New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Michael Dermady was promoted to Lead Senior Credit Officer at First American Equipment Finance, Victor, New York. He is located in Rochester, New York Metropolitan Area. He previously was Vice President, Credit Officer (April, 2020 - November, 2025); Government Guaranteed Small Business Development Loan Officer, Five Star Bank (January, 2018 - April, 2020); AVP, Commercial Credit & Appraisal Services Manager (February, 2017 - January, 2018); BBU Officer (October, 2015 - February, 2017).
Full Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-dermady-29589931/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-dermady-29589931/

Michael Frankel was hired as Global Asset Finance Executive/Innovation and Executive Leader, Stryker Flex Financial, Greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is located in Royersford, Pennsylvania.
Previously, he was at DLL, Wayne, Pennsylvania for 22 years, 3 months, rising to Global Head of Pay-Per Use Solutions (July, 2019 - November, 2025) Experience:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-j-frankel/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-j-frankel/

Barbara Kowalczyk was hired Director of Syndication at United Leasing & Finance. Kowalczyk will oversee both the buy-side and sell-side of United’s loan and lease syndications, while strengthening United’s presence and expanding partnerships across the equipment finance industry. Her focus for the fourth quarter is buying quality mid-market contracts. Kowalczyk joins United Leasing & Finance with extensive experience in equipment finance and operational leadership, having held key roles focused on operations management, documentation, collections, credit, accounting, and human resources. Formerly Senior Syndication AnalystSenior Syndication Analyst Centra Funding, LLC · Full-timeCentra Funding, LLC, May 2024 - Oct 2025. Senior Syndication Analyst at TimePayment Jan 2022 - Oct 2025
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbkowalczyk/

Dave Lempko was hired as Senior Vice President, Sales Manager, Equipment Finance at First Business Specialty Finance. Lempko brings over 30 years of equipment finance and sales leadership experience to help vendors and equipment finance brokers deliver effective financing solutions to their customers. His expertise spans the full spectrum of equipment finance operations, including portfolio management, credit, and asset management, positioning him to understand client needs from multiple perspectives. Lempko earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from PennWest Clarion. He is based in Buffalo, New York, where he serves clients throughout the United States. Formerly Vice PresidentBMO Mar 2022 - Jun 2025. Senior Vice President, Commercial Vendor IT, Key Equipment Finance Mar 2007 - Mar 2020 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlempko/

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Coleman Report Top 100 SBA
Lenders by Loan Amount FY25
By Bob Coleman, Founder and Publisher

This is the first installment in our five-part review of SBA lending results for FY 2025.

Today, I highlight the Top 100 SBA 7(a) lenders by total loan dollars approved.

Historic Scale: Five Lenders Break the $1 Billion Threshold
For the first time, five lenders exceeded $1 billion in 7(a) approvals. Two lenders surpassed $2 billion, and Live Oak Bank approached $3 billion.

Top Ten SBA 7(a) Lenders by Dollar Volume

1. Live Oak Bank — $2.8 billion
Live Oak posted a 44% increase and remained the nation’s number one SBA 7(a) lender.

2. Newtek Bank — over $2.0 billion
Newtek retains the number two position for the second straight year.

3. The Huntington Bank
Huntington stays at number three with a 21% increase in volume.

4. Northeast Bank — over $1.0 billion
A breakout year: 350% growth pushed Northeast Bank past the billion-dollar mark.

5. Ready Cap Lending — over $1.0 billion
Ready Cap becomes the fifth lender to exceed $1 billion.

6. U.S. Bank — average loan size $252,000
U.S. Bank posted a 23% increase to secure the sixth spot.

7. First Internet Bank — average loan size $1.4 million
A 23% increase moved First Internet from 8th to 7th.

8. Celtic Bank — $593 million
New to the top ten with strong volume.

9. JPMorgan Chase
Chase’s volume slipped 6%, placing it ninth.

10. Byline Bank — $561 million
Byline rounds out the top ten with an 11% increase.

Top Three Percentage Increases

1. United FCU — from 1 loan to 53 loans: $69 million
A new lending team led by Brad Rogers cracks the Top 100 after originating only one loan last year.

