New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Bryan Anderson, CLFP, was hired as Senior Business Development Manager, Trio Capital, Lincoln, Nebraska, where he is also located. Previously, he was Regional Manager, Equify Financial, LLC; Senior Sales Manager, Tandem Finance (September, 2021 - June, 2023). He joined ENGS Commercial Finance Co. as Business Development Manager, August, 2018, promoted Region Director (November, 2020 - September, 2021). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-anderson-clfp-93a8317b/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-anderson-clfp-93a8317b/

Cedreece Clark was hired as Application Support Specialist 1, LTi Technology Solutions, Omaha, Nebraska. She is located in Katy, Texas. Previously, she was Client Technical Support Specialist,  Fiserve (November, 2023 – May, 2025); Customer Service Representative, Capital One (September, 2022 – November, 2023); Customer Service Representative (December, 2015 – September, 2022).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cedreece-clark-1406a2a4/

Jerald Collens, CLFP, was promoted at Stryker Dealership Group, Scottsdale, Arizona. He is located in Phoenix, Arizona. He joined Stryker as Senior Finance Specialist, (March, 2025 - June, 2025). Previously, he was Equipment Finance Manager, Naumann Hobbs Material Handling, Inc. (April, 2024 - December, 2024); Meridian Equipment Finance, position eliminated (July, 2023 - April, 2024); Business Development Account Executive, Meridian Equipment Finance (September, 2021 - July, 2023); Senior Financial Consultant, Quail Finance Solutions (2020 - September, 2021); Business Development Manager, Crossroads Equipment Lease and Finance (2019 - 2020).  Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-collens-clfp-1478706/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-collens-clfp-1478706/

Mike Gregan CLFP, was hired as Vice President, Asset & Collections Manager, Univest Capital, Inc., Bensalem, Pennsylvania. He is located in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Previously, he was Chief Executive Officer, Banleaco (August, 2024 - January, 2025); AVP, Section Manager, Operations, Huntington National Bank (September, 2023 - August, 2024). Prior, he was at DLL for 23 years, 4 months.  Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-gregan-clfp/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-gregan-clfp/4

Jerry Mathew was hired as Vice President, Equipment Finance, Executive Sales Officer, Flagstar Commercial, Corporate & Specialized Industries Banking, Northern California. He is located in El Dorado Hills, California. Previously, he was VP, Equipment Finance, Summit Funding Group, Inc. (October, 2024 – June, 2025): Vice President, Equipment Finance, Wintrust Commercial Finance (March, 2024 – September, 2024:VP, Equipment Finance, Flagstar Financial, Signature Financial Group,
Signature Bank (May, 2015 – March, 2024); AVP, Equipment Finance, GE Capital (November , 2011 – April, 2016).
Full Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrycmathew/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrycmathew/

Fenanda Chusan Roman was promoted Controller, SLR Equipment Finance, Wilton, Connecticut. She is located in Stamford, Connecticut. She joined SLR September, 2017, Senior Accountant, promoted August, 2024 - June, 2025. Previously, she was Assurance Experienced Associate, PwC (August, 2013 - August, 2017); Accounting Staff, Baruno, Hannaford, Aurello  Co. (February, 2012 - May, 2013); Quality Control & Finance Associate, Ascendus (April, 2010 -August 2011).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernanda-chusan-roman-318b8916

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

NMEF Announces Strategic Joint Venture
With Oaktree To Accelerate Growth
 In FMV Leasing Platform

NORWALK, CT – North Mill Equipment Finance, LLC (“NMEF” or “North Mill”), a leading commercial equipment lessor located in Norwalk, Connecticut,  announces a new partnership with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. (“Oaktree”), a global investment firm with deep expertise in credit and asset-backed finance. The collaboration launches a joint venture designed to grow NMEF’s fair market value (FMV) equipment leasing platform, alongside Oaktree’s investment in the venture.

