New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Dan Avnir was hired as Managing Director, Structured Finance, MidCap Financial, New York City Metropolitan Area. Previously, he was at Nine Lender Finance, LLC, starting November, 2021 as Managing Director, promoted Chief Commercial Officer (January, 2023 - December, 2023). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-avnir-9591214/details/experience/

Blair (Kindlick) Dawson was hired as Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President, North Mill Equipment Finance, Norwalk, Connecticut. She is located in Ambler, Pennsylvania. Previously, she was Principal, Sterling Rose Marketing & Communications Solutions (May, 2023 - October, 2024); Executive Director & General Manager, STRIPES Leadership (April, 2022 - June 2023); Vice President, Marketing and Programs, National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA), (January, 2020 - April, 2022) Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/blair-dawson-a430198/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/blair-dawson-a430198/

Daniel J. Krajewski was hired as Executive Vice President, Spearhead Growth Strategy, MAZO Capital Solutions, Irvine, California.  He is located in Newport Beach. Previously, he was EVP & Chief Revenue Officer, Equify Financial (August, 2022 - August, 2024); President & CEI Sertant Capital (November, 2016 - July, 2022); Senior Vice President, Banc of California (September, 2014 - October, 2016); Vice President, Direct Capital Corporation (September, 2011 - July, 2014). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-j-krajewski-52aa4411/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-j-krajewski-52aa4411/

Ryan Ray was hired as Senior Vice President, Business Development Team, MidCap Business Credit, West Hartford, Connecticut. He is located in Chicago, Illinois. Previously, he was Director of Business Development, Accord Financial Corporation (November, 2023 - October, 2024); Vice President, Business Development, Entrepreneur Growth Capital (October, 2022 - November, 2023); Director, Business Development, Gordon Brothers (September, 2013 - July, 2022); Senior Manager, AccuVal Associates, a Gordon Brothers Company, (April, 2003 - September, 2013); Financial Analyst, Hilco Appraisal Services (August, 2001 - April, 2003).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-ray-70b7457/

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Ansley Park Capital Selects LTi Technology Solutions’
ASPIRE Platform to Accelerate Market Launch

LTi Technology Solutions (LTi), a leader in lease and loan technology to equipment and asset finance companies, is proud to announce that Ansley Park Capital LLC, led by a forward-thinking group of seasoned equipment finance professionals, has selected LTi’s ASPIRE platform to drive their new operations. This strategic decision aligns with Ansley Park Capital’s goal of achieving rapid market entry while laying the foundation for sustainable long-term growth. 

A Strategic Partnership for Rapid Expansion

Tara Aasand, VP of Sales & Relationship Management at LTi Technology Solutions, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Ansley Park Capital as they embark on this exciting new venture.”

“Their choice of the ASPIRE platform highlights the strength of our robust platform and the trust they place in our ability to support their rapid launch and future expansion.”

Ansley Park Capital, backed by significant financial resources, sought a technology partner with a proven track record of delivering robust, scalable solutions. After evaluating all available options, Ansley Park Capital affirmed their trust in LTi Technology Solutions, a pioneer in the industry with a track record of partnership and collaboration and focus on stellar customer service. LTi Technology Solutions has cultivated long-tenured relationships with top-tier industry clients built on trust and mutual success. Ansley Park Capital’s decision to partner with LTi reflects their confidence in LTi’s ability to swiftly implement a fully operational system while providing the scalability and advanced features necessary to support Ansley Park Capital’s ambitious growth trajectory. 

ASPIRE: Empowering Scalability and Speed

Eric Miller, President & CEO of Ansley Park Capital, said, “After an extensive search, we selected LTi as our business partner based on two critical criteria: scalability and speed.

“As we moved quickly to establish our operations, ASPIRE was the clear choice and was able to provide the robust infrastructure needed to get Ansley Park Capital up and running efficiently, while also offering customization and the flexibility to adapt and grow in response to market dynamics.”

