Correction: We Apologize
Incorrect Photo in Previous Edition

Additionally, AP proudly congratulates Docs & Funding Manager, Melanie Rudiger, CLFP, who has been named one of Monitor’s "Top 50 Women in Equipment Finance." With 12 years of experience in the industry, Melanie has demonstrated unparalleled expertise across diverse products and sectors. Her servant-leadership style fosters trust, active listening, and team empowerment, equipping AP for long-term success.

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Help Send Wildfire Relief Now
Southern California is in Need

The Salvation Army has very low overhead and donates food, clothing, supplies  to families and their pets.

Wildfire survivors need immediate help. Your donation provides critical aid—shelter, food, and support—through our Emergency Disaster Fund or helps meet urgent needs across Southern California.

https://give-sc.salvationarmy.org/give/654073#!/donation/checkout

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Leasing and Finance Industry Help Wanted
Excellent Compensation/Marketing Support

New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Donna (Babicz) Alexander was hired as Senior Vice President of Sales at SLR Equipment, Chicago, Illinois. She is located in Wood Dale, Illinois. Previously, she was Regional Sales Manager,  Equify Financial (January, 2023 - January, 2025); Regional Lease Manager, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, U.S.A., Inc. (November, 2009 - January, 2023): Regional Sales Manager,  GE Capital (July, 2002 - June, 2009); Leasing Consultant, FIRSTCORP (February, 2000 - 2002).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnaalexander/

(Retired)
Suresh Makam announced his retirement as Manager of Strutted Transactions at PNC Equipment Finance fka Element Financial Corp. (May, 2014 - December, 2024). "Started my retirement and next phase of my life with grandchildren and social activities in the community. After 45 years of service in the leasing industry, made a lot of friends and professional mentors I will cherish." Previously, he was VP of Syndications, Renaissance Capital Alliance (July, 2009 - August, 2013); Vice President, GE Capital (August, 2008 - March, 2009); Vice President, Citi (November, 1987 - July, 2008).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/suresh-makam-09430811/

Anthony Pontonio was hired as Vice President of Business Development, Harbor Point Equipment Finance, Stamford, Connecticut. He is located in the New York City Metropolitan Area.  Previously, he was Business Development Officer, 777 Equipment Finance, LLC  (May, 2022 - January, 2025); Senior Business Development Advisory, Universal Finance Corp. (August, 2020 - March, 2022); Vice President of Business Development, Madison Capital (2019 - January, 2020). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-pontonio-332ab2169/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-pontonio-332ab2169

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CLFP Foundation Adds 16 New CLFPs
With Photos

The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation is pleased to announce that 16 individuals who recently sat through the online proctored CLFP exam, have passed.  They are:

Melissa Abrahamson, CLFP
Information Systems Manager, Western Equipment Finance

Mayana Akbari, CLFP
Credit Specialist,
RidgeStone Capital

Malik Awan, CLFP
Business Development Manager, Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance LLC

Brett Chase, CLFP
Sales Support Analyst, DLL

Katharine Converse, CLFP
Vice President, Sales,
First Commonwealth Bank

Matthew Freeman, CLFP
VP of Business Development, Wintrust Specialty Finance

Dana Goldis, CLFP

D. Samuel Giroux, CLFP
Treasury Process
Improvement Lead, EquipmentShare.com Inc.

Alyssa Meraz, CLFP
Lead Funder,
RidgeStone Capital

Melissa Rice, CLFP
Vice President Funding
Operations, Financial Partners Group

Tracy Stevens, CLFP
Post Booking Team Lead,
DLL

Jay Strock, CLFP
Senior Legal Counsel, DLL

Bryan Thomas, CLFP
Business Development
Officer, Wintrust Commercial Finance

Nicholas Vasto, CLFP Associate
Account
Manager Vendor Development, Financial Partners Group

Michelle Verra, CLFP
Middle Market Specialist,
DLL

Michael Viola, CLFP
Regional Sales Manager –
Southeast, Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance, LLC

Nicholas Vasto shares, “When I accepted my equipment financing job with Financial Partners Group, I knew the best course of action was to further educate myself on the industry. Learning about the CLFP designation early on, it [became] a goal of mine.

“Being in various industries prior, I knew holding a certification would allow me the opportunity to gain more credibility. Knowing the standards set forth by the CLFP and now having the official credential, gives me more confidence moving forward to provide the best services to my clients.”

Mayana Akbari states, “The CLFP represents a commitment to professionalism, excellence, and continuous learning, which aligns with my personal and professional goals. By achieving this designation, I aim to enhance my expertise, better serve clients and colleagues, and contribute meaningfully to my organization.

“Additionally, I see this as a chance to connect with and learn from a respected community of industry leaders, which will further support my growth and development.”

