ORION FIRST ANNOUNCES NEW OFFICE SPACE IN GIG HARBOR, WA.
Gig Harbor, WA - Orion First, located in Gig Harbor, WA, announced today that they have moved to a new office location in Gig Harbor. The move is a result of Orion’s efforts to properly as a growing servicing company in the thriving Small Business Lending Industry. The new location will provide greater room to take on additional team members and boasts the space necessary to house Orion’s best in class IT infrastructure.
“We reached the point where a move was vital to meeting the strategic goals and initiatives we have laid out for Orion,” commented David Schaefer, CEO of Orion First. “It has been a long time coming, but this move will help us reach the next tier of scalability in order to continue providing the level of world class service our clients expect.”
Over the past year, Orion had expanded its previous office from 4,000 to 5,000 square feet to include the leasing group Mintaka Financial. The new location will nearly double the usable space to 8,000 square feet, allowing the company to keep up with expected growth forecasts and bolster greater synergy between all teams. The new, expanded location offers modern workstations, an additional conference room, and a more attractive and generous environment in which to accommodate their customers and partners.
Orion will now occupy the upper level of the building located at:
5403 Olympic Drive NW, Suite 200
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Orion Execs Lobby with the ELFA at Capitol Connections in Washington, DC
The State of Washington is the 10th largest state by dollar amount of equipment financed in the U.S., and finances $26.78 billion in capital equipment annually. As the 1st session of the 115th Congress begins, groups like the Equipment Leasing & Financing Association, and lending institutions like Orion First must be heard in Washington DC and promote the finance industry’s continued well-being and its vital role in fostering small business growth.
May 15th through May 18th David Schaefer (CEO) of Orion First, along with Zack Marsh (CFO), Joe Collins (SVP), and Quentin Cote (Product Manager) journeyed to Washington, DC to lobby for American small business and the lending institutions that support it.
While in the Capitol to discuss regulatory reform and explain the looming potential for adverse effects it poses on the American economy:
- Dave met with senior staff of the Senate Finance Committee, House Ways & Means Committee, Senate Banking Committee and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- Joe met with Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), staff of Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI), and staff of the office of Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Congressman Mike Bishop (R-MI) and Dave Trott (R-MI)
- Zack and Quentin met with US Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA), and key staff from the offices of US Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA), Rick Larsen (D-WA), and David Reichert (R-WA) as well as staff from the offices of US Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
On the docket for this session of Congress are two issues that have the potential to negatively impact the American small business lending industry and, by extension, small businesses across the country.
- Firstly, small business access to affordable credit will be threatened by Section 1071 of Title 10 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act - requiring financial institutions to inquire if the applicant is “woman-owned,” “minority-owned,” or a “small business.”
- This will negatively burden lending institutions by requiring the credit grantor to gather the information and keep it segregated from the underwriting process, thereby creating additional expenditures for staff, technology and firewalls inside their companies. These additional and unnecessary expenses must be passed on to borrowers or ultimately force both small and large lenders out of business and decrease access to affordable capital for small businesses. This is an example of government interference which adds costs with little to no value, unfairly burdening smaller lending institutions.
- Secondly, the current proposed tax reform would limit interest deductibility associated with financing of equipment acquisitions, to finance a lower corporate tax rate. With approximately 68% of all money invested in U.S. businesses coming from financing with loans, leases and lines of credit, this change could dramatically harm investment in American business and stunt economic growth. It is especially harmful to small and capital constrained companies as they have fewer options to raise capital through the equity markets as larger publicly traded corporations do. This one size fits all policy harms small businesses at a time when an effort should be made to support small business investment in equipment and job growth.
Orion First is committed to the overall health and prosperity of the small ticket equipment finance industry–and the small business lending marketplace as a whole. To promote the vitality of these industries Orion is a dedicated advocate for wise and informed legislation in Washington, DC. Without individuals and organizations looking out for the best interests of markets such as these, many American small business owners could face undue burdens. Our goal is to champion initiatives that are advantageous while fighting against the enactment of cumbersome legislation that could, ultimately have a detrimental effect on small businesses across our country.