Building on a Foundation of Trust and Success
Ansley Park Capital’s decision to partner with LTi Technology Solutions is a strategic decision to build a foundation from years of successful collaboration together. The Ansley Park Capital leadership team’s decision to re-engage with LTi underscores their confidence in LTi’s ability to deliver proven, solution-based technology that meets their immediate needs and supports their long-term vision. Additionally, LTi’s ASPIRE has distinguished itself based upon built-in best practices that have been pressure tested by top-tier clients across the equipment finance industry’s many sectors.
.”
About LTi Technology Solutions
Celebrating its 35th year of continuous growth in 2024, LTi Technology Solutions is a global customer-centric, cloud-native, full lifecycle leasing and loan finance platform. We support equipment and asset finance companies, captives, small ticket, middle market, and independent banks throughout the U.S., UK, and Canada from our Omaha, NE, headquarters. LTi’s highly configurable platform, ASPIRE, empowers customers to scale their business by streamlining the transaction lifecycle. Backed by comprehensive and integrated interfaces, their powerful technology solutions allow for improved efficiencies and decisioning. LTi is the ecosystem of choice of 40% of the Monitor 100 , 50% of the Independents 30 and 36% of the Bank 50. 
For more information www.ltisolutions.com. 

About Ansley Park Capital
Ansley Park Capital is a newly established equipment finance company led by a team of seasoned professionals with deep industry expertise across various sectors and strong financial backing. Specializing in large ticket equipment finance, Ansley Park Capital offers flexible and customized financing solutions for essential-use, large-ticket equipment and machinery across multiple asset types and industries. With a focus on rapid market entry and aggressive growth, Ansley Park Capital is dedicated to delivering innovative finance solutions to its clients.
https://ansleyparkcapital.com

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Leasing and Finance Industry Help Wanted
Many Openings, Many Remote, excellent Opportunities

Why Companies Struggle to Attract Top Talent
By Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners, Managing Partner

In the fiercely competitive landscape of modern businesses, securing top talent has become a paramount challenge for companies across industries. The pursuit of exceptional employees is not merely a matter of prestige, it directly impacts a company's growth, innovation, and long-term success. However, many companies find themselves grappling with the inability to attract and retain the best candidates. Let's think about some of the key reasons behind this struggle and suggest strategies to overcome these hurdles.

Lack of Competitive Compensation and Benefits
One of the most significant factors influencing a candidate's decision to join a company is the compensation package. Companies that are unable to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits may find themselves losing top talent to competitors who can provide better remuneration and perks. Beyond salary, employees are increasingly looking for benefits that promote work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and a positive company culture.
Solution: Companies should regularly review their compensation and benefits packages to ensure they align with industry standards and the expectations of top talent. Additionally, offering unique perks or flexible work arrangements can help set them apart from competitors.

Poor Employer Branding
A strong employer brand is crucial in attracting top talent. Potential candidates extensively research a company before applying, and a positive perception can significantly influence their decision. Companies with negative reviews, a history of unethical practices, or a toxic work environment will struggle to attract the best candidates.
Solution: Building a positive employer brand involves promoting company values, employee success stories, and a supportive work environment. Companies should actively engage with employees to create a positive workplace culture, leverage social media platforms to showcase their company culture, and respond transparently to both positive and negative feedback.

Ineffective Recruitment and Hiring Process
A cumbersome and slow recruitment process can be a major deterrent for top talent. The best candidates are often in high demand and have multiple job offers, and a lengthy hiring process can cause them to lose interest or accept offers elsewhere.
Solution: Streamlining the hiring process is essential. Companies should clearly define the hiring criteria and have a well-organized interview process. Utilizing technology and artificial intelligence to handle initial screenings can save time and help identify the most suitable candidates quickly.

Lack of Career Growth Opportunities
Top talent seeks not only a job but a career path with room for growth and development. Companies that fail to provide clear progression opportunities may struggle to retain high-performing employees.
Solution: Offering career development programs, mentorship opportunities, and a well-defined path for advancement within the company can attract and retain ambitious talent.

