Correction:
Originally appeared on Monitordaily

North Mill Equipment Finance Receives Court Approval
    to Acquire Pawnee Leasing & Tandem Finance
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2025/03_26.htm#nm

 

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Trustee Moves To Sell Roglieri Mansion 
Ken Greene, Leasing News Editor and Emeritus

In the latest chapter of the never-ending saga of Kris Roglieri, the Chapter 7 trustee in Mr. Roglieri’s personal bankruptcy appears to be seeking court approval to sell the former loan broker and educator’s mansion in Queensbury, New York. Trustee Christian Dribusch has received a $1.6 million cash offer for the 14-acre property. There are two mortgages against the property that total $955,000, as well as other claims, including selling expenses, that may exceed $1.6 million. Certain creditor liens (other than the mortgages) may be avoided under bankruptcy law statutes to facilitate the sale.

This is just one of many problems facing Mr. Roglieri. He remains in federal prison after being accused of wire fraud, to which he has pleaded not guilty. He has been denied bail despite repeated requests, as the prosecutor and judge have consistently maintained that he is dangerous, based on threats he allegedly made to prosecutors.

In addition, Mr. Roglieri’s company Prime Capital Ventures is in a separate bankruptcy case, facing hundreds of millions of dollars in creditor claims. There is also a federal civil forfeiture case pending whereby the U.S. government is seeking to take possession of many expensive sports cars, luxury watches, and other assets linked to Mr. Roglieri.

Leasing News will continue to cover the developments of the presumed demise of this once high-flying broker.

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Amanda Cushman has returned to GreatAmerica Financial Services, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as Operations Support Specialist. She is in located Iowa City, Cedar Rapids Area. Previously, she was Project Director, TMG Development, LLC (May, 2024 - January, 2025). She originally joined Great America July, 2015 as Account Support Advisor, promoted to Sales Support Specialist (April, 2016 - July, 2024); Office Manager, Mount Mercy University (August, 2010 - August, 2014).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-cushman-ab856840/014). 

Tony Sedlacek, CLFP, was hired as Vice President, Portfolio Management, FinWise Bank, Murray, Utah. He is located in Mesa, Arizona. Previously he was at Orion First (August, 2016 - July, 2014); VP, Portfolio Management, Dakota Financial (August, 2014 - August, 2016).
Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-sedlacek-clfp-799681b/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-sedlacek-clfp-799681b/

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Balboa Capital Available Position
Program Manager II- Equipment Broker Sales

Recap: National Equipment Finance Association
 Spring Conference
By Alicia Bos, NEFA Director of Marketing

The National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) hosted the 2025 Spring Conference, which brought together attendees for a dynamic and enriching experience. The conference was held at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, CA, from March 11-13, with the theme “Spring into Success.”

The theme was very fitting given the invaluable insights, meaningful discussions, and exciting opportunities for growth the conference provided to the 380 attendees.

With hundreds of attendees from diverse backgrounds, this year’s event featured an incredible lineup of keynote speakers, expert panels, and networking sessions designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.  Attendees had the privilege of hearing from notable keynote speakers Jim McCann – Founder & Chairman of 1-800-Flowers.Com and Robert Christiansen, President – Motive for Life, who shared their expertise on key leadership and sales topics. Their insights set the stage for meaningful discussions on how the equipment finance and leasing industry can adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

Thought leaders from across the industry explored crucial topics such as Commercial Equipment Finance: Past, Present and Future; From Broker to Discounter: Documentation, Practical A.I. and Technology for Small Business; Legal Update and The Next Big Thing: The Process (and Art) of Finding Opportunity.

Panelists engaged in deep discussions about the challenges and opportunities ahead, providing attendees with actionable strategies and fresh perspectives.

Beyond the sessions, the conference served as a hub for meaningful connections at various events, which allowed attendees to build upon existing relationships and forge new ones. These opportunities included the NEFA Foundation Glow Golf event, with proceeds going to the NEFA Foundation which supported the Chris Walker Education Fund and the event charity “Tam Ky Project” founded by NEFA Member, Maggie Holly (Hanmi Bank).

