New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Matt Ford was announced as hired as Vice President of Business Development, Dext Capital, Technology Vendor Team, Lake Oswego, Oregon. He is located in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. Previously, he was Vice President of Business Development, BMO US (October, 2016 - July, 2025); Vice President of Business Development, Bank of the West (January, 2016 - April, 2023); Vice President, Relationship Manager, US Bank (May, 2005 - September, 2016); VP, Business Development, American Express (2003 -
2005). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-f-13114a2/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-f-13114a2/

Vicki Rocco was hired as Commercial Equipment Lease Professional at Slim Capital, Beverly Hills, California. She is located in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Previously, she was at Entrgra Capital LLC, Director of Marketing and Business Development (November, 2018 - August, 2025); Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Family Features (2013 - 2015). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickierocco/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickierocco/

Amy Wagner, CLFP, has been Owner and CEO, American Financial Partners,siince September, 2004 . Previously, she was Regional Sales Representative, US Bank Manifest Funding Services (June, 2002 - June, 2004).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-wagner-clfp-43840914/

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CapEx Finance Index September 2025:
Demand Rose for a Third Consecutive Month
Confidence Remains High

The latest CapEx Finance Index (CFI) showed that demand for equipment strengthened for a third consecutive month in September, despite continued political and economic uncertainty. Growth in total new business volumes (NBV) is expected to reach $114 billion in 2025, one of the strongest years on record, and should benefit from additional Fed rate cuts heading into the holiday season.

Leigh Lytle, President and CEO at ELFA. commented, “Despite the government shutdown's delay of key economic data, our latest CFI data indicates that equipment demand was strong at the end of the third quarter. The correction of new business volumes has put the industry on track for one of its best years ever, and financial conditions remain healthy.

“Delinquency and loss rates fell in the latest data and remain consistent with a sector that is unfazed by the turmoil of 2025. With the Fed resuming its easing cycle, I expect demand to remain strong and financial conditions to improve further. That will give the equipment finance industry a lot of momentum heading into 2026.”

Credit approvals continued their upward march. The average credit approval rate rose to 79.2% in September, the highest reading since 2016. The average small ticket approval rate edged down slightly to 82.0%. The rate at banks remained elevated by historical standards, posting a rate of 80.0% in the latest data. The rate at captives fell to 82.9%, while the rate at independents rose to 70.5%.

The Monthly Confidence Index from ELFA’s affiliate, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, tracks the sentiment of executives in the industry. The index remains at a heightened level for the fifth consecutive month, relatively unchanged at 60.1 in October from 59.9 in September.

Delinquency and loss rates both declined. The overall delinquency rate reversed course in September, falling by 0.19 percentage points to 1.9%. That’s the lowest level since June and completely reverses the combined 0.19 percentage point increase in July and August.

The average loss and delinquency rates at banks and independents dropped, while the rate at captives was essentially unchanged from the prior month.

Equipment demand increased at its fastest pace in 2025. Total NBV grew by $10.5 billion in September, the largest single-month increase in nine months. The total new volume series tracks the amount of new activity that banks, independents, and captives added in a given month. The strong September increase pushed the forecast for total new volume growth in 2025 to just over $114 billion, down from last year's record pace, but in line with the strong growth experienced in 2022 and 2023.

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CLFP Foundation Welcomes 20 New CLFPs
With Photographs

The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation is proud to announce that 20 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:

Carol Baker, CLFP
– VP of Finance/Controller,
CoreTech

Theodore Catlett, CLFP
– Senior Credit Analyst, Providence
Capital Funding Inc.

Christian Colton, CLFP
– Assistant Vice President, Impact, CoreTech

Danielle Doyle, CLFP
– Director, Technology Finance Strategy & Operations, Alliance Funding Group

Pamela Fish, CLFP
– Documentation & Modification Specialist Supervisor, Stearns Bank

Aanston Frazier, CLFP
– Data Analytics Manager, North Mill Equipment Finance

Daniel Gaugler, CLFP
– Senior Product Owner, DLL  

Mary Anne Hickey, CLFP
– Project Manager, DLL

Melissa Hubbard, CLFP
– Tax Analyst, DLL

Lauren Hunter, CLFP
– Client Experience Advocate, CoreTech

Carson Lavin, CLFP
– Deal Financial Strategist IV, Impact Networking, LLC

Nichole Martinez, CLFP
– Portfolio Accountant, North Mill Equipment Finance

Daniel McCarty, CLFP
– Senior Indirect Tax Analyst, DLL

Scott McFetters, CLFP
– CEO and Founder, CoreTech

Julie Myers, CLFP
– Asset Risk Specialist, DLL

Tyler Roush, CLFP Associate
– Assistant Vice President, CoreTech

Jennifer Russell, CLFP
– Sr. Sales Support Representative, First Commonwealth Bank

