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Fourth Monthly Improvement But Below Previous Year
ELFF Reports July Monthly Confidence Increase
From July 8.2 compared to 58.2 in June.

The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation reports July 2025 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Industry increased for the fourth consecutive month, but not as high as the previous year.

Jeffry Elliott, CLFP, CEO of Elevex Capital and Equipment Leasing & Finance Association Treasurer, shares his outlook: “As we navigate the second half of 2025, concerns around inflationary pressures driven by escalating tariffs and the economic drag from intensified immigration enforcement are becoming increasingly pronounced. These forces are not only straining supply chains, but also constraining labor availability—two critical components for productivity and growth in the commercial equipment finance sector.”

Elliot added, “However, there is a silver lining on the horizon. The push for on shoring and domestic manufacturing, while not an immediate remedy, holds long-term promise. As companies reconfigure supply chains and invest in U.S.-based production, we anticipate a resurgence in demand for equipment financing—particularly in automation, logistics, and infrastructure. Looking ahead, the groundwork being laid today for a more self-reliant industrial base could usher in a new era of opportunity for the equipment finance industry.”

James D. Jenks, CEO, Global Finance and Leasing Services, LLC., said, “Tariffs do not appear to be driving inflation as many economists projected. Any fed funds rate reduction would help increase economic activity.”

David Normandin, CLFP, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wintrust Specialty Finance, observed, “I am optimistic about the commercial equipment leasing and finance industry because of the results. Specifically, 2025 has been a strong year of origination growth and portfolio performance that is within guidance and improving. While sentiment has been low, it is improving to better align with what I actually see happening in the market. I am cautiously optimistic that 2025 will be a solid year for the industry.”

Full Press Release:
https://www.leasefoundation.org/industry-research/monthly-confidence-index/

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Teri Haynes was hired as Vice President of Operations at Quasar Capital. She is located in Detroit, Michigan.  Previously, she was Vice President, Operations Manager, Oxford Commercial Finance (December, 2022 - July, 2025). She joined Crestmark June, 2004, and worked her way up to Corporate Operations Manager (July, 2018 - December, 2022).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-haynes-932ab44a/

Cheri Milazzo was joined National Business Capital as Partner, Relationship Manager/BDO. She is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, she was Vice President, nFusion Capital, LLC (May, 2022 - April, 2025); Vice President of Sales, Southeast Region, TBS Capital Funding (May, 2021 - April, 2022); Business Development Officer, Capital Plus Construction Services, LLC (February, 2020 - May, 2021); Business Development Officer, AmeriFactors Financial Group, LLC (2017 - 2020). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherie-milazzo-51985a9/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherie-milazzo-51985a9/

Josh Penman starting as a new position as Member of JP Financial, LLC., involved in Business Development and Commercial Finance. Previously, he was National Business Development Director, American Financial Partners, Inc. (May 2012 - June, 2025); VP, Business Development, Flagship Credit Services, LLC (September, 2010 - May, 2012); National Account Manager, Synergy Resources (2000 - 2010); National Account Manager, US Bancorp (2000 - 2010).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-penman-37555124/

Katie Sumner, CLFP, was hired as Vice President of Summit Funding Group,  Mason, Ohio. ”She will be responsible for originating and structuring equipment financing solutions for middle-market clients across Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan, serving a diverse range of industries.” Previously, she was at Huntington National Bank, starting as Equipment Finance Sales Associate (March, 2020 – February, 2023), promoted Equipment Finance Sales Executive (February, 2023 – June, 2025);  Executive  to the CEO, Vivid Tan KY (October, 2013 – April, 2014); Sales and Marketing Specialist, National City Bank (December, 1998 – November, 2011).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-sumner-clfp-656b8b99/

The Relentless Prospector:
They Are More Active Than “AI”
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP

In the commercial equipment finance and leasing industry, top originators are far more than transactional salespeople or easily taken over by Artificial Intelligent computer programs. They are strategic professionals who wear many hats—prospectors, educators, financial advisors, and efficiency champions. Their success stems from a deep understanding of their clients’ needs, the market landscape, and the value of time.