The Women in Leasing Luncheon, featuring Hilary Bilbrey, Performance Consulting LLC, was a phenomenal success. There was a buzz in the exhibit hall where many business relationships were forged.

Receptions, luncheons, private dinners, and one-on-one business meetings were all part of the conference. Attendees were able to build relationships, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations. Special thanks to the sponsors and exhibitors that made the conference possible.

For more information and to register for upcoming events, please visit https://www.nefassociation.org/events/upcoming/

Alica Bos
Director of Events & Marketing
National Equipment Finance Association

The National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) is a trade association comprised of professionals serving the equipment leasing and finance industry. NEFA’s member companies are diverse and include independent and bank-owned lessors and funding sources, commercial finance brokers, specialty lenders, and various specialized service/product providers serving the needs of these equipment finance specialists. To learn more about NEFA, visit www.nefassociation.org.

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Question: Why I Left My Previous Employer?
Career Crossroads By Emily Fitzpatrick/RII

Question: I have heard I should not speak negatively about previous employers. How do I handle this in an interview when asked why I left my previous employer?

Answer: In an interview NEVER – I repeat – NEVER talk negatively about previous employers or colleagues; choose your words very carefully. If you had a less than positive experience with a previous employer / colleague, how about:

“The position / corporate culture was not a good fit for me.”

“I did not feel I was being utilized to my full capability.”

DO NOT give a laundry list of complaints – this will damage your chances of being made an offer. Who wants to hire someone who has a pessimistic attitude? Always be upbeat and spin in a positive light (e.g. I realized that I am looking for a different type of culture)

The exception to this rule: if you are working with a Recruiter, they should know your hot buttons and assist in finding a situation that will fit your current and future career goals.  As such, they should be privy to both positive and negative experiences. Recruiters should not be revealing this confidential information to potential employers. Make sure you discuss this with your recruiter and make sure this is the case.

But when talking with a HR person or the one who does the hiring, when taking your application or in an interview, this person is JUST as important as the President of the company; no negative talk – period!

Emily Fitzpatrick
Sr. Recruiter
Recruiters International, Inc.
Phone:  954-885-9241
Cell:  954-612-0567
emily@riirecruit.com

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How State Taxes Have Changed
by Visual Capitalist

Key Takeaways

Twenty-three states have reduced their top marginal income tax rate since 2000.

Two states removed income taxes entirely, joining six others that do not tax incomes and two more made no changes.

Thirteen states increased their top rate.

Data for four states cannot be directly compared due to how 2000s taxes were levied.

Who Increased Their Tax Rates?

Thirteen states (and D.C.) increased the top rate with Washington registering the highest increase.

However, Washington’s 7% flat rate is only applicable for earnings from stocks and bond sales that are above $250,000.

The next biggest increase is New Jersey whose top rate went up 4.38pp from 6.37% in 2000 to 10.75% in 2025.

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GreatAmerica Financial Services Sponsors New
Leasing Professional Course at University of North Texas 

(Cedar Rapids, IA) – GreatAmerica Financial Services is excited to announce its sponsorship of a new course on Commercial Equipment Leasing & Finance (CELF) at the University of North Texas (UNT), G. Brint Ryan College of Business. Michael Gallo, the program director and lecturer professor at UNT, created and is teaching this innovative course, which kicked off this spring semester. Early success led to course continuation with another class option in fall 2025; both offerings support and develop future finance professionals. A spring reception for the course was held the evening of Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the UNT college of business. 

GreatAmerica, a leader in the finance industry providing leasing and other services to businesses across the nation, is committed to investing in the future talent of the sector. Several GreatAmerica leaders including Jon Fales, vice president and general manager of the Connected Technology Group, Linzey Brunton, director, sales support operations, Mark Windeknecht, large transactions credit leader, and Heather Friedman, vice president of marketing and communications, will serve as student mentors for the program. Jon will also continue to collaborate with Lecturer Professor Gallo as an advisor on the course. 

