New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Hannah Allpress was hired as Account Manager, GreatAmerica Financial Services, Dallas, Texas, where she is located. Previously, she was Account Executive, Luminance (May, 2025 - February, 2026). She joined The 20 MSP part-time as Account Manager, promoted Account Executive, Business Development, April, 2023), promoted Account Executive (May, 2024 - April, 2025).  Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-allpress-95554b189/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-allpress-95554b189/

TJ Bohm was promoted to Vice President, SLR Capital Partners, New York, New York, where he is also located. He originally joined February, 2021, Finance Associate, promoted Senior Associate (March, 2024 - March, 2026); Finance Intern, Stemline Therapeutics, Inc (May, 2020 - February, 2021).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tj-bohm-275770175/

Mac Nehring, CLFP, was  hired as Senior Vice President, Summers Engineering Capital, Charleston, SC. Previously he was Founder, Lion Oasis Properties, LLC ( March, 2025 - Present); Vice President, Equipment Finance Sales, Centra Funding, LLC (July, 2025 - March, 2026); Sales and Marketing, Crista Leasing & Finance (April, 2021 - July, 2025); Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mac-nehring/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mac-nehring/

Jeff Wertz was hired as Chief Sales Officer, Dext Capital, Lake Oswego, Oregon. He is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He previously was SVP, Senior Managing Director, Asset Finance, Huntington National Bank (February, 2000 - March, 2026); SVP, Senior Director, Specialty Finance, TCF Capital Solutions (February, 2000 - January, 2022); Region Sales Rep, GE Capital (June, 1994 - February, 2000); Sales Manager, Nordic Track (September, 1992 - January, 1994).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-wertz-873b943/

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Funders Forum & Revenue-Based Finance Conference
Draws 1,000 Industry Leaders to South Florida
by Bob Rodi

I attended the Funders Forum and Brokers Expo, representing Leasingnews.org  The conference was held  March 4–6, 2026 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, where approximately 1,000 attendees and 67 exhibitors  gathered from across the USA

The annual conference is organized by the Revenue Based Finance Coalition and it has become a central meeting point for funders, brokers, fintech providers, legal advisors, and investors involved in revenue-based financing, merchant cash advance, and specialty small-business lending. The Forum has truly evolved as an excellent venue for networking opportunities, which was cited as the great strength of this gathering by many of the attendees that I spoke to.

Over three days, industry professionals gathered to exchange ideas, discuss regulatory developments, evaluate emerging technologies, and explore strategies for responsible growth in an industry that continues to evolve rapidly as demand for non-bank capital expands.

Overall, the tone of the conference was very upbeat.  I believe this reflects the resilience of this and the growing role this type of alternative finance plays in supporting small businesses that aren’t yet “bankable”

Industry Momentum and a Collaborative Atmosphere
Attendees stated that the industry has become much more sophisticated in recent years, with increased emphasis on compliance, transparency, and scalable underwriting systems. As funding volumes grow, institutional capital shows increasing interest in this industry segment.  At last year’s conference, lenders in attendance included Guggenheim, Truist, Wells Fargo and PNC.   At this year’s conference, those conversations are now centered on building sustainable long-term infrastructure, positioning the industry to take advantage of the securitization markets and even international growth.
Panels throughout the conference addressed topics such as:

• Evolving underwriting models in revenue-based finance
• Institutional capital and securitization opportunities
• State-level regulatory developments
• Broker-funder relationships and best practices
• Technology’s role in underwriting and portfolio management

The emphasis was that the sector is moving toward greater professionalization, with improved data analytics, stronger compliance frameworks, and more sophisticated capital markets participation. Indeed, Revenue Based Financing finds itself at the intersection of technology and Institutional capital and those who figure out how to scale this business and engineer a “first mover” advantage will be the long term winners.

Keynote Fireside Chat with NFL Legend Dan Marino
One of the highlights of the conference was a keynote fireside chat featuring Dan Marino, the Hall of Fame quarterback best known for his career with the Miami Dolphins and his collegiate success at the University of Pittsburgh.

