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Pedro Enrique Wasmer Obituary
Past President, Somerset Capital Group, Ltd.
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Born August 10, 1940

Enrique Wasmer founded Somerset Investment Services in 1980 and, in 1996, Somerset Capital Group, Ltd., which was sold in 2007. Located today in Milford, Connecticut, his companies earned industry recognition and were ranked among top Hispanic-owned firms in the U.S.
He was a graduate of University of Maryland (1959-1962)

Overview
"Somerset has been revolutionizing equipment finance for over 40 years, empowering mid-sized and large companies across the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Our mission is to help your business thrive by providing innovative, asset-driven solutions tailored to meet your unique equipment needs. Whether you require financing for under $100,000 or over $25,000,000, we offer personalized support to help you achieve more.”

A Celebration of Pedro's Life will be held on Sat., Aug. 9, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples, FL.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/somerset-capital-group-ltd./

Obituary:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/naples-fl/pedro-wasmer-12443709

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Emmanuel Lutheran Global Seminary, 777 Mooring Line Dr., Naples, FL, 34102.

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Leslie Crose, CAEF, was hired as SVP, Portfolio Management, Rhodes Financial, She is located in Aubrey, Texas. Previously, she was Managing Director, Portfolio and Underwriting, Alpine Ridge Funding (October, 2023 - July, 2025). She joined Tab Bank March, 2020, Relationship Manager, promoted Senior Relationship Manager (September, 2021 - October, 2023). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliecrose/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliecrose/

Cherie Milazzo was hired as Partner Relationship Manager/BDO, National Business Capital, Hauppauge, New York. She is located in Atlanta, GA. Previously, she was Vice President, nFusion Capital (May, 2022 - April, 2025); Vice President of Sales Southeast Region, TBS Funding (May, 2021 - April, 1011)l:
Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherie-milazzo-51985a9/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherie-milazzo-51985a9/

Andrea Tzamaras was hired as Director, Member Engagement, National Automatic Merchandising Association, Arlington, Virginia. She is located in Washington, DC. Previously, she was at the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, starting May, 2015, Membership Coordinator, promoted July, 2019, Membership Manager, promoted Director, Membership (May, 2022 -July, 2025). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-tzamaras-b510b461/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-tzamaras-b510b461

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UPDATE
Financial Pacific Leasing
A subsidiary of Umpqua Bank
1975
Christine Vaughn, CLFP
1.cvaughn@finpac.com
www.finpac.com
(ELFA, NEFA, AACFB (BBB)
230

USA
$5,000 - $200,000
BBB
CNI
Search

Financial Pacific Leasing Updated

New Story Credit Financing , Different Approach
Business Loans, SBA Loans, Working Capital
https://www.finpac.com/third-party-originators

(now included)

New Story Credit Financing Different Approach
Business Loans, SBA Loans, Working Capital
Footnotes First

To qualify for this list, the company may be a funder, who also is a supper broker, sending deals who have reached a point to go elsewhere, or does equipment they don't do, such as spray booths, steel fences, or agriculture piping or cannabis equipment.

First, the footnotes they provided which reveal their position in the funder only list:

(P) Financial Pacific Leasing supports a nationwide network of Brokers and Lessors. We specialize in A, B, and C credits for established companies as well as under two years in business.

For more information becoming a partner, please visit Prospective 3rd Party Originators - Financial Pacific Leasing https://www.finpac.com/third-party-originators

(S) We at Summit Leasing consider ourselves to be primarily "B" credit lenders, working almost exclusively through brokers. Broker Qualify - Contact us

(W) Forum Financial Services, Inc., prefer venture capital backed start-ups and middle market to large corporate turnaround companies including companies in bankruptcy and post bankruptcy. Our absolute minimum sales for an established business with financial problems are $10.0 million. (this does not include venture capital backed start-ups). Broker Qualify - Please visit our website at www.forumleasing.com or call 972-690-9444 ext. 225

(Y) Gonor Funding specializes in hard to fund leases with D credit. Collateral based with good rates and commission program. Broker Qualify - Please Call

(Z) TEAM Funding Solutions is a C-credit funder that provides a unique alternative to credit scoring. We fund new business start-ups and older businesses with weaker credits when we roll up our sleeves to understand “their story.” Equipment leases are approved and funded based on common sense, the Lessee’s ability to pay and the Broker’s input.

