Fireside Chat Series

Thank you Hazen Audel for joining me for a very special episode #300 of FiresidechatswithJesse.

Hazen and I originally met at a Happy Hustle mastermind in Montana, and we have stayed in touch since. He is one of those people who brings a completely different perspective to conversations about life, leadership, success, and what actually matters.

Most people know Hazen from nearly 20 years of work with National Geographic, Disney+ and Primal Survivor, but this conversation went well beyond television and survival.

A few topics we covered in this episode:

Lessons Hazen has learned from living alongside indigenous communities around the world

Why adaptability may be one of the most important skills in business and life

His perspective on leadership, building teams and making people feel heard

Why reconnecting with nature, community and our own capabilities matters

How Hazen is now bringing these experiences into speaking, education and work with businesses

We also talked about his passion for getting kids outside, his work with Wild Ops, and what he hopes to build in the next chapter of his career.

This was definitely a different Fireside Chat, but I couldn’t think of a better conversation for episode #300.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the show over the past five years and helped us reach this milestone.

We thank our fireside chat series sponsors: Consult Disrupt, Liventus, Inc. and Equipment Finance Cares.

#FiresideChatsWithJesse #HazenAudel #Leadership #Resilience #Adventure #Episode300

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Lynne Pauly and Christi Schachte from Computershare Communication Services join Jesse Johnson on this week’s Fireside Chats with Jesse.

Christi is a Senior Sales Executive focused on helping equipment finance companies improve how they communicate with their customers, while Lynne serves as Vice President of Product Development and Portfolio Strategy, bringing decades of experience across print, digital communications, technology and customer experience.

In this episode, Lynne, Christi and Jesse discuss why customer communications are an important but often overlooked part of the equipment finance servicing experience.

Topics covered in this episode include:

What Computershare Communication Services provides to equipment finance companies

Turning complex invoices, collection notices and customer communications into information customers can easily understand and act on

Why communications should reinforce the customer relationship, not simply deliver information

How customer expectations have changed across print and digital channels

Why print is still relevant even as companies push toward electronic delivery

Using design, color, fonts, QR codes and plain language to improve customer response

Helping customers move toward paperless billing and online payment

The rising cost of postage and how organizations can optimize mail delivery

Balancing speed, cost, security and customer preference

Using invoices and other required communications as additional customer touchpoints

Tracking outbound and inbound mail and using that visibility to better understand payment activity

The importance of consultation and understanding a finance company’s goals before designing a communications strategy

Why customer communications should continue to evolve as technology, data and customer expectations change

One of the key themes from the conversation is that an invoice or collection notice is not simply an operational requirement. It is a direct interaction with the customer and an opportunity to make the relationship easier, clearer and more valuable.

The conversation also gets personal. Lynne shares how she uses her annual Computershare volunteer day scuba diving with the Coral Restoration Foundation in the Florida Keys, helping maintain coral nurseries and restore reefs. Christi talks about growing up as a competitive gymnast and now teaching gymnastics to young children for fun.

Lynne and Christi close the conversation by explaining why they view Computershare’s relationship with equipment finance companies as a partnership rather than simply a vendor relationship, combining communications expertise, technology and ongoing consultation to help customers evolve over time.

Fireside Chats with Jesse features conversations with leaders throughout the equipment finance industry discussing leadership, technology, operations, sales, customer experience, innovation and the future of equipment finance.

Thank you to our Fireside Chat series sponsors: Consult Disrupt, Liventus, Inc. and Equipment Finance Cares.

#EquipmentFinance #CustomerExperience #EquipmentLeasing #Technology #Communications #Computershare #FiresideChatswithJesse

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Greg Bourdon, COO and Co-Founder of ElmBlue Equipment Finance, joins Jesse Johnson on this week’s Fireside Chats with Jesse.

Greg has spent more than 20 years in equipment finance, beginning his career at Direct Capital before continuing through the company’s transitions to CIT and First Citizens Bank. After years in sales, business development, strategy and leadership, Greg decided to take what he had learned and help build something new.

In this episode, Greg and Jesse discuss the launch and rapid growth of ElmBlue Equipment Finance, what changes when you move from a large bank platform back to an independent, and how culture, technology and training are shaping the company they are building.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Greg’s path from medical device sales into equipment finance

More than 20 years at Direct Capital, CIT and First Citizens

Why Greg, Jake Broome and Paul Rennie decided to launch ElmBlue

Growing ElmBlue from three founders into a rapidly scaling organization

Moving from a sales background into the COO role

Building the “ElmBlue Way” and creating 360-degree training across sales, credit and operations

Why understanding the entire lifecycle of a transaction makes people better at their jobs

The differences between banks and independent equipment finance companies

The infrastructure and support banks provide versus the speed and flexibility of an independent

How technology is making it easier for new small-ticket finance companies to compete and scale

Building a vendor-focused business and earning trust one relationship at a time

Creating a culture where employees can make decisions, take ownership and learn from mistakes

Why Greg believes availability, responsiveness and doing what you say you will do still matter

Greg also shares one of the more unique fun facts we have had on the show. He holds a commercial pilot’s license, lives at a small airport and, depending on the weather, occasionally flies himself to work.

