Speakers

Katie Baker, MC² Finance

Katie Baker is the founder of MC² Finance. She started in the finance world as a Finance Manager for Volvo Trucks North America (aka Arrow Truck Sales) in Cincinnati, OH. After building a relationship with lenders, Katie worked for a subprime commercial lender to build the company's reach throughout the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast. Having insight and direct experience in all aspects of the commercial loan process, Katie then founded MC² Finance. Prior to her career in finance, she worked in IT and healthcare. She has a degree in telecommunications and French. Fluent in French, she began learning the language in school at the age of ten. She studied abroad in both high school and college. From there, her love to travel grew. She has since traveled to over 40 countries and loves culture, languages and embraces learning about the world. 

Bob Bell, United Funding LLC

Bob's introduction to the world of leasing began during his tenure as VP of Sales & Marketing for a computer integration company. In this role, he championed leasing as a strategic tool to boost sales. Later, he ventured into the corporate finance sector with a prominent NYSE-listed firm, specializing in the syndication of leasing limited partnerships. In 1993, Bob took the entrepreneurial leap, establishing his leasing brokerage firm, initially known as Independent Leasing Associates, which has since evolved into United Funding. Bob's dedication to his profession led to his election to the NAELB/AACFB Board in 2000. That same year, he achieved the prestigious CLP (currently CLFP) designation, a testament to his expertise and commitment. His leadership qualities shone through when he assumed the presidency of NAELB/AACFB in 2003. Additionally, Bob made significant contributions to industry education by co-authoring Broker 101 in 2007, a widely respected resource that served as a cornerstone of education at the Annual Conferences for many years.

Jeff Bilbrey, Leasepath

Jeff has been creating, delivering, and advancing enterprise technology products and related services since the early 90’s. Today he serves as CEO of global business for Leasepath where he is accountable for ensuring customer delight and driving the flagship platform for cloud-based finance originations to the leading edge in the market. Jeff previously served on the Netsol Technologies Inc. Board of Directors and as President for the Americas before joining Leasepath in 2020. Prior, he was VP of Client Partnerships with Majesco, tasked with leading many of the group’s strategic client relationships as well as with managing business development and delivery objectives, P&L, customer satisfaction, and the overall client relationship sponsorship to all operating units of the diverse Majesco business.

Chuck Brazier, TradeRiver USA, Inc.

As Vice President of Sales and Marketing for TradeRiver USA, Chuck Brazier is responsible for sales and new business development. With over 30 years experience in the equipment lease and trade finance industries, his broad experience ranges from creating strategic funding alliances to establishing organizational processes and leading organizational restructuring efforts. As a senior officer in both private and public sector corporations, Chuck has led strategic planning, managed diverse businesses, led implementation of vital credit risk policies and overseen funding/syndication policies and booking procedures. Chuck is a strong advocate for on-going professional engagement within the industry and a strong supporter of professional networking and mentoring. 

Dennis Dressler, Dressler & Peters LLC

Dennis Dressler is an experienced attorney who has devoted his legal career to successfully resolving complex litigation, bankruptcy and transactional matters for clients across the aviation, medical, energy, construction, transportation and computer industries. Dennis has obtained dozens and dozens of Chapter 11 Plan agreements for payment of the entire amounts of clients’ seven- and eight- figure debts in bankruptcy court. He has served as lead attorney in numerous transactions involving hundreds of millions of dollars worth of commercial paper. Dennis has also drafted document sets which are widely used across the country in the equipment finance industry and successfully litigated those same contracts.

Julie Ellis, Dressler & Peters LLC

Julie Ellis is a results-driven litigator and legal counselor who is committed to advocating for her clients in order to help them accomplish their goals. With a background as a franchise business owner and operator, Julie understands that serving as a legal counselor to her clients and helping them avoid litigation will increase their bottom line. As a legal advisor, Julie uses her keen business sense to guide clients through contractual matters, regulatory compliance, and if necessary, jury and bench trials, with ease. Using the skills acquired in a large criminal defense and civil practice, she identifies the pitfalls that can affect her clients to help them avoid litigation or better position themselves if litigation is necessary. As an experienced civil and family mediator, Julie recognizes that negotiation is often necessary to achieve the desired results, and she knows how to negotiate for her clients.