(CC) Provides financing, leasing, and lending services to businesses and municipalities with “A” through “D” credit profiles throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and South America. Since inception, FMEF has provided nearly $1 billion in financing to over ten thousand customers. Also seeks third party originations.

Financing programs, leases, and loans for equipment costing from $10,000 to $10,000,000+. “Application only” programs (No financials or tax returns required) for equipment up to $350,000 and we generally make a credit decision on these transactions within 24 hours. www.netlease.com

(DD) Maxim Commercial Credit provides creative and flexible asset-based financing for today's challenging credit market.

(EE) BSB Leasing, Inc. is a direct funding source. In addition we offer an experienced Syndication Desk that can place transactions that fall outside of credit, equipment, geographic or dollar amount appetite.

(FF) NFS Leasing is a Technology Leasing Specialist which provides funding for B, C, and D and story credits. We make our own credit decisions, service the full lifecycle of transactions on our own balance sheet. We are fast, flexible, and easy to work with. IT & Computer Equipment, Medical, Scientific Equipment, & Office Equipment. We service Canada and the UK as well.

(GG) Bankers Capital will do ANY Type of equipment, in ANY industry (including cannabis), in ANY state. Our specialty is applicants new in business and/or with challenged credit. We require a full financial package on every applicant. Bankers Capital structures “story” or C&D credits with additional collateral which might include mortgages on residential or commercial real estate, additional equipment, assignment of marketable securities or life insurance policies with cash surrender value, security deposits, or vendor agreements Bankers Capital looks for a way to approve the request instead of looking for a way to decline it.

Quality
Quality funds titled and non-titled commercial equipment for A- to C+ customer profiles. *Our sales team has over 100 years of combined experience in leasing and finance. Some sales reps have long-standing vendor relationships, but we do not pursue vendor relationships that come to us from brokers."

Balboa Capital Corp.
Bankers Capital
Black Rock Capital Investment, LLC
BSB Leasing, Inc
Calfund, LLC
Dakota Financial

Financial Pacific Leasing
Forum Financial Services, Inc.
Gonor Funding
Maxim Commercial Capital, LLC

North Mill Equipment Finance
P&L Capital Corporation
Quality Leasing Co. Inc.
SLIM Capital, LLC
TEAM Funding Solutions

Alphabetical list - click on company name to view more details

Here are funders who take "A" and "B" rated applicants. They are also more interested not in "application only." They become more comfortable learning more, beyond reviewing financial statements and tax returns, additional collateral, learning more about the story behind the business as qualifiers.

Leasing News reserves the right to not list a company who does not meet these qualifications.

