New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Joes Smith was hired as Senior Account Manager, Carbon Capital Corp., Winnipeg, Manioba, Canada. He is working remote from Sainte Anne, Manitoba, Canada. Previously, he was Senior Account Manager, Falco Auto Leasing (May, 2004 - October, 2025); He was at CWB National Leasing for 15 years, 5 months, starting 2009 as Sales Associate, promoted Mid-Ticket Account Manager, Commercial Equipment Leasing & Financing (2012- May, 2024), after serving as Sales Associate (2009 - 2012).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carboncapital/

Cesar Valero was promoted to Director of Revenue, Spartan Capital, Hazlet, New Jersey. He is located in New York, New York. He joined Spartan Capital as Business Development Executive (August, 2022 - October, 2025). Previously, he was Director of Business Development, Cardinal Equity, LLC (September, 2016 - August, 2020).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cesar-valero-939063135/

Linda Whitehead was hired as Closing Manager, Crossroads Equipment Lease and Finance, Rancho Cucamonga, California. She is located in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. Previously, she was Vice President, Documentation and Funding, First National Capital (June, 2024 - September, 2025); VP/Assistant Equipment Department Manager, First Foundation Bank (November, 2016 - March, 2024): Operations Manager, Pacific Capital (2003 - 2016); Documentation & Funding Manager, Macarthur Business Credit (2000 -2004).  Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-whitehead-clfp-2a972729/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-whitehead-clfp-2a972729/

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We Are Entering a Major Change to Our Financial Industry
AI has a Major Role, But Salesmanship Remains Valuable
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP

Professionals are now expected to understand the full lifecycle of the business—from prospecting to portfolio management. Silos are being dismantled. Real-time responsiveness is becoming the norm. The shift is as dramatic as moving from manual typewriters and whiteout to Microsoft Word: faster, smarter, more efficient, and more impactful. This is not optional. It is essential.

Organizations and professionals that embrace change will thrive. Those that resist will be left behind. The evolution of our tools and processes will only accelerate the demand for commercial equipment financing and leasing. As history has shown, our industry will continue to adapt—leveraging innovation to meet the evolving needs of businesses across the U.S. economy.

In 2025, we are witnessing a bold reinvention of our workforce. Organizations are investing in new tools and cultivating cultures that prepare professionals for the future. Technology—especially AI—is reshaping how we work, automating repetitive tasks, and empowering individuals to focus on strategic, intellectual, and relationship-driven cont.

A colleague shared a simple yet profound truth that remains relevant today:

• It is an organization's responsibility to provide the environment (culture) and tools for professionals to grow and thrive.
• It is the professional's responsibility to absorb that culture and use the tools provided to build a meaningful career and contribute to the organization's success.

When both parties fulfill their responsibilities, exceptional outcomes are inevitable. Success is a team sport.

The opportunities ahead are limitless—for those willing to lead, learn, and evolve

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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Chasing success nearly burned me out
Living with purpose brought me back
By Ken Lubin, Managing Director, ZRG Partners

There’s a difference between grinding endlessly and doing work that actually fuels you.

One drains your soul. The other fills your tank.

These days, I’m less focused on proving something and more focused on aligning everything: how I work, live, move, think.

Success isn’t just the title or the number.
It’s waking up clear.
It’s having impact without the noise.
It’s building something that matters—on your terms.

You don’t have to hustle harder.
You just have to get more honest about what actually fulfills you.

Ken Lubin
Managing Director
ZRG Partners, LLC
Americas I EMEA I Asia Pacific
klubin@zrgpartners.com
C: 508-733-4789
https://www.linkedin.com/in/klubin
Previous and Current Articles
WWW.KenDubin.com

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

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Conferences and Forums -  Updated
Commercial Finance/Leasing Finance

October 14-16: National Equipment Finance Association Fall Conference, Renaissance Hotel, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Program and Registration: https://members.nefassociation.org/Online/Online/Events/Event_display.aspx?EventKey=FLCONF25

Vicki Shimkus, CLFP, Balboa Capital Relationship Manager, will be covering the conference for Leasing News readers.

October 26-28: ELFA 64th Annual Convention, Marco Island, Florida
Register Deadline Dates:
https://members.nefassociation.org/Online/Online/Events/Event_display.aspx?EventKey=FLCONF25

Schedule:
https://www.elfaonline.org/education-networking/2025/annual-convention/schedule

Talent Pipeline Opportunity Fund awarding grants to attend ELFA Annual Convention
Register: https://www.elfaonline.org/education-networking/2025/annual-convention/register

Randy Haug, LTi Technology, will be covering the conference for Leasing News

October 28-29: DeBanked B2B Finance Expo, Wynn, Las Vegas, Nevada
B2B Finance Expo is back for its highly anticipated second edition at the Wynn Las Vegas! We're thrilled to once again partner with the Small Business Finance Association (SBFA) to deliver an even bigger and better experience, uniting top professionals in the commercial finance industry.

“Chief Editor Sean Murray announces: "SOLD OUT: Sponsorships to B2B Finance Expo in Las Vegas Have Sold Out."