The conversation was moderated by Mary Donahue, Executive Director of the Revenue Based Finance Coalition.

Marino shared personal stories from his football career and discussed the leadership lessons that helped shape his success. The conversation focused on themes that resonated strongly with the entrepreneurial audience in attendance, including:

• The importance of preparation and discipline
• Leading teams through adversity
• Maintaining confidence during challenging periods
• The value of collaboration and trust within an organization

Marino drew parallels between professional sports and business leadership, noting that success in either arena often depends on execution, resilience, teamwork and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

Regulatory Landscape is a Challenge
Another major theme was the evolving regulatory environment.
Panels examining compliance and regulatory developments highlighted several key issues facing the industry, including:

• State-level disclosure requirements
• Ongoing legal debates surrounding the classification of revenue-based financing products
• Increased scrutiny of broker practices and marketing practices
• The importance of clear documentation and transparent pricing

Legal experts encouraged funders and brokers to remain proactive in implementing compliance procedures and maintaining strong relationships with industry trade groups.

Many speakers expressed optimism that continued dialogue between regulators and industry participants will ultimately lead to more consistent and predictable regulatory frameworks.

Technology Driving the Next Phase of Growth
Fintech providers showcased platforms designed to streamline everything from application intake and underwriting to servicing and portfolio analytics. Many sessions emphasized how artificial intelligence, data aggregation tools, and automated bank-statement analysis are improving credit decisioning while reducing processing time.

Industry executives noted that technology is becoming essential as funding companies attempt to scale operations without dramatically increasing staffing levels.

Automation tools that integrate bank data, payment processing, and performance analytics are expected to play a major role in the next phase of industry growth.

A Positive Outlook for Revenue-Based Finance
The overall sentiment at the conference was one of cautious optimism.

Industry leaders repeatedly encouraged revenue-based finance to continue to fill an important gap in the small-business credit market. Many entrepreneurs require flexible financing solutions that traditional banks are often unable or unwilling to provide.  Revenue Based Finance is also an excellent stand in for Equipment Lessors who have minimum TIB requirements which many small businesses cannot meet. 

Many attendees believe revenue-based finance will play an increasingly important role in the broader Specialty finance ecosystem.

Past, Present, and Future
Participants departed with new ideas, expanded professional networks, and a clearer understanding of the trends shaping the future of the industry. They were able to review where their industry came from, the current state of Revenue Based Finance and where the industry is headed with the advent of AI and Institutional money becoming more interested in this interesting specialty finance segment.
The 2026 Funders Forum and Brokers Expo underscored the continued growth and evolution of the revenue-based finance community.

For funders, brokers, and service providers alike, the conference provided not only a snapshot of the industry’s current state but also a roadmap for its next stage of development.

By Bob Rodi

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Brean Capital Closes $440 Million
 For North Mill  Equipment Finance (NMEF)

NORWALK, CT – North Mill Equipment Finance LLC (“NMEF”), a leading independent commercial equipment lender, recently announced the successful closing of NMEF Funding 2026-A, a $440 million asset-backed securitization. The transaction marks NMEF’s 11th equipment finance securitization and brings the Company’s total issuance volume to more than $3.5 billion.

Brean Capital, LLC served as Co-Manager on the transaction.

A total of 43 unique investors participated in the transaction, including 12 first-time investors, underscoring broad and expanding market confidence in NMEF’s platform and credit performance.

The transaction was nearly seven times oversubscribed, generating broad-based demand across the capital structure. The depth and quality of participation supported a highly favorable execution relative to both initial price discussions and the Company’s 2025-B securitization, further demonstrating strong institutional confidence in NMEF’s platform.

“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this transaction,” said Mark Bonanno, President and Chief Revenue Officer of NMEF. “The depth of investor participation and the strength of the order book reflect continued confidence in the quality of our originations, the consistency of our credit performance, and the durability of our platform. We are particularly encouraged by the number of new institutional investors who joined this issuance.”

