Brij Patel has led Alliance Funding Group (AFG) through multiple economic cycles, building a resilient, independently owned company that has stood the test of time. He’s most proud of keeping the business truly private while navigating the highs and lows of the market. A defining moment in AFG’s growth was the shift from a broker/lessor model to becoming a full balance sheet lender. That transition reshaped the company’s trajectory and was only possible because of a strong, well-timed team.
“Having the right people at the right time was instrumental in that transition,” says Patel. Over time, his leadership has evolved from chasing financial benchmarks to focusing on endurance and sustainability. “You can only take advantage of the opportunities that economic cycles deliver if you’re still standing,” Patel notes, citing Warren Buffett: “Rule No. 1, don’t go out of business. Rule No. 2, listen to Rule No. 1.” His advice for the next generation is clear: be patient and play the long game. “You’re not competing with anyone,” he says. “You’re building the best version of your business that you’ve imagined.”
