Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation Podcast: Recent Episodes
Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that propels the equipment finance sector and its people forward through industry-specific knowledge, intelligence, and academic outreach programs that contribute to industry innovation, individual careers, and the overall betterment of the $900 billion equipment leasing and finance industry. The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation podcast spotlights Foundation resources and programs, including interviews with researchers, Board of Trustees members, and more.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/avyRGY-n9xY
In this episode of Equipment Finance Matters, Daryl Muller, ELFA Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary, sits down with Quentin Cote, Managing Director, Commercial at Concord, for an in-depth look at where capital meets equipment finance, exploring what makes the sector both investable and scalable in today's evolving landscape.
Quentin draws on 30 years of experience across lending, investing, operations, and servicing to share a comprehensive perspective on market shifts, from the rise of private credit to the increasing complexity of risk and infrastructure needs. They dive into timely topics like data center opportunities, the critical "trust layer" behind scalable investment, and the pivotal role operational discipline plays alongside technology and fraud mitigation.
Get Quentin Cote's take on how platforms must evolve to provide deeper transparency, institutional-grade infrastructure, and resilience in the face of AI and fraud risks.
In this episode of Equipment Finance Matters, ELFA's Senior Vice President, Industry Advancement and Executive Director of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation Kelli Nienaber sits down with Tim Mahedy, ELFA's Chief Economist, to discuss the association's new Economic Outlook product and the critical economic trends shaping the equipment finance industry.
Drawing on his experience, Tim breaks down the forces driving today's economic environment—from persistent inflation pressures and interest rate uncertainty to shifting trade policies and the evolving role of the U.S. dollar in the global economy. The conversation also explores why the equipment finance industry has remained remarkably resilient despite economic volatility and geopolitical challenges, and how ELFA members can use the economic outlook, a quarterly presentation and executive summary available to download, to support strategic planning, improve decision-making, and foster more informed discussions across their organizations.
Find the Economic Outlook here: https://www.elfaonline.org/research/2026-equipment-leasing-finance-u-s-economic-outlook-2026-update
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t7qTnsGL3ps
Equipment finance plays a foundational role in powering the real economy, despite being often overlooked. In this episode of Equipment Finance Matters, Equipment Leasing & Finance Association President and CEO Leigh Lytle speaks with Eric Miller, President and CEO of Ansley Park Capital, about the industry's power and sweeping impact.
Find out about Eric's career journey, from the lasting impact of his rigorous training at GE Capital to how he and his team launched one of the fastest inaugural ABS transactions on record. Discover the critical distinctions between small, middle, and large-ticket financing, the risks and rewards of non-bank lending, and the importance of adaptability amid macroeconomic shifts. In addition, this don't-miss discussion includes the impact of culture, creativity, and deep industry expertise on lasting success in equipment finance, as well as the rich career opportunities the sector offers.
https://elfaonline.org
Hybrid work can make culture feel hard to see, but leaders have the power to bring it to life. Creating connection, trust, and belonging across distance is not accidental. It is a skill.
In this episode, consultant Thomas Barnette, Senior Consultant with InQUEST Consulting, is joined by Kinna Pattani, Chair of ELFA's Inclusion subcommittee, and Jim Wall, Incoming Chair, to share energizing and practical approaches leaders can use to strengthen culture across remote and in-office teams. Hear how clear communication, intentional check-ins, and simple habits can spark collaboration, build psychological safety, and support employee well-being across remote and in-office teams.
If you want tools to keep your team engaged and create a culture people can feel no matter where they work, this conversation will inspire your next steps.
This episode was created in collaboration with ELFA's Inclusion Engagement and Resources Subcommittee as part of their ongoing work to strengthen connection and belonging across the industry. If you would like to learn more about the committee and its initiatives, visit: https://www.elfaonline.org/membership/people-power.
As part of ELFA's Innovation Experience, host Kelli Nienaber sits down with Deb Reuben, CEO of TomorrowZone, and Andrew Cotter, EVP & CIO of Somerset Capital Group, Ltd., for a continuing conversation on trend-scanning. Together, they explore why this practice is essential for identifying weak signals, emerging trends, and hidden patterns that are shaping the future of equipment finance.
As part of ELFA’s Innovation Experience, host Alexa Carnibella introduces a conversation between Deborah Reuben, CEO of TomorrowZone, and Moto Tohda, VP of Information Systems at Tokyo Century USA.
Moto reflects on 17 years with one company and how asking better questions, building cross-team alignment, and championing hands-on learning became the foundation for continuous transformation. The discussion explores advancing technology, navigating the hype vs. reality of AI, and balancing curiosity with business needs.
