New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Andrew Berkovitz, CLFP, was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Taycor Financial, Irvine, California. He is located in Los Angeles, California. He joined Taycor March, 2014, as Senior Account Executive, promoted Director of Syndication (September, 2018 - May, 2025). He started Eoite Transport Logistics (January, 2013 - Present).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewberkovitz

Charles (Bud) Callahan, CLFP, announced his retirement at the American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers Conference. He previously was President of National Equipment Leasing. He is located in Winter Haven, Florida. His company provided  "...a wide variety of leasing and financing options for businesses. We are a local funding source backed by several regional Indiana Banks." He also was "Director of Education" for the AACFB  Leasing School, starting April, 2014). He also served as Past President (2011 -2012), NAELB, National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers, which became AACFB.  Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-bud-callahan-clfp-84375910/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-bud-callahan-clfp-84375910/

Gary Crawford was hired as Senior Finance Specialist, Navitas Credit Corporation, at their Mount Laurel, New Jersey address. Previously, he was Vendor Program Manager, Ascentium Capital (September, 2024 - May, 2025); He joined NewLane Finance, Sales Manager (September, 2020), promoted Vice President, Training Development, October, 2021); Vice President of Sales (July, 2022 - May,2024); Marlin Capital Solutions: 23 years, starting as National Business Development Manager, July, 2007, promoted January, 2015, National Sales Manager, promoted National Sales Director (March, 2017 - July, 2020).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gcrawford75/

Ritzon Fernandez was hired as Senior Vice President of Sales, Equify Financial, LLC, Fort Worth, Texas.  He is located in Nashvile, Tennessee. Previously, he was Executive Director, North America, Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation. He began his career in the Finance Leadership Development Program in June, 2008.  Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritzonfernandez/details/experience/

Christine (Wilson) Lopas was hired as Controller, MHG Capital, Newport Beach, California. She is located in Rancho Santa Magarita, California. She began her career at Pacific Rim Capital as Assistant VP,  Accounting (March, 2014 - May, 2015).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-lopas-72706528/

Robert McMahon was hired as Chief Growth Officer, Ankura, Fairfield, Connecticut. He is located in  New York City, New York. He was Board & Investment Committee Member, Encina Private Credit (July, 2021 - May, 2025); Vice Chairman, Chief Operating Officer, Encina Capital Partners, LLC (July, 2017 - April, 2025). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmmcmahon/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmmcmahon/ 

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Just Leave a Message
Problem Opening Original Message

Here is the link:
https://leasingnews.org/archives/February%202007/02-28-07.htm#sales

Today Linda still writes, but for the last three and a half years, in North Palm Beach, Florida, as Senior Vice President of Sales/Training & Development Champion/Avid Golfer, Jupiter Equipment Finance
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindakester

 

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Auto Remarketing Digital Edition Reports Cars & Trucks
Have Now Increased for Nine Straight Weeks

Black Book reported on Tuesday that wholesale prices for both cars and trucks have now increased for nine consecutive weeks, which includes the stretch when values often peak then level off going into summertime.

With overall prices climbing another 0.11% last week, Black Book also mentioned in its newest installment of Market Insights that the auction conversion rate stayed strong at 62%.

“The market continues to defy typical seasonal trends,” analysts said in the report while also noting that the first full week of May averaged an overall price drop of 0.20% before the pandemic.

“Nationwide sales rates remain robust, consistently averaging above 60%, with strong bidder attendance and level of bidding activity,” Black Book continued.

Black Book pointed out that its estimated used retail days to turn is now at roughly 37 days. And if dealers are turning their inventory that quickly, evidently there are plenty of potential units for replenishment in the lanes.

“Since the second week of April, total auction inventory has been rising across the country, reaching its highest level this year last week,” Black Book said. “Despite this increased inventory, conversion rates remained strong, holding at an elevated 62% last week.”

Those active buyers are having to continue to tap their floorplans deeper to get what they need to retail, and it doesn’t seem to matter if the vehicles are nearly new or long in the mechanical tooth.
Black Book said prices for cars less than 2 years old rose 0.18%, while values for cars between 8 and 16 years old ticked up 0.13%.

Among trucks, prices for units less than 2 years old rose by 0.18%, while values for trucks between 8 and 16 years old edged up by 0.11%.

A few other pricing trends called out by Black Book in the newest report included:
—After eight consecutive weeks of gains, averaging a weekly increase of 0.31%, prices for compact cars declined by 0.31%
—Values for full-size cars now have risen for 10 straight weeks courtesy of another increase of 0.45% last week.
—Prices for minivans jumped another 0.75% last week, following a 0.84% increase during the prior week. Over the past nine weeks, the segment has averaged a weekly value increase of 0.48%.
—After 11 consecutive weeks of value gains, prices for full-size crossovers/SUVs decreased 0.32% last week.

“As always, our team of analysts are focused on keeping their eyes on the market for developing trends and gathering insight,” Black Book said.