Bank/Alternative Lender Partnership Summit 2017 - 15% Discount with Sponsor Code FSM400
As this year’s Platinum Sponsor, Orion First is able to offer an exclusive discount code to our guests who would like to attend the conference.
At this conference, we’ll take a deeper look at partnership strategy for banks and alternative lenders, especially in the small business lending space. The agenda consists of both bankers and alternative lending professionals who provide a wide range of experienced voices to weigh-in on the many challenges facing both sides of the industry.
- Hear from a diverse speaking faculty, in an intimate setting, as they provide unique insight into the changing regulatory landscape, including what will happen with the impending OCC Fintech Charter.
- Take part in candid discussions to get the answers to your partnership challenges from industry experts, veteran banks, and cutting-edge thought leaders at the Strategic Partnership Summit for Banks and Alternative Lenders.
Orion First’s Quentin Cote will be chairing the event and serve as moderator for sessions. Quentin currently serves as EVP for Orion subsidiary, Mintaka Financial, while overseeing the SAIPH™ product for Orion First. A graduate of Dartmouth and Sloan School of Management at MIT, Mr. Cote has spent over 25 years in the finance industry.
Joe Collins will be presenting during the session:
Best Practices in Mitigating Third Party Risk in the Fintech World
Alternative finance companies can outsource servicing or do it themselves. Traditional servicers define their role to include collections and recoveries, but some lenders are taking on those tasks while leaving cash applications and systems of record functions with the servicer. This session discusses the options lenders and the banks should consider in assessing servicing requirements.
Use promo code FSM400 when registering and instantly receive 15% off your ticket.
Please feel free to share this code with your friends and colleagues.Register Here
2016 ELFA Recap
The ELFA Annual Convention draws one of the largest crowds of the year from the equipment finance industry and this year was no exception. An electric atmosphere–so commonly felt at past conventions–was present in full force once again. Attendees from around the world arrived to listen to the Keynote speakers as well as mingle with friends from past conventions.
The Whiskey and Cigar Bar meet and greet, sponsored by Orion First, was back once again for the 2016 Convention. Attendees relaxed with good company, preparing for the upcoming convention while sipping whiskeys and smoking cigars with members of the Orion Senior Leadership team.
With a venue as classy as the JW Marriott in Palm Desert, this invite-only, after hours reception had to be held at The Pointe, located in the Garden Atria, a private, beautiful alcove surrounded by the Marriott’s signature lake.
Many attendees stayed for the duration of the reception, with a total of over 100 guests enjoying this year’s meet and greet.
Before rounding out the “Welcome” day of the convention at Orion’s reception, many of the attendees participated in one of the group activities available to earlier arrivals. This year guests took part in a tennis tournament, a community service project with Habitat for Humanity, a “build-a-bike” service project, a golf tournament, and/or a charity bike ride. A great weekend for all.
Thank you, again, for attending the meet and greet. We hope to see you again next year...
Future Proofing, Regulations, and Notes From A Statesman
A Quick Recap of SBLF 2016
Featured speaker Glenn Hiemstra, founder and CEO of Futurist.com, gave an eye-opening presentation on creating the future you desire. Using examples of societal and economic changes, Glenn demonstrated the value of planning and shaping your future, today, rather than simply reacting to the changes of the present. He followed up by providing insights into how those of us operating within the business lending market space can create our desired future by investigating socio-economic trends. Here are just a few of his observations:
- Senior citizens are working later in life
- Minority business is on the rise with a large, young population
- Today’s youth are excited about business, but won’t invest as heavily in traditional brick and mortar
The discussion on Technology for Small Business Lenders went over well, with Paul Marcoe of Orion First, Kristian Dolan of Tamarack Consulting, and Steve Darsie of Scoring Solutions detailing the new commercial scorecard from Orion, SAIPH™. The knowledge and expertise in technology present on the stage was vast and varied. All three gentlemen demonstrated the features, benefits and overall value of the SAIPH™ scorecard.
