New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Julie Benson, CAE, former ELFA VP, Membership Marketing for 10 years, is now Chief Membership & Engagement Officer, North American Equipment Dealers Association, Kansas City, Missouri. She is located in the Washington, DC. She joined ELFA March, 2013, Director, Membership, promoted Vice- President, Membership Marketing (December, 2015 - March, 2026); Certified Pilates Instructor, Reformation Fines (May, 2013 - March, 2020); Director of Administration & Oppression, Insured Retirement Institute (February, 2012 - March, 2013); Director of Marketing, Enviso Capital, LLC (October, 2005 - December, 2011).
Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebenson-cae/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebenson-cae/

Paul Broude was hired as Chief Financial Officer, BriteCap, Las Vegas, Nevada. Previously, he was CFO, Merrimack Capital Company, Boston, Massachusetts, where he is located. Previously, he was CFO, North America, FNZ (2021 - 2026); Enactive, Corporate Accounting/Audit/Finance, Fidelity Investments (2008 -2021); Director of Financial Reporting, American Tower (2006 - 2008); Chief Accounting Officer & Principal Financial Officer, Yak Communications. Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-broude-ab899016/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-broude-ab899016/

Wendy Dixon, CLFP, was hired as Collections Team Lead, Dext Capital, Lake Oswego, Oregon. She is located in Redmond, Oregon. Previously, she was at AP Equipment Financing starting September, 2018, as Customer Service Specialist and Senior Collection Specialist (September, 2018 – April, 2023); promoted Portfolio Service Manager (April, 2023 - October, 2025); Operation Manager, IBEX Global (July, 2013 - April, 2023); Office Manger CPI Images, LLC (November, 1995 - May, 2011).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-dixon-clfp-16098192/

Christopher Johanneson was hired as Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Wintrust Asset Finance Corp, Chicago, Illinois. He is located in the Greater Chicago Area. Previously, he was EVP & Chief Digital Officer, Mitsubishi HC Capital America (April, 2023 - May, 2025). He joined ENGS Commercial Finance Co. December, 2016, promoted Chief Operating Officer (December, 2020 - April, 2023); Senior Manager, Revenue Management, DS Foods (January, 2015 - December, 2016). He was at Navistar, Inc. 11 years, 1 month. Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-johanneson/details/experience/

Luca Pasqualini was hired as Senior Vice President and Executive Sales Leader, Service Finance, Truist, Charlotte, North Carolina. He is located in Delray Beach, Florida. Previously, he was at Synchrony starting October, 2017, Senior Vice President & General Manager, promoted Senior Vice President,  Commercial Leader, Digital POS, (June, 2020 – July, 2022), promoted Senior Vice President, Go to Market & Commercial Leader (June, 2022 - March, 2026); GE Capital, Global Sales Leader, BHGE/Power/Asset Management Solutions (January, 2016 – October, 2017); Sr Managing Director & Commercial Leader – Corporate Finance (Oil, Gas, Marine) (May, 2014 – December, 2015); Sr Managing Director/Central Region Head, Corporate Finance (June, 2011 – June, 2014).
Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-pasqualini-68707851/

Justin Resnick was hired as Director of Innovation & Loan Officer Success, Trust One, US Headquarters, Atlanta, Georgia. He is located in Irvine, California. Previously, he was Executive Branch Manager, West Capital Lending (March, 2025 - March, 2026). He was at Loan Depot for five years, nine months, starting as Sales Director (December, 2021). Full Bio:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-resnick-a725128a

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Busy vs. Productive
An Originator's Turning Point
By Scott Wheeler, CLFP

A veteran originator recently insisted that his activity was “robust.” He was working long hours, constantly in motion, always trying to catch up. Yet his production was flat. Something wasn’t adding up. I asked him a few simple questions:

• Was he working the right transactions and relationships?
• Was he investing his time in relationships that actually produced results?
• Had he slipped into account‑management mode instead of hunting for new opportunities?
• What were his most efficient relationships—and what common thread connected them?