Mitch Tobak, VP Corporate Development, added, “NMEF is grateful for the continued trust of investors and committed execution by our banking partners. With our strong liquidity position, we are focused on serving our origination partners and bringing high quality paper to the ABS capital markets.”

NMEF Funding 2026-A is collateralized by a diversified pool of commercial equipment finance receivables originated and serviced by NMEF.

North Mill Equipment Finance LLC (“NMEF”) is a premier lender working with third-party referral sources to finance small to mid-ticket equipment commercial leases and loans ranging from $15,000 to $3,000,000 and up to $5,000,000 for investment grade opportunities.  NMEF accepts A – C credit qualities and finances transactions for many asset categories, including medical, construction, franchise, technology, vocational, manufacturing, and material handling equipment.  NMEF is majority owned by an affiliate of InterVest Capital Partners and is headquartered in Norwalk, CT, with regional offices in Irvine, CA, Fort Collins, CO, Plymouth, MN, Voorhees NJ, and Murray, UT.  One of NMEF’s controlled affiliates, BriteCap Financial LLC, is a leading non-bank lender providing small businesses with fast, convenient financing alternatives such as working capital loans since 2003 from its main office in Las Vegas, NV.  For more information, visit www.nmef.com and www.britecap.com.

Brean Capital’s Investment Banking Group is dedicated to helping its clients achieve their strategic and financial goals. For more than 50 years, the Firm has specialized in providing capital raising, M&A and financial advisory services to middle market businesses. Throughout its history, Brean Capital has established a track record of providing its clients with deep market knowledge, commitment and experience to ensure a successful transaction. For more information, please visit: www.breancapital.com/InvestmentBanking.

 

Help Wanted Ad
    Ameris Bank Equipment Finance

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Sloan Schickler Receives 2026 Samuel J. Lee Memorial Award

Sloan Schickler (right) receives Samuel J. Lee Memorial Award from
National Vehicle Leasing Association (NVLA) President Tarry Shebesta.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. – Sloan Schickler received the 2026 Samuel J. Lee Memorial Award from the National Vehicle Leasing Association (NVLA) at its March Annual Conference, held in Nashville, TN. NVLA is the leading advocate for the vehicle leasing industry. The Samuel J. Lee Memorial Award is presented to truly exceptional non-lessor individuals whose work has left a lasting impact on vehicle leasing.

Sloan Schickler is highly experienced in all aspects of vehicle and equipment leasing and finance. She is the founder and managing partner of Schickler & Schickler PLLC and has represented banks, finance companies, dealers, and leasing organizations across the country.Since 2017, Sloan has served as NVLA’s Legal and Legislative Counsel and as an Associate Director on our Board. In her role, she has aided and answered countless legal questions for NVLA and our members over the years.

“Whether navigating regulatory challenges, interpreting complex leasing issues, or advising on legislative matters, Sloan has consistently provided thoughtful, practical counsel,” NVLA President Tarry Shebesta said. “NVLA is deeply grateful for her steady guidance and her unwavering support of NVLA.”

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many talented colleagues and clients in this industry over the years, and those relationships are what make this profession so rewarding,” Sloan Schickler said.

Sloan also founded and leads the NVLA’s Women in Leasing group and is a regular contributor to the LeaseWire newsletter.

“Her expertise, advocacy, and dedication truly embody the spirit of this award,” Shebesta said.

The namesake of this award, Sam Lee, was a pioneer in the field—an innovator, a mentor, and a relentless advocate for progress. He helped shape the industry with his willingness to break new ground and share knowledge.

About NVLA                                                                                                         
Founded in 1968, NVLA provides educational opportunities, promotes responsible legislation and communicates with members regarding developments and trends in vehicle leasing. NVLA promotes the leasing concept while encouraging the highest ethical and professional standards. Membership is made up of independent leasing companies, automobile dealerships, banks, credit unions and suppliers of goods and services to lessors.

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Touches
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP

The most successful originators know the answers to three foundational questions—questions that separate average production from extraordinary performance.

How many touches does it truly take to establish a strong relationship with a vendor or end‑user?