“The involvement and contributions from GreatAmerica are instrumental in bringing this course to life and ensuring its early success; educating 25 enthusiastic students enrolled for the inaugural offering this spring,” said Michael Gallo, lecturer professor at UNT.  

Jon Fales emphasized the commitment of GreatAmerica, stating, “At GreatAmerica, we believe in investing in the future of the finance industry and creating job opportunities for the next generation of professionals. This course is a testament to our dedication to nurturing talent and fostering growth in the sector.” 

The Certified Leasing and Financing Professionals (CLFP) will award a Student Certificate to students who successfully complete the course based on the CLFP curriculum. The program also aims to develop internship opportunities and permanent job placements for students. 

About GreatAmerica Financial Services®  
GreatAmerica is the largest, family-owned national commercial equipment finance company in the United States. A $3.3+ billion company with life-to-date finance originations of $18 billion, GreatAmerica was established in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1992. 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. GreatAmerica is committed to the communities it serves and donates more than $1.1 million annually through a GreatAmerica Donor Advised Fund and an Employee Advised Fund, giving team members a say in where funds are allocated.  www.greatamerica.com  

News Briefs

The job market is ‘frozen.’ That’s not a good sign
    for DOGE casualties
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/27/economy/us-jobless-claims-doge-federal-applications/index.html

PayPal Exceeds $30B in Business Loans
and Merchant Cash Advances
https://debanked.com/2025/03/paypal-exceeds-30b-in-business-loans-and-merchant-cash-advances

Bill Gates says AI will replace doctors, teachers within 10 years
     — and claims humans won’t be needed ‘for most things’
https://nypost.com/2025/03/27/business/bill-gates-said-ai-will-replace-doctors-teachers-within-10-years/

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RFK Jr. announces big cuts to Department of Health
    and Human Services - 20,000 Positions
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/03/27/hhs-cuts-layoffs-rfk-cdc-fda/

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Sports Briefs

SF Giants dugout goes berserk celebrating
   Wilmer Flores' game-winning homer
https://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/sf-giants-dugout-celebration-wilmer-flores-homer-20244808.php

NFL insider is 'sure' the 49ers want to move
Brandon Aiyuk in the next few days
https://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-nearing-decision-brandon-aiyuk-20244399.php

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California News Briefs

VTA strike must end, Santa Clara County judge rules
https://sanjosespotlight.com/vta-public-transit-union-worker-strike-must-end-santa-clara-county-judge-rules/

Over $1 million in food shipments paused
    for Sonoma, Marin food pantries
https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/industrynews/food-banks

3 San Francisco Bay Area universities to merge
 services amid 'painful yet necessary' budget cuts
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/3-bay-area-universities-to-merge-services-20243873.php

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

Creative Glen Ellen Vintner Makes White Wines
    From Rustic Italian Reds
https://www.sonomamag.com/a-creative-glen-ellen-vintner-makes-white-wines-from-rustic-italian-reds/

US the Only Bright Spot for Champagne
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/03/us-the-only-bright-spot-for-champagne

Sales and Marketing, DtC Lead Job Postings
in February
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/299890

Spring’s Most Exciting White Wines Hail
From This Unlikely Region
https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/chateauneuf-du-pape-blancs-123637

States that Drink the Most Wine
https://vinepair.com/articles/map-states-drink-wine-america-2024/

US the Only Bright Spot for Champagne
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/03/us-the-only-bright-spot-for-champagne

Sales and Marketing, DtC Lead Job Postings
in February
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/299890

Spring’s Most Exciting White Wines Hail
From This Unlikely Region
https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/chateauneuf-du-pape-blancs-123637

States that Drink the Most Wine
https://vinepair.com/articles/map-states-drink-wine-america-2024/

Willamette Valley Vineyards Posts Results for 2024
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/willamette-valley-vineyards-posts-results-for-2024-302411380.html?_bhlid=e078fefa17b9450114ed6cbf91cd80a94b96eaf3