One theme that comes through throughout the conversation is trust. Greg talks about earning the trust of vendors, customers and employees, being available when people need you and building an organization that can move quickly without sacrificing discipline or doing things the right way.

Fireside Chats with Jesse features conversations with leaders throughout the equipment finance industry discussing leadership, sales, technology, operations, entrepreneurship, relationships and the future of equipment finance.

Thank you to our Fireside Chat series sponsors: Consult Disrupt, Liventus, Inc. and Equipment Finance Cares.

#EquipmentFinance #EquipmentLeasing #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #CommercialFinance #ElmBlue #FiresideChatswithJesse

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Brett Davis, CEO of the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA), returns to Fireside Chats with Jesse for an update after more than a year in the role.

When Brett first joined the show, he was only a few weeks into leading NAEDA. Fourteen months later, he has a much different perspective on the association, its members, and the challenges facing equipment dealers across North America.

In this episode, Brett and Jesse discuss NAEDA’s growth, including a 12% increase in dealer membership, the association’s expanding relationship with service providers and financing companies, and Brett’s focus on creating measurable value for members.

They also take a deeper look at the economics facing equipment dealers today, including compressed margins, higher equipment costs, agricultural headwinds, tariffs, interest rates, workforce challenges, and the need for dealers to find new sources of profitability.

Topics covered in this episode include:

* What Brett has learned during his first 14 months leading NAEDA

* Growing dealer membership and expanding the association’s value proposition

* Building stronger connections between equipment dealers and financing partners

* The current state of agriculture and equipment sales

* Equipment pricing, used equipment values, and changing buying cycles

* Tariffs, government affairs, dealer protection laws, and Right to Repair

* Why workforce development and technician recruitment remain major challenges

* Dealer profitability and why parts, service, F&I, maintenance programs, and other value-added services matter

* How technology and automation are changing equipment and dealership operations

* Preparing traditional dealer businesses for future disruption

* NAEDA’s plans to merge with another equipment dealer association and create a stronger unified voice

* And yes, an update on Brett’s hot yoga journey, which has now expanded into Hot Pilates and Hot Pilates Sculpt

One of the biggest themes throughout the conversation was adaptation. Brett’s message to dealers is not to panic about change, but to understand what is happening around them, improve efficiency, find new sources of value, and be prepared to evolve.

Fireside Chats with Jesse features conversations with leaders throughout the equipment finance industry discussing leadership, technology, operations, sales, innovation and the future of equipment finance.

Thank you to our Fireside Chat series sponsors: Consult Disrupt, Liventus, Inc. and Equipment Finance Cares.

#EquipmentFinance #EquipmentDealers #Agriculture #EquipmentLeasing #Leadership #Technology #NAEDA #FiresideChatswithJesse

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Shannon Smith, CEO of KLC Financial, joins Jesse Johnson on this week’s Fireside Chats with Jesse.

Shannon has spent more than 18 years at KLC, joining the company when it had just eight employees and growing alongside the organization as it expanded to more than 60 team members. His career has given him experience across credit, portfolio management, syndications, bank relationships, and leadership before recently stepping into the CEO role.

In this episode, Shannon and Jesse discuss his journey through the equipment finance industry, the evolution of KLC Financial, and what it means to lead the organization into its next chapter.

Topics covered include:

Shannon’s career path and progression at KLC Financial

Growing from employee #8 to CEO

KLC’s evolution following its acquisition by Gulf Coast Bank & Trust

Preserving culture while continuing to grow

How Shannon’s credit background influences his leadership approach

The importance of people, relationships, and collaboration

Balancing disciplined growth with flexibility for customers

The role industry relationships and conferences have played throughout his career

Leadership succession and building on the foundation created by KLC’s previous leaders

Shannon’s life outside of work and his passion for watching his sons compete in baseball

One theme that comes through throughout the conversation is culture. Shannon discusses the importance of creating an environment where employees are proud to work, departments collaborate, and that same philosophy extends to customers, funding partners, and vendors.

The conversation also gets personal as Shannon and Jesse compare experiences as baseball dads and talk about supporting their kids through both the wins and the learning experiences.

Shannon closes the conversation by explaining what differentiates KLC Financial: caring about the people behind the transaction, understanding what an equipment purchase means to their business, and helping customers reach their goals.

