Fireside Chat Series

Consult Disrupt
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Join me every Wednesday and get to know more about leaders in the equipment finance industry. Listeners will get a better understanding of the organizations that these individuals present, career paths, current state of equipment finance, along with some fun banter with all guests.

  1. May 13

    Episode #280 Fireside Chat with Jonathan Hibma- Managing Partner of EFFI Finance

    Jonathan Hibma, CEO and Managing Partner of EFFI Finance, joins Jesse Johnson on this week’s Fireside Chats with Jesse. In this episode, Jonathan shares his journey into equipment finance, from starting college in economics and biochemistry to finding his way into the business side of healthcare, finance, leasing, and eventually equipment finance. Jonathan talks about the early lessons that shaped his career, the value of mentorship, and why relationships continue to matter in an industry that is becoming more digital, more competitive, and more complex. We also discuss the EFFI Finance model, how the company supports clients, and why being well-priced and well-structured is key to being well-financed. Topics covered in this episode include: Jonathan Hibma’s path into equipment finance Moving from science and healthcare into business and finance Early career lessons in leasing and commercial finance The importance of mentorship and learning from experienced leaders Building EFFI Finance and supporting clients with the right financing strategy Why structure matters as much as rate What it means to be well-priced, well-structured, and well-financed Relationship selling in equipment finance Helping clients evaluate the full picture, not just one transaction Leadership, team building, and developing the next generation The role of Equipment Finance Cares and giving back to the industry This episode is a great conversation for anyone in equipment finance, commercial finance, lending, leasing, vendor finance, or sales who believes long-term relationships, thoughtful structure, and doing the right thing still matter. Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse for more conversations with leaders across the equipment finance industry. #EquipmentFinance #EFFIFinance #EquipmentLeasing #CommercialFinance #VendorFinance #RelationshipSelling #Leadership #EquipmentFinanceCares #FiresideChatsWithJesse Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse on Soundwise

    42 min

  2. May 6

    Episode #279 Fireside Chat with Joe Applegate- COO of Time Value Software

    Joe Applegate, Senior Vice President and third-generation family member at TimeValue Software, joins Jesse Johnson on this week’s Fireside Chats with Jesse. In this episode, Joe shares the story behind TimeValue Software, the evolution of T-Value, and how a tool that many people in equipment finance rely on every day has continued to adapt over time. Joe talks about how TimeValue Software started, how T-Value became such a trusted solution across equipment finance, leasing, lending, accounting, and legal markets, and why accurate financial calculations remain so important in the industry. We also get into the continued shift from desktop software to cloud-based tools, API-driven calculations, integrations, user experience, and what customers are asking for today. Topics covered in this episode include: Joe Applegate’s path into TimeValue Software The history of TimeValue Software and T-Value Why T-Value became so widely used in equipment finance The complexity behind accurate finance and lease calculations Why companies should be careful before building their own calculation engine Desktop software vs. cloud-based financial tools How APIs are changing access to calculation functionality The importance of accuracy, reliability, and trust in financial software How TimeValue Software supports equipment finance, legal, accounting, and lending markets Why customer feedback continues to shape the product roadmap The future of T-Value and calculation technology This episode is a great conversation for anyone in equipment finance, commercial finance, leasing, lending, accounting, legal finance, or fintech who relies on accurate calculations, amortization schedules, present value, irregular payments, yield, rate, and lease finance tools. If you work in equipment finance, this is a behind-the-scenes look at one of the tools that has quietly supported the industry for decades. Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse for more conversations with leaders across the equipment finance industry. #EquipmentFinance #TValue #TimeValueSoftware #EquipmentLeasing #CommercialFinance #FinTech #LeaseAccounting #FinancialTechnology #LendingTechnology #APIs #FiresideChatsWithJesse Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse on Soundwise

    36 min

  3. Apr 29

    Epiosde #278 Fireside Chat with Dan Levin and Mitch Peterson- Liventus/Tamarack Acquisition.

