice, often sacrificing social lives and other activities to achieve their goals. This work ethic translates well into the workplace, where they are likely to be committed to their job and willing to put in extra effort to ensure success.

2. They are team players.
Athletes are used to working with others towards a common goal. They understand the importance of communication, cooperation, and supporting their teammates. This makes them valuable assets in any workplace where collaboration and teamwork are essential.

3. They are adaptable and resilient.
Athletes are used to dealing with adversity and setbacks. They have learned to overcome injuries, losses, and other obstacles in their athletic careers. This resilience makes them well-suited for the fast-paced, constantly changing world of business, where adaptability is key to success.

4. They understand the importance of goal-setting.
Athletes are driven by the pursuit of goals. They know how to set targets and work towards them systematically, often breaking down larger goals into smaller, achievable milestones. This skill is highly valuable in the workplace, where employees who are focused on achieving results are more likely to succeed.

5. They are competitive.
Athletes are naturally competitive individuals who are used to performing under pressure. They thrive in challenging environments and are motivated by the desire to win. This competitiveness can translate well into the workplace, where it can drive innovation and improve performance.

Overall, hiring athletes can bring a range of valuable skills and qualities to your organization. Their work ethic, teamwork, resilience, goal-setting abilities, and competitiveness can all contribute to the success of your team. So the next time you are looking to hire, consider giving an athlete a chance to shine in the business world.

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 Americans Spend Their Money

Today, consumer spending represents 68% of U.S. GDP, with much of this used for housing, transportation, and healthcare costs.

More than ever, Americans are using debt and credit cards to fund these purchases. In the second half of 2024, household debt hit a record $17.9 trillion. At the same time, credit card debt surpassed a historic $1 trillion, climbing by 8.3% over the time period.

Source: Visualcapitalist

News Briefs

Elon Musk is shredding America’s government
   as he did Twitter
https://www.economist.com/united-states/2025/02/03/elon-musk-is-shredding-americas-government-as-he-did-twitter

Tesla sales decline in California with
    Model 3 plunging 36%
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/02/03/tesla-sales-decline-in-california-with-model-3-plunging-36/

Europe Grapples With Energy Crisis, 
 Three Years After Ukraine Invasion
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/03/business/ukraine-russia-energy-europe.html

Trump Wants to Know Why U.S. Cars Are Rare
   in Germany. Here Are a Few Reasons.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/04/business/trump-germany-cars-tariffs.html

Fewer Americans Are Quitting Their Jobs
    The lowest level since 2020
https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/job-market-fewer-workers-quitting-economy-bef34675?st=BkaAuM&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

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San Francisco's new speed cameras will
    automatically issue tickets up to $500
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/sf-speed-cameras-automatically-issue-tickets-20145072.php

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Sports Briefs---

Steve Young in awe of Andy Reid’s evolution
    toward another Super Bowl
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/02/02/andy-reid-super-bowl-chiefs-steve-young-49ers-byu/

Steve Young in awe of Andy Reid’s evolution
toward another Super Bowl
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/02/02/andy-reid-super-bowl-chiefs-steve-young-49ers-byu/

Mexico has a 49ers-themed KFC
you have to see to believe
https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/49ers-kfc-mexico-city-20063942.php

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California News Briefs---

State Farm seeks 22% rate hike for California
  homeowners to cover Los Angeles wildfire losses
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/02/03/state-farm-seeks-22-rate-hike-for-california-homeowners-to-cover-los-angeles-wildfire-losses/

Ayesha Curry’s Oakland shop, Sweet July, closes
    over safety concerns in crime-ridden Calif. city
https://nypost.com/2025/02/03/business/ayesha-currys-oakland-shop-sweet-july-closes-over-safety-concerns/

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

How Nine Oregon Wineries are Partnering to Make Their Road a Premier
     Wine Tasting Destination
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/297938

Gundlach Bundschu Winery in Sonoma Keeps
Building on Tradition
https://www.sonomamag.com/gundlach-bundschu-winery-in-sonoma-keeps-building-on-tradition/?utm_id=a2l0bWVua2luQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ==