Equipment Finance Cares held its fifth event of 2023 last week in Scottsdale, AZ, with more than 40 equipment finance professionals representing 24 different organizations in attendance.

“Thank you Ascentium Capital for hosting our final event of 2024,” Jesse Johnson, president of Consult Disrupt and founder of Equipment Finance Cares, said. “A big thank you to all that attended and for the continued support of all our EF Cares sponsors.”

The program featured two panel discussions. The first was a best practices panel moderated by Jaimie Haver, CLFP, from Happy Manufacturing, with panelists including Mark Farlin of LEAF Commercial Finance; Marci Slagle, CLFP, of BankFinancial; Tony Sedlacek, CLFP, of Orion First; and Brad Kissler of Mazo Capital.  The second panel focused on the human side of equipment finance and was moderated by Blair Dawson from Sterling Rose, with panelists including Craig Colling, CLFP of Ascentium Capital; Chelsea Haines of Regents Capital; Andrew Pace of Asset Compliant Solutions; and Johnson.

Immediately following the panel discussion, the event’s featured speaker, Shea Hillenbrand, a two-time MLB All-Star and motivational speaker, gave a passionate speech about getting the most out of a career and life.

The foundations that were showcased during the event included Love Life Now, Operation Open Water, the Tam Ky Project, Live & Learn Arizona and Fresh Start

Ascentium Capital hosted a networking reception that concluded the event.

“I left the Equipment Finance Cares event with a sense of pride in our industry. It’s not just about financing equipment; it’s about financing hope, change and a better future for those in need,” Pace said.

“Attending the Equipment Finance Cares event was not just a gathering of industry leaders but a powerful convergence of compassion and impact. I was thrilled when the EF Cares team extended the opportunity to showcase Arizona Live & Learn, a local charity close to my heart,” Danielle Dolloff of Liventus, said. “Overall, the event provided remarkable industry perspectives featuring experts in equipment finance while also lending support to multiple charitable causes.”

“This was the first EF Cares event for me. I enjoyed the more intimate group and appreciated all panelist, great topics and a nice mix of people,” Sedlacek said. “I was moved by the guest speaker. I’m not sure I’ve met a more possessed person on life. Thanks to EF Cares for allowing Shea Hillebrand to tell his story. Inspiring, great life messages. Looking forward to future EF Cares events.”

The next EF Cares event will be held on Feb. 21 in Huntington Beach, CA, with Blue Street Capital serving as host. If you are interested in hosting, being on a panel, or sponsoring a future Equipment Finance Cares event, reach out to Johnson via email.