Broadleaf Financial: A Fortune 1000 Lender Built to Last

Broadleaf Financial Group (Broadleaf) has entered the equipment finance market with a clear mission: providing a stable, independent alternative for Fortune 1000 companies. Launched in July 2025 and led by Brian Dundon, CEO, David Anderson, COO, Audrey Kent, CRO and Bennett Kowalk, CFO, the team is positioning Broadleaf to bridge a gap left by the shrinking number of independent lessors capable of serving large-scale corporate borrowers.

The decision to partner with Wafra Inc. (Wafra), a global investment firm with extensive experience in the equipment finance industry, was a deliberate move rooted in a shared philosophy regarding the fair market value (FMV) space. Dundon says Wafra’s patient approach and emphasis on building a “strong process foundation” make the firm an ideal sponsor. Anderson echoes this sentiment, praising the relationship’s transparency. “I really appreciate the commitment to a collaborative mental model,” Anderson says. “They listen as much as they speak. There is real clarity between ourselves and the sponsor.” 

The entire executive team and its sponsor share a vision of building a strong foundation to enable disciplined growth. “Now that we have a blank slate to start it, we are very methodical and taking our time to build clean systems and comprehensive policies,” Kent says. This alignment ensures Broadleaf will maintain its credit standards even as it scales.

The culture at Broadleaf is as foundational as its credit policies, shaped by leaders with a track record of excellence. Dundon, Kent and Kowalk have all been honored as Monitor NextGen leaders, while Anderson brings a wealth of experience standing up new businesses and divisions throughout his career.  

Dundon says the team is using their collective experience to build a truly transparent organization that can foster trust and durability. Anderson adds that the group’s synergy has been a driving force behind their early success. “It is fun to work with a creative group of people who are seasoned but not jaded,” Anderson says. “Everybody’s at a point in their career where they’re very comfortable speaking up, have the experience to back up what they’re talking about, but also are open-minded and leaning forward into learning as a group.”

Completing the leadership team is Kowalk, who joined in early 2026 with a pragmatic approach to the company’s digital infrastructure. Kowalk is focused on maximizing utility and avoiding unnecessary complexity, a strategy he describes as the “sweet spot” of implementation. “We like to use the term ‘minimum effective dose,’” Kowalk says. “What is the minimum amount of technology that’s still going to give us a leg up or make things easier and more efficient?”

Building a tech-smart firm requires a leader who is comfortable looking beyond standard industry playbooks. While Dundon has deep roots in both bank and independent environments, he points to specific professional milestones that fostered his enthusiasm for Broadleaf’s launch. Reflecting on his time in STRIPES Leadership Program, Dundon says, “The biggest component was really about the exchange of ideas and seeing what could be.” Through STRIPES, Dundon made connections that expanded his industry knowledge, strengthened his network and opened his eyes to new possibilities.

This blend of expertise, a commitment to building a solid foundation and a willingness to explore possibilities defines Broadleaf’s identity as a modern independent. By uniting disciplined underwriting with the startup’s agile, innovative spirit, the team is creating a repeatable, transparent platform. As the company scales, Broadleaf remains committed to the premise that a company is only as strong as its foundation, ensuring it is prepared to serve the elite tier of corporate credits for years to come. •

Rita E. Garwood is editor in chief
of Monitor.