After a long week at the ELFA Annual Convention, I sat down with Michelle Julia, founder of Orium, to talk about something we don’t discuss enough — what it really takes to pivot, take risks, and build something new. Michelle’s journey is incredible. She’s a Stanford-trained AI engineer who helped build products millions of people use every day — from AirPods to Find My — and became one of Apple’s youngest patent holders along the way. But what stood out most wasn’t her résumé. It was her willingness to step out of engineering and into sales, learning how to tell the story behind her product and lead with connection. We talked about: 💡 How curiosity and humility fuel innovation 💡 The mindset shift from technical expert to entrepreneur 💡 Why relationships matter more than resumes 💡 The courage to start something new — even when it’s uncomfortable This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles or perfection — it’s about learning, adapting, and staying human through it all. #FiresideChat #Leadership #Innovation #AI #Entrepreneurship #ConsultDisrupt #ServantLeadership #LongGame

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Fireside Chats with Jesse | Stephanie Taylor – Founder & President, Broadfit Financial In this episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, I sit down with Stephanie Taylor, Founder and President of Broadfit Financial. With a deep background in equipment finance and a passion for people-first leadership, Stephanie shares her journey to entrepreneurship and how she built a business grounded in authenticity and trust. Topics of discussion include: Stephanie’s path to founding Broadfit Financial How authenticity and trust fuel lasting client relationships Balancing business growth with purpose-driven leadership Mentorship, community, and transparency in equipment finance If you’re passionate about leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of equipment finance, this conversation offers meaningful insights from one of the industry’s most thoughtful voices. Presented by: Consult Disrupt and Liventus, Inc. #FiresideChatsWithJesse #EquipmentFinance #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #businessgrowth

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In this week’s Fireside Chat with Jesse, I sit down with Jay Lease, Chief Banking Officer at Choice Bank Equipment Finance. With two decades of banking experience and a leadership role in building Choice Bank’s equipment finance business, Jay shares his journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way. We cover: Jay’s career path through commercial banking and into equipment finance How Choice Bank is growing its equipment finance platform The influence of industry veterans like Gary Peterson (a.k.a. the “Taylor Swift of the ELFA”) The importance of partnerships, client engagement, and building trust in the market If you want to hear how a leader is shaping a new equipment finance platform with the support of seasoned advisors, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping equipment finance.

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In this week’s Fireside Chat, Jesse Johnson sits down with Dennis Dressler, Partner at Dressler & Peters, to discuss the intersection of law and equipment finance — and how decades of legal experience have shaped his understanding of risk, compliance, and client partnership. Dennis shares stories from his long career in the industry, offering a lawyer’s perspective on what makes successful transactions work and how to navigate challenges in documentation, default, and portfolio management. Together, Jesse and Dennis talk about building strong relationships between legal professionals and lenders, the evolution of equipment finance, and the importance of clarity in every deal. Watch now to learn: How legal strategy supports sound lending practices Why strong client relationships matter more than ever What changes Dennis has seen across the equipment finance industry Whether you’re a lender, lessor, or service provider, Dennis’s experience offers valuable insight into the business and legal realities that shape this space. Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse for weekly conversations with the leaders and innovators driving equipment finance forward.

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In this Fireside Chat, Jesse Johnson sits down with Amanda Zeken, President of TG Titles, to discuss the evolving world of title management in equipment finance and how TG Titles is helping lenders and brokers simplify the process from start to finish. Amanda shares her insights on what makes title operations run smoothly — from reducing processing time and preventing costly errors to providing the transparency clients expect in today’s environment. She and Jesse also talk about the importance of trust, communication, and partnership when managing critical parts of the funding process. Watch now to learn: How TG Titles streamlines title and registration workflows for lenders and brokers The common challenges in title management (and how to fix them) Why efficiency, accuracy, and partnership matter more than ever in funding operations If your organization handles titles for equipment or vehicles, this episode is a must-watch. Discover how Amanda and the TG Titles team deliver the speed, precision, and support that today’s finance partners need. Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse for weekly conversations featuring leaders and innovators across the equipment finance industry.

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For our 250th episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, I’m joined by Cary Jack, entrepreneur, author, and founder of The Happy Hustle. Cary shares his journey from burning out as a tech entrepreneur to creating a life and business built on balance, purpose, and fulfillment. We talk about: Cary’s background in tech and what led to burnout despite external “success” How he discovered the principles behind The Happy Hustle The importance of balance across faith, family, fitness, fun, and fulfillment Lessons from the Happy Hustle Mastermind in Montana This conversation is a reminder that success isn’t just about profit and growth — it’s about living a life aligned with your values. Thank you for supporting 250 episodes of Fireside Chats!

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This week on Fireside Chats with Jesse, I sit down with Deepika Shahani, Founder & Chief Sales Officer, and Paul Manley, Chief Technology Officer at DealHub360. Together, they share the story behind launching their platform, the experiences that shaped their careers, and how they are bringing new technology solutions to the equipment finance and payments space. We discuss: Deepika’s career journey from leasing startups to leadership at TimePayment How Paul’s technology expertise complements DealHub360’s vision The challenges and opportunities of building a front-end portal for the industry The story of how DealHub360 was born and what problems it is solving If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, technology, and the future of equipment finance platforms, this episode is a must-watch. Subscribe for weekly chats with industry leaders and innovators.