Reza Saffarian, CLFP
– Senior Vice President of Asset & Portfolio Management, CoreTech

Mia Stenning, CLFP Associate
– Staff Accountant, CoreTech 

Brian Wood, CLFP
– Senior Vice President, Impact and Growth, CoreTech

“I wanted to pursue the CLFP as I knew going through this program would help me see the bigger picture of the leasing lifecycle and put me in a network of many respected industry peers” shared Theodore Catlett. “Being a credit guy, I play a smaller, yet vital role in the overall process. Now, rather than just having the 10,000-foot point of view on how each department integrates, I can collaborate on a much higher level to ensure success for all involved.”

Brian Wood states, “I decided to pursue the Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) designation to deepen my expertise and ensure I’m bringing the best possible solutions to my clients. In an industry where trust and knowledge matter, I wanted to back up my advisory approach with credentials that reflect that commitment. I’m grateful to my company, CoreTech Leasing, for fostering a culture that truly values continued learning and invests in the growth of its
people. That support played a big part in my decision to take this next step. It’s an honor to join so many talented CLFPs across the industry, and I’m excited to be part of this growing community of professionals who are raising the bar ever day.”

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
We Are Growing Our Senior Sales Team Now

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Academy for Certified Lease
& Finance Professionals
Two Left for 2025

The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation is pleased to present the Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals (ALFP). The ALFP is a three-day event designed to fully prepare an individual to sit for and pass the CLFP exam.’

In-Person ALFP
Hosted by Transport Enterprise Leasing (TEL)
November 4-5, 2025
400 Birmingham Highway
Chattanooga, TN 37419

Virtual ALFP
Hosted by First Commonwealth Equipment Finance
November 19-20, 2025

Now Booking for 2026

If you or your company are interested in hosting an Academy in the future and/or would like to learn more, please reach out to Mel, VP of Marketing & Development: mel@clfpfoundation.org

https://leasingnews.org/photos/vinson_melissa2022.jpg
Mel Vinson, CLFP, Director of Academies, VP of Marketing and Development, active with Academies both online and in person said, “As for ALFPs in 2025, I have only booked one private class for DLL, happening April 15-16. Typically, ,\companies book with me in November/December for spring 2025.”

If you plan to earn your CLFP in 2025 and beyond, please purchase the 10th Edition.

https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Lease-Finance-Professionals-Handbook/dp/B0D2LHWNQH

For more information on the academy
https://clfpfoundation.org/academy-for-lease-and-finance-professionals

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How Do I Find Out Why I Was Not Hired?
Career Crossroads By Emily Fitzpatrick/RII

Q: I was recently rejected for a job opening. Is it appropriate to ask the company why I was not hired, and if so, how would I go about this?

A: It is appropriate to request feedback from a hiring manager; however, 95% of the time the employer will not share much of their decision-making process with a Candidate. There are many reasons for this, including legal issues. How you request this information is the key – strategically. If you humbly and professionally show a genuine interest in improving your job search skills, a hiring manager may be willing to share some feedback.

Note that an employer will be more likely to provide advice via phone rather than electronically (an email) due to concerns that any written response might be used as evidence against them if a hiring decision were to be contested.  

The goal is to initiate a conversation. Send a brief email (sample below) asking if you could schedule a phone appointment to get some constructive input. To prepare for this conversation, develop questions regarding the interview itself, e.g. "Do you think I could enhance my interviewing style?", "Were there specific qualifications for this position that I am missing in my background?"

Do not sound bitter or argumentative. Their decision has been made, and you do not want to sound desperate. Remain professional at all times and be appreciative.

SAMPLE EMAIL TO INITIATE A CONVERSATION
Dear ---------------,
Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the --------------- position. I enjoyed our conversations in discussing the organization and position with you. I just received your --------------- (email, note, a phone call) letting me know that I was not selected.

Would you be available for a brief discussion on how I could improve upon my candidacy? Any feedback you could share would be appreciated.