    Tamarack Joins Liventus: What It Means for Equipment Finance Technology YouTube Description Dan Levin, President and Co-Founder of Liventus, and Mitch Peterson, Director of Equipment Finance Business Unit at Liventus, join Jesse Johnson on this week’s Fireside Chats with Jesse. In this episode, Dan and Mitch discuss the recent acquisition of Tamarack by Liventus and what it means for the equipment finance industry. The conversation focuses on how the combination of Tamarack’s deep equipment finance domain expertise and Liventus’ broader technology, engineering, AI, automation, modernization, and integration capabilities creates a stronger partner for banks, independents, captives, and equipment finance organizations looking to evolve their operations. Dan and Mitch share why this acquisition made sense, how it expands the ability to support clients, and why modernization is becoming more important as equipment finance companies navigate legacy systems, fragmented data, security concerns, workflow challenges, and growing expectations around efficiency. Topics covered in this episode include: Why Liventus acquired Tamarack What the acquisition means for equipment finance companies The importance of deep industry expertise in technology projects Legacy system modernization and platform migration Data conversion, data ingestion, and system integrations How AI and automation fit into equipment finance operations Why solving the business problem matters more than chasing technology trends Security risks tied to aging technology environments Workflow improvements across the finance lifecycle The value of combining advisory, implementation, engineering, and industry knowledge How Liventus and Tamarack can support equipment finance organizations moving forward This episode is a great conversation for anyone in equipment finance who is thinking about modernization, technology strategy, AI, automation, data, integrations, system upgrades, or how to better align technology with business outcomes. If you work in equipment finance, commercial finance, leasing, lending, fintech, or financial technology, this is a conversation worth watching. Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse for more conversations with leaders across the equipment finance industry. #EquipmentFinance #Liventus #Tamarack #EquipmentLeasing #FinTech #CommercialFinance #AI #Automation #DigitalTransformation #LegacyModernization #DataIntegration #TechnologyStrategy #FiresideChatsWithJesse Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse on Soundwise

    36 min

  4. Apr 22

    Episode #277 Fireside Chat with Steven Robbins, SVP at Flagstar Financial & Leasing.

    In this episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, Jesse Johnson sat down with Steven Robbins of Flagstar Financial & Leasing to discuss asset management, equipment finance leadership, and the broader trends shaping the Equipment Finance Industry. Steven shared his career journey into equipment finance and talked through the role asset management plays in today’s market. The conversation covered equipment management, residual values, valuations, lease negotiations, collections, workouts, titling, and what leaders across the industry are seeing as market conditions continue to evolve. This conversation also explored the importance of relationships in equipment finance, why professionals stay committed to the industry over the long term, and how businesses are thinking about asset values and recovery strategies in 2026. Topics discussed in this episode included: Asset management in equipment finance Residual values and equipment valuations Collections, workouts, and portfolio management Titling and operational oversight Equipment recovery trends Leadership in equipment finance The state of the Equipment Finance Industry Long-term relationship building in financial services If you work in equipment finance, equipment leasing, commercial finance, asset management, or vendor finance, this episode offered valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the market. Thank you to Steven Robbins of Flagstar Financial & Leasing for joining Fireside Chats with Jesse. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders across equipment finance, equipment leasing, commercial lending, fintech, and industry innovation. #EquipmentFinance #EquipmentLeasing #AssetManagement #CommercialFinance #Leadership #Podcast #FiresideChatsWithJesse #Flagstar #VendorFinance #FinancialServices Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse on Soundwise

    44 min

  5. Apr 15

    Episode #276 Fireside Chat with Josh Power, Founder of Golden Capital

    Josh Power of Golden Capital joins Jesse Johnson on this week’s Fireside Chats with Jesse. In this episode, Josh shares his path into equipment finance, what it took to launch Golden Capital, and why relationships, hustle, and showing up still matter in a business being reshaped by AI. Josh brings a great mix of energy, honesty, and perspective as he talks about building a company from the ground up, learning through failure, earning business the old-fashioned way, and staying hands-on in a relationship-driven industry. Topics covered in this episode include: Josh Power’s journey from internship to founder of Golden Capital Building an equipment finance business from scratch Why word-of-mouth and vendor relationships still win How AI is helping improve speed, communication, and workflow The importance of showing up, shaking hands, and earning trust Lessons from cold calling, conferences, and learning through rejection Golden Capital’s growth plans and team expansion Why equipment finance remains such a strong long-term career path Josh’s personal philosophy: suit up, show up, and shut up What it means to “bring the juice” in business and in life If you work in equipment finance, commercial finance, lending, fintech, sales, or vendor finance, this conversation is packed with practical insight and real-world perspective. Thank you for watching Fireside Chats with Jesse, where we highlight the people, stories, and ideas shaping the equipment finance industry. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders across equipment finance, banking, fintech, leasing, and commercial lending. #FiresideChatsWithJesse #EquipmentFinance #GoldenCapital #JoshPower #CommercialFinance #VendorFinance #Fintech #Leasing #SalesLeadership #BusinessGrowth Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse on Soundwise

    36 min

  6. Apr 8

    Episode #275 Fireside Chat with John Gougeon, President of Unifi Equipment Finance

