Congratulations to Jenny Wood for joining the ranks of The Monitor's 50 most influential women in leasing!
Jennifer Wood, Orion First’s Senior Vice President of Client Services, has been named one of the 50 most influential women in leasing by the Monitor Daily. We are fortunate for her vision leadership at Orion and are excited that The Monitor has recognized her influence.
“I see a future in which men know how to offer critique constructively and tactfully; they know to ask my thoughts and opinions. And we need to help them get there. We can’t promote women in the industry without men alongside us walking the walk.”
Click here to read her feature in The Monitor
"FIRST IN - LAST OUT” Orion Featured in the Monitor Daily Spotlight on Asset Management
Orion First’s Commercial Collections department was featured in the latest edition of the Monitor Daily’s Spotlight on Asset Management and Tony Sedlacek had the chance to explain some of Orion’s proven philosophy on asset management and recovery services.
“The hallmark of the Orion way of business is a mix of the old school with the present day; leveraging a solid network of relationships forged over years in the equipment finance industry, while utilizing modern technology to optimize operations, track down delinquent debts and achieve the maximum recovery.”
Click here to read the complete Spotlight
Congratulations to Mikey Schaefer, son of Orion CEO David T. Schaefer
Son of CEO David T. Schaefer, Mikey Schaefer is a lifelong climber and world-famous visual storyteller, with photography featured in iconic publications including National Geographic Magazine, Alpinist, and Outside, as well as work in cinematography featured on 60 Minutes, Fox Searchlight and more.
His most recent contributions to Free Solo earned an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and continue to stun audiences around the world with a breathtaking showcase of the nearly unbelievable solo climbing feat.
Featuring Alex Honnold, world-renowned rock climber, and longtime friend of Schaefer, Free Solo exhibits his death-defying, 3200-foot free climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Summiting the massive granite face with no rope or harness seems outrageous to most, but Alex achieves his dream and masters the unthinkable, with Mikey and crew alongside to share his journey with the world.
The only way to capture the intense drama of Alex’s solo, ropeless ascent is to climb it yourself...and that’s exactly what co-director Jimmy Chin, Mikey Schaefer, and the photography/cinematography crew did. Secured with full climbing and camera gear, they can be seen suspended thousands of feet above the ground, even hanging far away from the rock face itself, in order to get the best shots and distract the climber as little as possible.
Beyond highlighting the hair-raising climb, the documentary gives an inside look into the mental and emotional struggles faced by the crew as they capture what could at any second become the final act in the life of a climbing legend and friend.
Orion First is proud to feature photography from Mikey's world travels across our website and marketing collateral. The awesome work he produces continually inspires our organization and fuels our drive to help the small business community reach new heights.
Our sincerest congratulations go out to Mikey and the entire crew for such an incredible job capturing and sharing this potentially once in a lifetime accomplishment!
Mikey Schaefer is available for commercial and editorial assignments. Visit his website www.mikeylikesrocks.com to view his portfolio and learn more.
-Watch Free Solo, ad free, this Sunday on the National Geographic channel, 9pm (8pm Central)-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtnjRoDa71Y
https://www.nytimes.com/video/opinion/100000006186870/what-if-he-falls.html
Orion First’s Industry Commitment Shines into 2019 with ELFA Involvement
Orion First continues to demonstrate its commitment to the equipment finance industry through robust involvement in the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA).
“I encourage all of our employees to seek leadership roles in associations like the ELFA in order to help hold our industry accountable to a higher standard,” said CEO, David T. Schaefer. “Orion’s purpose is to empower those who fund small business, so they can in-turn help their own communities. With my term as Chairman complete, I am glad to see the Orion team continuing to promote this purpose in order to elevate all communities across the country.”
The Orion First team members active on the 2019 ELFA Committee rosters are:
David T. Schaefer, CLFP, CEO, serves on the Board of Directors. During his 2018 term as Chairman of the Board, Schaefer helped further inclusivity and diversity in the association through his commitment to - and promotion of - the Women’s Council and the Emerging Talent Advisory Council.
Jenny Wood, CLFP, SVP Client Services, is serving on the 2019 Women’s Council, working to increase the participation and leadership of women across the association and the equipment finance industry.
Joe Collins, SVP, Business Development, starts his third year on the Service Providers Business Council Steering Committee; representing organizations and firms providing a variety of related services to the members of the other four Business Councils.
Zach Marsh, CLFP, CFO, was appointed to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation (ELFF), a non-profit organization guiding equipment finance innovation through industry specific knowledge and programs.
Stephen Brown, CLFP, Accounting Specialist II, will serve on the Emerging Talent Advisory Council (ETAC). Charged with finding engaging ways to attract and retain valuable leasing/financing talent, the ETAC’s mission is vital to the success of our industry during hiring booms and talent shortages like we currently experience.
Quentin Cote, President of Mintaka Financial is starting his second year on the ELFA's Small Ticket Business Council Steering Committee. Representing financial services organizations primarily involved in transactions under $250,000, the Small Ticket BCSC advises the ELFA Board of Directors on how to best meet the needs of this vital category of ELFA Membership.
ABOUT ELFA:
The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) is the trade association that represents companies in the $827 billion equipment finance sector, which includes financial services companies and manufacturers engaged in financing capital goods. ELFA members are the driving force behind the growth in the commercial equipment finance market and contribute to capital formation in the U.S. and abroad. Its 575 members include independent and captive leasing and finance companies, banks, financial services corporations, broker/packagers and investment banks, as well as manufacturers and service providers. For more information, please visit www.elfaonline.org. Follow ELFA on Twitter @ELFAonline.
