New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Carrie (Hansen) Radloff, CLFP, was hired as Chief Executive Officer, Synergy Financial Sources, working remote from Pipestone, Minnesota. Previously, she was Business Development Manager, American Financial Partners, Inc., and Red Thread Financial Group, LLC (February, 2008 - February, 2025). She joined US Bank Manifest Funding Services as Account Executive (February, 1998 - 2001).
Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieradloff/details/experience
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieradloff/

Mike Larson was hired as Senior Regional Sales Manager, Jupiter Equipment Finance, Greater Seattle Area. He is located in Issaquah, Washington.  Previously, he was Senior Finance Specialist, Navitas Credit Corporation (September, 2022 - February, 2025). Business Development Officer, Tandem Finance (March, 2021 - September 2022).
Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-larson-8076b521/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-larson-8076b521/

Katie Morris, CFLP, was hired as Client Relationship Specialist at KeyBank, Superior, Colorado. Previously, she was Deal Management Analyst, Palo Alto Networks (December, 2023 - February, 2025); Deal Management Analyst, Magnit (June, 2023 - December, 2023); Sales Associate, Key Government Finance (January, 2022 - June, 2023); Senior Account Manager, Key Equipment Finance (May, 2010 – December, 2021).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-morris-clfp-aa6001b4/

Jackie (Kollar) Paulsen was hired as Chief Operations Officer, Synergy Financial Resources, Dell Rapides, South Dakota. She is located in Canby, Minnesota. Previously, she was Credit Analyst, American Financial Partners, Inc. (August, 2016 - April, 2023). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-paulsen-8b152b7/details/experience
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-paulsen-8b152b7

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JPMorgan on Diversity Programs
and Hybrid Work

JPMorgan Chase chief Jamie Dimon had two messages for banking giant's employees at a town hall yesterday:

1. Some diversity programs are a waste of money.
2. Appeals against the bank's 5-day RTO are a waste of time.

“I saw how we were spending money on some of this stupid sh-t, and it really pissed me off,” Dimon said about DEI initiatives, according to a recording of the townhall meeting reported by Bloomberg's Bernadette Toh and Amber Choudhury. “I’m just gonna cancel them. I don’t like wasted money in bureaucracy.”

Among the wasted efforts, in Dimon's view: "I was never a firm believer in bias training."

Regarding the RTO and hybrid work, Dimon said managers will have zero say over their teams' workplace arrangements. “There is no chance that I will leave it up to managers. Zero chance. The abuse that took place is extraordinary,” he said.

“We understand there’ll be flexibility, but I’m gonna be tracking very closely managers,” he said. “Our managers simply didn’t manage.”

Source: LinkedIn
Edited by Matthew Boyle, Senior Work & Management Reporter at Bloomberg News

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

Change It Up
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP

Originators are actively moving their careers forward and top producers are busy building new relationships and channels that are delivering impressive results. However, average originators are falling behind; they need to change their activities in order to improve their career sustainability. Below are a few suggestions made recently to average originators who are struggling.

• Stop calling on old databases which no longer align with your company's goals and capabilities. There is no benefit in calling on past vendors and end-users that an originator can no longer help.
  
  
• Build a new database for the future.
  
  
• Hit the street. Set up strategic meetings with stakeholders (vendors, end-users, funders, partners) to develop a plan for the future. There is no substitute for an in-person meeting. These meetings will re-energize an originator's approach to the market and help an originator discover the unlimited opportunities which are quickly emerging in every sector.
  
  
• Create a realistic plan. Re-imagine your business. Think boldly and act now! Have a plan - Work your plan.
  
  
• Seek out "Blue Oceans" in the market and lean into new opportunities.

If an originator is not satisfied with his production or income, then it is time to change it up and try something new. Successful originators embrace their lessons learned and move forward with confidence.