2. Climate First Bank — up 1,208%
Ranks 53rd with one of the largest percentage increases in the country.

3. Community Bank & Trust of West Georgia — up 641%
Ranks 35th with $210 million.

Additional triple-digit gainers (>300%):

• Northeast Bank
• Port 51 Lending
• Global One Bank
• Stone Bank

Note: Due to their merger, Synovus Bank and Pinnacle Bank loan numbers have been combined. 

Upcoming releases will cover:

• Top 100 SBA 7(a) lenders by loan number
• Top 50 CDCs by 504 loan volume and number
• Top 50 third-party (first-lien) lenders in the 504 program
• Top SBA 7(a) lenders by state

Coleman Report Top 100 SBA 7(a) Lenders by Dollar Amount
SBA Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2025
Full top 100 list
https://colemanreport.com/coleman-report-top-100-sba-7a-lenders-by-loan-amount-fy25/

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Get involved. Go deep.
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP

Commercial equipment finance and leasing originators who thrive understand that this is a career — not just a job. They seize every opportunity to dig deeper, broaden their expertise, and immerse themselves in every facet of the business.

• Joining industry associations is a great start — but true impact comes from volunteering on committees, speaking at events, and actively shaping the conversation.
  
• Reading industry periodicals is valuable — but contributing articles and sharing your insights elevates your credibility and influence.
  
• Attending trade shows is important — but hosting a booth, working the floor, and pre-scheduling meetings transforms attendance into opportunity.
  
• Making daily vendor calls is essential — but researching trends, sharing knowledge, and engaging deeply in your clients’ industries builds lasting partnerships.

The most successful originators don’t just participate — they lead, contribute, and connect. They invest in their growth and the growth of the industry.

Tom was a highly successful originator who specialized in financing and leasing transactions for construction companies. Early in his career, he joined his state’s Construction Contractors Association — a smart move to connect with local construction companies, vendors, and service providers. But Tom quickly realized that membership alone wasn’t enough. He leaned in.

• He volunteered on committees.
  
• He chaired annual events.
  
• He served on the board alongside leaders of major construction firms.
  

Tom’s name became synonymous with construction finance in the state. His visibility wasn’t accidental — it was earned through years of deliberate involvement. Sitting beside industry giants, he gained early insight into challenges and opportunities that his competitors missed. He became a trusted player, not just a provider.

Tom often said, “This didn’t happen overnight.” His weekends and evenings were filled with association work. He was committed — to his success, to the industry, and to the hundreds of customers he considered personal friends.

His network wasn’t superficial. It was purposeful. It was built on trust, shared goals, and mutual respect. Construction companies saw Tom not just as a financier, but as a growth partner — someone who understood their world and helped them thrive.

When Tom retired, his advice to younger originators was simple and timeless: “Get involved. Go deep. Build a strong network.” That statement defined Tom's long, successful career and is powerful advice for all originators in 2025.

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

Help Wanted Ad
    Ameris Bank Equipment Finance

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Answering the Question
"Tell Me About Yourself"
By Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners

In almost every job interview, you can expect to be asked, "Tell me about yourself." While this question may seem straightforward, it's a golden opportunity to make a strong first impression and set the tone for the rest of the interview: creating a compelling and memorable response that showcases your qualifications, personality, and fit for the position is vital

Start with a Brief Personal Introduction: Begin your response with a concise personal introduction. Mention your name and a brief statement about your background. For example, "I'm [Your Name], and I have a background in [your field or relevant experience]."

Highlight Relevant Professional Experience: Next, focus on your professional journey. Highlight key experiences, achievements, and skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Emphasize how your past roles have prepared you for this specific opportunity.

Showcase Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm and passion for the industry or field. Explain why you're drawn to this line of work and what motivates you. Employers appreciate candidates who are genuinely excited about the role.

Connect with the Company: Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and its values. Explain why you're interested in working for this organization specifically. Mention any research you've done about the company and how it aligns with your career goals.

Highlight Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, emphasize your soft skills. Mention qualities like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Provide brief examples of situations where you've demonstrated these skills.

Keep it Concise: While it's essential to provide enough information to give the interviewer a sense of who you are, avoid making your response too lengthy. Aim to keep your answer under two minutes. You can always expand on specific points later in the interview.

Practice and Rehearse: To ensure you deliver a confident response, practice your answer before the interview. Rehearse with a friend or record yourself to review your delivery. This will help you feel more comfortable and articulate during the actual interview.

Tailor Your Response: Customize your answer for each job interview. Highlight experiences and skills that are most relevant to the specific position you're applying for. This demonstrates that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role.

