Equipment Finance Cares (EF Cares), a non-profit dedicated to fostering connection, philanthropy, and industry support within the equipment finance sector, will hold its next networking event on Thursday, April 3rd, at The Ranch Las Colinas in Irving, TX. This event is hosted by Arvest Equipment Finance, Centra Leasing, and the National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA).

“Equipment Finance Cares is thrilled to return to the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area,” Jesse Johnson, founder of Equipment Finance Cares, said. “We sincerely appreciate our hosts and sponsors for their invaluable support in making these events possible.”

Engaging Discussions and Thought Leadership

The event will feature a dynamic lineup of industry leaders and experts:

• “The Human Side of Equipment Finance” Panel Discussion – Moderated by Tom Forbes of Wintrust Commercial Finance, this session will include insights from:
  • Kent Hammett, chief operating officer, Equify Financial
  • Eric Bunnell, president, Arvest Equipment Finance
  • John Boettigheimer, president, Centra Leasing
  • Lilibeth Martinez, assistant vice president, Assurant
• Keynote Session by Hilary Bilbrey – Co-Founder of PEQ Performance: Rooted in Positive & Emotional Intelligence (PEQ), Hilary will guide attendees through leadership strategies focused on aligning actions with values, building trust, and fostering high-performance workplace cultures. PEQ has worked with Fortune 200 companies across biotech, finance, SaaS, and professional services, helping organizations transition from reactive problem-solving to proactive, trust-based leadership.

Giving Back: Nonprofit Spotlights

A core focus of EF Cares is highlighting how industry professionals and organizations make a difference. This event will spotlight several nonprofit organizations, including:

• Love Life Now
• Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation
• NEFA Foundation
• Anthony’s Academy
• First Tee Dallas
• Neuro Assistance Foundation

Networking & Industry Engagement

The event will conclude with a two-hour networking session, with Arvest Bank serving as the host sponsor.

“Arvest Bank was founded over 60 years ago, and our culture is our identity,” Eric Bunnell, president of Arvest Equipment Finance, said. “Our mission is simple: people helping people find financial solutions for life. We are deeply committed to the communities we serve, and as a division of the bank, Arvest Equipment Finance embraces that same vision—encouraging our associates to get involved and give back. We are excited to host and co-sponsor this event, furthering our dedication to making a positive impact.”

Riley Nemeth, Senior Asset Manager at Wintrust Commercial Finance and EF Cares Advisory Board member, will chair this event.

“Wintrust Asset Finance and I are thrilled to support another Equipment Finance Cares event in North Texas,” said Nemeth. “This gathering is a fantastic opportunity to connect, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact in our industry and community. I can’t wait to see the conversations, ideas, and positive change that will come from bringing EFC back to our region!”