Sally Laing has shaped Bell Bank Equipment Finance with 14 years of expertise, empathetic leadership and a commitment to empowering people across the industry. With more than 14 years of experience in the equipment finance industry, Laing has built her career on a foundation of adaptability, leadership and a genuine commitment to people. As Senior Vice President and Documentation Manager at Bell Bank Equipment Finance, she has been instrumental in shaping the division’s success and growth since its inception.
Laing began her career as a Documentation Specialist at Merchants Bank, where she honed her skills in documentation processes and compliance. In 2018, she joined Bell Bank as one of the original members of the newly formed equipment finance division. At the time, the team was just four people; today the division has grown to 13. Laing’s contributions span agriculture, construction and transportation, reflecting her versatility and understanding of industry needs.
In her current role, she manages the documentation team responsible for structuring loans and leases, overseeing insurance and title requirements and ensuring operational excellence. Leading a lean but highly skilled team requires flexibility and commitment. She is known for stepping in wherever needed, even covering for sales or other departments — a testament to her collaborative spirit and all-hands-on-deck approach.
Eric Zehr, President, Bell Bank Equipment Finance, admires Laing’s varied contributions: “I think what separates Sally is this drive to not let people down and she does this with a great attitude. She brings light to her team and is typically the one leading our out-of-office events. Our customers see this and several have requested that Sally be involved in their business with us.”
A core aspect of her leadership is her belief in empowering her team. Laing describes her leadership style as flexible and empathetic, rooted in kindness and care for the division’s success and her people’s well-being. She acknowledges her growth as a leader, especially in learning to delegate more effectively, but her ability to foster work-life balance and create a supportive culture sets her apart.
At Bell Bank, she embraces the company’s Pay It Forward philosophy, organizing and participating in volunteer initiatives throughout the year. In 2025, she led a team effort at a local food shelf and continues to engage in community events that reinforce her values of service and giving back. Outside the office, Laing is an active member of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association.
Looking forward, Laing sees the equipment finance industry evolving through technology, particularly in the adoption of AI. She is excited about the pace of change but remains confident that strong leadership will guide the industry through it.
Her advice to women entering the industry is simple: “Be confident. Women have the ability to do whatever it is they set their minds to. We are stronger than we think; sometimes it just takes knowing someone believes in you. Know that someone is out there.”
While Laing has accomplished much, she believes her proudest professional achievement is still ahead. Her forward-looking mindset combined with her dedication, compassion and leadership makes her a standout honoree among the Top 50 Women in Equipment Finance.
“Be confident. Women have the ability to do whatever it is they set their minds to. We are stronger than we think; sometimes it just takes knowing someone believes in you. Know that someone is out there.”
– Sally Laing