Funder List “A”
http://www.leasingnews.org/Funders_Only/Funders.htm

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

Name In Business Since Contact Website Leasing Association	Employees	Geo Area	Dollar Amount	Business Reports
Balboa Capital Corp. 1988 A Division of Ameris Bank since December 2021 Robert J. Rasmussen Chief Operating and Risk Officer 949-399-6344 robertjr@balboacapital.com https://www.balboacapital.com AACFB, ELFA, NEFA	229	USA	$3,000 - $5,000,000
Financial Pacific Leasing A subsidiary of Umpqua Bank 1975 Christine Vaughn, CLFP cvaughn@finpac.com www.finpac.com ELFA, NEFA, AACFB (BBB)	230	USA	$5,000 - $200,000	BBB CNI Search
North Mill Equipment Finance 1959 David C. Lee DLee@northmillef.com 203-354-6001 www.nmef.com AACLB, ELFA	110	All 50 states	App Only: $15k to $250k App Plus: $250k - $1M
Maxim Commercial Capital, LLC 2009 Dana Freeman, Director Broker Relations 213-425-3163 Dana@maximcc.com https://maximcc.com AACFB, CLFP, ELFA, NEFA	30	Nationwide	$5,000 - $3 million
P&L Capital Corporation 1996 Phil Lieber 800.698.1686 phil@plcapital.com www.plcapital.com AACFB (Click for further description)	28	Nationwide	$10,000 (most clients are doing monthly or quarterly schedules)
Blue Bridge Financial, LLC 2010 877-439-1534 www.bluebridgefinancial.com NAELB, NEFA	35	United States	$20,000-$500,000 avg. size: $85,000
Quality Leasing Co. Inc. 1957 Paul Fogle, CLFP Managing Director 317.253.4415 pfogle@qualityleasingco.com Main: 317-253-4415 ex. 7680 www.QualityLeasingCo.com AACFB, ELFA, NEFA (click her for further description)	30	National Do not fund in HI or RI	$30,000 up to $3 million
BSB Leasing, Inc. 1992 Colorado, Hawaii Don Meyerson, Pres. DMyerson@bsbleasing.com www.bsbleasing.com NAELB (click here for further description)	16	National	$10,000 Minimum Application Only to $250,000 Financial Statement Transaction Up to $1MM Business Loans Up to $500K	BBB CNI 1 CNI 2 Search
TEAM Funding Solutions 1992 Ted Reynolds – Owner and President Jeff Deskins – Credit Manager App Submittal: Lynn Smith – Senior Broker Development Manager 888-457-6700 x115, Martin Lacayo – Broker Development Manager 888-457-6700 x106, Bill Baskerville – Broker Development Manager 888-457-6700 x114, Funding: Stephen Stuesser – CFO Jamie Moore – Marketing Manager Phone: 888-457-6700 x109, Enrollment Fax: 512-258-2322 www.teamfundingsolutions.com AACFB (Z)	13	48 states	$20,000 - $200,000	BBB CNI
Global Financial & Leasing Services, LLC 2008 Jerald Collens Broker Relationship Mgr. 480-478-7402 Jerald@gfrservices.com www.gfrservices.com AACFB, ELFA	12	All 50 states	$25,000 to $1 Million
Calfund, LLC 2000 Harry Saghian harry@calfundllc.com www.calfundllc.com	10	United States	$10K Minimum Loans Only, No Leases	BBB
Dakota Financial Charla Laird Sales & Marketing Manager 310-432-2935 Direct 858-212-4994 Cell 310.696.3035 fax charla@dakotafin.com 310.696.3030 x122 www.dakotafinancial.com AACFB	9	Nationwide	$10,000 to $1MM	BBB Search
Forum Financial Services, Inc. 1996 Tim O'Connor 972-690-9444 ext. 225 tim@forumleasing..com 275 West Campbell Road Suite 320 Richardson, Texas 75080 Fax: 972-690-9464 www.forumleasing.com AACFB (W)	7	Nationwide	$50,000 to $1.0 million. Our average size transaction is $250,000. Preferred Range $100,000 to $500,000 Does Subprime Leases
Bankers Capital 1990 James Aiksnoras - President 508-351-6000 Jamesa@bankers-capital.com www.bankers-capital.com AACFB (GG)	6	Nationwide - 50 States	$25,000 +	Search
SLIM Capital, LLC 2016 Shervin Rashti, CLFP, CEO (310) 499-2506 Main: (310) 499-2562 x108 www.slimcapital.com AACFP. AACFB, CLFP (Footnote)	5	Nationwide	$25,000 to $2 million(Avg $200,000)
Gonor Funding 2001 Norman J. Gonor ngonor@gonorfunding.com 818.784.5444 Jason Gonor 818.402.6999 www.gonorfunding.com (Y)	3	USA	$10,000 to $100,000 with an average of $25,000 - $35,000 Does Subprime Leases
Name In Business Since Contact Website Leasing Association	Employees	Geo Area	Dollar Amount	Business Reports

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

GreatAmerica Announces Application to Establish National Bank and Acquire Heritage Bank

Cedar Rapids, Iowa –– GreatAmerica Holdings, Inc. (GreatAmerica Holdings), the parent company of GreatAmerica Financial Services Corporation, the largest independent, family-owned national commercial equipment finance company in the U.S. (GreatAmerica), announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Heritage Bank, an Iowa state-chartered bank headquartered in Marion, Iowa, with additional branches in Hiawatha, Iowa and Delhi, Iowa (Heritage Bank). Following the acquisition, which remains subject to regulatory approval, Heritage Bank will operate under a new name: GreatAmerica Bank National Association.

GreatAmerica's CEO, Martin Golobic, said, “Our team is excited to continue working with the Heritage Bank team in moving towards the establishment of GreatAmerica Bank.

"The combined GreatAmerica and Heritage Bank will work in tandem at GreatAmerica Bank to continue growing and strengthening our existing customer relationships—while also building new ones—across all the industries we serve."

GreatAmerica views GreatAmerica Bank as a strategic expansion, aligning GreatAmerica entrepreneurialism with the strength and stability of an FDIC-insured banking institution.

Golobic explained further, "Having Heritage Bank join the GreatAmerica team will allow us to provide a more comprehensive suite of financing options to small- and medium-sized businesses looking to acquire the equipment necessary to support their growth.

