Mark Johnson, the newly appointed CEO of Orion First, brings decades of experience and a passion for empowering businesses to thrive. In a Q&A with Rita E. Garwood, editor in chief of Monitor, Johnson discusses his leadership vision, the trends shaping the equipment finance industry and how Orion First’s people-focused philosophy drives value for its clients and the broader market. With a commitment to innovation and a clear purpose, Johnson is poised to lead Orion First into its next chapter of success.

Rita Garwood: For those unfamiliar with your background, you’ve had an extensive career, including time at GE Capital, executive roles in consumer finance and consulting, and now you’re the CEO of Orion First. What motivated you to take on this role, and how do you think your experience will shape how you lead the company?

Mark Johnson: Great question. My decision to join Orion First was driven by three key factors: people, purpose and philosophy. First, the people — being on Orion’s advisory board allowed me to work closely with David Schaefer and the leadership team, and they’re truly exceptional. Second, the purpose — Orion’s mission resonates deeply with me: “We believe the world’s a better place when small business succeeds.” Finally, the philosophy—Orion focuses not just on providing services but enabling clients to grow. As for how my background influences my leadership, I’d say it’s rooted in surrounding myself with the best people, listening to them, and supporting their success. Those leadership principles have served me well across my career, and I plan to continue them here at Orion.

Garwood: You’ve stepped into a role that Dave Schaefer held for a long time. What’s your vision for the company moving forward, and how does it align with the needs of your clients in the equipment finance industry?

Johnson: Since I’m only a couple of weeks in, my priority is understanding our clients’ needs and the sector overall. By listening to my team and clients, I plan to enhance Orion’s value proposition—helping clients focus on growth while we provide the support and tools they need to succeed.

Garwood: Dave Schaefer was a significant leader in the equipment finance industry. How do you see Orion delivering value not just to your clients but to the industry as a whole?

Johnson: It comes back to our philosophy: our features enable clients to grow their businesses. When we help clients leverage our data and services, they can focus on growth. This creates a ripple effect, where insights and best practices can elevate the industry as a whole.

Garwood: Orion has a unique vantage point as a servicing provider, often spotting trends early. What trends are you seeing now, and how is Orion adapting to meet the industry’s evolving needs?

Johnson: A few stand out: 24/7 self-service — clients increasingly expect safe, secure access to data at all times, and we’re meeting that demand through advanced portals. AI integration—while still in its early stages, AI has vast potential in areas like portfolio management and client interactions. We’re exploring how to use AI to deliver deeper insights and improve efficiency.

Garwood: We’re in a dynamic time politically and economically. With a new presidential administration coming in, what do you anticipate in terms of regulatory changes for the industry?

Johnson: I expect the administration to focus on minimizing regulation. We might see changes to the CFPB’s scope, particularly around small business oversight. Efforts to streamline bureaucracy and reassess certain requirements, like Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act, could also impact the landscape.

Garwood: How is Orion leveraging technology to provide better services and tools for your clients?

Johnson: Our client and obligor portals are a great example — they provide round-the-clock, secure access to essential data. We’re also focused on automating account onboarding and using AI to turn raw data into actionable insights. This helps our clients not just manage but grow their portfolios more effectively.

Garwood: What advice would you give to a business leader in the equipment finance industry looking to innovate and grow in today’s market?

Johnson: Outsource strategically. Working with a partner like Orion allows businesses to focus on their growth drivers while we handle the operational heavy lifting. I’ve seen companies try to build everything in-house and lose focus. Outsourcing the right functions can amplify a business’s value proposition.

Garwood: Looking back over your career, what lessons have you learned that would benefit others in equipment finance?

Johnson: The biggest lesson is to surround yourself with talented, trustworthy people—whether they’re team members, vendors, or partners. Then work collaboratively to achieve a “one plus one equals three” dynamic, where the combined efforts deliver more value than anyone could alone.

Garwood: Any final thoughts to share?

Johnson: I’d just emphasize the importance of caring—about the work you do, the people you work with, and the purpose you serve. Orion’s commitment to its people, its mission, and its philosophy is what drew me here, and I think it’s what will continue to drive our success.