    In this episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, Jesse Johnson sits down with John Gougeon, President of UniFi Equipment Finance, for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, growth, culture, and the long-term strength of the equipment finance industry. John shares his career journey across Lease First, Heller Financial, GE Capital, U.S. Express Leasing, Bank of America, SLR Equipment Finance, and now UniFi Equipment Finance. He also talks about what has helped UniFi grow, why culture matters so much inside an organization, and why equipment finance continues to be such a strong career path for people who value relationships, stability, and helping small businesses succeed. If you work in equipment finance, commercial finance, vendor finance, bank leasing, small ticket, middle market lending, specialty finance, or broker finance, this episode is packed with practical insight and perspective from a respected industry leader. In this conversation, we cover: John Gougeon’s career path through equipment finance The launch and rapid growth of U.S. Express Leasing The evolution and growth of UniFi Equipment Finance Leadership lessons around trust, empowerment, and team expertise Why company culture matters in building a successful organization The challenge of attracting young talent into equipment finance How the industry supports small businesses and helps them grow Market uncertainty in 2026, including rates, tariffs, fuel costs, and broader economic pressures The value of ELFA and NEFA throughout an equipment finance career A personal story from John about family, fatherhood, and life outside of work John also shares how UniFi Equipment Finance has grown its portfolio, increased average deal size, and continued building around core markets like construction, vocational trucks, towing, woodworking, and CNC machine tools. This is a great episode for anyone interested in: equipment finance leadership, UniFi Equipment Finance, commercial lending, vendor finance, broker relationships, small business lending, equipment leasing careers, and equipment finance industry trends. Thank you for watching Fireside Chats with Jesse. Please like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders across the equipment finance industry. #FiresideChatsWithJesse #JohnGougeon #UniFiEquipmentFinance #EquipmentFinance #EquipmentLeasing #CommercialFinance #VendorFinance #SmallBusinessLending #ELFA #NEFA #Leadership #BrokerFinance Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse on Soundwise

    35 min

  7. Mar 25

    Episode #274 Fireside Chat with Brian Noble Founder and CEO of Asset Compliant Solutions

    In this episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, I sit down with Brian Noble, President & CEO of Asset Compliance Solutions (ACS), to talk about the realities behind asset recovery, compliance, and risk in the equipment finance industry. Brian shares how ACS supports lenders and leasing companies through asset management, recovery strategies, and compliance oversight, along with real-world insights from years in the field. We also get into the misconceptions around recovery companies, how technology like GPS is changing asset tracking, and what organizations should really be thinking about when it comes to protecting their portfolios. In this conversation, we cover: The role of asset compliance in equipment finance How asset recovery actually works behind the scenes Common misconceptions about repo and recovery firms Risk management strategies lenders should be thinking about The impact of technology on tracking and recovering assets Real-world stories and lessons from the field If you're in equipment finance, lending, or asset management, this is a practical, no-fluff conversation you’ll appreciate. About Brian Noble: Brian Noble is the President & CEO of Asset Compliance Solutions (ACS), a firm focused on helping equipment finance organizations manage, track, and recover assets while maintaining compliance and minimizing risk. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders across equipment finance and fintech. #EquipmentFinance #AssetRecovery #Compliance #Leasing #RiskManagement #Fintech #FiresideChats #JesseJohnson Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse on Soundwise

    32 min

  8. Mar 18

    Episode #273 Fireside Chat with Allyson Gale, Vice President of the ELFA

    In this episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, Jesse Johnson sits down with Allison “Ally” Gale, Vice President at the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA). Ally recently stepped into her new leadership role at ELFA and joins the conversation to share her career journey, perspective on industry advocacy, and the important role associations play in supporting the equipment finance community. Before joining ELFA, Ally began her career on Capitol Hill, gaining firsthand experience in policy and government affairs before transitioning into association leadership. Her background gives her a unique perspective on how legislation, policy, and industry collaboration impact equipment finance companies. During this conversation, Jesse and Ally discuss: • Ally’s career path from Capitol Hill to ELFA • The role ELFA plays in supporting the equipment finance industry • Advocacy and policy efforts impacting equipment finance companies • Why industry participation and engagement matter • The evolving priorities for the equipment finance community If you're involved in equipment finance, leasing, lending, or industry advocacy, this conversation provides valuable insight into the work happening behind the scenes to support the industry. Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse for more conversations with leaders across the equipment finance industry. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform: Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gFcZMGif Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gsJ7AZVJ We thank our Fireside Chat sponsors: Consult Disrupt Equipment Finance Cares Liventus #equipmentfinance #leasing #elfa #financing #equipmentleasing #podcast #firesidechatswithjesse Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse on Soundwise

    45 min
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About

Join me every Wednesday and get to know more about leaders in the equipment finance industry. Listeners will get a better understanding of the organizations that these individuals present, career paths, current state of equipment finance, along with some fun banter with all guests.

Information

  • Creator
    Consult Disrupt
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Consult Disrupt
  • Show Website
    Fireside Chat Series