Balboa Capital Available Position
Program Manager II- Equipment Broker Sales

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

Steve Rybos Promoted to Vice President & General Manager
of Specialty Markets Group at GreatAmerica

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — GreatAmerica Financial Services is proud to announce the promotion of Steve Rybos to vice president and general manager of the Specialty Markets Group (SMG), which includes the Construction, Healthcare, Automotive, Franchise, and Direct Programs divisions. In this role, Rybos will be responsible for the sales, marketing, operational oversight, and strategic direction of SMG. Rybos most recently served as vice president and managing director of SMG, where he oversaw all sales and marketing efforts.

Brian Bjella, Chief Revenue  Officer at GreatAmerica, said, “Steve is known for his creativity, vision, persistence, and genuine care for others. His relationship-building skills are truly remarkable.

“SMG is a growth engine for GreatAmerica, and Steve's contributions over the years make him incredibly qualified to take SMG to the next level.”  

Rybos, a nearly 18-year veteran of GreatAmerica, has been instrumental in the growth and success of the company’s Distribution/Automotive business unit. He began his career at GreatAmerica as a national account manager in the Automotive division and quickly advanced to various sales and management leadership roles throughout the company. During his tenure, he significantly boosted originations and contributed to strategic planning, internal collaboration, and industry relationship-building.  

“I’m honored to lead this incredibly dedicated and caring team that prioritizes our customers, delivers on commitments, and pursues market-driven solutions,” Rybos said. “I look forward to leaning into and developing the strengths of the SMG team and getting out into the market to listen to our customers.” 

Before joining GreatAmerica, Rybos held sales management positions at Home Capital, Inc. and MassMutual Financial Group. He earned his B.S. degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.  

About GreatAmerica Financial Services®  
GreatAmerica is the largest, family-owned national commercial equipment finance company in the United States. A $3.5 billion company with life-to-date finance originations of over $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    

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

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The 4 Career Mistakes That Keep
Smart People Stuck
by Ken Lubin

Your career isn’t a straight line—it’s a long journey filled with choices, detours, and growth. But along the way, even the most talented professionals fall into traps that quietly stall their progress. If you’re serious about long-term success, avoid these four common pitfalls:

Jumping Ship Too Often
It might feel right to leave when things get tough or dull—but too much job hopping sends the wrong message. Employers may see you as unstable or unwilling to work through challenges. Stick around long enough to build resilience, reputation, and real results.

Underestimating the Power of Networking
80% of opportunities come from your network—not job boards. Yet many people barely spend an hour a week networking. Make it a habit: reconnect, show up to events, and grow both strong and weak ties. Your next big break could be one conversation away.

Going It Alone Without a Mentor
Mentors are like career cheat codes. They help you see what you can’t, guide you through political minefields, and open doors to stretch opportunities. Don’t wait—seek out people who’ve been where you want to go.

Ignoring Your Own Limits
Saying “yes” to everything leads to burnout, not promotions. Protect your energy. Set boundaries. Take the vacation. A thriving career is built on sustainable high performance, not martyrdom.

Smart, strategic choices—made consistently—are what separate thriving careers from stagnant ones.

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Related Infographics:
https://www.statista.com/chart/26845/global-electric-car-sales

 

News Briefs

Wholesale prices plunge by most since 2020
    despite Trump tariffs
https://nypost.com/2025/05/15/business/wholesale-prices-plunge-by-most-since-2020-despite-trump-tariffs/

America’s Commercial Real-Estate Pain Tests Bank
    That Built Its Fortunes on Skyscrapers
https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/commercial/bank-ozk-commercial-real-estate-lending-2a257941?st=PZysWg&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

More than 2,000 Starbucks baristas go on strike
    to protest new dress code
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/trending/more-than-1000-starbucks-baristas-go-on-strike-to-protest-new-dress-code/

Walmart warns it will raise prices within
    weeks because of tariffs
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/05/15/walmart-earnings-tariffs/

Much of U.S. at heightened risk for summer power
    outages, regulator warns
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/05/14/power-grid-electricty-climate-blackouts/

At Los Angeles International Airport, drivers spend hours
    in a “holding pen” waiting to be matched with passengers.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/14/technology/lax-uber-driver-wages.html

 

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Trump Budget Cuts Hobble Antismoking Programs
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/15/health/trump-budget-cuts-anti-smoking-tobacco.html

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Sports Briefs---

Who do you trust to fix the Warriors
https://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/warriors-steph-curry-future-dying-joe-lacob-20329532.php

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California News Briefs---

California insurance commissioner approves
    State Farm emergency rate hike
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article304437311.html

ICE raids have 'overwhelmed' coastal
   California communities
https://www.sfgate.com/centralcoast/article/ice-raids-overwhelm-california-communities-20319412.php

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

Medlock Ames winery opens up about decision to sell
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/lifestyle/medlock-ames-sale/

Gallo Winery practices threaten Fresno
drinking water, regulators say
https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article306005076.html

Willamette Valley Vineyards Posts Results for Q1 2025
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/302967

Anheuser-Busch invests $300M in US manufacturing
amid beer optimism
https://www.fooddive.com/news/anheuser-busch-earnings-investing-american-manufacturing-300m-ohio-michelob-ultra-sales-gen-z-beer/747736/