Fireside Chats with Jesse features conversations with leaders throughout the equipment finance industry about leadership, technology, sales, operations, relationships, innovation, and the future of equipment finance.

Thank you to our Fireside Chat series sponsors: Consult Disrupt, Liventus, Inc. and Equipment Finance Cares.

#EquipmentFinance #EquipmentLeasing #Leadership #CommercialFinance #KLCFinancial #FiresideChatswithJesse

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Eric Bunnell, Sales & Syndication Manager at Falcon Equipment Finance, returns to Fireside Chats with Jesse five years after his first appearance on the show.

Eric first joined the program on episode #14. Now, nearly 300 episodes later, he is back with a new role and a new chapter in his equipment finance career.

Eric has spent 25 years in banking and the last 15 focused on equipment finance. After 14 years with Arvest Bank, including leading its equipment finance division, Eric recently joined Falcon Equipment Finance, where he is leading sales and syndication across a nationwide platform serving dealers and brokers.

In this episode, Eric and Jesse discuss:

* Eric’s career in banking and equipment finance

* His decision to make a change after 14 years at Arvest

* Joining Falcon Equipment Finance and stepping into a new leadership role

* Building a nationwide sales and syndication strategy

* Working with dealers, brokers, and funding partners

* Why strong relationships between sales, credit, and operations are critical to growth

* Eric’s priorities during his first 90 days at Falcon

* Building on an existing foundation while creating opportunities for future growth

* Navigating a major year of professional and personal change

* Relocating back to Kansas City after nine years away

* The importance of relationships throughout Eric’s career

* And an update on his goal of visiting all 50 states

One theme that comes through clearly in the conversation is Eric’s belief that growth requires the entire organization to work together. As he begins his new role, one of his early priorities is bringing sales, credit, and operations together so everyone is aligned around the same goals.

Eric also gives us an update on his goal of visiting all 50 states. Five years after we first discussed it, he is down to just three: North Dakota, Oregon, and Alaska.

Fireside Chats with Jesse features conversations with leaders throughout the equipment finance industry discussing leadership, sales, technology, operations, relationships, innovation, and the future of equipment finance.

Thank you to our Fireside Chat series sponsors: Consult Disrupt, Liventus, Inc. and Equipment Finance Cares.

#EquipmentFinance #EquipmentLeasing #Leadership #Banking #Sales #Syndication #FalconEquipmentFinance #FiresideChatswithJesse

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Marci Slagle, SVP of Originations at First Financial Equipment Finance, joins Jesse Johnson on this week’s Fireside Chats with Jesse.

Marci has spent nearly three decades in equipment finance, building her career across independent finance companies, third-party originations, banking, portfolio growth, and now lessor solutions at First Financial Equipment Finance.

In this episode, Marci and Jesse talk about her path into the industry, the transition from BankFinancial to First Financial, and why relationships have remained such an important part of her career.

Marci also shares how First Financial is building its Lessor Solutions offering to support independent equipment finance companies with warehouse lines, paying agent services, and other financing needs as those businesses grow.

Topics covered in this episode include:

* Marci’s career path and how she got into equipment finance

* Her experience across independent finance companies and banking

* The transition from BankFinancial to First Financial Equipment Finance

* Building a Lessor Solutions platform focused on independent lessors

* Helping finance companies grow from smaller warehouse facilities into larger relationships

* How technology has changed equipment finance over the course of Marci’s career

* The importance of industry associations, networking, and long-term relationships

* Why repeat business matters more than trying to maximize one transaction

* Marci’s perspective on the current equipment finance market

* Advice for young professionals entering the industry

* Why understanding the full lifecycle of a transaction makes you better at sales and origination

One theme that came through throughout the conversation was the importance of building relationships the right way. Marci talked about wanting partners to win alongside First Financial and creating relationships that continue transaction after transaction.

Fireside Chats with Jesse features conversations with leaders throughout the equipment finance industry discussing leadership, technology, operations, sales, innovation and the future of equipment finance.

Thank you to our Fireside Chat series sponsors: **Consult Disrupt, Liventus, Inc. and Equipment Finance Cares.**

#EquipmentFinance #EquipmentLeasing #Leadership #CommercialFinance #Banking #Originations #FiresideChatswithJesse

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Buddy Zarbock, Founder and CEO of Commercial Funding Partners, joins Jesse Johnson on this week’s Fireside Chats with Jesse.

Buddy’s path into equipment finance is a little different than most. He grew up around his family’s plumbing supply business, helped grow and ultimately sell that company, and eventually found his way into equipment finance before founding Commercial Funding Partners in 2012.

Buddy started CFP essentially on his own and didn’t pay himself for more than two years. Fourteen years later, the company has grown into a national equipment finance platform funding transactions across manufacturing, power, data centers, construction, equipment rental and other capital-intensive industries.