I suggested he step back and dissect his business. His immediate response was predictable: “I don’t have time for reflection. I’m barely getting through the day.”

The truth was the opposite. He couldn’t afford not to step back and reflect on his successes and challenges.

He realized that a large portion of his time was being consumed by small, low‑efficiency accounts; relationships that required constant attention but delivered minimal results. These accounts weren’t bad; they simply weren’t top‑producer accounts. He made a bold move.

He peeled off dozens of these relationships and handed them to junior salespeople—giving them valuable learning opportunities while freeing himself to focus on higher‑value work. With time finally reclaimed, he became strategic.

He studied his most productive relationships and uncovered the common thread that made them efficient, scalable, and profitable. He redirected his energy toward pursuing more “golden accounts”—relationships aligned with his funding capabilities and production goals. He stopped managing. He started hunting.

The Leap of Faith

He admitted the transition was difficult. Letting go of busy work required confidence, confidence that he was good enough to replace activity with outcomes. But the moment he dissected his past activities, he saw the truth clearly:

• Not all relationships are equal.
• Not all activity is valuable.
• Not all motion is progress.

The Result

Six months later, his production is significantly higher. He is on track to be a top producer for his company. And the accounts he peeled off? They are now helping two junior salespeople develop their skills and get excited about their own future potential.

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

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

CapEx Finance Index February 2026:
New Equipment Demand Remained Elevated

March 31, 2026 - The latest CapEx Finance Index (CFI), released today by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA), shows that equipment demand stayed strong through the middle of the first quarter. New business volumes (NBV) in January and February saw record-breaking growth, fueled by a surge in activity among independent providers. With stable financial conditions, the industry is well-positioned even if the Fed continues to hold rates at current levels.

• Total NBV among surveyed ELFA member companies was $11.0 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis.
• Year-to-date NBV rose by 22.2% relative to the same period in 2025.
• Year-over-year, NBV increased by 14.2% on a non-seasonally adjusted basis.

“The February CFI report is a clear signal that equipment demand isn’t slowing down,” said Leigh Lytle, President and CEO at ELFA. “Every industry segment saw healthy growth over the last year, with independent providers leading the way with another surge in February. This survey was conducted before the conflict in Iran and the March FOMC meeting, and those could cause more bumps in the first half. However, financial conditions and credit approvals remain strong. These are signs that the sector can withstand additional shocks.”

Equipment demand remained strong. Total NBV grew by $11.0 billion in February. While that is a 4.7% decline from January, which was an all-time high, it’s only the second time new activity has ever hit $11.0 billion. Year-to-date activity in January and February grew at the second-fastest pace ever, and new volume growth adjusted for inflation continued to rise. The total new volume series tracks the amount of new activity added by banks, independents, and captives in a given month.

Small ticket volume growth tracks broader economic conditions and is an important barometer of aggregate demand for equipment. Small ticket deals grew by $4.4 billion, down 14.7% from January, but were still above their 12-month trailing average of $3.5 billion.

Activity at banks and independents rose by 11.7% and 12.7% from the prior month, respectively. New deals at captives dropped by 17.5% but were in line with their average over the last year. Post-pandemic activity continues to be driven by deals at captives and independents.

The overall credit approval rate rose for the first time in three months. The industry-wide average increased to 77.1% in February, up 0.3 percentage points from the prior month. Over the last year, the credit approval rate was up 1.7 percentage points. The average small ticket approval rate dropped for a third consecutive month, to 79.2% in February. The rates at banks and independents rose by 0.9 and 1.9 percentage points, respectively. The approval rate at captives dropped by 2.5 percentage points.

The delinquency rate dropped to its lowest point in years, while the loss rate rose. The overall delinquency rate declined to 1.8% in February, its lowest point in 32 months. The delinquency rates at banks, captives, and independents all fell and are either flat or down over the last year.

