In the dynamic realm of the equipment finance industry, Blair Dawson’s journey has been a vibrant tapestry of professional growth, transformation and a relentless pursuit of positive impact. Dawson entered the industry in 2019, providing marketing and event planning for the National Equipment Finance Association. Dawson worked at NEFA through 2022, where she left to take on the executive director position with STRIPES Leadership Program.
Dawson’s professional narrative took an exciting turn during her tenure at STRIPES, where she honed her skills and embraced new leadership challenges. Dawson recognized her own risk aversion during her transformative journey with STRIPES and realized that she needed to rethink the way she had always done things in order to achieve exceptional outcomes.
Lisa Rafter, founder and CEO of STRIPES and publisher of Monitor, facilitated Dawson’s introduction to a business coach and the beginning of her personal transformation. This self-work inspired Dawson to take the boldest of leaps — to venture out and establish Sterling Rose Marketing & Communications Solutions.
“When Blair Dawson gets passionate and committed about something, watch out! Blair gives 100% — she’s all in,” Rafter says. “When Blair was the executive director of STRIPES, she brought excitement and diligence to our team. I think this is a unique and powerful combination. She rallied our team with ideas and charisma and then brought it all home with execution. Our industry is very lucky to have such a powerhouse!”
Over the last year, Dawson has served as an advisory council member to Equipment Finance Cares. Together with EFCares leadership, Dawson orchestrated events that brought nearly 500 equipment finance professionals together. More than just networking, these gatherings became a source for giving back to the community, with approximately $24,000 donated to non-profits championed by individuals within the industry. Dawson believes this intersection of networking and philanthropy exemplifies the power of collaboration, igniting not just professional connections, but also the passion to make a difference.
“The landscape of equipment finance is not just about transactions; it is about the people, the stories and the connection,” Dawson says. “Through my consultancy, I aim to be a catalyst for positive change — helping businesses flourish, professionals thrive and communities benefit from the ripple effects of our collaborative efforts.”
Dawson’s vision in building Sterling Rose Marketing & Communications Solutions is to leave a legacy of inspiration and collaboration. She is personally inspired by the Rudyard Kipling quote, “If you can dream — and not make dreams your master; if you can think — and not make thoughts your aim; if you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two impostors just the same; if you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken, twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, and stoop and build ‘em up with worn-out tools…”
As Dawson continues to establish Sterling Rose, she is energized by the prospect of forging new partnerships, unlocking potential and contributing to a narrative of success that transcends traditional boundaries.
“The landscape of equipment finance is not just about transactions; it is about the people, the stories and the connection. Through my consultancy, I aim to be a catalyst for positive change — helping businesses flourish, professionals thrive and communities benefit from the ripple effects of our collaborative efforts.”