"For the past 33 years, our manufacturer, equipment distributor, and dealer customers have relied on GreatAmerica to provide the financing needed by their customers to purchase equipment. Establishing GreatAmerica Bank is just one of the exciting things we are working on to support our customers into the future."

A $3.5 billion company, GreatAmerica was established in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1992 and has a staff of over 750 employees with offices in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia and Minnesota.

GreatAmerica
GreatAmerica Financial Services® is the largest family-owned national commercial equipment finance company in the United States. With $3.5+ billion in assets and life-to-date finance originations of $16.1 billion, GreatAmerica is dedicated to helping manufacturers, distributors, resellers, and franchisees be more successful and keep their customers for a lifetime. GreatAmerica offers innovative, complementary services in addition to financing. Established in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1992.

GreatAmerica also maintains offices in Des Moines, IA, Marshall, MN, Milton, GA, and Northbrook, IL. The company is deeply rooted in the communities where it has offices, contributing more than $1.1 million annually through its Donor Advised and Employee Advised Funds—empowering team members to guide charitable giving and make a meaningful difference where they live and work.

https://www.greatamerica.com

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

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

AP Fleet Management is Driving Campus
Success Nationwide

BEND, OR – AP Fleet Management is shifting into high gear when it comes to providing flexible, efficient fleet solutions designed to meet the unique needs of college and university campuses nationwide. Fresh off attending the 2025 NACDA Convention in Orlando, where the team engaged directly with athletic directors and campus leaders, AP Fleet Management is doubling down on its commitment to simplifying fleet management for higher education and athletics.

Mike Snyder, VP of Business Development at AP Fleet Management, said, “Most colleges don’t want to be in the business of managing vehicles. Their mission is education, not fleet logistics.

“We understand that fleet management often falls to someone whose primary job is something else, which leads to outdated vehicles, underutilized vehicles, and logistical headaches. And that’s where AP Fleet Management comes in.”

Whether it’s transporting athletes, supporting campus operations, or maintaining facilities and grounds, AP Fleet Management delivers comprehensive, tailored solutions for every department. With deep industry expertise and a customer-first approach, AP Fleet Management helps colleges navigate common fleet challenges such as outdated and inefficient vehicles, fleets that are either underutilized or constantly short on vehicles, rising daily rental and charter transportation costs, and safety risks tied to aging vehicles.

Matt Nevious, Regional Sales Manager for AP Fleet Management commented, “Our team works alongside colleges to evaluate their current fleet, understand scheduling needs, and recommend the right mix of ownership, leasing, or rental solutions element.

“For many, it’s a blended approach that maximizes flexibility and minimizes costs.”

From 15-passenger vans for athletics to trucks for grounds crews and more for campus transportation and other needs, AP Fleet Management offers an array of vehicle options through flexible leasing programs, all-inclusive rental solutions, and ownership options. Leasing programs, including TRAC and FMV leases, align with college budget cycles and allow for regular vehicle upgrades, ensuring campuses always operate safe, modern fleets. All-inclusive rental programs keep vehicles on campus 24/7 with maintenance, registration, and support bundled into one predictable monthly cost. For schools exploring long-term savings, AP Fleet Management also offers financing options for outright vehicle ownership, including buses for athletics and shuttle services.

In addition to acquisition solutions, AP Fleet Management provides a national network of service providers with optional full maintenance or administered maintenance programs, taking the burden of fleet upkeep off campus staff. Their experienced remarketing team handles vehicle disposal and replacement, ensuring maximum value and a seamless transition to newer models.

Many colleges, especially athletic departments, are also exploring ways to reduce reliance on expensive charter buses by acquiring their own fleet, a solution AP Fleet Management helps evaluate through detailed total cost of ownership comparisons.

Mike Snyder commented, “Safety, efficiency, and budgeting flexibility are top priorities for campuses. Our job is to manage the fleet so colleges can stay focused on what matters most: supporting their students and faculty.”

To learn how AP Fleet Management can help your college or university optimize transportation, contact the team for a personalized consultation.

