Momentum and Meaningful Change: Reflections on
My 30th ELFA Annual Conference
By Randy Haug, Executive Vice President / Co-Founder, LTI Technology Solution, Inc.

As I attended my 30th ELFA Annual Conference this year, I found myself reflecting not only on how far our industry has come, but also on the incredible “momentum” building for the future. This year’s theme—Momentum—was felt in every session, every conversation, and every announcement.

A Theme That Truly Resonated
The ELFA did a tremendous job weaving this theme throughout the event. With a new administration, a dynamic workforce, and significant wins on Capitol Hill, the message was clear: the equipment finance industry is gathering speed and strength. The energy in the room was electric and optimism ran high among the 1,150+ members in attendance.

Inspiring Keynotes and Conversations
We heard from a truly impressive lineup of speakers, including Jon Gordon on leadership and culture, Kayla Scanlon on the economy and communication, and Michael Phelps, the world-renowned Olympic swimmer who has captured 28 medals—23 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze.
Each brought unique insights but what stood out most were the personal stories of perseverance, purpose, and leadership.

Major Shifts Ahead for ELFA and the Foundation
Perhaps the most impactful part of this year’s conference was learning about the strategic changes taking place within the ELFA and the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation (“The Foundation”). These developments will reshape how members access data, develop talent, and strengthen professional excellence.

1. ELFA’s Data Initiative: Unlocking a Gold Mine of Insights
The ELFA is consolidating its vast archives of research and historical data—previously split between the ELFA and The Foundation—into a unified, member-accessible system.

Soon, members will be able to download and integrate data directly into their own systems, improving forecasting, market analysis, and strategic planning. This shift will democratize access to valuable industry data—an incredible win for companies of all sizes.

2. The Foundation’s New Focus: Education and Talent Development
Going forward, The Foundation will concentrate on member education and academic outreach, doubling down on its Campus to Career program, which provides scholarships, internships, and recruiting resources.

With many of our industry’s leaders nearing retirement, this focus on cultivating young talent couldn’t come at a better time. The ELFA is also investing in multimedia communications to reach students and young professionals through the channels they use most—a smart, forward-thinking approach to workforce development.

3. A Strategic Partnership: ELFA and CLFP Foundation
During the opening reception, Leigh Lytle announced a historic step—the CLFP Foundation intends to enter into an affiliation agreement with the ELFA.

This partnership aims to strengthen the shared mission of both organizations: promoting professional excellence and elevating the CLFP designation across the equipment finance industry. Details are still being finalized but this promises to be a milestone in the ongoing evolution of member value and professional credentialing.

4. Honoring a Leader: Ralph Petta’s Hall of Fame Induction
A heartfelt congratulations to Ralph Petta, the 2025 inductee into the Equipment Finance Hall of Fame.

Ralph’s decades of service to the ELFA—including his tenure as President and CEO from 2016 to 2023—helped shape the association’s success and strengthen its voice in Washington. His induction was celebrated with warmth, humor, and even a special musical tribute—“Ralph’s Way”—performed by ELFA’s own Alexa Carnibella.

Closing Reflections
After 36 years in this industry, I remain deeply grateful for opportunities like the ELFA Annual Convention. Every year, I come away learning something new and reconnecting with friends, mentors, and emerging leaders who remind me why this industry is so special.

As Michael Phelps said during his fireside chat with Leigh Lytle: “The one thing that’s common to all successful people: they make a habit of doing things that unsuccessful people don’t like to do—or won’t do.”

That spirit of discipline and determination perfectly captures both the energy of this year’s conference and the path ahead for our industry.

Randy R. Haug is the Executive Vice President / Co-Founder at LTi Technology Solutions, inc.  and has been active in the equipment finance industry for over 36 years. He has attended 30 ELFA Annual Conferences and remains a passionate advocate for member education, professional development, and strengthening the equipment finance community.

 

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Craig Ault was hired as Chief Revenue Officer, CoreTech Leasing, Newport Beach, California. He is located in Paradise Valley, Arizona. "He is now member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team. In this role, Craig will oversee CoreTech’s Impact/Sales, Capital Markets, Marketing, and Asset & Portfolio Management Units, advancing CoreTech’s next phase of strategic growth, innovation, and team alignment." Previously, he was Chief Revenue Officer, Managing Director, Acquis (January, 2025 - November, 2025); Chief Revenue Officer, Honour Capital (2023 - January, 2025); Executive Director, ATEL Capital Group (2020 - 2023); EVP, National Sales Manager, Wintrust Commercial Finance (2019 - 2020); CSU Leasing, Inc., 16 years.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigault27/

Scotty R. Fisbeck was hired as Senior Credit Analyst, Stellify Capital, Fort Collins, Colorado. He is located in Windsor, Colorado. He previously was at Pawnee Leasing   Corporation for 17 years, 11 months, as Credit Analyst 1-2 October, 2007, promoted Senior Credit Analyst (July, 2013 - August, 2025);  Credit Analyst, Kroll Factual Data Corp. (June, 2005 - 2007). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotty-r-fisbeck-27579b289/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotty-r-fisbeck-27579b289/details/experience/

Scott Miller was hired as Territory Finance Manager, John Deere Financial, Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area. Previously, he was Indirect Lending Manger, Communication Federal Credit Union (February, 1990 - March, 1999).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-miller-782b40b6/

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CLFP Foundation Welcomes 19 New CLFPs

The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation is proud to announce that 19 individuals have recently earned their CLFP designation after successfully passing the online proctored CLFP Exam. The newest CLFPs represent a wide range of companies and roles across the equipment finance industry, reflecting a shared commitment to professional excellence and ethical standards. They are:

