New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Alexandra "Lexie" Dressman, CLFP, was hired as Associate Legal Counsel, Stryker, Portage, Michigan. She is located in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Previously Legal Counsel, DLL, Wayne, Pennsylvania (May, 2023 - February, 2026); Senior Legal Counsel, Huntington National Bank, starting as Legal Counsel ,January, 2020, promoted Senior Legal Counsel (January, 2022 - May, 2023); Attorney-at-Law, Law Office of the Hamilton County Public Defender (January, 2013 - June, 2015). https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-lexie-dressman-clfp-1253b93b/

Tom Harris was hired as Senior Vice President of Sales, Alpine Ridge Funding, Greater Chicago Area, where he is also located. Previously, Vice President, Iron Horse Credit (October, 2024 - January, 2026)l Senior Vice President, Bank Financial (August, 2023 - July, 2024); Regional Sales Manager, Commercial Funding, Inc. (June, 2022 - August, 2023).
Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasjharris/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasjharris/

Cody Hastings, PMP, CLFP, promoted to Manager, Compliance & Data Governance, LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is located in Greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Previously, he was Project Manager III (September, 2024 - January, 2026).
Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-hastings-pmp-clfp-4b773816a/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-hastings-pmp-clfp-4b773816a/

Joaquin Ibarra was promoted to New Truck Sales, TEC Equipment, Portland, Oregon. He is located in San Diego, California.  Prior he was Outside Sales Representative (September, 2018 - January, 2026); Cash Management Services, Loomis US (August, 2015 - August, 2019).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaquin-ibarra-1888a3141/

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BriteCap Financial Surpasses
$1 Billion in Total Originations

LAS VEGAS, Nevada…  BriteCap Financial, a technology-enabled small business funding platform, today announced that it surpassed $1 billion in total originations since inception, crossing the milestone in December 2025.

The milestone follows a record-setting year for the company. In 2025, BriteCap grew total originations by 55% year-over-year, marking the strongest origination performance in its history and reinforcing the company’s accelerating momentum entering 2026.

Richard Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of BriteCap Financial, stated, “This milestone is meaningful not because of the number itself, but because of what it represents.

“Crossing $1 billion in originations while delivering 55% growth in a single year is the result of disciplined execution, strong partnerships, and a relentless focus on delivering real value to small business owners.”

BriteCap’s growth was supported by continued investment in underwriting intelligence, partner enablement, and data-driven technology designed to improve decision accuracy, processing speed, and transparency across the funding lifecycle. Throughout 2025, the company further
strengthened its credit discipline, simplified decision and operational workflows, and expanded technical and operational support for a growing base of strategic partners, positioning the platform for continued growth in 2026.

Henderson added, “We’ve built a platform designed to scale responsibly, and we’re looking forward to announcing some exciting innovations coming in 2026,”

About BriteCap Financial
BriteCap Financial is a technology-enabled small business funding platform delivering fast, flexible capital through modern credit decisioning and a streamlined digital experience. The company supports small businesses nationwide through direct and partner-driven channels, combining disciplined risk management with speed and simplicity. BriteCap’s product suite includes BriteLine, a revolving line of credit designed to give business owners on-demand access to capital. Learn more at www.BriteCap.com. BriteCap is majority-owned by a holding company affiliate of NMEF.
https://www.britecap.com/

About NMEF
NMEF is a national premier lender who works directly with third-party referral (TPR) sources to finance "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. The company accepts A – C credit
qualities and finances transactions for many asset categories including but not limited to medical, construction, franchise, technology, vocational, manufacturing, renovation, janitorial, and material handling equipment. NMEF is majority owned by an affiliate of InterVest Capital Partners. The company's headquarters are in Norwalk, CT, with regional offices in Irvine, CA, Voorhees, NJ, and Murray, UT. For more information, visit www.nmef.com.

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SLIM Capital, LLC Celebrates 10 Years of Innovation,      
  Growth, and Trusted Partnerships in Equipment Finance

SLIM Capital LLC (“SLIM”), a nationwide equipment lender, proudly celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2026, marking a decade of steady growth, industry innovation, and strong relationships with brokers, vendors, and business owners across the country.

Founded in 2016, SLIM Capital was built on a simple but powerful idea: combine smart technology with hands-on expertise to make equipment financing faster, more flexible, and more transparent. Over the past decade, the company has funded thousands of transactions across a wide range of industries, helping businesses acquire the equipment they need to grow, scale, and operate more efficiently.

Shervin Rashti, CEO of SLIM Capital, explained, “From day one, our vision has been rooted in people and relationships. By listening to business owners and building solutions that truly serve their needs, we’ve earned lasting trust and repeat partnerships, Our intentional goals, innovative technology, and exceptional team have been the foundation of our success over the past decade and will be the pillars of our future decades.”