About AP Fleet Management:

AP Fleet Management offers rental, leasing, and financing solutions for a wide variety of products. AP Fleet Management is part of AP Equipment Financing, a company that has provided financing, rental and leasing solutions for essential industries since 1998. AP is backed by Tokyo Century Corporation, renowned for its expertise in fleet management, overseeing a global fleet of over 750,000 vehicles

https://apfinancing.com/

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Shari Lipski to Cover
Free Webinar by Sudhir Amembal, CLFP,
Impact of Recent Tax Legislation

Shari L. Lipski, CLFP, Leasing News Advisory Board Chair, Principle, ECS Financial Services, will be giving a report to Leasing News readers at the August 12. 12PM (Mountain Time)
30 Minutes Webinar.

For registration link, please contact Kelly Farnham at kelly@amembalandhalladay.com

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Top Ten Most Read by Readers
July 14-July 18

(1) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2025/07_18.htm#hires

(2) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2025/07_18.htm#hires

(3) If You Do a God Job and Work Hard
Placard
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2025/07_18.htm#you

(4) Free Webinar by Sudhir Amembal, CLFP,
Impact of Recent Tax Legislation
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2025/07_14.htm#webinar

(5) Ranked: The Most Important Job
Skills in 2025
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2025/07_18.htm#ranked

(6) The Relentless Prospector:
They Are More Active Than “AI”
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2025/07_18.htm#orig

(7) Channel Completes $85M ABS Securitization
With Strong Investor Demand
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2025/07_18.htm#chan

(8) Think Differently
By Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2025/07_14.htm#think

(9) New Story Credit Financing Different Approach
Business Loans, SBA Loans, Working Capital
Footnotes First
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2025/07_14.htm#sc

(10) Top Ten Most Read by Readers
July 8 to July 11
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2025/07_14.htm#78

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Conferences and Forums - Updated
Commercial Finance/Leasing Finance

https://members.aacfb.org/Expo

September 10-12: AACFB Commercial Financing Expo, Austin, Texas
Hotel Details: AT&T Hotel and Conference Center1900 University Avenue, Austin, TX 78705
Record Attendance Expected
Hotel Cut-Off Date: August 18, 2025
https://members.aacfb.org/Expo/

Charity Cruise in Austin
Sept. 10: 6pm - 8pm - $85.00
Dinner, drinks, Riverboat Cruise
https://conta.cc/40Oqh9J
Mel Vinson, CLFP, Vice President of Marketing and Development, CLFP Foundation, will be covering The conferences for Leasing News reads.

September 17: Brokers Expo NYC returns at Center415 on Fifth Avenue in Midtown
Register Now:
https://thefundersforumbrokerexpo.com/ny/
Take advantage of early bird pricing and lock in your spot at the most anticipated event for finance professionals — Register Today and Save $100! Join us in New York City and connect with top industry minds while staying ahead of the curve on the latest trends and regulations.
Information
info@thefundersforumbrokerexpo.com
Why Attend?
Gain valuable insights from industry leaders
Expand your network with peers and potential partners
Stay current on key compliance and legislative updates: This special rate won’t last — register today and save your seat at the premier finance event of the year! Register Now!
Don Cosenza, CLFP, will cover the Expo as he did last year for Leasing News readers.

October 14-16: National Equipment Finance Association Fall Conference, Renaissance Hotel, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Registration and Information
https://members.nefassociation.org/Online/iCore/Events/Event_display.aspx?
EventKey=FLCONF25&hkey=4aadd378-30dd-4c01-ad48-05e0ecaace0c

Vicki Shimkus, CLFP, Balboa Capital Relationship Manager, will be covering the conference for Leasing News readers.

October 26-28: ELFA 64th Annual Convention, Marco Island, Florida
Registration opening July 14
https://www.elfaonline.org/events-new/event-detail/elfa-64th-annual-convention

Randy Haug, LTi Technology, will be covering the conference for Leasing News

October 28-29: DeBanked B2B Finance Expo, Wynn, Las Vegas, Nevada
B2B Finance Expo is back for its highly anticipated second edition at the Wynn Las Vegas! We're thrilled to once again partner with the Small Business Finance Association (SBFA) to deliver an even bigger and better experience, uniting top professionals in the commercial finance industry.

This groundbreaking event will bring together leaders from Small Business Lending, Equipment Finance, Real Estate Lending, Merchant Cash Advance, and beyond. Over the course of this exclusive two-day event, brokers, lenders, funders, and service providers alike can expect networking opportunities, expert panels, and much more.

Join us for an exceptional networking and educational opportunity as we bring together the best in the industry!

Questions? Email us at events@debanked.com
To Update: kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

Looking for coverage of DeBanked B2B Finance Expo. Please contact kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

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