2026 Leadership Honoree

BEST COMPANIES

IN EQUIPMENT FINANCE

LEAFCommercialCapital at 350
Driving Industry Excellence through People-First Leadership and a Culture of Continuous Development

LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc. is a dedicated engine for professional growth and leadership development in equipment finance.

A top-tier subsidiary of M&T Bank, LEAF combines the agility of a specialty finance company with a relentless commitment to its people and the long-term success of the industry. This fosters an environment where talent is nurtured through intentional mentorship and specialized training, ensuring that as the business scales, it simultaneously strengthens the fabric of the 339,000-plus businesses it serves nationwide.

Leadership at LEAF is defined by clarity, consistency and deep accessibility. Its leaders have successfully guided the team through multiple economic cycles and ownership transitions with transparency and a focus on individual well-being. This steady guidance ensures every decision supports business goals and the growth of the individuals working toward them. Empowerment is central to the culture; interactive town halls and peer-nominated awards provide employees with a direct line to senior leadership, fostering trust and openness that is rare in the financial industry.

LEAF prioritizes growth by investing in nationally recognized programs like STRIPES Leadership Program and ensuring its team remains at the forefront of industry standards by hosting bi-monthly Certified Lease & Finance Professional designation workshops. An in-house mentorship program and bank-wide leadership development encourage cross-functional connections, further creating a future-ready workforce. By combining strategic vision with hands-on involvement, the company ensures performance and purpose go hand in hand. Ultimately, LEAF remains a special place for industry professionals to grow, proving that a commitment to people is the most sustainable path to success.

Herman Miles 2026 cropped at 300
Miles Herman, CEO

“Great leadership starts with listening. When people feel heard and supported, they do their best work — and lead with those same values. That cycle of trust and openness is what makes LEAF a truly special place to grow.”

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