Rita E. Garwood,
Editor in Chief,
Monitor

The business world is in the midst of a significant transition. With a new administration taking the reins in Washington, Chris Enbom unpacks what Trump’s policy shifts mean for equipment finance, exploring how changes in trade, tax policies and banking regulations may influence the industry in the coming years. Complementing this discussion, Patricia Voorhees underscores how market demands — rather than policy alone — will sustain investment in sustainable energy solutions, particularly as industries like AI-driven data centers and manufacturing continue to evolve.

Sales professionals looking to refine their skills will find valuable insights in the first edition The Art and Science Sales, in which industry veteran Scott Kiley shares practical strategies for mastering both the technical and interpersonal aspects of the business.

At the heart of this issue, our Best Companies section provides an in-depth look at organizations that are leading the way in key areas that define business success today. Our readers submitted nominations, our board voted and we honor winning companies in the following categories:

• Innovation: How forward-thinking companies are leveraging technology and creativity to maintain a competitive edge in the industry.

• Culture: The strategies top firms employ to foster a thriving, engaged workforce.

• Leadership: The key traits and best practices that define exceptional leadership in equipment finance.

• DE&I: Why diversity, equity and inclusion remain critical components of business growth and success, despite recent challenges.

• Community Impact: The growing role of corporate philanthropy in driving both social and financial returns.

Beyond company profiles, we also offer a forward-looking perspective in our new 2025 Market Outlooks, providing analysis on where the trucking, construction, IT, manufacturing and agriculture sectors are headed in the coming year.

In a new Monitoring the Monitors column, Ken Greene tackles a crucial yet often overlooked question: Who’s keeping an eye on our financial regulators? And in Doing the Work, Melanie Rudiger makes a compelling case for more inclusive hiring practices that recognize and support neurodiverse professionals, offering practical guidance for employers seeking to build a truly diverse workforce.

As always, we round out the issue with By the Numbers, an infographic feature designed to distill the key data points and trends shaping our industry.

We are already hard at work on our Mar/Apr issue, which will feature the Top 30 Private Independents ranking and our annual Funding Source Spotlights.

Enjoy the issue!