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 
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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Top Ten Most Read by Readers
Last Week:  February 11 to February 13

(1) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2025/02_11.htm#hires

(2) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2025/02_13.htm#hires

(3) Rates
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2025/02_13.htm#rates

(4) You Become What You Attract
By Kit Menkin
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2025/02_11.htm#you

(5) Beneficial State Bank calls for immediate  
  resumption of CFPB’s work protecting American consumers
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2025/02_11.htm#cfpb

(6) Time is Money
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2025/02_11.htm#time

(7)  Judge Refuses to Release Kris Roglieri on
  Bond Due to Angry, Vengeful Threats
By Bob Coleman, Coleman Reports
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2025/02_13.htm#judge

(8) Understand the Regulations - Appoint a
Compliance Officer
By Tom McCurnin, Retired Attorney
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2025/02_13.htm#understand

(9) Reid Raykovich, CLFP, CAE
Leasing News Advisor
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2025/02_13.htm#reid

(10) Getting rid of the penny introduces
a new problem: nickels
https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/10/business/costs-of-pennies-and-nickels/index.html

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Commercial Finance/Leasing Finance
Conferences and Forums

February 23-25: ELFA Equipment Management Conference and Exhibition, JW Marriott, Las Vegas
Conference details
Attending List

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March 2-4: ELFA Executive Roundtable, Conrad Orlando, Orlando, FL
Conference Details - Registration/Participants

Over 250 Industry Professionals Expected to Attend. Shaping the Future: ELFA Reveals Game-Changing 2025 Trends in Equipment Finance
https://www.elfaonline.org/news-and-publications/press-room/press-releases/details/2025/02/13/elfa-spotlights-growth-strategies-and-innovation-at-2025-executive-roundtable

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March 4-6: Funders Forum & Broker Expo, Hollywood, Florida
Mike Tyson will as the keynote speaker at the Funders Forum and Brokers Expo, taking place March 4-6, 2025, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida
Conference Details

Bob Rodi, long time friend, original member of Advisory Board and contributing writer for Leasing News. will cover Funders Forum & Broker Expo. Rodi is active in Commercial Finance and Leasing.

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March 11-13: National Equipment Finance Association Spring Conference, Omni, La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad, California.
Confernce Details

Vicki Shimkus CLFP, Balboa Capital, A Division of Ameris Bank | Broker Relationship Manager, will cover the conference for Leasing News.

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April 9–11: NVLA Conference, Clearwater Beach, Florida
Conference Details

This year's conference will feature Keynote Speaker, Michelle "MACE" Curran, Women in Leasing Poolside Social, informative education sessions, and ample networking opportunities.

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April 9-11 AACFB Annual Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada
Conference Details

The AACFB Board and staff just wrapped up a productive few days of strategic planning and preparations for the Annual Conference in April. The Paris Hotel in Las Vegas will be a fabulous venue for the conference and we can't wait to see everyone there! www.aacfb.org

Theresa Kabot, CLFP, K2 Funding, Kabot Commercial; Leasing advisory board original member of Leasing News Advisory board and long time friend will be covering the AACFB conference for Leasing News readers.

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April 15-17: ELFA 36th Annual National Funding Conference, Chicago, Illinois
Conference Details

Don't miss your chance to connect with over 600 industry professionals at the ELFA Funding Conference. Funding is the lifeblood of the equipment leasing and finance industry – this event is your opportunity to secure the partnerships you need to drive success. Register and view hotel information

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September 10-12: AACFB Commercial Financing Expo, Austin, TX
Conference Details Coming Soon

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October 14-16 National Equipment Finance Association Fall Conference, Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Confernce Details Coming Soon

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October 26-28: ELFA 64th Annual Convention, Marco Island, Florida
Confernce Details

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To be listed or update: kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

[headlines]
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Companies with Three or More CLFP Members
Total Members Count is 1,556

Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals
https://clfpfoundation.org/academy-for-lease-and-finance-professionals

New CLFP "Frequently Asked Question" Guide:
https://clfpfoundation.org/faqs/

For further information, please contact Reid Raykovich, CLFP, Chief Executive Officer, reid@clfpfoundation.org or or visit: http://www.CLFPFoundation.org

[headlines]
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Most Popular Dog Breeds in US
by Visual Capitalist

The French Bulldog is the most popular dog breed for the second year in a row, having climbed the rankings all the way from 14th back in 2012.

Before 2022, the Labrador Retriever was top dog, ranking as the most popular breed in the U.S. for 31 years in a row.

The Dachshund leaped up the rankings recently, jumping from ninth in 2022 to sixth in 2023.

