Fireside Chat Series

Consult Disrupt
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 1D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. MAR 11

    Episode #272 Fireside Chat with RJ Grimshaw The AI CEO

    RJ Grimshaw, known as The AI CEO, joins me again for a candid conversation about artificial intelligence and how it’s actually being used inside real businesses. This isn’t theory. We talk about practical application. We discuss how I’m using AI within Consult Disrupt and Equipment Finance Cares, particularly around proposals, documentation, structured thinking, and improving workflow efficiency. In this episode: • How AI is being used to strengthen proposals • Organizing project documentation more effectively • Using AI as a thought partner, not a replacement • Where leaders are overthinking AI • The real risks and responsibilities If you’re in equipment finance, consulting, or leading a team trying to adopt AI responsibly, this conversation keeps it practical. If you found value: ✔ Subscribe for more leadership conversations ✔ Share with someone exploring AI ✔ Comment how you’re using AI inside your organization Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse on Soundwise

    42 min

  5. MAR 4

    Episode #270 Fireside Chat with Anthony Trollope, President of the Foresight Marketing Agency

    Anthony Trollope, President of Foresight Marketing Agency, joins me to discuss marketing strategy, industry positioning, and what growth really looks like in equipment finance. Anthony took over a legacy PR and marketing agency deeply rooted in the equipment finance industry and has since been building on that foundation with a modern performance marketing approach. We discuss: • Acquiring and evolving a legacy industry agency • Marketing strategy for equipment finance companies • The shift from traditional PR to digital performance • SEO, positioning, and credibility in niche financial markets • Lessons from building and exiting previous businesses If you’re a lender, service provider, or executive trying to sharpen your market position, this conversation is practical and grounded in real experience. If this episode was helpful: ✔ Subscribe for more equipment finance conversations ✔ Share with your marketing team ✔ Comment with the biggest marketing challenge you’re facing Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse on Soundwise

    44 min

  6. FEB 25

    Episode #269 Fireside Chat with Billy Quinn Managing Director of Codix US

    Billy Quinn, Managing Director of Codex, joins me on this week’s Fireside Chats with Jesse to talk about his journey from software developer to nearly 30 years in lending and financial technology. Billy’s path started in development, moved into loans, and evolved into leading a technology-focused organization serving the lending space. We discuss how technical roots shape leadership, how lending has evolved over three decades, and what it takes to balance innovation with discipline in financial services. In this episode, we cover: • Transitioning from software development into lending • Lessons learned from 30 years in financial services • The evolution of lending technology • Protecting client trust while pushing innovation • Leadership perspective from a technical founder background If you’re in equipment finance, lending, fintech, or leading a tech-enabled organization, this conversation is packed with practical perspective. If you enjoyed this episode: ✔ Subscribe to the channel ✔ Share with a colleague in lending or fintech ✔ Drop a comment with your biggest tech challenge in 2026 Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse on Soundwise

    38 min

  7. FEB 18

    Epiosde #268 Fireside Chat with Erik Anderson Chief Credit Officer at Northland Capital

    In this episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, I’m joined by Erik Anderson of Northland Capital, where we talk about career longevity, leadership, and the kind of company culture that keeps people committed for the long haul. Erik shares insight into: His career path in equipment finance and lessons learned along the way Why Northland’s culture is built around trust, consistency, and people first leadership How strong internal culture translates into better outcomes for customers Navigating market cycles with experience and perspective What keeps professionals engaged and growing over decades, not quarters This conversation highlights how intentional culture and leadership create stability in an industry that’s constantly evolving. 👇 If you value honest conversations about leadership, culture, and the business of equipment finance, subscribe and join the discussion in the comments. Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse on Soundwise

    44 min

  8. FEB 11

    Episode #268 Fireside Chat with Kris Darby, SVP of Operations at Western Equipment Finance

    🎙 Fireside Chats with Jesse | Kris Darby, SVP of Operations at Western Equipment Finance In this episode of Fireside Chats with Jesse, I’m joined by Kris Darby, SVP of Operations at Western Equipment Finance, for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, culture, and operational discipline in equipment finance. Kris shares her background, her role at Western Equipment Finance, and how strong values, clear processes, and people-first leadership drive long-term success. We discuss what it takes to build scalable operations, align teams around core values, and lead effectively through growth and change. This episode is a great watch for professionals in equipment finance, leasing, and commercial lending, especially those involved in operations, leadership, and organizational development. Topics we cover include: Kris’s career path and role at Western Equipment Finance The importance of culture and core values Operational leadership and team alignment Hiring, performance management, and accountability Scaling operations while staying true to your values Why people and process still matter in equipment finance As always, Fireside Chats with Jesse are informal, industry-focused conversations with leaders who care deeply about this business and the people behind it. 📌 Subscribe for more Fireside Chats with leaders across equipment finance 👍 Like & share if you found value in the conversation 💬 Comment below with your biggest takeaway Thanks for listening. — Jesse Subscribe to Fireside Chats with Jesse on Soundwise

    42 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