Cultural Misalignment
Cultural fit plays a vital role in a candidate's decision to join a company. If an individual does not resonate with the company's values, mission, and work environment, they are unlikely to thrive or stay for long.
Solution: During the recruitment process, both parties should assess cultural fit. Companies should also focus on creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that appeals to a wide range of candidates.
Hiring top talent requires a concerted effort from companies to address the various challenges that can stand in the way. By prioritizing competitive compensation and benefits, building a positive employer brand, optimizing the recruitment process, providing career growth opportunities, and fostering a strong cultural fit, companies can improve their chances of attracting and retaining the best candidates. In doing so, they position themselves for long-term success, increased innovation, and a competitive edge in their respective industries.

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

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Cannabis Sales Increase in the United States
Illegal Sales Also Increase

According to recent reports in Antioch, California, Chinese investments buy houses that grow marijuana. When discovered, the house is sold by investors, often for more than what they originally paid. The local newspaper had photos of the several houses, including growing marijuana in all the rooms (and no one living there). In Arizona, complaints of high water use by illegal growers with undocumented Chinese, promising a better life in the United States, have made the local newspapers.

The U.S. medical marijuana retail sales are expected to increase in the coming years. By 2025, the estimated marijuana retail sales may generate up to a legal 15 billion USD in sales.

Retail sales of medical marijuana have increased substantially and are expected to more than double in the given period. Some recent research indicates that the tax revenues from marijuana sales will be highly beneficial to state and local budgets. The number of cannabis consumers is likewise expected to grow in the United States. The recreational cannabis market in California is forecast to
reach 7.2 billion USD.

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Financing Cannabis Funding Sources
  Many Work with Third Party Originators

Leasing News receives questions on which funding source we recommend. We often can answer questions, but the sources have their own specialties in financing machinery equipment, store displays, and other necessities.

Many have built their own private legal sources from investors and investor groups as well as bank lines of credit.

Here is a list of funding sources active to work with brokers, vendors, and manufacturers:

Alliance Commercial Capital
Alternative Finance Network
Cannabis Equipment Leasing
International Financial Services (IFS)
NEC Financial Services
Number One Enterprise
Slim Capital
Vertical Companies

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Certified Lease & Finance Professional
Foundation Fall Circular

https://clfpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Fall-Circular_100324.pdf

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

Idea Financial Secures $50 Million Warehouse
Facility to Expand Small Business Lending

Miami, FL – Idea Financial, the leading provider of small business lines of credit, today announced the successful closing of a new $50 million warehouse facility led by Performance Trust Capital Partners. This strategic move significantly enhances Idea Financials’ lending capacity and allows the company to increase its maximum loan limit to $350,000 for well-established small businesses.

The new facility was made possible due to Performance Trust’s relationships with community banks and strengthens Idea Financial’s position in offering competitive and flexible financial products to Main Street businesses across the United States.

Larry Bassuk, Idea Financial’s President and Co-Founder, said, “Performance Trust has opened up an entirely new market for Idea Financial through their deep relationships with smaller community banks.

“With this additional capital, we will continue our mission to become a premier provider of lines of credit for small businesses.”

Justin Leto, Idea Financial’s CEO and Co-Founder, added, “As the economy shows tremendous resilience and continues to grow, Idea Financial, along with Performance Trust, will be well-positioned to fuel that growth.”

Prior to this partnership, Idea Financial provided lines of credit up to $250,000. The increase to $350,000 allows the company to better serve the needs of growing small businesses requiring larger capital infusions.

Performance Trust Capital Partners, a full-service investment bank focused on community depository institutions, facilitated this deal by leveraging its relationships with community banks and aggregating the capital necessary to provide this substantial warehouse facility – a task typically requiring significant capital from super-regional or national banks.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in Idea Financial’s growth trajectory and reinforces its commitment to supporting small businesses across the nation.