The overall loss rate increased by 0.09 percentage points to 0.55% in February, offsetting the 0.1 percentage point decline in January. The average loss rate for small ticket deals also rose to 0.68% and remained near its two-year high. The average loss rate for all three industry groups increased from the prior month.

Industry Confidence

The Monthly Confidence Index tracks the sentiment of executives in the industry. The index in March is 61.0, a decrease from 67.6 in February, but within the range of index levels over the past nine months.

“The commercial equipment finance industry is starting 2026 off well,” said David Normandin, CLFP, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wintrust Specialty Finance. “While there is abundant uncertainty, our customers continue to invest in capital equipment. We remain steady in our commitment to serve the U.S. business community and are finding ways to meet their needs and deliver value. I expect that 2026 will have challenges to overcome and opportunities to execute successfully that will enable continued growth.”

Technical Note

New business volume data are concurrently seasonally adjusted each month to capture the latest seasonal patterns. Data in previous months and years may change due to updated seasonal factors.

Help Wanted Ad
    Ameris Bank Equipment Finance

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Most people don’t have a talent problem
Ken Lubin, Managing Director, ZRG Partners

They have a standard problem.

They say they want to perform at a high level…

• But they don’t train like it.
• They don’t eat like it.
• They don’t think like it.
• They don’t operate like it.

They want the outcome…

Without the lifestyle that produces it.

Real performance — in business or in life — is actually pretty simple:

You either do the things that produce results…

• Or you don’t.
• There’s no hack.
• No shortcut.
• No “when things calm down."

Just standards.

And the people who operate at a high level aren’t more motivated.

They just refuse to lower the standard, even when it’s inconvenient.

That’s the difference.

Ken Lubin
Managing Director
ZRG Partners, LLC
Americas I EMEA I Asia Pacific
C: 508-733-4789
klubin@zrgpartners.com

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Top Ten Read by Readers
March 24 – March 27

(1) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business      
    and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2026/03_27.htm#hires

(2) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
     and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2026/03_24.htm#hires

(3) Sean Murray, Publisher of deBanked,
    Honored  by Coleman Report
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2026/03_24.htm#sean

(4) Big Banks Are Playing Both Sides of the
    Private Credit Meltdown
https://www.wsj.com/finance/banking/big-banks-are-playing-both-sides-of-the-private-credit-meltdown-8051b834?st=PhoMCf&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

(5) Diversis Capital Acquires LTi Technology Solutions  
     Accelerate Innovation in Equipment Finance
       Technology
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2026/03_24.htm#lti3/

(6) Mapped: Where $200K Incomes Are  Most
     Common in America
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2026/03_27.htm#mapped

(7) Jules & Associates Facilitates Multi-Million-Dollar  
    Equipment Financing Transactions Across Key U.S.                      
        Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2026/03_27.htm#jules

(8) NVLA Annual Meeting 2026
    Where Leasing Innovators Band Together 
        By Sloan Schickler, Esq.
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2026/03_27.htm#nvla

(9) Don't Burn Yourself Out!
    By Ken Lubin, Managing Director, ZRG Partners
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2026/03_27.htm#dont

(10) Maxim at the 2026 NEFA 10
    Spring Conference
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2026/03_27.htm#maxim

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Update on Major Finance/Leasing
Associations Conferences

April 14—16, ELFA National Funding Conference
Chicago, Illinois
https://www.elfaonline.org/events/national-funding-conference

Randy Haug, LTi Technology Solutions, Leasing Person of Year 2024 will be covering the conference for Leasing News readers

---

May 5—May 7
American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Disney Springs, Orlando, Florida

Whether you’re coming for the education, networking, or to strengthen existing relationships, staying at the conference hotel enhances the full AACFB experience.