The combined capital commitment from Oaktree and NMEF will support the funding of $350 million in FMV equipment lease originations initially, with additional capital capacity available to continue funding the venture.

David Lee, Chairman and CEO of North Mill Equipment Finance, explained, “This marks a major step forward in our efforts to deliver flexible, value-driven leasing solutions to the market.

“We’re excited to work with a partner like Oaktree who shares our long-term vision and brings deep understanding of asset-backed investing.”

This partnership combines NMEF’s established origination network and servicing capabilities in the equipment leasing space with Oaktree’s institutional capital base and investment team. This new extension of NMEF’s platform will focus on FMV leases across a wide range of essential-use equipment including construction, medical, logistics, and manufacturing assets.

Under the terms of the agreement, NMEF will originate and service all transactions through their national network of independent originators and vendors. North Mill will also invest alongside Oaktree in the venture.

Lee Bergeron, Senior Vice President of Structured Products at NMEF, said, “We’ve built a strong and scalable platform, and this partnership allows us to bring it to a broader investor base.

“Together with Oaktree, we’re well-positioned to meet growing demand for flexible equipment financing solutions.”

Paul Cheslock, Vice President of Structured Products at NMEF, said, “This collaboration gives us the capacity to do more of what we do best Lee Bergeron, Senior Vice President of Structured Products at NMEF of what we’ve built a strong and scalable platform, and this partnership allows us to bring it to a broader investor base

“Together with Oaktree, we’re well-positioned to meet growing demand for flexible equipment financing solutions.”

Rana Mitra, Managing Director at Oaktree from Oaktree’s perspective, “The partnership is a natural fit with their investment strategy.

“We’re pleased to partner with North Mill to support the next phase of growth for their FMV platform and bring long-term value to their customers .”

Brendan Beer, Portfolio Manager for Oaktree’s Asset-Backed Finance and Structured Credit strategy, said, “We are excited to partner with an extremely high-quality originator and servicer like North Mill as we continue generating attractive asset-backed finance exposures for our investors.”

About North Mill Equipment Finance (NMEF):
NMEF is a national, premier lender who works with third-party referral (TPR) sources to finance small to mid-ticket equipment commercial leases and loans ranging from $15,000 to $3,000,000 and up to $5,000,000 for investment grade opportunities. NMEF accepts A – C credit qualities and finances transactions for many asset categories including but not limited to medical, construction, franchise, technology, vocational, manufacturing, renovation, janitorial and material handling equipment. NMEF is majority owned by an affiliate of InterVest Capital Partners.

The company’s headquarters are in Norwalk, CT, with regional offices in Irvine, CA, Voorhees NJ, and Murray, UT. For more information, visit www.nmef.com. One of NMEF’s controlled affiliates, BriteCap Financial LLC, is a leading non-bank lender providing small businesses with fast, convenient financing alternatives such as working capital loans since 2003 from its main office in Las Vegas, NV. For more information, visit:  https://www.britecap.com/

About Oaktree
Oaktree is a leader among global investment managers specializing in alternative investments, with $203 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025. The firm emphasizes an opportunistic, value-oriented, and risk-controlled approach to investments in credit, equity, and real estate. The firm has more than 1,200 employees and offices in 25 cities worldwide.
For additional information, please visit: https://www.oaktreecapital.com/

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

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Leasing and Finance  Help Wanted
Balboa Capital
We Are Growing Our Senior Sales Team Now
Maxim Commercial Capital, LLC
Looking for Chief Operating Officer

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Back Office Companies

Advance Property Tax Compliance	Haws Consulting Group
Barrett Management Corp.	JDR Solutions
ECS Financial Services	LeaseDimensions, Inc.
RPC Property Tax Advisors, LLC	Madison Capital, LLC
GreatAmerica Portfolio Services Group LLC	Orion First Financial, LLC
Group 88 Systems, Inc.	Vervent

Full Listing:
https://leasingnews.org/Ag_leasing/backoffice.htm

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Equipment Knowledge
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP

The most successful originators in the commercial equipment finance and leasing industry share a common trait: deep knowledge of the collateral they fund. Recently, I spoke with a seasoned industry veteran whose career has been built on this very principle. His insights serve as a powerful reminder that understanding the equipment—not just the numbers—can be the key to long-term success.