About Idea Financial
Idea Financial is the leading non-bank provider of small business lines of credit in the United States. The company offers financial solutions to high-quality, established businesses needing funds to drive growth. To date, Idea Financial has funded thousands of American small businesses with hundreds of millions of dollars in loans, helping businesses #ChargeForward. For more information, visit ideafinancial.com.

About Performance Trust Capital Partners
Performance Trust Capital Partners is a full-service investment bank focused on community depository institutions. Their innovative approach enables syndication opportunities among community bank partners, allowing for the creation of significant facilities to support small business lenders. For more information, visit performancetrust.com.

For more information, please visit www.ideafinancial.com or contact Idea Financial at marketing@ideafinancial.com

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

News Briefs

1,300 Florida gas stations have run out of fuel
    Hurricane Milton could cause even more trouble
https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/08/business/hurricane-milton-florida-gasoline-shortages/index.html

Small business disaster loan program said to be in danger
    of running out of funds by end of month
https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-helene-small-business-administration-milton-loans-f087fa405a3e0a9e691fd9c6192be259

Mark Zuckerberg gifts wife a one of a kind
    souped-up custom Porsche minivan
https://nypost.com/2024/10/08/business/mark-zuckerberg-gifts-wife-a-custom-porsche-minivan/

Growing Cannabis and Opium Poppies
    May Be Key to U.S. Supply Chains
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/07/business/bright-green-pharmaceutical-supply-chain.html

Dockworkers union asserts ‘absolute,
    airtight’ anti-automation stance
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/10/05/port-strike-workers-jobs-automation-union/  

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When Cell Service Is Down
    You Can Send iPhone Texts via Satellite
https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/florida-cell-service-down-iphone-texting-2bc12a82?st=kYVdFT&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

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Sports Briefs---

Robert Saleh shockingly fired by
    Jets five games into season
https://nypost.com/2024/10/08/sports/jets-fire-robert-saleh-in-stunner-after-just-five-games/

Calls Mount to 'Mute' NBC's Cris Collinsworth During  
   Sunday  Night Football Broadcast Between Cowboys        
and Steelers
https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-calls-mount-to-mute-nbcs-cris-collinsworth-during-sunday-night-football-broadcast-between-cowboys-and-steelers/

49ers signing new kicker who used
to be an aerospace engineer
https://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-sign-kicker-aerospace-engineer-19823813.php

The Turf War Between Tennis and
Pickleball Is Escalating
https://www.wsj.com/sports/tennis/pickleball-courts-tennis-djokovic-bdd3f9b3?mod=hp_featst_pos3

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California News Briefs---

Bay Area poll: Silicon Valley is too powerful, has lost its    
    moral compass, majority say
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2024/10/07/bay-area-poll-silicon-valley-lost-moral-compass/

Calif. carmaker, once worth $2.9B, left its HQ
   in 'complete disarray' amid bankruptcy chaos
https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/fisker-leaves-headquarters-trashed-landlord-says-19823688.php

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

Duckhorn - Major California wine company sold
   for nearly $2 billion
https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/duckhorn-winery-sold-butterfly-equity-19821906.php

One of Napa’s highest-profile wine companies to
be acquired by private equity
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/duckhorn-acquired-butterfly-equity-19820757.php

Saratoga vineyard owner says he was fined $120,000
for providing free housing to his employees
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/saratoga-vineyard-owner-says-he-was-fined-120000-for-providing-free-housi/

Owen Roe founders buy back winery in
Vintage Wine Estates selloff
https://www.northwestwinereport.com/2024/10/owen-roe-founders-buy-back-winery.html

Wine Business Monthly to Honor Chateau Montelena's
Bo Barrett at Annual Leadership Dinner
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/293511

The Most Expensive Bordeaux of 2024
With Related Chardonnay, Italian Wine, Nape Wines
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2024/10/the-most-expensive-bordeaux-of-2024