Again, thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
Full Name
Phone
Email

By doing this, you may get some helpful information that will improve your chances of landing a new role. Furthermore, do not hesitate to request consideration within other departments of the company just make sure you demonstrate your strong interest in becoming a part of the organization.

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
www.riicareer.com
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/pub/emily-fitzpatrick/4/671/76

 

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Commercial Finance/Leasing Conference
Only One National Conference Remains for 2025

Randy Haug, LTi Technology  today,is covering the ELFA 64thAnnual Convention, Marco Island, Florida, for Leasing News readers.  Randy is active on the Leasing News Advisory Board.

SFNet's 81st Annual Convention
November 11-13, 2025
Los Angeles, California
:
Full Information
https://www.sfnet.com/home/81st-annual-convention

See List of Attendees:
https://www.sfnet.com/home/81st-annual-convention?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=
InfromzTracking&utm_term=SFN&utm_content=SFN&_zs=qqf6n&_zl=ThHS3

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Top Ten Most Read by Readers
October 20 to October 23

(1)  New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
    and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_20.htm#hires

(2)  New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
    and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_23.htm#hires

(3) Purchase, Renewal, Return ("PRR") Clauses
      Onset Financial
       by Christopher Menkin
        (From June 9, 2014)
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_20.htm#prr

(4) Onset Financial Acquires Channel
   —Creating One of the Largest ...
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_20.htm#onset

(5) CLFP Foundation Welcomes 20 New CLFPs
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_20.htm#clfp

(6) From Seed to Success
    NEFA Fall Conference Recap
      by Vicki Shimkus CLFP
       Ameris Bank Equipment Finance
Broker Relationship Manager
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_23.htm#nefa

(7) A significant group of Americans are falling behind
   on their car payments - an economic warning sign
https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/22/business/car-payments-late-default-subprime
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_23.htm#sig

(8) Speak with Conviction
    By Ken Lubin, Managing Director, ZRG Partners
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_23.htm#speak

(9) The Friday Strategist or Monday Architect
     By Scott Wheeler, CLFP
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_23.htm#fri

(10) ELFF 2025 Economic Outlook:  Economy
Remains Resilient, Though Slower Growth   
       Expected in Q4
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_23.htm#elfa

News Briefs

Porsche Skids to Loss on Bad EV Bet, Tariffs
https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/porsches-operating-profit-slumps-as-ev-challenges-china-woes-take-toll-9aabc85d?mod=business_feat3_earnings_pos2

Boeing Defense Workers Reject Latest Contract
  St. Louis-area machinists have been on strike
   since early August
https://www.wsj.com/business/boeing-defense-workers-reject-latest-contract-f670c3b5?mod=business_lead_story

The crisis in food aid is being felt far and wide,
  from needy families to small grocers and local farms
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/26/metro/food-stamps-snap-suspended-november-shutdown/

‘No idea how long people can hold out’:
   Federal workers feel brunt of shutdown
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/26/nation/federal-workers-government-shutdown/

Trump administration posts notice that no federal food aid
   will go out Nov. 1, raising stakes for families nationwide
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/26/nation/trump-snap-food-aid-november/?p1=BGSearch_Overlay_LatestStories

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Home sweet Idaho? Millbrae chief under fire
   for allegedly living in police station
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/10/25/home-sweet-idaho-millbrae-chief-under-fire-for-allegedly-living-in-police-station/

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Sports Briefs---

What the banged up 49ers said
   after losing to Houston Texans
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/10/26/what-the-banged-up-49ers-said-after-losing-to-houston-texans/

Instant analysis of 49ers’ 26-15 loss to Texans
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/10/26/instant-analysis-of-49ers-26-15-loss-to-texans/

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California News Briefs---

PG&E sees major growth potential in San Jose
   as electricity demand rises
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/10/26/pge-san-jose-economy-tech-data-ai-power-electric-gas-bill-

California billionaires open opulent
    Napa Valley winery
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/wonderful-co-lewis-cellars-opens-napa-20204474.php

Napa Valley's Stanly Ranch Auberge resort
   faces $230 million default
https://www.linkedin.com/company/stanly-ranch-auberge/

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

Ed King is Oregon's first American Wine
Legend winner
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/309736

Pure Paso Gold campaign celebrates continued
  accolades and an expanded retail presence across Florida
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/309718