Here are a few of the core practices that have driven his performance:

• Embedded in the Industry:From his early days, he immersed himself in the equipment world—working closely with vendors, manufacturers, and end-users. Over time, he became so well-versed in specific models and their applications that he often knew more than the vendor reps themselves.
  
• Hands-On Learning:He makes a point of seeing equipment in action. Observing how machines are used in real-world settings gives him an edge in understanding their value, utility, and lifecycle benefits to end-users.
  
• Feature-Focused Research:He consistently studies different manufacturers and models, paying attention to the unique features that set them apart. This allows him to speak with authority and credibility when discussing financing options with customers.
  
• Staying Current at Trade Shows:Trade shows are a critical part of his routine. They offer a first look at the latest innovations and upcoming trends. For him, staying ahead of the curve isn’t optional—it’s essential.
  
• Valuation Expertise:With deep knowledge of the year, make, model, and condition of equipment within his niche, he can accurately assess value and potential resale pricing. His insights are so reliable that others in the industry consult him to help establish fair market value (FMV) residuals.
  
• Dual Role: Equipment Expert + Financial Advisor: He sees himself not just as someone who structures finance solutions, but as a trusted advisor who brings real knowledge to the table—bridging the gap between technical equipment details and financial strategy.
  
• Advice to New Originators: His top recommendation for newcomers? “Selling finance or leasing products is easy if you know the equipment and understand the benefits it brings to an end-user.”

In an industry built on assets, knowing those assets inside and out is what separates top performers from the rest. Understanding the equipment you finance isn’t just helpful—it’s an essential competitive advantage.

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

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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Mel Vinson on CLFP Mentor Program and
Current 2025 CLFP Academy Schedule
By Kit Menkin

Melissa (Mel) Vinson, CLFP, VP of Marketing & Development, Portland, Oregon was hired three years ago as Director of Academies by Reid Raykovich, CLFP, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, CLFP Foundation.  She was a Leasing Specialist at U.S. Bank Equipment Finance prior to her role at the CLFP Foundation.(1).

In an interview, she told Leasing News: "We currently have a CLFP Mentor bench of 70 volunteers that support CLFP Candidates as they prepare for their Exams. The mentor program is an optional but beneficial tool while preparing for the Exam. A CLFP Mentor provides encouragement and guidance as a candidate approaches their class and/or their CLFP Exam. After June, I will have 11 more Academies for Lease & Finance Professionals courses(ALFPs) this year. Here is the list to the current available public classes: classes: https://clfpfoundation.org/academy-for-lease-and-finance-professionals/. If a candidate registers for the Exam and would like to be paired with a mentor, they can email me (mel@clfpfoundation.org) for mentor support.”

“The mentor program is going well," shares Vinson. "We have nearly 100 CLFPs on the mentor bench and it's been a great support for all the candidates that go through the classes.

"I feel so grateful. It has been such a joy to see how many people are certifying this year, which is the 40th year of the designation.  We have a total of 20 classes this year. Some are private, but a good amount are public! I love meeting so many people along the way. This last press release that we published included many of my former teammates at U.S. Bank, which was great."

If you would like to learn more about the Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) designation, please visit clfpfoundation.org or email Mel at mel@clfpfoundation.org.

 

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CLFP Academy Postings and Information
June to November

The Academy for Lease and Finance Professionals (ALFP) is a three-day event, designed to fully prepare an individual to sit for the CLFP exam assuming the attendee has already studied. A trend has begun in providing virtual online sessions.

