“You can teach the equipment finance business, but you can’t teach passion, drive, and the ability to build relationships. I’ve been fortunate to learn from great people throughout my career, and creating opportunities for others often creates success for everyone.”

– Donna Yanuzzi

Donna Yanuzzi came to the industry from an unlikely place: publishing as an editor. Thirty years later, her enthusiasm remains strong. She’s most proud of the relationships she’s built, the people she’s mentored and the opportunities she helped create.

After nearly 25 years with a bank-owned equipment finance company, Yanuzzi retired, only to discover how much she missed the industry and its people. When a community bank expressed interest in establishing an equipment finance division, she came out of retirement. Together, the team navigated a pandemic, industry challenges and a bank merger while building a platform for growth guided by a simple strategy: hire talented people, empower them and build a supportive culture.

Yanuzzi’s leadership style has evolved from learning the business and executing ideas to setting a broader vision and removing obstacles for others. Instead of trying to have all the answers, she creates a “No Fear” environment where people can do their best work, learn from mistakes and grow.

Yanuzzi has always been passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and opening doors for others. Through mentoring, industry outreach, internships and volunteering, she believes equipment finance’s future depends on investing in the next generation.

Her advice is simple: find a mentor, stay curious and don’t be afraid. She encourages professionals to volunteer for stretch opportunities, read industry publications and step outside their comfort zones. Part of what drew Yanuzzi out of retirement was helping others find their place in an industry that has given her so much personally and professionally.