New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Michael Brigante was hired as Senior Vice President, Capital Markets, Wingspire Equipment Finance, Norwalk, Connecticut. Previously, he was Managing Director, SLR Equipment Finance (October, 2011 - September, 2025); Vice President, Capital Markets, Atel Capital Corporation (June, 2010 - August, 2011); Senior Vice President, Capital Markets/Equipment Finance (August, 2005 - November, 2008); Vice President, Intermediary Finance, GE Capital (2001 - 2005). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brigante-683b817/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brigante-683b817/

Torre Montez was hired as Regional Sales Manager, PEAC Solutions, Mount Laurel, New Jersey. He is located in St. George, Utah. Previously he was Senior Vice President, Vendor Sales (West Region), SLR Equipment Finance (November, 2024 - March, 2025); Regional Sales Manager, Equify Financial, LLC
(March, 2024 - October, 2024); Senior Account Manager, Amur (July, 2023 - March, 2024); Senior Sales Manager, Transportation & Construction, Tandem Finance (January, 2021 - June, 2023). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrgetthejobdone/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrgetthejobdone/

Scott Polman was hired as Senior Regional Sales Manager, Medtronic Financial Services, Minneapolis, He is located in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area. Previously, he was Senior Relationship Manager, Mitsubishi HC Capital Anerucam Ubc, (October, 2021- September, 2025); Relationship Manager, Hitachi Capital America Vendor Services  (June, 2016 - October, 2021); National Account Manager, Creekridge Capital (July, 2007 - May, 2016); US Bank, 9 years, 2 months starting June, 1999, Regional Financing Specialist, promoted May, 2021, Bank Leasing/Internal Sales Associate, promoted Regional Sales Manager (August, 2004 - July, 2008).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-polman-a6729418

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Highlights from the 2025 AACFB Commercial Financing Expo
by Mel Vinson, CLFP

Last week, brokers, funders, and service providers gathered in Austin, Texas at the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center for the 2025 American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB) Commercial Financing Expo.

The conference opened on Wednesday evening with a charity dinner cruise, blending river views, networking, and support for meaningful causes. Thursday morning began with the Women in Finance Breakfast, a long-standing tradition that continues to be a favorite, offering women in the industry a dedicated space to connect, collaborate, and uplift one another.

From there, attendees explored the Exhibit Hall and participated in sessions covering everything from brokering essentials and disclosure compliance to negotiation strategies, Fintech tools, and the opportunity to explore emerging technologies. A lively keynote lunch by Texas native and motivational speaker Rory Rowland left the audience energized and inspired and AACFB President, Kalah Sprabeary announced the association’s newest member benefit – an exclusive members-only healthcare plan. The day concluded with an outdoor reception featuring Texas BBQ, live music, and stunning sunset views.

Friday opened with breakfast paired with a general session on conflict resolution and navigating difficult conversations. The day continued with more education and exhibitor networking and concluded with two hands-on Boot Camps featuring Portfolio/Discounting and Marketing with AI

Beyond the sessions, keynotes, and exhibits, what truly stood out was the spirit of connection at this conference. The Expo was a positive refresher and testament that when industry professionals come together to learn, give back, and support one another, we continue to grow as a community.

Melissa (Mel) Vinson, CLFP
Vice President, Marketing & Development
Certified Leasing Finance Foundation
Mel@clfpfoundation.org

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Photo gallery from
AACFB Expo in Austin, TX

 

 

Leasing and Finance  Help Wanted
Balboa Capital
We Are Growing Our Senior Sales Team Now

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What Will Your Career Look Like in 5 years?
By Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners, Managing Director

Predicting your career trajectory over the next five years can be both exciting and challenging. The landscape of work is continually evolving, influenced by technological advancements, economic shifts, and changing societal norms. Here are some key considerations to think about when envisioning your career five years from now:

Embracing Technology: With the rapid advancement of technology, it's crucial to stay abreast of new tools and platforms in your field. Whether it's AI, machine learning, or new software applications, being technologically adept can open new opportunities and make you more valuable in your field.

Continuous Learning and Adaptability: The concept of a "job for life" is increasingly outdated. In the next five years, you may need to adapt to new roles or even switch careers. This requires a commitment to lifelong learning and the flexibility to embrace change.

Remote Work and Flexibility: The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently altered the work landscape with remote work becoming more prevalent. Consider how this trend might affect your career. Will your role be conducive to remote work or will you need to adapt to a hybrid or office-centric model?

The Gig Economy and Freelancing: There’s a growing trend towards gig work and freelancing. This shift offers greater flexibility but also requires a different approach to career development, networking, and financial planning.

Emphasis on Soft Skills: As automation and AI handle more technical tasks, soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork are becoming increasingly important. Cultivating these skills can set you apart in the job market.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Companies are increasingly judged on their impact on society and the environment. Careers with a focus on sustainability or social responsibility may offer new and fulfilling paths.

Global Opportunities: The world is more connected than ever. Look for opportunities to work internationally or with global teams, either in-person or virtually.

Personal Well-being: There’s a growing focus on work-life balance and mental health. Careers that offer a healthy balance and align with your personal values and well-being will be more desirable.

Industry-Specific Trends: Depending on your field, there may be specific trends to consider. For example, healthcare might see advancements in telemedicine while finance could see a shift towards digital currencies.

Networking and Personal Branding: Building a robust professional network and a strong personal brand will be crucial. This can open up new opportunities and provide a safety net during industry shifts.

Envisioning your career over the next five years involves considering technological trends, adapting to new work models, and focusing on personal growth and adaptability. Stay informed, be flexible, and continuously develop your skills to navigate the future job market successfully.

Ken Lubin, 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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AACFB's Rosanne Wilson Memorial Scholarship Program
Applications Now Being Accepted

In October of 2020, AACFB announced its new scholarship program open to high school seniors and students attending a trade or technical school in addition to those attending a two- or four-year institution of higher learning.

Since then, thousands of scholarship dollars have been awarded to deserving young students across the country. In 2026, AACFB will once again be awarding scholarships, with $3,500 going to the first-place winner and $1,500 going to the runner-up.

Applications will be accepted until December 15, 2025.

To apply, students must be recommended by an active member of the AACFB. The student must complete the scholarship application and provide an essay demonstrating need and the ability to complete the course of study chosen as well as supply two letters of recommendation.

The winners will be announced by March 1, 2026. More information is available at www.aacfb.org.

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ELFF Reports Confidence About the Same
    59.9 in September from 60.2 in August

September 2025 MCI-EFI Survey Comments from Industry Executive Leadership:

Independent, Small Ticket
“By the time this goes to print, we believe that the Fed will have reduced rates by 0.25%, which will be added incentive along with typically heavier Q4 purchases to drive demand higher by year end.” Daryn Lecy, CLFP, Chief Operating Officer, Oakmont Capital Services.”

“Many small and mid-sized businesses have yet to experience any meaningful uptick in business opportunities. There are some pockets around the country experiencing improvement, but far from being spread around widely.” James D. Jenks, CEO, Global Finance and Leasing Services, LLC

Independent, Middle Ticket
“Competing economic forces and political strategy collide to create an unusual operating environment. Some will freeze and some will take market share.” Jeffry Elliott, CLFP, CEO, Elevex Capital and Equipment Leasing & Finance Association Treasurer

September 2025 Survey Results:

Business Conditions – When assessing the next four months, 30.4% of responding executives believe business conditions will improve (up from 26.9% in August). The majority (52.2%) believe business conditions will remain the same (down from 69.2% in August) and 17.4% believe business conditions will worsen (up sharply from 3.9% in August).

Capex Demand – For the next four months, 39.1% of the survey respondents believe demand for leases and loans to fund capital expenditures (capex) will increase (up from 26.9% in August). Additionally, 39.1% expect demand to remain the same (down from 61.5%), and 21.7% believe demand will decline (up from 11.5% in August).

Access to Capital – Over the next four months, 21.7% of respondents expect greater access to capital to fund equipment acquisitions, an increase from 11.5% in August. The majority (78.3%) anticipate the “same” access to capital to fund business, down from 88.5% the previous month. None expect “less” access to capital, unchanged from August.

Employment – Regarding employment over the next four months, 36.4% of executives expect to hire more employees, a decrease from 42.3% in August. Also, 54.6% foresee no change in headcount (down from 57.7% last month), and 9.1% expect to hire fewer employees, up from none in August.