They are Relentless Prospectors:
Top originators are laser-focused on identifying and attracting the “right” prospects—those who align with their value proposition.

• They know their ideal vendor and end-user profiles.
• Their outreach is intentional, consistent, and highly targeted.
• They build pipelines with purpose, not just volume.

The Trusted Educator
Education is a cornerstone of their approach. Top originators empower stakeholders by sharing knowledge and insights.

• They educate vendors, end-users, and partners on credit criteria, funding processes, and their unique capabilities.
• They stay ahead of market trends, competitive dynamics, and equipment innovations.
• They position themselves as thought leaders who bring clarity and confidence to complex decisions.

The Financial Advisor
Top originators provide tailored financial solutions.

• They ask insightful, sometimes uncomfortable, questions to uncover true business needs.
• Their recommendations are customized, not cookie-cutter.
• They act in the best long-term interest of their internal and external stakeholders. They consider how assets will perform over time.

The Efficiency Driver
Time is a non-renewable resource—and top originators treat it as such.

• They operate with urgency and discipline.
• They streamline processes for clients and internal teams alike.
• They respect everyone’s time, knowing that efficiency builds trust and credibility.

Top originators are the engine behind sustainable growth in our industry. They combine expertise with empathy, strategy with execution, and ambition with accountability. They don’t just close deals—they create value.

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

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

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Free Webinar August 12th - 30 Minutes
"The Changes will be a boon to our industry"
Beat AI -- Sudhir Amembal, CLFP

"There are pitfalls, but overall there are opportunities," said Amembal., who is the first honorary CLFP. He has published 18 industry books, and is an inductee in ELFA's Hall of Fame.

“The webinar will review the impact on customers and lessors, and will demonstrate that the recent changes favor both EFAs and FMV leases. Topics to be covered will include: Section 179, bonus depreciation, interest expense deduction and other changes. Attendees will learn how to navigate the changes to their benefit.”

August 12, 12 pm Mountain Time

For registration link, please contact Kelly Farnham  to register or more information:
kelly@amembalandhalladay.com

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

Channel Completes $85M ABS Securitization
With Strong Investor Demand

Minnetonka, MN.---Channel, a leading independent provider of equipment financing and working capital solutions to small businesses nationwide, proudly announces the closing of its seventh securitization and fifth Working Capital securitization; an $85 million issuance of asset-backed notes, secured by a diverse portfolio of small business loans and advances spanning multiple industries.

Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) rated all four classes of notes: AA (sf), A (sf), BBB (sf), and BB (sf). Truist Securities served as the structuring agent and joint book-running manager, and Guggenheim Securities served as a joint book-running manager. The completion of the transaction expanded existing investor connections and attracted significant new investor interest. The success of this securitization reaffirms investor confidence in Channel, solidifying its position as a trusted and reliable market investment.

Eli Sethre, Chief Financial Officer at Channel, reported, “We’re excited to see continued strong market support, through the positive response and efficient pricing of this latest issuance, a clear sign of sustained confidence in our platform following the acquisition by Onset Financial.

“It not only highlights our collective expertise but also showcases our track record of consistent and predictable balance sheet credit performance.”

Justin Nielsen, Founder & CEO, Onset Financial, commented, “Having a front row seat to Channel’s capital markets team in action has been nothing short of impressive,

“Their depth of expertise, strength of relationships, and the way they show up in the market speaks volumes. It’s clear this team operates at an extremely high level, and I’m excited to lend our support and see what we will accomplish together as we further combine forces.”

This latest transaction underscores Channel’s strong investor sponsorship despite global uncertainty. Channel strategically timed the deal to capitalize on a favorable market window while simultaneously redeeming an existing working capital ABS transaction. This marks the fifth consecutive year Channel has successfully accessed the ABS market, a representation of its sustained engagement and disciplined execution. Notably, this transaction reached a 100% advance rate through the Class D notes, making it the only working capital ABS deal to do so this year.

Brad Peterson, Co-Founder & CEO, summed it up, “Every time this team engages the ABS market, they elevate the standard, refine structures, deepen relationships, and never settle for good enough.

