First American Equipment Finance, an RBC / City National Bank Company, has more than three decades of experience providing equipment leasing and financing to commercial borrowers nationwide. Headquartered in Rochester, NY, the company is guided by its mission to empower employees, deliver exceptional client value and create lasting community impact. With a vision to be the best company to work for and with, First American’s culture thrives on innovation, trust and inclusivity.
Empowering Colleagues
At First American, success starts with its people. The company’s culture is built on empowering employees to thrive, knowing that a motivated and supported workforce drives exceptional results. By listening to colleagues through annual surveys and an employee-led Culture Team, First American fosters an environment where employees feel valued, engaged and inspired to grow both personally and professionally.
Investing in Growth
First American believes in continuous growth. The company provides a range of resources to help colleagues develop their skills and advance their careers, including a comprehensive professional development platform, mentorship opportunities, leadership workshops and an MBA financial assistance program.
Prioritizing Wellness
The well-being of employees is a top priority at First American. Gym subsidies for remote employees, onsite fitness resources, flexible work options, unlimited sick time and 16 weeks of paid parental leave help employees maintain balance and thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Wellness at First American also means fostering connection and belonging. Employee Resource Groups, such as Women in Business and Building Belonging, create spaces for advocacy, collaboration and support. These groups strengthen inclusivity and provide opportunities for employees to connect, share perspectives and grow together.
Living the B.E.S.T. Values
The company’s B.E.S.T. values — Be Positive, Earn Relationships, Strive for Excellence and Take Action — serve as guiding principles that influence every interaction and decision. Peer-nominated recognition programs, like the “BESTie” awards, celebrate colleagues who embody these values and reinforce their importance across the organization.
Building Trust with Transparency
First American fosters trust and collaboration through a transparent approach to leadership and communication. Monthly all-hands meetings paired with regular updates on financial performance and company goals help ensure employees stay informed and aligned. The open office design, featuring glass windows and walls, encourages communication and teamwork, reflecting the company’s commitment to inclusivity and shared success.
Making a Difference in the Community
Giving back is at the heart of First American’s culture. Programs like “Captain Your Cause” empower employees to lead initiatives they care about, supported by 16 hours of paid volunteer time annually. The Corporate Citizenship Team expands these efforts with company-wide initiatives, such as sponsoring the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Walk and organizing local volunteer events.
Thriving Together
By empowering people, driving innovation and supporting its community, First American continues to build a workplace where employees and clients thrive together.
“Our culture is defined by how we choose to interact with one another each day — with respect, support, and collaboration,” Alan Sikora, CEO, says. “When genuine, hard-working colleagues connect authentically, they create an environment where everyone flourishes. These interactions build trust, foster teamwork and drive our collective success.”
