Kristi Schon joined Channel as Vice president of marketing in 2021. Though new to the equipment finance industry at the time, Schon was a veteran marketing leader able to quickly acclimate to the nuances of the industry, business and marketing environment. In her role, Schon is responsible for leading full funnel brand and marketing strategies across four business units for the company in Close collaboration With cross-functional leadership counterparts including sales, operations, technology, data and analytics, and more.

Schon has more than 22 years of experience working in traditional marketing and advertising agency settings in various roles at Epsilon, Life Time, Catapult Marketing, Macy’s North and Padilla Speer Beardsley. Prior to joining Channel, She was a senior account director for new business and Client services at Epsilon for nearly four years.

When she joined Channel, Schon leveraged her talents and practice expertise to objectively assess the company’s brand strength. Following this brand assessment, she spearheaded Channel’s initiative to realign brand and marketing and communication strategies to best support a more scaled, evolved business model and growth. She envisioned and cultivated a marketing and creative design team at Channel that skillfully supports a complex omnichannel marketing approach across the company as well as menu marketing programs to serve external equipment finance partners.

For those fortunate to work with her, Schon is valued for her positive influence and generous mentorship. She sets a collaborative example and work environment for her team, peers and counterparts alike, leading by example and actively seeking opportunities to encourage young professionals and women to consider building their careers in equipment finance.

Schon has already established industry best practices and processes for all marketing disciplines that have optimized performance for both Channel and its partners. Her work includes steering brand and communication strategy, public relations, digital and print advertising, internal communications, event management, data integration and performance analysis. Schon was also instrumental in the design and implementation of Channel’s Sync program which, to date, has driven more than $150 million in originations and a 120% growth rate year over year.

Schon has also played a key role in securing Channel’s position as a national lender in the equipment finance industry, with a portfolio approaching $500 million. She is active in the equipment finance industry overall and a current member of the American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers, the National Equipment Finance Association and the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association. Schon isn’t just a member of industry associations. For example, she takes an active role within the ELFA, serving on the organization’s communications committee. In addition, she is a member and contributor to Equipment Finance Cares’ marketing committee.

Schon wants her legacy to be defined by her ability to develop agency-caliber processes, performance and thought leadership for Channel while enabling access and capabilities for its partners so they may amplify their own marketing strategies as well.