New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Justin Alexander has been hired as Vice President and Account Executive, SLR Business Credit, New York, New York, where he is located. Previously he was at White Oak Commercial Finance, starting January, 2021, Analyst, promoted August, 2022, Account Executive & Underwriter, promoted Vice President (October, 2023 - April, 2025); Financial Professional, First Financial Group (August, 2020 - December, 2020); Pre-Underwriting Consultant, Foundation (April, 2020 - August, 2020). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-alexander-15873b35/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-alexander-15873b35/

Francisco Concepcion was hired as Sales Representative  at Wheels Channel, Dext Capital. He is located in Melville, New York. Previously, he was Senior Regional Business Manager, Jupiter Equipment Finance, starting October, 2024; Senior Sales Associate, Eastern Funding LLC (August, 2024 - October, 2024); He started as Sales Assistant, February, 2020, Eastern Funding LLC dba Specialty Vehicle and Equipment, promoted Senior Sales Associate (October, 2023 - August, 2024) Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-concepcion/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-concepcion/

Jon Varkony has been hired as Vice President and Account Executive, SLR Business Credit. He is located in Los Angeles, California. Previously, he was Freelance as Senior Underwriting Consultant (January, 2024 - April, 2025). He had a career break (2022 - 2023); Vice President, Portfolio Manager, East West Bank (August, 2020 - August, 2022); Senior Underwriter, Fast Play (June, 2016 - August, 2020). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-varkony/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-varkony/

Salvatore Venuto was hired as Senior Account Executive, Insight Capital, Long Island, New York. He is located in East Norwich, New York. Previously, he was Executive Vice President, Macrolease Corporation (January, 1992 - April, 2025).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatorevenuto

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CLFP Foundation Adds 14 New CLFPs
With Photos

The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation is pleased to announce that 14 individuals who recently sat through the online proctored CLFP Exam have passed.  They are:

Kyle Beckel, CLFP
Analyst, North Mill Equipment Finance

Ian Beresford, CLFP
Senior Accountant III, DLL

Terrance Coffin, CLFP
Collector III, DLL

Terran Ferguson, CLFP Associate
Equipment Finance Funding Coordinator, Channel

Kevin Figueroa, CLFP Associate
Senior Customer Service Analyst, Channel

Robert Kelso, CLFP Associate
Portfolio Accounting Manager, North Mill Equipment Finance

Brian Knox, CLFP
Legal Recovery Manager, Alliance Funding Group

Mary Kyle, CLFP
Flow Risk Specialist, DLL

Kaylee Lino, CLFP Associate
Account Specialist, KLC Financial, Inc.

Jeffrey Lothert, CLFP
Bankruptcy Specialist, Channel

Michelle Perritt, CLFP
Sales Executive, DLL

Kristi Schmidt, CLFP
Titling Manager, Channel

Angelika Wojdat, CLFP
Structured Senior Underwriter CT&I Direct, DLL

Dawn Wood, CLFP
Customer Care Manager/Business Analyst
Beacon Funding Corporation

Kevin Figueroa of Channel shares, “I chose to pursue the CLFP designation to enhance my knowledge, confidence, and self-sufficiency as an employee in my organization and the experience did exactly that. It’s a challenge that requires true commitment, and that excited me.”

Angelika Wojdat attended the DLL ALFP this spring and says, “I wanted to demonstrate my commitment to the industry, continue professional development, and expand my knowledge of all aspects of the equipment leasing and finance lifecycle. I am thrilled and honored to be joining many colleagues and professionals across the industry in this important achievement. I am grateful to DLL for providing this opportunity and for their support.”

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 http://www.CLFPFoundation.org

Balboa Capital Available Position
Program Manager II- Equipment Broker Sales

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Pick up the phone.

It’s still one of the MOST effective ways to get new customers, and sometimes it is the ONLY way to diffuse a tricky situation with your existing customer.

And yet, many sales reps are scared to pick up the phone. When I drill down into WHY they don’t want to pick up the phone, it’s often because they don’t want to “bother” their customer. They picture them getting bombarded all day long with annoying phone calls.

The truth is customers get WAY more emails than phone calls. Don’t be scared to call your customers, especially prospects. It will actually make you stand out.. SO many sales reps just send email after email, hoping for the best. Don’t be one of them. Be different. Send the email AND make the phone call.