Which types of touches create the greatest impact and build trust the fastest?

What timing allows an originator to break through the noise, stand out from competitors, and secure the strongest vendor partnerships?

Top performers don’t guess at these answers—they live them. They understand that relationship‑building is a deliberate craft, a disciplined process, and a mindset rooted in urgency, consistency, and purpose. The most successful originators in the commercial equipment finance and leasing industry understand a simple truth: relationships are not won by chance; they are earned through intention, persistence, and a relentless commitment to showing up.

They know that it typically takes seven to twelve meaningful touches to spark a real connection with a new vendor or end‑user. At the same time, they understand that the right touches, delivered with purpose and urgency, can compress that timeline dramatically. They recognize the power of face‑to‑face interaction; however, they also realize that in‑person engagement is not always possible or efficient.

A top‑performing originator embodies this mindset. He uses every tool available—phone calls, in‑person meetings, Zoom sessions, emails, texts, LinkedIn conversations, trade‑show interactions, group discussions, U.S. mail, and mass informational outreach—because he knows that true vendor penetration requires a full spectrum of engagement.

What sets him apart is his timing and intensity. Once he identifies a high‑potential vendor, he moves immediately. He touches them multiple times in rapid succession to signal one thing: I am here to create activity, and I am ready now. Every touch reinforces his value proposition, his capabilities, and his ask for business.

It is common for him to deliver seven to twelve touches within the first thirty to forty‑five days, engaging multiple contacts inside the vendor organization to build depth, credibility, and momentum. He tracks what works, studies his timing, and refines his approach with discipline and pride.

His philosophy is powerful: every vendor has opportunities available today. If he is serious about building a mutually beneficial relationship, he must push hard—especially in the first thirty days—to ignite activity, demonstrate commitment, and separate himself from the competition.

This is the mindset of a top originator. This is how strong partnerships are built. And this is how ordinary outreach becomes extraordinary production—through intention, urgency, and the unwavering belief that every touch has the power to move a relationship forward.

Wheeler Business Consulting is working with individual originators and sales teams throughout the industry to ensure they are well positioned in the market, capturing their fair share of business, and outperforming the competition.

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

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Previous Leasing Persons of the Year
Several for Careers of their Body of Work

2025 - David C. Lee, North Mill Equipment Finance, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2026/03_10.htm#poy

2024 - Randy Haug, EVP, Vice Chairman, Co-Founder LTi
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2025/01_15.htm#haug

2023 - Ken Greene, Attorney https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2024/01_17.htm

2022 - Steve Glazer, California State Senator
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2023/01_05.htm#poy

2021 - Lovern J. Gordon, CLFP
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2022/01_04.htm#poy

2020 - Tom McCurnin, Attorney, Barton, Klugman & Oetting, Leasing News Legal Editor/Writer
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2021/01_05.htm#poy

2019 - Monica Harper, Executive Director, American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2020/01_08.htm#poy

2018 - Gerald "Jerry" Parrotto, retired CEO/President, Molloy Associates; Publisher Monitor, ABF Journal http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2019/01_03.htm#loy2018

2017 - Deborah Monosson, President and CEO, Boston Financial& Equity Group http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2018/01_03.htm#poy

2016 - Reid Raykovich, CLFP, Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2017/01_04.htm#poy

2015 - Bruce Kropschot, The Alta Group http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2106/01_06.htm#poy

2014 Valerie Jester, President, Brandywine Capital Associates https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2015/1_05.htm#jester

2013 Bernard D. Boettigheimer, CLFP, Founder, Lease Police http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2014/1_07.htm#poy

2012 Tony Golobic, President, GreatAmerica Financial Services http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2013/1_07.htm#poy

2011 John C. Deane, Sr. Mgr. Partner, The Alta Group http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2012/1_04.htm#2011_poy

2010 Curt Ritter, CIT, VP, Communications/Media Relations http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2011/1_04.htm#ritter

2009 Ralph Petta, COO, Equipment Leasing and Finance Association http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jan2010/1_05.htm#poy