The CLFP designation identifies an individual as a knowledgeable professional to employers, clients, customers, and peers in the commercial equipment finance industry. There are Certified Lease & Finance Professionals and Associates located throughout the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, India, Pakistan, Africa, and Australia. For more information, visit
https://clfpfoundation.org

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2025: The Year of Taking Action
By Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners, Managing Director

2025 isn’t the year to just plan—it’s the year to execute. We’ve all spent enough time strategizing, talking about goals, and waiting for the “perfect time.” That time isn’t coming. Success this year will be defined by one thing: taking action.

Here’s the truth: dreams don’t work unless you do. Whether it’s growing your business, advancing your career, improving your health, or making a bigger impact, it all starts with the first step. The difference-maker is execution.

1. Get Specific: Stop saying, “I want to grow” or “I want to improve.” Set measurable goals: “I’m going to increase revenue by 20% by Q4” or “I’ll complete a marathon by October.” Vague intentions lead to vague outcomes.
   
2. Break It Down: Big goals can feel overwhelming, but progress happens in small steps. Identify daily actions that will move the needle. Consistency is what creates momentum.
   
3. Embrace Imperfection: Waiting for the “perfect moment” is just another form of procrastination. Action—even if imperfect—beats inaction every time. You’ll learn, adapt, and grow along the way.
   
4. Hold Yourself Accountable: Share your goals with someone who will keep you honest. Whether it’s a mentor, a peer, or your team, accountability turns intentions into results.
   
5. Celebrate the Wins: Don’t wait until the end to celebrate. Recognize your progress along the way—it’ll keep you motivated to push further.
   

2025 is your year to move from planning to doing, from talking to achieving, from potential to performance. The only way to make a difference in your life, career, or business is to act.
So, what’s your first step? Take it today. Let’s make 2025 the year we stop dreaming about it and start doing it.

Let’s get after it.
Ken

Top Ten Most Read by Readers
January 6 to January 10

(1) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2025/01_06.htm#hires

(2) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2025/01_08.htm#hires

(3) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2025/01_10.htm#hires

(4) Results from Wheeler Business Consulting
2024 Compensation and Production Survey
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2025/01_08.htm#results

(5) No Longer taking Broker/Discounting Business
plus Finance and Leasing Companies Out of Business
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2025/01_06.htm#no

(6) North Mill Equipment Finance Promotions
“Highlighting Outstanding Contributions"
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2025/01_06.htm#nm

(7) Amended New Jersey Financial Disclosure Bill
By Sloan Schickler, Esq.
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2025/01_10.htm#nj

(8) Honour Capital Team Joins Forces
with Dext Capital
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2025/01_06.htm#honour

(9) Three Rules to Create More Sales
By Steve Chriest
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2025/01_08.htm#three

(10) AP Equipment Financing Celebrates 2024   
    Achievements and Outstanding Leadership
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2025/01_10.htm#ap

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

CHB finished 2024 strong
with higher originations

WHEATLAND, Wyoming –   C.H. Brown Co., LLC (CHB), a long-time, bank-owned equipment finance lender recorded significant originations performance for December, the fourth quarter, and 2024.  New business volume lending for end-of-month December was 16% higher than November 2024 and a remarkable 67.9% above December 2023.

Ed Meyer, Chief Operating Officer said, “Despite freight rates remaining depressed near historic lows, the lessened capacity in trucking, reduced diesel costs, the continued pace of new construction, the marked drop of equipment prices, the minor dip in interest rates, and the presidential election results all contributed.” 

Meyer also stated, “Not enough can be said of the CHB Team and their effort; due to their dedication and mission-focus commitment…they delivered ‘major league’ results and an exceptional customer experience.”

CHB’s Business Development and Broker Relations Director, Kit West, added “The results would not have been possible without the intense loyalty of our network of third-party referral partners.  Their continued trust and confidence in CHB was increasingly evident throughout the year.”

Third-party originators are and remain the backbone of CHB’s originations channels.

Further, CHB experienced 44.6% more Q/Q originations from 3Q24 and an amazing 142% more over that same period last year!  Finally, year-end data noted Y/Y NBV was 48.4% higher than 2023 which led to 15.3% maximum growth of its earning assets.

CHB, a provider of competitive, fixed-rate commercial-purpose loans to the transportation, construction, industrial, agricultural and general aviation sectors, attributed these noteworthy results to numerous factors. 

About C.H. Brown Co., LLC.

CHB was founded in 1995 and is a small-ticket lender located in southeast Wyoming with a national footprint which provides life-of-loan servicing.  It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Platte Valley Financial Service Companies, Inc., which in addition to C.H. Brown Co. LLC also consists of Platte Valley Bank in Scottsbluff, Gering, Bridgeport, Morrill, Sidney, Chadron and Alliance, Nebraska; Platte Valley Bank in Casper, Torrington, Cheyenne and Wheatland, Wyoming; Mountain Valley Bank in Walden, Steamboat Springs, Hayden, Meeker, Greeley and Fort Collins, Colorado; J.G. Elliott Insurance Center in Scottsbluff and Chadron, Nebraska and Casper, Torrington and Wheatland, Wyoming.