Plus - the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista is just steps away from the Disney Springs entertainment district and offers free shuttles to all four Disney Theme Parks! 
Room Rate: $219 per night plus a $25 resort fee 
Cut-off Date: April 20, 2026 
Resort Fee Includes:

• Guestroom high speed wireless internet access
• Shuttle transportation to/from Disney World Theme Parks
• DVDNow movie rentals
• Two (2) bottled waters daily
• $5.00 discount on one attraction ticket from concierge desk
• 50% off golf rentals at Disney Golf Courses

 Reserve your room today and check one more thing off your conference to-do list. 

Leasing News coverage by Vicki Shimkus, CLFP, Leasing News Advisory Board, Finance, Brokers Relationship Manager, Ameris Bank Equipment

---

June 1
DeBanked Broker Fair
Returns to NYC June 1, 2026, after 1,100 Turn-Out in Miami
https://debanked.com/2026/03/broker-fair-returns-to-new-york-city-june-1-2026/

Don Cosenza, CLFP,  Senior Vice President, Maxim  Commercial Capital, will cover the conference for Leasing News readers

---

September 15th - 16th
Brokers Expo, New York City
https://thefundersforumbrokerexpo.com/ny/

---

September 28—30, NEFA Fall Conference
Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park
https://www.nefassociation.org/event/2026-fall-conference/

Don Cosenza, CLFP, Senior Vice President, Maxim Commercial Capital, will cover the conference for Leasing News readers

---

October 21-23, AACFB Commercial Financing Expo
Hilton Irvine, Irvine, California
https://community.aacfb.org/events/event-description?CalendarEventKey=068b9817-3c58-4aaf-b21d-01999b13a2e4&Home=%2fevents%2fcalendar

Don Cosenza, CLFP, Senior Vice President, Maxim Commercial Capital, will cover the conference for Leasing News readers

---

October 25—27, ELFA Annual Conference
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert, CA
Online Scheduling Coming

Randy Haug, LTi Technology Solutions, Leasing News Person of the Year 2024, will cover for Leasing News Readers

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

It's a Woman's Economy Now
By Emily Peck, Axios

For only the third time ever, there are more women employed in the U.S. than men, according to federal data highlighted in a report from Indeed, the jobs site.

Why it matters: This isn't quite a women's empowerment story — what's happening in part is that traditional male-dominated occupations are shrinking, while female-led jobs are growing.

Between the lines: Overall, those jobs pay less than ones held by men.

"If you're seeing a shift toward more female employment, all else equal, you would see a shift toward lower wages," Laura Ullrich, economic research director at Indeed, tells Axios.

Two dynamics are driving the shift:

1. The fastest-growing sector of the job market, particularly over the past year, is health care, where women dominate. Job growth in construction and manufacturing has been relatively flat or negative.
   
2. Men's participation in the job market has been declining. Male employment fell overall by 142,000 jobs from February 2025 to February 2026, Ullrich notes.

That's also partly because the immigration crackdown pushed a lot more men out of the workforce and restricted their entry into it.

Friction point: It would seem like a no-brainer for more men to move into health care, but they so far have been reluctant to take jobs that can be perceived as "women's work."

"There's no inherent reason that 95% of speech language pathologists are women," Ullrich says. "That's a good job. It pays six figures."

"Men are missing out in the labor market because there are too many 'no-go' zones for male workers," economist Richard Reeves, founder of the advocacy group American Institute for Boys and Men, tells Axios.

Zoom out: For a long time, there was a big push to get more women into STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

But there's been less of an effort to push more men into health care, or what Reeves calls HEAL professions: jobs in health and education that require literacy.

Getting more men into jobs in health, social care and education matters for gender representation in those vital fields and would address labor shortages, he says.

"It is also essential for improving job prospects for men themselves."

Flashback: The first time women outnumbered men in the job market was in the wake of the recession after the financial crisis. Male-dominated positions in construction and manufacturing were hard hit.

The second time, the economy was booming just before the pandemic. Women who had made gains in education — with a growing share of college degrees — seemed better positioned to take advantage of the changing economy, as the New York Times noted then.

What's happening now is basically a return to that trend line.