This year’s panel discussion, How Will The Small Business Community Respond to New Regulations?, reviewed current and upcoming government regulation on small business lending. Presenters Andy Alper (Attorney), Ralph Petta (President and CEO of the ELFA), Chris Enbom (CEO of Allegiant Partners) and Tom Sullivan (Attorney and Executive Director of the Coalition for Responsible Business Finance) did a great job using real-world examples to illustrate particular regulatory issues our industry is currently facing.
The final presentation of the forum was from US Representative for the 6th Congressional District, Derek Kilmer. The consummate statesman, Kilmer delivered great presidential stories, honest feedback and fresh perspectives. Drawing from personal experience, Congressman Kilmer shared an update on the activity in Washington, D.C., and the value that the small business sector has in putting Americans back to work and improving our economy overall.
The business side of things came to a close as we boarded the Emerald Star for some leisurely boating through Commencement Bay and Gig Harbor. The three-hour cruise was fully-catered with a taco station and asian noodle bar flanked portside in each cabin. Tasty food was a perfect accompaniment to the complimentary beverages everyone enjoyed, all while taking in the incredible views afforded by an evening South Sound cruise.
Day two saw more great weather as we headed to Trophy Lake Golf and Casting Club for the annual scramble. While there were certainly enough great shots throughout the day to outweigh the truly terrible drives, chips and putts–only one team came out on top. Congrats to Scott, Kevin, Curtis, Zack on adding their names to the illustrious group of individuals already on the trophy. Next year, we will be bringing in PwC to draw pairings in order to ensure impartiality during the process.
Until next year, everyone please take care…
Cheers,
Team Orion
Tony Sedlacek joins Orion First as Senior Vice President of Portfolio Management
GIG HARBOR, WA – Orion First announced today that Tony Sedlacek has joined Orion First as Senior Vice President of Portfolio Management.
“We are excited to add Tony Sedlacek as an official member of our Orion First leadership team,” said David T. Schaefer, CEO of Orion First. “Orion has had a long standing relationship with Tony and are pleased to have him join us and guide our Portfolio Management division. I know that his management experience and overall business acumen will bring true value to future endeavors here at Orion First.”
“Focused on a true personal touch, the skilled staff at Orion treat their clients like family and promote their success at every turn,” noted Tony Sedlacek. “I look forward to officially joining Orion and the service oriented, results driven team.”
Management and sales are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the valuable experience that Tony brings to Orion First. With nearly 30 years working in the lending industry, Tony has a broad range of experience in business finance including workout negotiation, loan restructure, asset recovery and contract enforcement. His skills and experience in enforcing leases and loans for commercial equipment will bring added depth to the Orion First team.
Disaster Averted: Orion First Announces Partnership with Agility Recovery
GIG HARBOR, WA
Orion First is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Agility Recovery, a national leader in disaster recovery solutions. Membership with Agility provides Orion First with Agility’s unique ReadySuite solution, which ensures priority access to the four key elements of recovery including temporary power, access to Internet and telephone connectivity, computer and office equipment, and temporary office space. Agility Recovery will work with Orion to institute disaster preparedness planning and, in the event of disaster or business interruption, provide the assistance needed to continue operations.
“The implementation of a disaster recovery plan demonstrates a commitment by Orion First to ensure they are prepared for any event,” says Paul Sullivan, General Manager at Agility Recovery. “We understand that organizations must be there to serve their stakeholders – no matter the circumstances, and Agility helps make that possible,” he continued.
Agility has over 26 years of experience rescuing organizations of all types and proudly points to a 100% success rate.
“Partnering with Agility Recovery is a necessary and prudent step that makes Orion First a healthier and more secure organization,” maintains Paul Marcoe, CTO at Orion First. “We aim to provide our clients with unparalleled protection and responsiveness and a partnership with Agility reaffirms our promise to be the very best.”
Orion employees are also provided access to my Agility Family, a personal & family disaster planning tool provided free of charge to each employee that helps them become better prepared at home and more likely to be available to return to work following an event.