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

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

Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation Accepting
Applications for $5,000 Scholarships

Washington, DC—The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation is accepting applications for its scholarship program for the 2025-2026 academic year. Up to 10 scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded to full-time undergraduate or full-time graduate students interested in pursuing a career in the equipment finance industry who are majoring in business, economics, finance, or a related discipline.   

Since the launch of the Foundation’s scholarship program six years ago, 29 students have received scholarships. The program was developed to support the Foundation’s mission to attract new and diverse talent to the industry.  

To be eligible for consideration for a scholarship in 2025, candidates must submit their applications online by May 2, 2025, and must:

• Be a full-time undergraduate student, or full-time graduate student, as defined by the accredited educational institution they are attending;
• Have declared his/her/their major course work to be in the field of business, economics, finance, or a related discipline; and
• Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
• Students with recommendations from professionals in the equipment finance industry will be given preference. 

To learn more or to apply for a scholarship, visit https://www.leasefoundation.org/academic-programs/home/scholarship-program/. 

About the Foundation

The Equipment Leasing Finance Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to advance the $1.3 trillion equipment finance sector by producing data-forward research and market outlooks, as well as cultivating the next-generation workforce through Campus to Career programs, including curriculum development and collegiate scholarships. Founded in 1989 and 100% funded through charitable donations, the Foundation drives innovation and career development for the future of the industry. www.leasefoundation.org

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

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Long-Time Attorney Barry Wayne Ferns
Passed Away Last Month

From Laurel Adams Ferns: "It is with a broken heart and having shed rivers of tears that I share with you that my beautiful husband, partner, friend and beloved Barry Ferns passed away from complications relating to his four year relentless battle with Multiple Myeloma.

"A  Celebration of Life will be held January 26, 2025 in Pleasant Hill CA.

"If you would like to attend please contact barryfernsfamily@gmail.com.

"Thank you all for your generosity and kindness."

Ferns, Adams & Associates said, "During this difficult time, we thank everyone for their support and condolences. Barry’s spirit will live on in the Ferns, Adams & Associates, is a California law firm representing numerous bank, commercial financerm and in the many lives he touched.

"With heartfelt gratitude."

Ferns, Adams & Associates, is a California law firm representing numerous banks and commercial finance Firms, located in Walnut Creek, California.

Barry Ferns LinkedIn Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-ferns-0aa32159/details/experience

News Briefs

Why LA fires will hit almost every American in the pocket
    even if you live nowhere near California
https://www.wsj.com/finance/california-fires-costs-rebuilding-money-fa201dc4?st=PrNqQV&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

The Car Market’s Hottest Deal:
    The Cheap EV Lease
https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/ev-lease-tax-credit-loophole-taxpayers-85fc489b?st=4QSzr3&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

What Happens When There Are Fewer Spaces
    to Park?
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/12/business/city-parking-rules.html

Skechers Went After the Customers Nike Didn’t
    It Paid Off
https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/skechers-went-after-the-customers-nike-didnt-it-paid-off-9426644e?st=WW1kGJ&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

6 banking trends
    to watch in 2025
https://www.bankingdive.com/news/2025-trump-cfpb-fed-fdic-merger-acquisition-capital-one-discover-crypto-occ-artificial-intelligence/736809/

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Los Angeles wildfires create animal crisis
    with full shelters, ill pets: How you can help
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/01/09/la-wildfires-animal-shelters

Pasadena Humane has taken in over 300 animals as of Wednesday evening, including many with burns and injuries who are receiving treatment in their intensive care unit. They are anticipating the arrival of many more animals who need help as the fires continue and any monetary donations go towards their care.

Best Friends, another animal shelter organization, has a team on the ground in Los Angeles assisting through “pet pantries” providing pet supplies and transporting pets in shelters out of Los Angeles and into other cities. In addition to cash donations, they are seeking Amazon gifts of pet crates that are sold out across LA.

Pasadena Humane urgently seeks donations

 

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Sports Briefs---

Inman: 10 reasons the 49ers could reach the
   Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium in 2026
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/01/12/inman-10-reasons-the-49ers-could-reach-the-super-bowl-at-levis-stadium-in-2026/

The Krafts got it right in hiring Mike Vrabel, and the
Patriots’ outlook is suddenly a whole lot brighter
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/01/12/sports/mike-vrabel-new-patriots-coach/

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California News Briefs---

Newsom waives environmental rules to help LA fire  
victims rebuild ‘faster and stronger
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article298414598.html

This L.A. dad vowed he’d be ready for fires
His plan saved his home — and others
https://www.sfchronicle.com/california-wildfires/article/pacific-palisades-fire-20027678.php

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

2024 Wine Value of the Year
   Wine Spectator
https://www.winespectator.com/articles/2024-wine-value-of-the-year-022835

Slammed Winery has the Last Laugh
    See for Yourself
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/01/slammed-winery-has-the-last-laugh

Dogs sniff out vineyard diseases
     and pests in trials
https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/dogs-sniff-out-vineyard-diseases-and-pests-in-trials-548187/