“Their continued execution will add rocket fuel to Channel moving forward, particularly given our recent acquisition by Onset Financial, and the support that will add to future opportunities as well.”

This successful issuance marks another step forward in Channel’s commitment to delivering strong, reliable opportunities to the investor community. With the added support and strategic alignment of Onset Financial, Channel is positioned to bring even more thoughtfully structured, high-quality transactions to market. As the team continues to deepen relationships and evolve its approach, investors can expect a consistent focus on performance, transparency, and long-term value.

###

About Channel | Established in 2009, Channel is a leading full-service independent lender offering a single source solution for both equipment finance and working capital to small businesses exclusively through equipment finance companies. To date, Channel has funded over $3 billion to more than 30,000 business in over 45,000 transactions across the U.S. With headquarters in Minnetonka, MN, the company also operates additional business units and locations in Kennesaw, GA, Mount Laurel, MJ, Des Moines, IA, and Marshall, MN.

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

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Ranked: The Most Important Job Skills in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Analytical thinking is the most important job skill in 2025, according to a global survey of employers.
• The top five skills encompass a wide range of areas, including creative thinking and leadership influence.

The job market is evolving rapidly, and so are the skills employers value most. As automation, AI, and remote work reshape how we operate, companies are seeking individuals who can adapt and thrive.

Analytical Thinking Tops the List
At the very top of the rankings is analytical thinking, cited by 69% of employers as a “core skill”.
This skill underscores the growing demand for people who can solve complex problems, interpret data, and make reasoned decisions in uncertain environments. Due to rapid digital transformation, employers are placing a premium on cognitive ability and critical reasoning.

Soft Skills Round Out the Top Five
Resilience, flexibility, and agility ranks just below analytical thinking at 67%. Leadership and social influence, the third-ranked skill, reflects the need for people who can manage change and inspire teams.

These soft skills are becoming increasingly essential as companies navigate economic shifts, remote work, and cultural changes.

News Briefs

 Banks are thriving so far in Trump’s economy. Here’s what
    that means for markets and the consumer
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/17/banks-thriving-so-far-trump-economy-markets-consumer.html

CBS will ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’
    in May 2026
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/17/media/cbs-cancels-stephen-colbert

China Threatens to Block Panama Ports Deal
   Unless Its Shipping Giant Is Part of It
https://www.wsj.com/business/logistics/china-threatens-to-block-panama-ports-deal-unless-its-shipping-giant-is-part-of-it-a88fd77d?mod=business_lead_pos1

Trump’s Plan to Reopen Alcatraz Appears to
    Move Forward With Officials’ Visit
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/17/us/alcatraz-prison-trump-bondi-burgum-visit.html

S&P 500, Nasdaq 100 close at records on
    solid earnings and strong economic data
https://sherwood.news/markets/s-and-p-500-nasdaq-100-close-at-records-on-solid-earnings-and-strong/

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Are Diamonds Even a Luxury Anymore?
    De Beers Reckons With Price Plunge
https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/de-beers-diamonds-price-lab-grown-468b33ab?st=eBVv9o&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

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Sports Briefs---

Wimbledon final: Jannik Sinner beats Carlos Alcatraz
to win first Wimbledon title
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6490930/2025/07/13/sinner-alcaraz-wimbledon-final-result-analysis/

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California News Briefs---

Intel cuts hundreds more Bay Area jobs as tech layoffs worsen Tech company eyes more than 700 layoffs in July alone
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/07/16/tech-economy-jobs-intel-south-bay-layoff-chip-work-santa-clara-ai/

Who are the biggest employers of UC grads?
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/07/16/who-hires-the-most-uc-alumni-new-data-shows-the-top-employers-of-graduates/

Beloved Calif. radio station bracing for
‘devastating’ Trump cuts and other PBS TV/Radio Stations
https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/bay-area-public-radio-bracing-trump-cuts-20774554.php

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

Fast-Track Sommelier Certification Returns This August
   at the Wine School of Philadelphia
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/305629

Project Zin 2025 Celebrates 15th Anniversary of Community,
Compassion, and Extraordinary Wine
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/305591