Moto also shares candid insights on ERP projects, strategies for overcoming resistance, and how to make change a true team effort. Tune in for practical ideas on leading with humility, curiosity, and a focus on human connection.
Want to dive deeper into innovation in equipment finance? Join us at the Innovation Lab Conference & Exhibition, September 8–10 in Denver, CO. Learn more and register: https://www.elfaonline.org/events-new/event-detail/innovation-lab-conference---exhibition
Subscribe to Equipment Finance Matters on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/equipment-finance-matters/id1500464877
or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/43fGGQcByxbRTRKhbBfyJk?si=244H1nvDQ4Os5aw6PzmJug&nd=1&dlsi=22b930df245e44cd
As part of ELFA’s Innovation Experience – a year-round initiative to turn innovative thinking into action – this episode of Equipment Finance Matters features an insightful conversation between Deborah Reuben, CEO and founder of TomorrowZone and Mark Blais, Chief Information Officer at Channel Partners LLC.
They dive into Mark’s fascinating cross-industry journey—from lasers and 3D imaging to financial services—and uncover how a diversity of experience fuels true innovation. Mark shares candid insights and practical patterns for leading innovation in equipment finance, emphasizing the critical roles of “dot collectors” and “dot connectors.”
Discover why asking, “Is there another way?” can spark your team’s creative potential, and why true transformation isn’t just about new technology, but about connecting people and ideas. Mark also unpacks responsible AI adoption, how to balance experimentation and risk, and ways to embed innovation into company culture. You’re guaranteed to walk away inspired and ready to shape a more awesome future.
For more information and to register for the Innovation Lab Conference & Exhibition, September 8-10 in Denver, CO – https://www.elfaonline.org/events-new/event-detail/innovation-lab-conference---exhibition
Subscribe to Equipment Finance Matters on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/equipment-finance-matters/id1500464877
or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/43fGGQcByxbRTRKhbBfyJk?si=244H1nvDQ4Os5aw6PzmJug&nd=1&dlsi=22b930df245e44cd
In this episode of Equipment Finance Matters, host Kelli Nienaber is joined by Deborah Reuben, CEO and founder of TomorrowZone, and Andrew Cotter, Executive Vice President and CIO at Somerset Capital Group. Together, they dive into the ELFA Innovation Experience, a dynamic new initiative blending the expertise of multiple committees to accelerate digital transformation across the industry.
Kelli, Deb, and Andrew unpack the concept of trend scanning, discussing how identifying and understanding emerging signals, especially human readiness for AI, can help companies prepare for the changes ahead. They explore the intersection of technology and people, the evolving role of AI in equipment finance, and the need for collaboration across generations, roles, and companies.
Get a preview of the upcoming Innovation Lab Conference & Exhibition in Denver and learn how you can get involved, from webinars to Innovation Awards.
Welcome to another episode of the Equipment Vertical Deep Dive series! Listen as Tom Walther, founder and president of Nationwide Equipment, takes us on an insider’s journey through the world of over-the-road trailers. Hosted by Kelli Nienaber, with co-host Will Tefft, this episode covers a range of topics, including trailer market fundamentals, asset remarketing challenges, the impact of tariffs, and supply chain disruptions following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tom shares revealing anecdotes from decades in the industry, gives practical advice on asset management and breaks down what makes trailers unique compared to other financed equipment. Discover why understanding your equipment is crucial, how specialized assets impact resale value, and what current market conditions mean for lenders and lessors.
Let's talk about Juneteenth! In this episode of Equipment Finance Matters, Alexa Carnibella welcomes Beverly Brinkley, Vice President and Senior Business Systems Administrator at First Commonwealth Bank. They unpack the significance of Juneteenth as a national holiday and its meaning for the industry and beyond. Beverly shares her journey into inclusion work and the impactful formation of the BEST (Black Employee Supporting Talent) Employee Resource Group.
Hear Beverly's firsthand account of learning about Juneteenth, how celebrations have grown from intimate cookouts to citywide events, and why the day is both bittersweet and hopeful. The episode invites listeners to reflect on emancipation and the righteous pursuit of freedom, while highlighting how individuals and organizations can get involved to make inclusive progress.