Throughout its history, SLIM has differentiated itself through a strong emphasis on technology and process innovation. The company has invested heavily in proprietary systems, automation, and data-driven decisioning—streamlining underwriting, accelerating approvals, and improving the overall experience for brokers and end users. These efforts have allowed SLIM to remain agile and competitive in a rapidly evolving specialty finance landscape.

At the same time, SLIM has remained firmly relationship-driven. The company works closely with its broker, vendor, and bank partners to structure creative financing solutions, even in complex or time-sensitive scenarios. This balance of technology and personal service has been a cornerstone of the firm’s success over the past decade.

Jeff Brannon, Chief Revenue Officer added “As we look ahead, our focus is on continuing to invest in innovation while staying true to the relationships that got us here,”. “The next chapter for SLIM Capital is about scaling smarter, serving partners better, and pushing the industry forward.”

To commemorate its 10-year milestone, SLIM Capital will be rolling out a refreshed brand identity, special anniversary communications, and a series of highlights reflecting on standout deals, partnerships, and achievements from the past decades.

For more information about SLIM Capital and its financing solutions, visit www.slimcapital.com.

Help Wanted Ad
    Ameris Bank Equipment Finance

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In Your Career, Don’t Make These 5 Mistakes
   By Ken Lubin, Managing Director, ZRG Partners

We all make mistakes. The key is not making the ones that slow your momentum, stall your growth, or quietly sabotage your reputation. After 25 years working with top executives and watching hundreds of careers rise—and fall—here are the five most common mistakes that separate those who win from those who plateau.

1. Waiting for the Perfect Opportunity
Too many people sit on the sidelines waiting for “the right time.” Here’s the truth: there is no perfect time. The top performers move first, learn fast, and adjust on the fly. Opportunity doesn’t show up gift-wrapped—it’s built through action, not hesitation.

2. Neglecting Your Network
You can be the smartest person in the room, but if no one knows who you are, it doesn’t matter. Relationships move careers faster than résumés. Stay connected. Reach out even when you don’t need anything. Your network is your insurance policy—and your launch pad.

3. Letting Comfort Creep In
Comfort kills growth. The minute you stop challenging yourself, you start falling behind. Stay uncomfortable. Volunteer for the tough projects. Have the hard conversations. Growth happens on the edge—not in the safety zone.

4. Underestimating Personal Branding
You are your own brand—whether you like it or not. How you show up, communicate, and deliver results defines your reputation. Build it intentionally. Every meeting, post, or project is a chance to reinforce your brand as someone who gets things done.

5. Failing to Invest in Yourself
You are your biggest asset. Yet many people stop learning once they hit a certain level. The best executives never do. They read, train, get coached, and constantly evolve. If you’re not investing in your growth, you’re becoming obsolete.

Final Thought:
Winning in your career isn’t about luck—it’s about awareness, consistency, and execution. Avoid these five traps, stay intentional, and you’ll stay ahead of 99% of your peers.

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

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Saluting Leasing News Advisory Board Member
  Vickie Shimkus, CLFP

Vicki Shimkus, CLFP
Broker Relationship Manager
Ameris Bank Equipment Finance
574 Anton Blvd., Suite 1080
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
949-399 -6348 (d)
vicki.shimkus@amerisbank.com

Vicki Shimkus brings over three decades of experience in the equipment finance industry, with a career that includes leadership roles at Colonial Pacific Leasing, Financial Pacific Leasing, and BSB Leasing. She has consistently focused on building strong partnerships with third-party originators and delivering innovative financing solutions that help businesses grow.

Today, Vicki manages the Equipment Broker Channel at Ameris Bank Equipment Finance, where she has spent the past six years driving the success of the broker program. In this role, she leads a dedicated sales team and oversees broker relationships, developing tailored strategies that align with client needs. Her leadership reinforces Ameris Bank's reputation as a trusted partner in equipment finance, and her deep industry knowledge and collaborative approach have made her an invaluable resource for brokers and businesses alike.

Vicki has been a Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) since 1998, a designation that underscores her commitment to excellence and professionalism. She served on the CLFP Foundation Board of Directors for six years and continues to give back to the industry as an Ambassador and Welcome Committee volunteer, helping new professionals integrate into the community and promoting education within the field.

Based in Bellevue, Washington, Vicki works remotely and embraces the flexibility that allows her to balance a thriving career with a fulfilling personal life. She shares her life with her husband Mark, and their two daughters, Madison, a recent University of Washington graduate in Visual Communication Design, and Zoe, currently pursuing a degree in Fashion Design at Seattle Central College. Their household is rounded out by Bear, a lively German Shorthair Pointer, and Millie, their beloved cat.