Bob Coleman, Coleman Reports, will be a speaker. He is out with a new book: “Hard Time, Easy Money” 
https://debanked.com/2025/07/coleman-reports-bob-coleman-is-out-with-a-new-book-easy-money-hard-time/

Questions? Email us at events@debanked.com

RISING To the Challenge
SFNet's 81st Annual Convention
November 11-13, 2025
Los Angeles, California

Full Information:
https://members.nefassociation.org/Online/Online/Events/Event_display.aspx?EventKey=FLCONF25

See List of Attendees:
81st Annual SFNet Convention | Secured Finance Network

Open for Members and non-members
$395, $295 for Members

Full Information
https://www.sfnet.com/home/81st-annual-convention

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Top Ten Most Read by Readers
September 29 - October 1

(1) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
    and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2025/09_29.htm#hires

(2) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
    and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_01.htm#hires

(3) Time Is the New Currency
    By Scott Wheeler, CLFP
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_01.htm#time

(4)  Top Ten Most Read by Readers
September 22 to September 26
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2025/09_29.htm#922

(5) Cost of Living is the Biggest
    Challenge Americans Face
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_01.htm#cost

(6) Why You Need to Hire Top Salespeople
    By Ken Lubin, ZRG Partners, Managing Director
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2025/09_29.htm#why

(7) T he Purpose of Working with a Recruiter
    By Emily Fitzpatrick/RII  
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_01.htm#purpose

(8) Finance and Leasing Industry Recruiters
    These companies have experience in the finance
        and leasing industry
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Oct2025/10_01.htm#rec

(9) Conferences and Forums -  Updated
    Commercial Finance/Leasing Finance
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Sep2025/09_29.htm#conf

(10) Here’s a look at federal agencies’ shutdown
    contingency plans
https://www.astho.org/advocacy/federal-government-affairs/leg-alerts/2025/federal-government-shutdown-update-contingency-plans-released/

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https://clfpfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/September2025Circular_100225.pdf

News Briefs

Rite Aid closes all remaining stores
    after 63 years in business
https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/04/business/rite-aid-closes-stores

Costco to offer deep discounts on Ozempic,
    Wegovy for members without insurance
https://nypost.com/2025/10/04/health/costco-to-offer-deep-discounts-on-ozempic-wegovy/

Hiring has declined more than 7%, and it's now over 20%
   below pre-pandemic levels (September 2019).
https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/hiring-cools-based-on-new-data-7798026/

Starbucks’s Roller Coaster Week of Job Cuts
    and Store Closures
https://www.wsj.com/business/hospitality/starbuckss-roller-coaster-week-of-job-cuts-and-store-closures-ebdf5d8e?mod=business_lead_pos2

Craft Breweries Struggle as Sales and Appetites Wane
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/05/business/craft-breweries-close-sales-decline.html

[headlines]
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Russian gasoline production buckles under
   Ukrainian drone strikes
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/10/02/russia-oil-refining-attacks-shortage/

DOL H-2A farm worker wage rule projected
to save employers $2.4 Billion
https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/news/dol-h-2a-farmworker-wage-rule-projected-to-save-employers-2-4-billion/

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Sports Briefs---

Why Bad Bunny’s selection as the Super Bowl halftime
headliner is sparking MAGA fury
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/29/bad-bunnys-super-bowl-gig-maga/

[headlines]
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California News Briefs---

A crisis’: Sutter Health workers authorize strike
   over staffing shortages
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/10/04/a-crisis-sutter-health-workers-authorize-strike-over-staffing-shortages/?campaign

More than half of Santa Clara County’s unhoused
    population is homeless for the first time
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/10/05/more-than-half-of-santa-clara-countys-unhoused-population-is-homeless-for-the-first-time/

34% of California’s homeowners are mortgage-free
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/10/03/34-of-californias-homeowners-are-mortgage-free/?campaign=sjmnrealestate&+utm_email+=44CB2489F5F4B4CD94A5B48EAB&lctg=44CB2
489F5F4B4CD94A5B48EAB&active=yesP&utm_source=listrak&utm_medium=email&utm_term=h
ttps%3a%2f%2fwww.mercurynews.com%2f2025%2f10%2f03%2f34-of-californias-homeowners-are-mortgage-free%2f&utm_campaign=bang-multi_pubs-bay_area_real_estate_news-nl&utm_content=automated

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

Most California rosés cost $20 or less.
    So why is this one $150?
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/abloom-rose-wine-price-21064085.php

The Thriving Jazz Club in the Heart of Sleepy
   California Wine Country
https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/california-wine-country-best-kept-secret-paso-robles-1237187200/

My favorite book about wine finally has a sequel
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/kermit-lynch-book-21057285.php

They changed the California wine paradigm.
  Now this winemaking duo is splitting up
https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/raj-parr-sashi-moorman-21073665.php

Linne Calodo Remains All In On Zin From Paso Robles
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/308780

Rising Temp
Oregon Tempranillo is increasing in popularity
https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=rising-temp--1759372721--3909--news