In this episode, Buddy and Jesse discuss:

Buddy’s journey from the family plumbing business into equipment finance

Starting Commercial Funding Partners from a blank sheet of paper

CFP’s three founding principles: happy customers, honoring commitments to funding partners, and encouraging innovation

The company’s significant growth over the past several years

Why CFP’s core transactions typically range from $500,000 to $5 million

Manufacturing, onshoring, power and data center opportunities

Building strategic partnerships to generate deal flow

Investing in technology and implementing LTi ASPIRE to support continued growth

How AI can improve productivity without replacing experienced dealmakers

Why the human element and the art of structuring a deal still matter

Buddy’s outlook on the equipment finance industry and why he remains bullish on the next several years

His passion for heli-skiing and his upcoming one-million-foot milestone

One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation was Buddy’s long-term approach to customers. Roughly 40% to 50% of CFP’s business is repeat business, and the goal is not simply to complete one transaction. It is to build relationships that last for decades.

Fireside Chats with Jesse features conversations with leaders throughout the equipment finance industry discussing leadership, technology, operations, sales, innovation and the future of equipment finance.

Thank you to our Fireside Chat series sponsors: Consult Disrupt, Liventus, Inc. and Equipment Finance Cares.

#EquipmentFinance #EquipmentLeasing #CommercialFinance #Leadership #Technology #AI #Manufacturing #FiresideChatswithJesse

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Mitch Jurius, Founder and CEO of The Origination API, joins Jesse Johnson on this week’s Fireside Chats with Jesse.

Mitch’s career has taken him from equipment finance operations at CIT and Direct Capital, to product development, to helping build Fullscope’s equipment finance platform, where he was involved in roughly 25 to 30 LOS implementations.

Today, he is taking those experiences and building The Origination API, an equipment finance infrastructure platform designed to simplify how originators connect and submit transactions to their funding sources.

In this episode, Mitch and Jesse talk about the problem he is trying to solve, why equipment finance still has so much opportunity for better connectivity, and what entrepreneurship looks like when you are building a technology company from the ground up.

Topics covered include:

Mitch’s path into equipment finance and technology

His experience at CIT, Direct Capital and Fullscope

Why he launched The Origination API

Creating one API connection between originators and multiple funding sources

Eliminating rekeying, multiple lender portals and unsecured transmission of sensitive information

Why equipment finance technology still struggles with integration

Using AI to accelerate development while maintaining reliability and explainability

The realities of entrepreneurship and building an early-stage company

Why industry experience matters for people entering equipment finance technology

Building a business around solving one problem extremely well

Mitch’s home brewing hobby and life outside of work

Mitch summed up his approach simply: solve one problem, solve it well, build software that works, and do good business with people you want to work with.

Fireside Chats with Jesse features conversations with leaders throughout the equipment finance industry discussing technology, leadership, operations, sales, innovation and the future of equipment finance.

Thank you to our Fireside Chat series sponsors: Consult Disrupt, Liventus, Inc. and Equipment Finance Cares.

#EquipmentFinance #EquipmentLeasing #FinTech #Technology #API #Entrepreneurship #FiresideChatswithJesse

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Eric Miller, President and CEO of Ansley Park Capital, joins Jesse Johnson on this week’s Fireside Chats with Jesse.

Eric has spent nearly 30 years in equipment finance, with stops at organizations including GE Capital and CIT before ultimately helping launch Ansley Park Capital in 2024.

In this episode, Eric shares his career journey and the story behind Ansley Park’s rapid growth, including becoming profitable in its first year and building a platform expected to originate between $600 million and $700 million in its second full year.

We also dive into the culture Eric and his team have intentionally built, why equipment finance is a team sport, and why performance should never come at the expense of collaboration, respect, and doing things the right way.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Eric’s nearly 30-year career in equipment finance

The launch and growth of Ansley Park Capital

Building a high-performance culture around collaboration and mutual respect

Why independents are gaining opportunities as the equipment finance market evolves

How banks and private capital can complement each other

Relationships, reputation, integrity, and certainty of execution

Ansley Park’s disciplined approach to future growth

How AI may help the company scale more efficiently

Why Ansley Park wants customers for life, not just individual transactions

And Eric’s interests outside the office, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu and spending time with his family and sheepadoodle

Fireside Chats with Jesse features conversations with leaders throughout the equipment finance industry discussing leadership, technology, operations, sales, innovation, and the future of equipment finance.

Subscribe for more conversations with leaders across the equipment finance industry.

Thank you to our Fireside Chat sponsors: Consult Disrupt, Liventus, Inc., and Equipment Finance Cares.

#EquipmentFinance #EquipmentLeasing #Leadership #PrivateCredit #CommercialFinance #FiresideChatswithJesse

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