When she's not working, Vicki enjoys spending quality time with her family, reading, and exploring the Pacific Northwest. Her passion for connection, whether with clients, colleagues, or loved ones, remains at the heart of everything she does.

------

Kit Menkin Coda: I originally asked Phil Silva, President of Balboa Capital, now Ameris Bank Business Finance, who he would recommend from Balboa to cover a leasing and finance conference for Leasing News.  He recommended Vicki, who said yes and would up covering several conferences.

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2026 Major Finance/Leasing Conferences
Updated

• How fraud is impacting consumer, commercial, and LHPH leasing today
• Why legacy prequalification and soft-pull workflows are now a liability
• What a “Fraud Stack” looks like in practice (identity, device, behavior, and data integrity layers)
• Where to place controls in the leasing workflow for maximum impact
• How dealers, lessors, and lenders can reduce losses while improving conversion and data quality

March 4, National Vehicle Leasing Association
    Nashville, Tennessee
https://www.nvla.org/page/2026Conference

Attorney Sloan Schickler, Schickler & Schickler will be presenting a legal update for 2026 and moderating a panel on e-signatures and electronic vaulting.

March 4-6, Funders Forum/Broker Expo
    Hollywood, Florida. Tee Off Funders Forum 2026
    Dan Marino Guest Speaker
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/---Networking-Starts-Here---Kick-Off-Funders-Forum-at-the-RBFC-Golf-Tournament-.html?soid=1133130637774&aid=jJMUS1-TyJY

Bob Rodi, Member at Franchise Loans Direct, will cover the Forum for Leasing News readers; his second time Attending.

March 30-April 1, NEFA Spring Conference    Huntington
https://www.nefassociation.org/event/2026-spring-conference/ Beach, California

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

April 14-16, ELFA National Funding Conference
    Chicago, Illinois
Online scheduling coming in late January, 2026

Randy Haug, LTi Technology Solutions, 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
https://members.aacfb.org/Conference

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

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

October 25–27, ELFA Annual Conference,
Palm Desert, California 
Online Scheduling Coming later.

Randy Haug, LTi Technology Solutions, will be covering the conference gore Leasing News readers.

November 11–13, SF Net, 81st Annual Convention 
Marriott Hotel. Los Angeles, California
https://www.sfnet.com/home/events/event-detil/2025/11/11/default-calendar/sfnets-81st-annual-convention

News Briefs

Stellantis Shift Away From Electric Cars
   Will Cost It $26 Billion
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/business/stellantis-writedown-electric-vehicles.html

Layoffs jumped in January as companies
 pull back on hiring
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/layoffs-unemployment-jobs-economy-jobless-benefits

Tesla is no longer No. 1: This is how a Chinese
 competitor surged past the EV pioneer
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2026-02-06/why-does-tesla-lose-to-this-chinese-ev-giant-in-almost-every-market

Mexicans deported from the U.S. return to find
    hometowns controlled by narcos
https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2026-02-03/mexicans-deported-from-u-s-return-to-find-hometowns-controlled-by-narcos

 

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Trump wanted Dulles Airport, Penn Station named
    after him — in exchange for releasing federal funds
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-asked-dulles-penn-station-named-exchange-gateway-money-released-rcna257708

After a reported Trump threat over naming
sites after him, judge says no on Money for Name Changes,
    orders two state rail tunnel funding restored
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-02-07/judge-orders-trump-to-restore-funding-for-rail-tunnel

For $1 Million, Donors to U.S.A. Birthday
   Group Offered Access to Trump
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/us/politics/freedom-250-trump-donors.html

 

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Sports Briefs

In the shadow of the Super Bowl,
   Great America slowly dies
https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/super-bowl-great-america-21316236.php

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California News Briefs

Supreme Court Clears Way for California Voting Map
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/us/politics/supreme-court-california-congressional-map.html

LA Mayor Karen Bass secretly altered Palisades fire
    analysis to downplay LA’s failures: report
https://nypost.com/2026/02/04/us-news/la-mayor-karen-bass-secretly-altered-palisades-fire-analysis-to-downplay-las-failures-report/

Challenge to housing plan for California town
    could affect cities statewide
https://www.courthousenews.com/challenge-to-housing-plan-for-california-town-could-affect-cities-statewide/

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Gimme that Wine

 

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

Super Bowl winning Dick Vermeil  NFL coach’s winery
   is closing Vermeil Family Winery in Napa, California
       its doors for good
https://www.vermeilwines.com/about/

1 Million Bottles of Fruit Wine Celebrated
   as a Milestone for Canadian Fruit Wines
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/313666