Stephen Brown, CLFP, Accounting Specialist II, Selected to Serve on the ELFA’s Emerging Talent Advisory Council
Stephen Brown, CLFP, Accounting Specialist II at Orion First, has been selected to serve on the ELFA’s Emerging Talent Advisory Council. Charged with finding engaging ways to attract and retain valuable industry talent, the ETAC’s mission is vital to the success of our industry during hiring booms and talent shortages like we currently experience.
Recently established, the Emerging Talent Advisory Council is part of the ELFA’s updated Mission and Purpose, to lead the industry towards a more diverse and inclusive future.
Click here to read about the 2018 ETAC from the May/April 2018 issue of ELFA Magazine.
Joe Collins, SVP, Business Development starts third year on the ELFA Service Providers BCSC
Joe Collins, SVP, Business Development at Orion First, starts his third year on the ELFA’s Service Providers Business Council Steering Committee for 2019.
One of five primary constituent bodies at ELFA, the Service Providers Business Council Steering Committee represents organizations and firms providing a variety of related services to the members of the other four Business Councils. Associated company types include: accounting, collections, law, consulting, software, equipment management, university/government, executive recruiters, insurance, nonprofits/associations and publishers.
Click here to see the full roster of Business Council Steering Committee members.
Orion First Welcomes Kim Riggs to the Business Development Team
GIG HARBOR, WA – Orion First is happy to announce the addition of Kim Riggs, formerly Vice President of Business Development at Snap Advances, has joined Orion First as a member of the business development team.
“We are excited to add Kim to our team at Orion First,” said David T. Schaefer, CEO of Orion First. “She is an experienced sales and development leader with years of industry involvement throughout the small business lending and alternative finance sectors. I am confident that her knowledge will help us grow our reach and support a greater number of small business lenders as we enter 2019.”
A graduate of Washington State University, Kim’s professional experience includes development roles at both direct lender and service provider companies. As a sales professional, Kim has been active in the industry for over a decade, attending industry events, growing her professional network and developing the connections needed to drive growth in small business lending. A longtime resident of Gig Harbor, WA, Kim enjoys skiing, boating and water skiing in the summertime with her three children.
“As a regular conference goer, and someone generally active in the industry, I’ve been connected with the team at Orion First for many years, and have always admired their dedication and professionalism,” said Kim Riggs. “So, I jumped at the opportunity to join their ranks and contribute to growing their organization. Today’s borrowers demand more services, product options, and responsiveness from lenders, so third-party resources like Orion are in high demand and can really provide greater value to the end user.”
Zack Marsh, CLFP, CFO, appointed to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation (ELFF)
Orion First is excited to announce that Zack Marsh, CLFP, CFO, was appointed to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation (ELFF).
Created by the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) in 1989, the ELFF is a non-profit organization guiding the association and the industry by providing knowledge, intelligence and programs to promote continual innovation.
Click here for the full ELFF 2019 Board of Trustees roster.
Jenny Wood, SVP Client Services serving on the 2019 ELFA Women’s Council
Orion First is excited to announce that Jenny Wood, SVP Client Services, will serve on the 2019 ELFA Women’s Council!
Working to increase the participation and leadership of women across the association and the equipment finance industry, the Women’s Council is a vital piece of the ELFA’s updated Mission and Purpose and will help grow diversity and inclusion throughout the industry.
Click here for the recap of the 2018 Women’s
Leadership Forum organized by the Women’s Council
Click here to read about the ELFA’s updated Mission and Purpose.
Jenny Wood, SVP Client Services at Orion First Elected to the 2019 CLFP Foundation Board of Directors
Jenny Wood, CLFP, stated, “I couldn’t be more excited and honored to be a part of the CLFP board of directors. It wasn’t so long ago (okay maybe it was) that Reid and I were pulling all-nighters studying to pass the exam together. I will never forget the late nights and early mornings, but looking back, it developed a lifelong friendship I am very thankful for. I have always said it’s not about getting to the finish line but about the journey on the way. I know that by being part of this group I will not only help others become more involved and further their careers in the leasing industry, but also help them enjoy the journey on the way there.”
The Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation announced its 2019 board of directors.
They are:
- Sudhir Amembal, CLFP – Amembal & Halladay
- Todd Buzard, CPA, CLFP – First American Equipment Finance
- Andrew Eller, CLFP – First American Equipment Finance
- Chris Enbom, CLFP – AP Equipment Financing
- Nathan Gibbons, CLFP – Innovation Finance
- Joe Leonard, CLFP – Oakmont Capital Services
- Tamara McCourt, CCE, CLFP – LendSpark
- Dan Nelson, CLFP – Tamarack Consulting
- Kevin Prykull, CLFP – PNC Equipment Finance
- Nick Ross, CLFP – Western Equipment Finance
- Pete Sawyer, CLFP – Sun South Equipment Leasing
- Jason Seitz, CLFP – BMO Harris Equipment Finance
- Marci Slagle, CLFP – 36th Street Capital
- Jenny Wood, CLFP – Orion First Financial
The CLFP designation identifies an individual as a knowledgeable professional to employers, clients, customers, and peers in the equipment finance industry. There are currently 619 Certified Lease & Finance Professionals and Associates throughout the world.