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