ABOUT AGILITY RECOVERY
Agility Recovery, a former division of General Electric, is North America’s premier provider of business continuity and disaster recovery solutions to organizations of all types. Agility provides robust and easy-to- implement recovery solutions for an affordable monthly membership fee, providing access to temporary power, office space, communications and computer systems. For more than 26 years, Agility has rescued thousands of organizations, with a 100% success rate. For more information, visit www.agilityrecovery.com or call 866-364- 9696.
AltLend Summit 2016 - 15% Discount with Sponsor Code FSM400
As a Gold sponsor of AltLend, Orion First is able to offer an exclusive discount code to our guests who would like to attend the conference.
This two-day event will host investors, bankers, platforms, and thought leaders from across the globe as they discuss trends, opportunities, and obstacles in small business lending.
• Hear directly from banks, investors, and trend-setting lenders in small business lending.
• Find out what new technologies will further disrupt this space. Hint: it’s more than just automation and an online presence.
• Discuss key aspects of securitization and learn how private equity, venture capital, and hedge funds are all viewing the space.
Use promo code FSM400 when registering and instantly receive 15% off your ticket. Please feel free to share this code with your friends and colleagues.[/vc_column_text]Register for AltLend
Orion's CEO, Dave Schaefer will lend his expertise to the speaking panel:
"Underwriting: How has Innovative Underwriting Performed?"
It's time to discuss alternative underwriting and determine weather or not it's been a real success. Have lenders been successful with their implementations? What new changes are being incorporated to better identify competent borrowers?
AltLend Summit 2016 promises to provide a highly specialized space for the exchange of ideas and opportunities between investors, banks, and industry thought leaders and heavy-hitters.
We hope to see you at AltLend!Learn More About AltLend2016
Dave Schaefer Featured Panelist at LendIt USA
Orion has been attending, and a part of, the LendIt USA conference for the past few years now. According to the LendIt website, “It is the largest conference series dedicated to connecting the global online lending community.”
This year, Orion is a proud sponsor of the LendIt conference – and our very own Dave Schaefer will lend his expertise to a speaking panel entitled "The Leading Loan Servicers for Online Lending." This year’s conference will be held in San Francisco, on April 11th and 12th, at the Marriott Marquis. Being that LendIt is always pushing the envelope and growing every year, it may well be one of the biggest events in online lending’s history.
Bringing together leaders and innovators in the global online lending space, LendIt 2016 provides opportunities for education, networking and business development. Featuring six different tracks, nearly 400 speakers and 250 breakout sessions – Lendit is, without a doubt, the place to be if you’re a part of this rapidly growing marketplace or have any interest in the latest lending innovations.
As a silver sponsor of LendIt, Orion First is able to offer an exclusive discount code to our guests who would like to attend the conference. Please use the promo code ORIONUSA16VIP when registering and you’ll instantly receive 25% off your ticket. Please feel free to share this code with your friends and colleagues.
We hope to see you at LendIt!
Paul Marcoe joins Orion First as Chief Technology Officer
GIG HARBOR, WA – Orion First announced today that Paul Marcoe, formerly Vice President Information Systems & Security at Financial Pacific Leasing, has joined Orion First as Chief Technology Officer.
"Mr. Marcoe is a great addition to the Orion First leadership team,” said David T. Schaefer, CEO of Orion First. “Paul is a talented Information Technology executive with proven industry experience. His robust skillset, numerous successful projects managed and overall IT vision make him a perfect fit to lead technology initiatives here at Orion.”
“The experienced staff at Orion delivers significant value to their customers,” added Paul Marcoe. “I’m thrilled to add my years of IT and financial services experience to Orion’s wealth of industry knowledge. I’m looking forward to working as a team to bring new technology to market that will further deliver value to Orion’s customers.”
A graduate of Western Washington University, Paul Marcoe is a seasoned IT executive with an extensive and balanced background ranging from Operations and Project Management to Information Security. For over 20 years, Mr. Marcoe has managed and maintained many aspects of Financial Pacific Leasing IT strategies while also spearheading the direction and development of several campaigns to update and improve internal systems.