U.S. Economy – Of the respondents, 8.7% evaluate the current U.S. economy as “excellent,” up from none in August; 91.3% assess it as “fair,” down from 100% last month; and none evaluate it as “poor” (unchanged from August).

Economic Outlook – Over the next six months, 39.1% of respondents believe that U.S. economic conditions will “get better,” an increase from 23.1% in August. In a sharp decline, 30.4% expect the U.S. economy to “stay the same” (down from 65.4%), and 30.4% also believe economic conditions will worsen, an increase from 11.5% last month.

Business Development Spending – Over the next six months, 34.8% of respondents believe their company will increase spending on business development activities, up from 30.8% in August. Those who believe there will be “no change” in business development spending declined to 65.2% (from 69.2% in August), and none believe there will be a decrease in spending (unchanged from last month).
      
Full Press Release:
https://www.leasefoundation.org/industry-research/monthly-confidence-index/

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Mapped: The Number of Farms
in Each U.S. State

Key Takeaways
With 1.88 million farms across all of America, Texas has the most of any state at 231,000.

Many of Texas’ farms are ranch-style operations, focused on cattle and hay, which tend to be smaller and thus more numerous than large single crop farms.

In terms of farmland, Texas still leads with 125 million acres, followed by Montana (57.4 million acres) and Kansas (44.8 million acres).

Today, the average farm in America stands at 466 acres, but there is wide variation across states.

In Rhode Island, the average size is 60 acres—but this jumps to 2,743 in Wyoming. Not only does this highlight the dominance of big farms, but how state economies and different types of agricultural production influence the size and scale of farmland.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

News Briefs

Publishers Clearing House’s bankruptcy means
   ‘forever’ winners will no longer get paid
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/16/business/publishers-clearing-house-bankruptcy-winners-lose-prizes

Women in Restaurant Leadership
February 24-26, Charleston, SC
https://www.womenleadrestaurants.com/

Petco Closing Dozens of Stores This Year.
   Here’s the List So Far
https://www.cheapism.com/petco-stores-closing/

LA port sees 10% import drop through year-end
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/la-port-sees-10-import-drop-through-year-end?oly_enc_id=7354E3969723H7B

After 2,300 hires in six months, Schwab makes decisive, with risk, RIA move to 'build out' 40 branch offices in swank winter enclaves -- staffed by 400 consultants -- to serve ultra-high-net-worth clients

Nvidia to Invest $5 Billion in Intel,
   Furthering Trump’s Turnaround Plan
https://www.wsj.com/business?mod=nav_left_section

ICE seeks hundreds of new offices
        across U.S. as agency expands
https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/09/18/ice-expansion-new-offices/

Federal judge blocks deportation of hundreds
   of Guatemalan children
https://www.courthousenews.com/federal-judge-blocks-deportation-of-hundreds-of-guatemalan-children/

Hawaiians unite to buy back land from billionaire
   in a move never seen before
https://www.sfgate.com/hawaii/article/hawaiians-organize-buy-land-back-from-billionaire-21039366.php

Trump Administration Live Updates: President Says   
   Broadcasters   Risk Losing Licenses When
      Hosts Criticize Him
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/09/18/us/trump-news

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Why Putin Can’t Afford to Let Ukraine Prosper
https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/why-putin-cant-afford-to-let-ukraine-prosper-9854e35e?mod=hp_featst_pos5

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Sports Briefs---

The NFL’s Highest-Paid Players 2025
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2025/09/07/the-nfls-highest-paid-players-2025/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_cam
paign=dailydozen&cdlcid=68335a860e0cbffca2fef5b6''''

49ers 26, Saints 21: Jones’ three TD passes,
    late defensive heroics help Niners reach
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/14/49ers-26-saints-21-jones-three-td-passes-late-defensive-heroics-put-niners-2-0/

It wasn’t pretty, but Patriots stick to Mike Vrabel’s plan to pick up   first win, and other observations from Miami
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/09/14/sports/patriots-dolphins-analysis

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California News Briefs---

 

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

Consumers - Rising Prices Contributing to
     Wine Sales Slump
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/308141

AB 720 Passes: Milestone Win and New Era
   for California Winery Experiences'
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/307951

Cutting Costs, Trying to Entice New Customers
    in the On-Premise
https://report.winebusinessanalytics.com/report/sept25-onprem/