Subscribe to Equipment Finance Matters on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/equipment-finance-matters/id1500464877
or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/43fGGQcByxbRTRKhbBfyJk?si=244H1nvDQ4Os5aw6PzmJug&nd=1&dlsi=22b930df245e44cd
As part of ELFA’s Innovation Experience – a year-round initiative to turn innovative thinking into action – this episode of Equipment Finance Matters features a powerful conversation between Deborah Reuben, CEO and founder of TomorrowZone and Jen Martin, Chief Product Officer at LTi Technology Solutions.
Jen shares her unique leadership journey, shaped by her experience as a child of deaf adults, and how it fostered the communication, empathy, and curiosity that fuel her bold approach to innovation. Listeners will gain insights into how Jen embraces experimentation, reframes failure, and makes space for emerging talent in the industry.
You'll also hear how she evolved from a tactical doer to a strategic leader—and why “innovation bacon” is more than just a catchy phrase. Packed with relatable stories and actionable ideas, this episode will inspire you to lead with both vision and vulnerability.
This conversation kicks off ELFA’s special Innovation Series, spotlighting bold ideas and forward-thinking leaders driving meaningful change across equipment finance. Up next: Mark Blais, Chief Information Officer at Channel Partners LLC, explores how leaders can foster sustainable innovation in the finance industry, balancing experimentation with strategic business goals and ensuring security along the way.
P.S. Don’t miss the Innovation Lab Conference and Exhibition, taking place September 8-10 in Denver! It’s your chance to explore what’s next in equipment finance and connect with forward-thinking leaders driving innovation across the industry.
Subscribe to Equipment Finance Matters on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/equipment-finance-matters/id1500464877
or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/43fGGQcByxbRTRKhbBfyJk?si=244H1nvDQ4Os5aw6PzmJug&nd=1&dlsi=22b930df245e44cd
Join Kelli Nienaber in conversation with Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) experts Van Hesser, Joanne DeSimone, and Mike Dodge, as they unpack the latest trends and challenges shaping the $1 trillion equipment finance industry. Hear expert perspectives on how KBRA evaluates credit ratings for independent, captive, and bank-owned platforms—plus, why diversification and experienced management are crucial for weathering economic shifts and volatility.
In this Vertical Series episode of Equipment Finance Matters, co-hosts Kelli Nienaber, Foundation Executive Director and Will Tefft, Asset Manager at EverBank Commercial Asset Finance sit down with Wade Whitenburg, Strategic Accounts Manager at Ritchie Brothers. They explore the expansive construction equipment market, valued over $90 billion.
Learn about the unique challenges and opportunities in construction finance, including the importance of equipment classification, market stability post-COVID, and industry trends like emissions regulation. Wade shares invaluable advice for lenders, emphasizing the crucial role of understanding asset details and return provisions.
Welcome to the first episode of Equipment Finance Matters in 2025 – it’s bursting with optimism and excitement as Alexa welcomes ELFA Board Chair and Vice President and General Manager at Flex Financial, Stryker, James Cress. Hear about James’ journey through ELFA, from attending events like Capitol Connections to helping form initiatives like the Emerging Talent Advisory Council and the Women’s Council. James shares insights on the industry’s momentum and how new CEO Leigh Lytle's vision is pushing boundaries. Plus, you’ll enjoy fun, personal tidbits like the first piece of equipment James ever financed and his dream skill to master.
For questions or comments: acarnibella@elfaonline.org
To read James' interview in the January/February issue of the Equipment Leasing & Finance magazine, go to: https://www.elfaonline.org/news-and-publications/magazine/issue/article/jan-feb-2025/paying-it-forward
Subscribe to Equipment Finance Matters on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/equipment-finance-matters/id1500464877
or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/43fGGQcByxbRTRKhbBfyJk?si=244H1nvDQ4Os5aw6PzmJug&nd=1&dlsi=22b930df245e44cd
Kelli and Alexa, hosts of the two shows, announce the merge of the two podcasts and the move of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Podcast to Equipment Finance Matters.
Subscribe to Equipment Finance Matters on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/equipment-finance-matters/id1500464877
or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/43fGGQcByxbRTRKhbBfyJk?si=244H1nvDQ4Os5aw6PzmJug&nd=1&dlsi=22b930df245e44cd
Podcast co-hosts Kelli Nienaber and Will Tefft are joined by Shannon Stangl of DLL to discuss the current and future outlook for the office and workplace segment of the industry. Listen in to learn more about this space including emerging technologies and increased interest in sustainability trends and how equipment can be fit for the future.
In this episode of Equipment Finance Matters, hosts Alexa Carnibella and Matt Vazzana sit down with Jayma Sandquist, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for John Deere Financial, as she shares invaluable insights on career development.