Katie Mullen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiefmullen/

Source: LinkedIn

 

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Top Ten Most Read by Readers
April 28 - May 2

(1) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2025/04_30.htm#hires

(2) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2025/04_28.htm#hires
         
(3) Ninth Circuit Affirms Legality Of California Disclosure Laws
By Ken Greene, Esq.
Law Offices of Kenneth Charles Greene
https://leasingnews.org/archives/May2025/05_02.htm#ninth

(4) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/May2025/05_02.htm#hires

(5) Funders Taking "New" Broker Business List
Five Do Not Require that Brokers Be Licensed
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2025/04_28.htm#ta

(6)  Don Cosenza Guide to
Being a Successful Broker
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2025/04_28.htm#don

(7) Conferences and Forums
Commercial Finance/Leasing Finance
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2025/04_28.htm

(8) The Best Profession: Sales
By Steve Chriest
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2025/04_30.htm#pro

(9) Best Practices Create Sustainability
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2025/04_30.htm#complaint

(10)  The Complaint Process for Leasing and Finance
 Associations AACFB, CLFP, ELFA, NEFA
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2025/04_30.htm#complaint

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Tariffs & Trade Focus Web Webinar
May 7, 1:00pm - 2:00pm ET

Join us for a timely briefing that unpacks the current political and policy landscape surrounding tariffs and trade. We'll cut through the noise in Washington to provide a clear-eyed view of where things stand and where they may be heading.

Then we'll turn the lens inward: what did past rounds of tariffs actually mean for equipment finance providers, lessors, and their customers? What lessons should industry players keep in mind if (or when) new tariffs roll out?

Whether you're bracing for impact or just trying to read the tea leaves, this session offers a candid look at how tariffs move from policy to economic reality—and how your business can stay one step ahead.

Andy Fishburn Senior Vice President of Public Policy ELFA
Kristen Harper Tiber Creek Group
Jim Jackson Co-CEO and Merger & Acquisition Advisory Practice Leader The Alta Group

Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5231610912208953179

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Conferences and Forums - Updated
Commercial Finance/Leasing Finance

Peter Ribeiro of Capital Gurus 2024 Broker Fair in NYC

May 19: Broker Fair, New York City 
https://brokerfair.org
https://brokerfair.org/register

Don Cosenza, CLFP, will cover the conference for Leasing News. Public Relations and spokesman for North Mill Equipment Finance for 10-Years, plus past National Equipment Finance Association past board member.

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

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

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

Randy Haug, LTi Technology, will be covering the conference for Leasing News. He remembers, "This is going to be back to the same venue and property that the ELFA had previously scheduled. but the hurricane came thru and the ELFA had to cancel at the last minute, then reschedule up in Orlando a few weeks later." He will also be in Washington DC at the annual ELFA Capitol Connections meeting in early June this year."

To be listed or update: kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

https://leasingnews.org/Ads/Completed/ff_3_92024.html

 

News Briefs

Retailers are turning the trade war
    into a sales event
https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/retailers-are-turning-trade-war-sales-event-rcna204066

A Tidal Wave of Change Is Headed
   for the U.S. Economy
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/01/business/economy/trump-trade-economy.html

Element Reports Solid First Quarter 2025 Results
https://www.elementfleet.com/news/news-releases/element-reports-solid-first-quarter-2025-results

New Survey Finds Americans Prioritize Spending
Tax Refunds on Essentials in 2025
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-survey-finds-americans-prioritize-spending-tax-refunds-on-essentials-in-2025-302444578.html

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Something Alarming Is Happening
    to the Job Market
https://www.theatlantic.com/economy/archive/2025/04/job-market-youth/682641/

[headlines]
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Sports Briefs---

Warriors accuse Rockets of targeting Curry’s    injured  
thumb: It’s pretty obvious’
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/sports/warriors-accuse-rockets-of-targeting-stephen-currys-injured-thumb-its-p/

Kezar Stadium is a San Francisco icon.
It was never supposed to exist
https://www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf/article/kezar-stadium-san-francisco-20293438.php

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California News Briefs---

Blindsided': Press Democrat staff stunned as hedge fund     
    takes over Santa Rosa newspaper
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/press-democrat-hedge-fund-takes-over-20307594.php

[headlines]
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Gimme that Wine

 

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

This sparkling wine from Los Carneros won
   “Best Sparkling Wine” at the North Coast Wine Challenge.
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/lifestyle/wine/?ref=nav

It looked like Napa’s most promising wine empire.
What happened?
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/lawrence-wine-estates-winery-2027591

The Coop Opens In Yountville
New from Hoopes Vineyard
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/301368

Vinovate Acquires The Radiant Sparkling Wine Company, Ushering in New Era for Oregon Sparkling Wine Production
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/301522

Wine Spectator Grand Tour 2025: A Grand Wine Tasting  
    Experience in Chicago

https://thetimesweekly.com/2025/05/wine-spectator-grand-tour-2025-a-grand-wine-tasting-experience-in-chicago