During the first two days, all of the required sections of the CLFP exam are covered in-depth. On the third day, the exam is offered but is not mandatory and may be taken on another day.

Students are strongly advised to have read and studied The Certified Lease & Finance Professionals' Handbook prior to attending the class in order to ensure success. There also is a “Mentor Program” for individuals.

Here are the latest

Northland Capital, Public, Online
June 12 – 13, 2025

Public, In-Person ALFP Hosted by Crossroads
July 17 – 18, 2025

Wintrust Commercial Finance, Public, In-Person
August 13 – 14, 2025

Public, Virtual ALFP Hosted by JDR Solutions
September 3 – 4, 2025

Stearns Bank, Public, In-Person
September 23 - 24,  2025

DLL, Online , Private
October 6-7, 2025

NEMF,  Online, Public ALFP
October 9 – 10, 2025

GreatAmerica Financial Services, Private, In-Person
October 20 – 21, 2025

Tel, Public, In-Person
November 4-5, 2025

Virtual, Public ALFP Hosted by First Commonwealth Bank
November 19 – 20, 2025

Public, In-Person ALFP Hosted by Arvest Equipment Finance
November 13 – 14, 2025

How to Become a CLFP
https://clfpfoundation.org/how-to-become-a-clfp/

Mel Vinson, CLFP, Director of Academies, VP of Marketing and Development
Mel@clfpfoundation.orghttps://clfpfoundation.org

News Briefs

Meta plans to invest $15bn in Scale AI
   in bid to catch up to rivals
https://www.ft.com/content/5e556c2e-2ba4-415a-adb6-1bf6bed498eb

GM says it will invest $4 billion
to increase US production
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/10/business/gm-four-billion-us-production-investment

Yale Is Rushing to Sell Billions
in Private Equity Investments
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/10/business/yale-endowment-private-equity-trump.html

China’s Chokehold on This Obscure Mineral Threatens
the West’s Militaries
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/09/business/china-rare-earth-samarium-fighter-jets.html

Trump orders names restored to military bases honoring
Robert E. Lee and other Confederate leaders
https://nypost.com/2025/06/10/us-news/trump-orders-names-restored-to-military-bases-honoring-robert-e-lee-and-other-confederate-leaders/

Think Twice Before
You Click ‘Unsubscribe’
https://www.wsj.com/tech/cybersecurity/unsubscribe-email-security-38b40abf?st=VdXmFH&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

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The U.S. Economy Is Headed Toward
   an Uncomfortable Summer
https://www.wsj.com/economy/trump-tariffs-us-economy-business-investment-7d3c6476?mod=hp_major_pos1

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Sports Briefs---

The N.B.A. Has a Star Problem
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/07/business/dealbook/the-nba-has-a-star-problem.html

The Ashton Jeanty hype is so insane he can't
     possibly live up to it ... or can he?
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/mike-freeman/2025/06/05/ashton-jeanty-running-back-las-vegas-raiders/83841219007/

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California News Briefs---

San Jose hotel complex with hundreds of rooms
    flops into loan default
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/06/10/san-jose-hotel-economy-property-build-loan-real-estate-covid-travel

Two East Bay hotels file for bankruptcy
   as lodging market woes widen
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/06/10/berkeley-livermore-hotel-economy-court-property-travel-covid-build

 

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

Napa Valley Winery Trades Warehouse
  to Owner/Occupier
https://www.connectcre.com/stories/napa-valley-winery-trades-warehouse-to-owner-occupier/

One of Napa Valley’s oldest winemaking families
debuts a major tasting room transformation
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/pestoni-family-estate-winery-20331154.php

Orange County Wine Society Announces the Winners of
the 2025 OC Fair Commercial Wine https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/304021Competition

Auction Napa Valley Raises $6.5 Million For Charity
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/303953

Visit Napa Valley Announces the Release of the Smart
Traveler’s Wine Guide to Napa Valley By Maria C. Hunt
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/303928