Listeners will gain a deep understanding of the importance of goal setting, how to balance long term career aspirations with short term business objectives, and the critical role of feedback. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your career, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and actionable advice.
Bobby Sandlin, Senior Appraiser and leader of the Transportation Division at Irontrax, joins podcast co-hosts Kelli Nienaber and Will Tefft to discuss the current and future outlook for Over the Road Trucking through the lens of equipment leasing and finance. Listen in as they talk about topics from inventory and remarket valuation to emissions and alternative fuel.
Diane Croessmann of The Alta Group joins host Kelli Nienaber for this episode of the Foundation Podcast. Listen in as they unpack the details of EaaS business models, including risk management. These EaaS offerings are in demand by customers and it’s important to understand how they are structured, what pitfalls to avoid and how traditional funders might find new opportunities.
In this episode, Kelli Nienaber and Will Tefft speak with Tom Sager, Vice President at Tech Trade Partners, a subsidiary of Remarkets. They discuss the prospects for leasing IT equipment (servers, storage, networking, computers, mobile devices, and printers) including market size, maintenance, and value retention as well as new opportunities for AI hardware and data protection.
In this conversation, Kelli Nienaber is joined by Jeff Jensen of Keybridge Research, Nancy Pistorio of Madison Capital, LLC and Jeff Elliott of Huntington Asset Finance for a discussion about the outlook for the U.S. Economy in 2024 and specifically how the equipment finance industry may be impacted. The group explores potential opportunities and challenges, shares expert insights, and makes some predictions for the year ahead.
In this episode, Kelli Nienaber speaks with Rick Remiker, Vice Chair at The Alta Group about the State of the Equipment Finance Industry in the several months following the liquidity crisis. How has the industry changed, lessons learned and what might be on the horizon. For additional information, view the Foundation’s Impact Survey.
In this episode, Kelli Nienaber and Will Tefft speak with Jim Minchella, president and senior analyst at Micor Analytics. Jim shares his expertise on all things additive manufacutring, commonly known as 3D printing. For more information on this topic, visit 3dprintingindustry.com, tctmagazine.com, or additivemanufacturing.com.
In this episode, hosts Kelli Nienaber and Will Tefft speak with Dennis Rousseau of Aircraft Post to talk all things Corporate Aircraft.
This is a new series appearing in the Foundation Podcast feed all about different equipment finance market verticals. For the first episode in this new series, Kelli is joined by Will Tefft, Foundation Trustee and SVP Equipment Management at Pacific Western Bank. On this episode, Kelli and Will learn all about the plastic injection molding industry from Ken Heyse, President and Managing Director at Plastics One Asset Advisors, LLC.
In this episode, Kelli speaks with David Normandin of Wintrust Specialty Finance and Eli Sethre of Channel about liquidity as it relates to inflation and a possible recession. This episode is a companion to episode 15 on credit, so go back and listen to that one for a full perspective. Additionally, this episode was recorded on the morning of March 10 prior to the changes in the banking industry, so that is not part of this discussion.
In this episode, Kelli speaks with Kevin Prykull, a credit professional with over 30 years of experience in the industry and current adjunct professor at Duquesne University. Kevin shares his insights into credit risks, what a recession may look like, and how younger industry professionals can prepare themselves.
In this episode, Kelli sits down with Jeff Jensen of Keybridge Research to discuss what’s ahead for the US Economy in 2023.
In this episode, Kelli speaks to Donna Yanuzzi, Director of Equipment Finance, 1st Equipment Finance and Academic Outreach Committee Chair, Nancy Robles, President and Chief Compliance Officer at Eastern Funding and Foundation Trustee, and Jeff Dicosola, Sales Executive at Great American Insurance Group. All three of these industry leaders share their experiences delivering Guest Lectures to colleges and universities all over the US. To learn more about the Guest Lecture Program and deliver your own, visit https://www.leasefoundation.org/academic-programs/guest-lecture-program-2/.
In this episode, Kelli speaks to Donna Yanuzzi, Director of Equipment Finance, 1st Equipment Finance and Academic Outreach Committee Chair, Nancy Robles, President and Chief Compliance Officer at Eastern Funding and Foundation Trustee, and Jeff Dicosola, Sales Executive at Great American Insurance Group. All three of these industry leaders share their experiences delivering Guest Lectures to colleges and universities all over the US. To learn more about the Guest Lecture Program and deliver your own, visit https://www.leasefoundation.org/academic-programs/guest-lecture-program-2/.