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This week on Fireside Chats with Jesse, I’m joined by Joe Andries, Vice President and General Manager of GreatAmerica Portfolio Services Group. With 37 years in the equipment finance industry, Joe has built an impressive career spanning credit, operations, and third-party servicing. We cover: Joe’s start at Lion Financial Services in 1988 and his progression into leadership roles The transition from Lion to U.S. Bank and eventually to GreatAmerica How third-party servicing has evolved over the years Lessons learned from nearly four decades in the industry Joe’s perspective offers both history and forward-looking insight into how servicing continues to shape equipment finance. Whether you’re new to the industry or a long-time professional, this conversation delivers valuable takeaways.

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In this week’s Fireside Chat with Jesse, I sit down with Moto Tohda, Vice President of Information Systems at Tokyo Century (USA). With over 18 years at the company, Moto has played a key role in shaping technology initiatives that drive business growth and operational efficiency. We talk about: His journey into equipment finance and long tenure at Tokyo Century The evolving role of IT leadership in aligning business processes with technology Strategies for integrating systems to transform the way business gets done The importance of collaboration between tech teams and business units Whether you’re in technology, operations, or leadership within equipment finance, Moto’s insights on bridging the gap between business needs and system capabilities will give you a fresh perspective. Subscribe for more weekly conversations with leaders shaping the future of equipment finance.

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Fireside Chat with Allen Snelling | President of Financial Pacific Leasing In this episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, I’m joined by Allen Snelling, newly appointed President of Financial Pacific Leasing (FinPac). After years of industry experience and leadership within FinPac, Allen steps into this new role with energy, humility, and a clear vision for the future. We discuss: Allen’s path to the presidency and how mentorship and legacy leadership shaped the transition The culture and team at FinPac—and why he believes it’s their greatest asset His strategic outlook for the business and where he sees growth opportunities ahead Navigating change while honoring what’s worked—and what he’s excited to build next Reflections on leadership, community, and what makes equipment finance such a tight-knit industry This episode captures a moment of professional transition and forward momentum—with practical insights for anyone leading through change. #EquipmentFinance #Leadership #AllenSnelling #FinancialPacific #FiresideChatsWithJesse #ConsultDisrupt

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Fireside Chat with Mike Mroszak | VP of Sales at Dedicated Financial GBC In this episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, I’m joined by Mike Mroszak, Vice President of Sales at Dedicated Financial GBC. A familiar face in the industry and a true “travel warrior,” Mike brings both energy and insight into the sales side of equipment finance—and the road life that comes with it. We dive into: Mike’s background and how he carved out a successful career in equipment finance The mission and growth of Dedicated Financial as a purpose-driven collections partner What it’s like to build relationships across conferences, industry events, and beyond His take on what it means to be genuinely present in a sales conversation Why giving back and company culture matter just as much as business development If you’ve seen Mike at a conference—or worked with Dedicated—you know you’re getting more than just surface-level insights. This is a conversation about connection, consistency, and creating value in every interaction. #EquipmentFinance #SalesLeadership #MikeMroszak #DedicatedFinancialGBC #ConsultDisrupt #FiresideChatsWithJesse

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Fireside Chat with Steve Taplin | Chief Product Officer at Lendscape In this episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, I connect with Steve Taplin, Chief Product Officer at Lendscape, to explore his decades-long career in equipment finance and the evolving role of product strategy in financial technology. Steve shares: His journey in the industry—from his start in 1997 to leading global product at Lendscape How the company has evolved to serve asset finance providers across multiple countries Insights on platform innovation, integration challenges, and building scalable tech for lenders Lendscape’s global footprint and how it navigates regulatory differences and customer expectations What’s next in product development—and how AI and automation are influencing the roadmap This episode provides a deeper look at how technology is reshaping equipment finance, from the lens of one of its most established providers. #EquipmentFinance #Fintech #Lendscape #SteveTaplin #ConsultDisrupt #FiresideChatsWithJesse

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Fireside Chat with Daryl Muller | COO & Corporate Secretary of ELFA In this episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, I’m joined by Daryl Muller, Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA). We explore Daryl’s journey into the equipment finance space, his evolving leadership role at ELFA, and the organization’s priorities for the rest of 2025. We discuss: Daryl’s career background and how he came to serve at ELFA The dual nature of his role as COO and Corporate Secretary—and why governance matters Key ELFA initiatives focused on member value, advocacy, and industry advancement What the equipment finance community can expect from ELFA in the second half of the year His approach to leadership and association management in a dynamic environment This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential organizations in the industry—and the people shaping its direction. #EquipmentFinance #Leadership #ELFA #DarylMuller #FiresideChatsWithJesse #ConsultDisrupt