Dog Breed

1      French Bulldog
2      Labrador Retriever
3      Golden Retriever
4      German Shepherd
5      Poodle
6      Dachshund
7      Bulldog
8      Beagle
9      Rottweiler
10    German Shorthaired Pointer
11    Pembroke Welsh Corgi
12    Australian Shepherd
13    Yorkshire Terrier
14    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
15    Doberman Pinscher
16    Cane Corso
17    Miniature Schnauzer
18    Boxer
19    Great Dane
20    Shih Tzu

Data sources
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/most-popular-dog-breeds-2023

 

[headlines]
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### Press Release ########################

Record Year Propels Verdant Commercial Capital to
$3 Billion in Lifetime Originations, $754 Million 2024

Verdant Commercial Capital, LLC, one of the top 10 independent equipment finance companies in the United States, announced today that it has exceeded $3 billion in originations since its inception.

Versant’s tremendous growth comes less than 15 months after it surpassed $2 billion in originations and underscores the predictability and sustainability of its unique vendor-focused model. Verdant originates leases and loans through relationships with top-tier vendors, OEMs and dealers of business-essential capital equipment and software.

Versant’s 110+ experienced team members companywide provide financing solutions in six strategic industries. Their expertise and skill played critical roles in propelling Verdant to $3B in originations.

Mike Rooney, CEO of Verdant Commercial Capital, said, "This milestone represents the strength of our team's dedication, our commitment to our vendor-focused model, and the trust we've built with our partners over the years. .

"Reaching $3 billion in originations is a testament to our ability to scale effectively while maintaining the values that have defined Verdant since our founding. We’re excited about what’s ahead as we continue to provide tailor-made solutions for our partners."

Along with exceeding this benchmark of $3 billion in originations, Verdant continues to demonstrate its strong position for scaling its business. Verdant recorded a company-best $764 million in originations in 2024, a 37.2% increase year-over-year.

“Our innovative business model has attracted many of the best and brightest in the industry, and our people have made Verdant a go-to source for vendors seeking simplified financing solutions for their customers,” Rooney said. “Meaningful relationships are the key to our continued success.”

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

News Briefs

Team from Elon Musk’s SpaceX to review
    air traffic control system
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/02/17/faa-spacex-musk-layoffs-safety/

What Maui’s slow recovery means for L.A.
    — and the rest of the U.S.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025/02/13/maui-fires-los-angeles-recovery/

Why Porsche Is No Longer a ‘Premium’
    Sports Car in China
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/17/business/porsche-china-germany.html

Report Finds Q4 New Motorcoach Sales Up 20%
    683 motorcoaches, according to the 4th Quarter 2024
https://www.metro-magazine.com/10235732/report-finds-q4-new-motorcoach-sales-up-20

Why There Is No Relief Ahead
    for High Used-Car Prices
https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/why-there-is-no-relief-ahead-for-high-used-car-prices-8d7617be?st=U6Cx4r&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

[headlines]
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House hunters say ‘No!”
  as buying pace hits 41-year low
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/02/17/house-hunters-say-no-as-buying-pace-hits-41-year-low/

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Sports Briefs---

Aaron Rodgers’ final days as a Jet: Pleading to stay
before accepting his fate ‘like a man going to the gallows’
https://nypost.com/2025/02/14/sports/aaron-rodgers-final-days-as-a-jet-pleading-to-stay-before-accepting-his-fate-like-a-man-going-to-the-gallows/

[headlines]
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California News Briefs---

What happened to Califia, the Northern California
    utopia that never was?
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/02/16/what-happened-to-califia-the-northern-california-utopia-that-never-was/

[headlines]
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Gimme that Wine

 

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

Two local wineries abruptly shutter
    tasting rooms
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/lifestyle/wine/?ref=nav

‘Two Buck Chuck’ wine owner acquires Santa Rosa brands
amid its financial troubles
https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/news/two-buck-chuck-napa-valley

Wine Paris delivers on international flavor
at record event
https://harpers.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/33832/Wine_Paris_delivers_on_internation

Think You Know California Grenache?
Think Again
https://www.newwinereview.com/what-to-drink/california-grenache/