THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR — A MIX OF REFLECTION AND MOMENTUM — THAT MAKES THE STORIES IN THIS ISSUE HIT WITH EVEN MORE CLARITY. For our final issue of 2025, we’re featuring voices, insights and data that signal where the equipment finance industry is heading next, and who’s leading the way.
We begin with the 7th Annual Women in Equipment Finance celebration, anchored by three powerful features. In our cover story, five senior executives — Iman Eddini of DLL, Tina Eickhoff of U.S. Bank, Amrita Patel of Wells Fargo, Linda Redding of J.P. Morgan, and Nancy Robles of Eastern Funding — reflect on pivotal career moments and how they’re using their leadership to reshape the path for others. Their stories are honest, insightful and deeply motivating.
In Top Women in Equipment Finance, we spotlight this year’s list of leaders who continue to break new ground, challenge norms and drive lasting impact across the industry. And in a special feature driven by the results of a survey of Top Women in Equipment Finance honorees, I unpack new data and conversations that highlight the progress made — and the work still ahead — in achieving equity, visibility and opportunity for women.
But the spotlight doesn’t stop there. Paul Bent of The Alta Group challenges the next generation of leaders to lean into the one advantage machines can’t replicate: human connection. Lisa Rafter explores the must-know insights from Suite by Monitor in 2025, from friction points to the untapped $15 billion opportunity in the middle market.
Sales strategy also takes center stage in the final installment of Scott Kiley’s Art & Science of Sales series, where he breaks down how great originators build trust post-sale, streamline credit approvals, and convert customers into long-term partners. On the risk side, in The Collector Chronicles, Ty Schwamberger of Elevex Capital offers a tactical guide to dispute resolution, showing how to protect both relationships and revenue when things go sideways.
This issue also explores where product innovation meets customer value. Mike Medeiros of Assurant makes a case for extended service contracts that do more than reduce downtime — they build customer trust. Meanwhile, Marcie Bomberg-Montoya of Wipfli shares practical leadership guidance on future-ready leadership, focused on navigating disruption and leading teams through uncertainty.
Finally, in our annual Bank 50 Ranking, I take a closer look at how leading bank-owned equipment finance companies are positioning for growth after a year of modest contraction.
This issue is packed with perspectives from people who are changing the trajectory of equipment finance and anticipating how to navigate curves that may lie ahead. As we wrap 2025, one thing is clear: the future of equipment finance is being written by leaders who prioritize resilience, relevance and real impact. Here’s to closing strong and leading forward!
We will be back in early 2026 with our annual Best Companies in Equipment Finance issue. Until then, on behalf of the Monitor team, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous start to the new year.