Christopher Beals, CLFP
– Director, Vendor Relationship Development, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Thomas Behof, CLFP
– Credit Analyst III, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Molly Crew, CLFP
– Account Manager, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Bradley Dockendorf, CLFP
– Account Support Leader, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Jonathan Fales, CLFP
– Vice President and General Manager, GreatAmerica Financial Services

William Johnson, CLFP
– Vice President, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Matthew Lacina, CLFP
– Account Executive, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Constance Losch, CLFP
– Insurance Lead, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Lisa Martino, CLFP
– Credit Analyst II, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Leesha Murray, CLFP
– Sales Support Functional Leader, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Alyssa Nelson, CLFP
– Sales Support Specialist III, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Marvin Ramirez, CLFP
– Account Manager, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Steven Rybos, CLFP
– Vice President & General Manager, Specialty Markets Group, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Hannah Stewart, CLFP
– Credit Analyst IV, GreatAmerica Financial Services

April Stolba, CLFP
– Program Manager, National Accounts, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Katherine Sutton, CLFP
– Account Support Advisor Leader, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Rachel Swanke, CLFP
– Credit Analyst IV, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Austin Timmer, CLFP
– Credit Analyst, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Thomas Zubik, CLFP
– National Account Manager – Construction & Industrial, GreatAmerica Financial Services

Marvin Ramierez shares, “I chose to pursue the CLFP because I wanted to truly earn the credibility I expect of myself in this industry. I didn’t want to just understand my role in the process. I wanted to understand the full picture and operate at a level people can rely on. For me, it’s about discipline, growth, and holding myself to a higher standard so I can become the kind of leader who creates trust and long-term impact!”

The CLFP designation represents the highest standard of knowledge and integrity in equipment finance, uniting professionals who are committed to advancing the industry through excellence and continued learning. There are currently Certified Lease & Finance Professionals and Associates located throughout the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, India, Pakistan, Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. For more information, please visit www.CLFPFoundation.org.

 

Leasing and Finance Help Wanted
Balboa Capital - A Division of Ameris Bank
We Are Growing Our Senior Sales Team Now

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How Do I Present My Successes?
Career Crossroads By Emily Fitzpatrick/RII

How can I demonstrate my successes to a current or future employer my successes? It is important to make sure you keep and “collect” your successes in a way that can be presented to current employers (for promotions, reviews, and salary increases) and future employers (new positions). It is necessary to make sure you keep these accomplishments updated and at your fingertips because you never know what the future will bring. This is being proactive (view archives for other ways to be proactive in your career).

When
There are many situations where you can benefit from a review of your accomplishments. Examples:

Resume creation or updates.
For performance evaluations or an annual review.
Tracking the progress of projects.
When you want to make a case for a raise or a promotion.
When applying for recognition (awards or scholarships).
Tracking

Online, Examples:
Create a file to document your achievements.
In email, create a folder for accomplishments and send yourself/emails to store in that folder.
When you receive a “congrats” email, forward a copy to your personal email.
Use an app like Evernote.

Offline, Examples:
Notebooks or file folders can be used to track your achievements.

• When you receive notes of appreciation, keep them or keep a digital copy.
• Create a portfolio of successes.
• Make sure to update your accomplishments weekly (working on a series of projects), monthly or quarterly. Do so an ongoing basis.

Presenting in Writing
It will be impactful if you quantify the scope and scale of achievements in terms of percentages, numbers, and dollars and make statements as powerful as possible using such words as:

For an additional listing, connect with us on LinkedIn and note you would like the “accomplishments-verb list.”  Include your accomplishments as a separate document and concisely within your resume.

Emily P Fitzpatrick
Senior Executive Recruiter Career Consultant
Career Columnist
Recruiters
International, Inc.
(RII)*
Pembroke Pines, FL 33025
Phone: 954-885-9241
Mobile: 954-612-0567
Email: emily@riirecruit.com

 

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Top Ten Read
October 27 – October 31

 

(1) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
    and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_27.htm#hires

(2) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
    and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_29.htm#hires

(3) Mapped: Average Mortgage Rates
    Across the U.S. in 2025
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_31.htm#hires

(4) CLFP, ELFA Announce
    "Strategic Partnership"
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_31.htm#clfp

(5) Where Are They Today?
    Many Retired like Jim Merrilees
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_31.htm#retired

(6)  The History of Colonial Pacific Leasing
    by Christopher “Kit” Menkin
https://leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/CLP.htm

(7) Denise Mann Retiring After 40 years
    by Kit Menkin, Leasing News Chief Publisher
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_31.htm#mann

(8) 2026 ELFA Board of Directors
    Newly Elected
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_31.htm#elfa2

(9) Restaurant Sales Trends
By Bob Coleman Founder & Publisher Coleman Report
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_29.htm#rest

(10) Mapped: Average Mortgage Rates
    Across the U.S. in 2025
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_29.htm#mapped

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Commercial Finance/Leasing Conference
Last Chance for Remaining Conference in 2025

Discover how top credit funds, private equity firms, and insurers are redefining the landscape of private credit. Registration Still Available

SFNet's 81st Annual Convention
November 11-13, 2025
Los Angeles, California
:
Full Information
Last Chance for Remaining Conference
https://leasingnews.org/items/sfnet10272025.png

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Mapped: America’s Fastest-Growing States (2025-2050)

Key Takeaways

• The population of Texas is projected to grow by 8.6 million by 2050, rising by 27%.
• West Virginia’s population is forecast to decline 15%, the biggest decrease across states.

Over the next 25 years, Texas is projected to gain 8.6 million residents, the highest absolute increase across states.

Like Texas, Florida and California are projected to lead nationally in population gains, adding 5.2 million and 3.1 million people, respectively. In comparison, 18 states are projected to shrink.