“I believe people should be at the center of every decision, even when it’s framed as purely financial. I try to approach everything with a ‘what’s in it for them’ mindset, focusing on relationships, doing right by others and knowing that strong results follow when people come first.”

As the chief revenue officer at Dedicated Financial GBC, Cory Svihla’s career is anchored in the belief that the equipment finance industry is defined by the people. First introduced to the industry through professional organizations in 2011, Svihla was immediately drawn to the tight-knit, supportive community he observed. Since joining Dedicated, his perspective has shifted from an external appreciation of this culture to experiencing it firsthand, recognizing that the business’s true value lies in its collaborative nature and the strength of its long-term relationships.

Over the past 12 to 18 months, Svihla helped navigate a significant period of growth as Dedicated expanded from approximately 60 employees to nearly double that size. He points to the organization’s ability to confront challenges head-on, adapt in real time and maintain momentum throughout the transition.This achievement underscores a practical, team-first approach to problem-solving, where collective flexibility and a focus on shared goals provide the foundation for sustainable growth.

Svihla describes his leadership style using three distinct roles: connector, people-first and elevator. As a connector, he focuses on aligning the right talent and fostering genuine relationships. By putting people at the center, he works to remove barriers to success and understand what motivates them. Finally, as an “elevator,” Svihla prioritizes lifting others up — giving credit and creating opportunities for advancement — to ensure that as the company grows, the entire team rises along with it.