2008 Robert Teichman, CLFP, Teichman Training http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/January%202009/01-05-09.htm#year

2007 Randall H. Brook, Sr. Attorney, Federal Trade Commission http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/January%202008/01-07-08.htm#lpy

2006 Paul A. Larkins, Key Equipment Finance http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/January%202007/01-03-07.htm#year

2005 Paul J. Menzel, CLFP, Pacific Capital Bancorp. http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/January%202006/01-03-06.htm#person

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The Best Places to Work in America, According to Employees

Key Takeaways
Trader Joe’s ranks #1 among large U.S. employers, beating companies like Google (#3), Microsoft (#4), and Apple (#12).

Major technology firms—including Nvidia, Adobe, and Salesforce—all appear in the top 20 large employers.

Toll Brothers tops the midsize company ranking, with the homebuilder ahead of Patagonia and United Community.

What makes a company one of the best places to work in America?
Each year, Forbes surveys hundreds of thousands of employees across the U.S. to evaluate workplace satisfaction, compensation, culture, and career opportunities.

The results reveal a mix of household-name corporations and mission-driven institutions. In the 2026 ranking, companies like Trader Joe’s, Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia appear among the top large employers, while Toll Brothers and Patagonia lead the midsize category.

 

News Briefs

Pentagon: First week of Iran war cost about $11B
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/12/iran-war-cost-pentagon-00825666

The Iran War Is Sending Fertilizer Prices Soaring
  at the Worst Time for Farmers
    Farm Journal
https://www.agweb.com/news/policy/politics/farmers-face-skyrocketing-fertilizer-prices-there-short-and-long-term-fix

Airfares Have Doubled on Some Flights.
    The Sticker Shock for Spring Travel Is Upon Us.
https://www.wsj.com/business/airlines/airfares-have-doubled-on-some-flights-the-sticker-shock-for-spring-travel-is-upon-us-c4b2acde

Among sales account executives, the rich get richer
https://www.cfo.com/news/among-sales-account-executives-the-rich-get-richer-sales-budgets-comp/814000/

Publicly held companies are getting the most
   strategic benefit from generative AI
https://www.cfo.com/news/publicly-held-companies-are-getting-strategic-benefit-from-generative-ai-aicpa-/813533/

SEC and PCAOB enforcement grinds to a near halt
   under new leaders
https://www.cfo.com/news/enforcement-by-sec-and-pcaob-grinds-to-a-near-halt-under-new-leaders-Paul-Atkins-Erica-Williams/814341/

Eddie Bauer could close all stores after getting no takers
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/03/10/eddie-bauer-petaluma-vacaville-corte-madera-store-closure/

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Trump Administration Suggests Tariff Refunds
    May Take Significant Time
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/12/us/politics/trump-tariff-refunds-delay.html

US mortgage rates rise above 6% after Iran war begins
https://news.google.com/stories/CAAqNggKIjBDQklTSG

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Sports Briefs

Kansas City Chiefs sign Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker moments after Travis Kelce news
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/kansas-city-chiefs-make-massive-statement-by-signing-super-bowl-mvp-moments-after-travis-kelce-news/ar-AA1XQwH7

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California News Briefs

California’s richest real estate:
  Why these cities top our list without Silicon Valley gold
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-03-12/californias-richest-real-estate-why-these-cities-top-our-list-without-silicon-valley-gold

Poll puts Swalwell in lead for California gubernatorial race
https://www.courthousenews.com/poll-puts-swalwell-in-lead-for-california-gubernatorial-race/

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Gimme that Wine

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

Snoop Dogg’s new wine has local connection,
     pays tribute to Tupac Shakur
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/03/12/snoop-doggs-new-wine-pays-homage-to-tupac-shakur/

A gentle leader’: Meet Sonoma County’s
    Vineyard Employee of the Year
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/03/03/a-gentle-leader-meet-sonoma-countys-vineyard-employee-of-the-year/

Acquire Four Leading Washington Wine Brands,
  Expanding Estate Portfolio and Winemaking Capabilities
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/315096