Be Positive and Professional: Maintain a positive and professional tone throughout your response. Avoid discussing personal matters, negative experiences, or irrelevant details. Focus on what makes you a strong candidate.

End with an Open Invitation: Conclude your response by inviting the interviewer to ask any follow-up questions or for additional information. This keeps the conversation open and engaging.

"Tell me about yourself" may be one of the first questions you encounter in an interview, but it's also one of the most critical. Crafting a thoughtful and compelling response can set you apart from other candidates and leave a lasting impression. By following these tips and tailoring your response to each interview, you'll be well-prepared to navigate this common interview question with confidence and poise.

Ken Lubin
Managing Director
ZRG Partners, LLC
Americas I EMEA I Asia Pacific
klubin@zrgpartners.com
C: 508-733-4789
https://www.linkedin.com/in/klubin

 

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News Briefs

Dow closes down nearly 500 points, S&P logs its
   longest slide since August: Live updates
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/17/stock-market-today-live-updates.html

Home Depot Cuts Outlook as Home Improvements
    Slow Down
https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/home-depot-hd-q3-earnings-report-2025-402251f8?mod=business_feat2_retail_pos1

Federal Court Blocks Texas’ Republican-Friendly
   Congressional Map
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/us/politics/texas-map-ruling-redistricting.html

SNAP is back, but millions of Americans could lose benefits
     due to new restrictions
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/snap-back-millions-americans-lose-benefits-due-new/story?id=127593186

The Crypto Industry’s $28 Billion is ‘Dirty Money’
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/technology/crypto-exchanges-dirty-money.html

Kennedy Center ticket sales have plummeted
   since Trump takeover  - See  Photo of Turnout
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/2025/10/31/kennedy-center-sales/?utm_campaign=wp_pos259bfe31479d671d4c9

 

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The Crypto Industry’s $28 Billion is ‘Dirty Money’
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/technology/crypto-exchanges-dirty-money.html

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Sports Briefs---

Instant analysis of 49ers’ 41-22 rout of Arizona Cardinals
    in Brock Purdy’s return
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/16/instant-analysis-of-49ers-41-22-rout-of-arizona-cardinals-in-brock-purdys-return/

 

 Full Versiono By Dieter Kurtenbach | dkurtenbach@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/11/16/studs-and-duds-the-49ers-big-three-purdy-kittle-mccaffrey-dominate-in-blowout-win-over-cardinals/?campaign=ebtbreakingalert&utm_email=44CB2489F5F4B4CD94A5B48EAB&acti
ve=no&lctg=44CB2489F5F4B4CD94A5B48EAB&content=alert&utm_source=listrak&utm_
medium=email&utm_term=https%3a%2f%2fwww.eastbaytimes.com%2f2025%2f11%2f16%2fstuds-and-duds-the-49ers-big-three-purdy-kittle-mccaffrey-dominate-in-blowout-win-over-cardinals%2f&utm_campaign=bang-east_bay_times-breaking_news_alerts-nl&utm_content=alert

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California News Briefs---

Why Americas Vineyards are in Crisis and
How Growers are Expanding
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizthach/2025/11/13/crisis-in-us-vineyards-whats-next-for-american-wine-growers/

Rebuilding from the Base after Meager Harvest
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/310470

New Zealand's #1 Sauvignon Blanc Stoneleigh Gains Major U.S. Momentum as the Wine Breaks Into Top Ten Bestselling NZ Sauvignon Blanks Nationwide
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/310682\\

Macros tie Winery & Vineyards Introduces Elevated
   Sparkling Food & Wine Experience

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/310707

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

2025 Napa Valley Press Conference:
 "A Vintage Worth Waiting For,
    Where Patience Was Rewarded"
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/310601

Barefoot Wins Wine Enthusiast's Top Honor:  
    2025 American Winery of the Year
     The Iconic Brand Celebrates 60 Years
of Uniting Wine Lovers and Demystifying the Category
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/310572

Sonoma County winegrowers struggle with unsold grapes
   as vines are pulled statewide
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2025/11/10/sonoma-county-winegrowers-face-grape-glut-as-vines-pulled-statewide/

416-year-old grapevine in Tibet is officially
    the oldest in the world
https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2025/11/11/Guinness-World-Records-Tibet-grapevine/5031762871976/