In this episode, Kelli speaks with Dr. Rob Wescott of Keybridge Research on our current inflationary environment. They also expand on concepts discussed in the Foundation’s recent inflation research paper.
In this episode, Kelli speaks with David Wiener, Managing Director at The Alta Group and Robert Moskovitz, Chief Financial Officer at Verdant Capital about the Foundation’s recent Funding Study. David co-authored the study, while Robert is deeply embedded in the funding space as part of an independent commercial equipment finance company.
In this episode, Kelli speaks with Razi Amin, Partner at Aspen Capital Solutions and Patricia Voorhees, Director of Fintech Strategic Consulting and M&A advisory of the Alta Group. Razi and Patricia share their thoughts on the coming advent of ESG and its impact on the equipment finance industry. Patricia and her colleagues at the Alta Group recently co-authored a paper entitled “The ESG Imperative: Understanding the Opportunities for the Equipment Leasing & Finance Industry”, which you can read as a companion to this episode on the Foundation’s website leasefoundation.org.
In this episode, Foundation Executive Director Kelli Nienaber is joined by Jeff Jensen, Vice President at Keybridge Research and Ricky Rios, COO of Commercial Finance at CEFI to discuss the 2021 Industry Future Council (IFC) Report, its six trends, and what they mean for the future. The episode also covers the recently released 2022 Economic Outlook report.
In this episode, Kelli Nienaber speaks with two cybersecurity professionals, Erich Kron of KnowBe4 and Dan Brandt Lautman of Delcor. These conversations build off of the cybersecurity resources shared by the Foundation, with a focus on individual cybersecurity awareness and corporate cybersecurity preparedness.
In this episode, Foundation Executive Director Kelli Nienaber is joined by returning guests Deb Baker of HP, Inc and Brian Madison of TrinityRail Leasing & Management Services. The conversation around returning to the office continues in Part 2 with discussion of the workforce of the future, balancing in-person collaboration with hybrid teams, investment in technology resources, and measuring success in a post-pandemic environment.
A full year after many people shifted to remote work from home during the health pandemic, Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation Executive Director Kelli Nienaber talks with industry leaders about the many considerations companies face when bringing employees back to corporate office spaces. Deb Baker of HP, Inc, Brian Madison of TrinityRail Leasing & Management Services, and Laurie Bakke of Western Equipment Finance share practical experiences of implementing health and safety measures at the office while also balancing flexible options for employees with meeting the evolving needs of customers. Plus, they forecast the return of business travel. This episode is Part 1 of a two-part series.
In the final episode of 2020, Executive Director Kelli Nienaber discusses recent Foundation releases with Jeff Jensen, Vice President at Keybridge and producer of the popular Economic Outlook series, as well as the Equipment Finance in 2020: Special COVID-19 Impact Issue report. Hear data highlights from these reports, a sneak peek at what to expect for equipment finance in 2021, and much more.
Attention CFOs and Treasurers! In this episode, we offer a temperature reading on the health of the Capital Markets today, exploring how sick the Capital Markets were at the height of this global pandemic, whether structures and collateral pools changed during COVID-19, and much more. Three executives with Capital Markets expertise offer their unique perspectives: Du Trieu, Senior Director, Asset-Backed Securities, Fitch Ratings; Stewart Hayes, Senior Vice President, Lender Finance, Wells Fargo Commercial Capital; and Matthew Goldenberg, Treasurer, Balboa Capital.
To continue the conversation, we examine the Foundation’s newest research resource developed to assess the impact of the pandemic on the equipment finance industry. Host and Foundation Executive Director Kelli Nienaber welcomes guests Tom Ware, President, Tom Ware Advisory Services, LLC and Foundation Research Committee Chair, and Chris Enbom, CLFP, CEO and Chairman, AP Equipment Financing and a member of the Foundation Research Committee in this third podcast release of 2020.
In response to COVID-19, host Kelli Nienaber speaks with three equipment finance credit executives: Lou Maslowe of Marlin Capital Solutions; Eric McGriff of TIAA Bank; and Kevin Prykull of PNC Equipment Finance. Hear directly from industry leaders on how and why the coronavirus differs from the 2008 Great Recession from a credit perspective, approaching this crisis today vs. a 3-6-month time-frame, restructuring, and more.
Join Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation Executive Director and host Kelli Nienaber for an engaging discussion on the Foundation's 2020 Industry Future Council (IFC) with Foundation Chair Scott Thacker and Futurist/IFC Facilitator Terry Grim of Foresight Alliance. Learn about how the IFC has evolved, how to think like a futurist, and next steps for the 2020 IFC.