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In this week’s episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, I sit down with Brett Davis, CEO of the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA). Brett brings a wealth of experience, from practicing law to nearly three decades in equipment finance leadership at CNH Industrial. We talk about his global career journey—including time spent in Brazil, Argentina, and Europe—how he transitioned from legal roles to executive leadership, and what he’s focused on now with NAEDA. Brett shares insightful stories about international markets, growing within a captive finance environment, and how the equipment dealer landscape is evolving today. 📌 Topics Covered: From law school to global finance leadership Captive finance and CNH Industrial career milestones International perspectives on equipment finance The mission and impact of NAEDA Advice for those navigating transitions in the industry Tune in to hear Brett’s remarkable journey and what lies ahead for equip

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In this week’s Fireside Chat, Jesse Johnson sits down with Miguel Fernandez, Co-Founder and CEO of Capchase. Miguel shares his journey from management consulting to leading one of the most innovative fintech platforms in the equipment and SaaS financing space. They dive into the founding story of Capchase, its evolution from serving SaaS providers to broader equipment financing, and how they’ve tackled point-of-sale friction by offering flexible payment options for buyers while allowing vendors to collect upfront contract value. 📌 Topics Covered: Miguel’s career journey and entrepreneurial pivot The core problem Capchase set out to solve Expansion from software to equipment financing International growth and market trends The future of financing in a bundled hardware-software world Subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders in equipment finance, tech, and innovation.

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This week on Fireside Chats with Jesse, I sit down with Michael Kianmahd, CEO of Maxim Commercial Capital. We explore Michael’s unique path from J.P. Morgan to the world of equipment finance, and how joining a family business transformed his career. Michael shares his perspective on supporting non-prime borrowers, building trust-based partnerships, and growing Maxim into a meaningful force in the market. We also dive into: The origin story of Maxim and its mission Lessons learned from banking and entrepreneurship What sets Maxim’s culture and approach apart How family values and leadership intersect in finance Whether you're in equipment finance, business leadership, or just love a good entrepreneurial journey—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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Fireside Chat with Bob Cohen | Partner at Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP In this episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, I’m joined by Bob Cohen, Partner at Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP, for a conversation that highlights the human side of legal practice in the equipment finance industry—and the value of consistency, credibility, and good humor. Bob shares: His journey from early legal work to becoming a recognized leader in equipment finance law What’s changed—and what hasn’t—when it comes to client needs, compliance, and expectations Why industry relationships and being authentic still matter most in a complex, evolving market Stories from decades of industry events, and why a Sharpie is always in his pocket Whether you're in credit, leadership, or legal, Bob offers perspective on longevity, trust, and the business value of showing up as yourself. #EquipmentFinance #LegalLeadership #ConsultDisrupt #BobCohen #MorittHockHamroff #FiresideChatsWithJesse

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Fireside Chat with Aaron Massie | General Counsel at Beacon Funding In this episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, I’m joined by Aaron Massie, General Counsel at Beacon Funding, for a conversation that explores the unique legal and operational dynamics of the equipment finance industry from the perspective of in-house counsel. Aaron shares: His journey from government and private legal practice to the world of equipment finance What drew him to Beacon Funding and why legal work in this space is both challenging and rewarding Key legal considerations lenders face and how he supports the business side in navigating risk His philosophy on internal partnerships, compliance, and balancing legal oversight with commercial enablement Whether you're in operations, credit, or management, Aaron provides insight into how strong legal guidance helps drive better business outcomes in a fast-paced, regulated environment. #EquipmentFinance #LegalLeadership #ConsultDisrupt #AaronMassie #BeaconFunding #FiresideChatsWithJesse

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Fireside Chat with Ken Walters | Managing Director at Apple Bank Equipment Finance In this episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, I’m joined by Ken Walters, Managing Director and Group Head of Apple Bank Equipment Finance, for a conversation that spans four decades of leadership, experience, and transformation in the equipment finance industry. Ken reflects on: His 40-year journey through banking and equipment finance Leadership lessons from building and scaling high-performing teams How Apple Bank is positioning itself in today’s evolving financial landscape The enduring importance of relationships, adaptability, and long-term thinking in the industry This conversation offers timeless perspective from a seasoned executive who has not only witnessed the evolution of the space but continues to actively shape its future. #EquipmentFinance #Leadership #ConsultDisrupt #KenWalters #AppleBank #FiresideChatsWithJesse

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In this episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, I sit down with Patrick Rohn, Regional Sales Manager for the Healthcare Team at Peak Solutions, to explore his journey in equipment finance, his sales philosophy, and how he's leveraged content creation to build his professional brand. Patrick brings an energetic and candid perspective to the conversation as we cover: His start in the industry through vendor acquisition and how persistence shaped his early success The importance of reliability, integrity, and consistency in sales How creating content and sharing his journey on LinkedIn transformed his visibility and relationships His thoughts on handling adversity, staying competitive, and serving partners with transparency The personal rewards of coaching youth hockey and applying life lessons from sports to his professional growth This episode is packed with practical insights for sales professionals, content creators, and anyone striving to build meaningful, long-term business relationships. #EquipmentFinance #SalesLeadership #ConsultDisrupt #PatrickRohn #PeakSolutions #FiresideChatsWithJesse

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