Laura Estrada, Preferred Capital Funding Inc.

Laura Estrada is a vital part of the family-owned business, Preferred Capital Funding, that became in an AACFB (NAELB) member in 2014. She handles marketing, processing and closing different types of commercial loans. Her expertise is in equipment and transportation. Laura graduated from the University of Georgia and has worked for several large companies in marketing and sales. She enjoys working with and offering options for clients seeking commercial loans. Laura's commitment to the organization is exemplified by her election as President of AACFB in 2022, and her extensive involvement on the board and various committees, contributing to the growth and excellence of the association.

Dana Freeman, Maxim Commercial Capital

Dana Freeman is currently the Director of Broker Relations at Maxim Commercial Capital, LLC. He specializes in onboarding new partners, delivering ongoing education on Maxim's finance programs, evaluating lending opportunities, and facilitating deal structuring and contract closures. Dana's finance journey began at Pawnee Leasing Corporation, a national equipment leasing company, where he honed his skills in broker-centric business. After eight years, he assumed a leadership role at First Pacific Funding Inc., establishing and overseeing a regional office while recruiting and training sales teams. He later returned to Pawnee before finding his current role at Maxim. Beyond finance, Dana is an accomplished entrepreneur, having successfully operated a web development company for over a decade. His strategic marketing prowess helped finance clients achieve remarkable business expansion and revenue growth. 

Stephanie Hall, CLFP, BankFinancial

Stephanie Hall, CLFP, currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Small-Ticket division of BankFinancial Equipment Finance. She was previously Executive Vice President at ACG Equipment Finance where she was responsible for syndication, portfolio sale, oversight of credit and funding, compliance and documentation. Prior to joining ACG, she was Vice President of Third-Party Originations for Bryn Mawr Funding for more than 10 years.  Stephanie earned her CLFP designation in 2014 and has been very involved in industry associations. She spent several years on the board of directors for the National Equipment Finance Association, culminating with her service as President/Chairman of the Board in 2016-2017.  She is currently serving on the board of the Chris Walker Education Fund and on the Standards and Ethics Committee for the National Equipment Finance Association.

Scott Hansen, TradeRiver USA


Scott Hansen has an extensive professional career including 12 years in the finance industry at AvTech Capital. The past eight years have been dedicated to the Broker Desk at AVT, writing deals and funding transactions in all industries for all types of equipment. As a Senior Account Manager Scott’s role is to work closely with Brokers and Customers to navigate industry conditions and generate funding terms that meet the needs of both Lessee and Lessor. Scott is an excellent communicator and fosters trust and confidence in all aspects of his work.

Kortney Murray, Coastal Kapital LLC

Kortney Murray is a remarkable CEO, Entrepreneur, and financial services leader who has made a significant impact in the world of business finance. As the CEO and Founder of Coastal Kapital, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise. With a diverse entrepreneurial background, Kortney has shattered barriers in a male-dominated arena and proven that gender is not a limitation to success. Her achievements and influence have garnered widespread recognition and respect. Kortney is a best-selling co-author, media personality, sought-after keynote speaker, and board member of AACFB. Her mission revolves around creating successful business partnerships, addressing entrepreneurial challenges, and guiding others through the complexities of business financing. As she is disrupting the financing industry by changing the lending equation. Through her relentless drive and commitment to empowering others, Kortney Murray has become a true trailblazer in her field.

Carrie Radloff, CLFP, American Financial Partners

Carrie Radloff is a Business Development Manager for American Financial Partners (AFP). She has been in the business for over 24 years, spending her first 10 years in credit and sales for U.S. Bank Manifest and the last 14+ years with AFP. She graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University in 1998 with a B.S. in Accounting and in 2006 with a Master of Business Administration degree. Carrie attained her Certified Lease and Finance Professional (CLFP) designation in 2016. She became involved with the AACFB in 2013 when she joined the Marketing Committee serving as co-chair from 2014-2017.  Carrie joined the board of directors in 2017 and is currently serving as past president of the AACFB board as well as serving as the board liaison for the Meetings Committee and Sponsorship Committee. Carrie is a member of various local non-profit boards and resides in Minnesota with her husband Scott and two daughters Madison and Samantha.

Pete Sawyer, CLFP, Sun South Equipment Leasing, Inc.

Pete Sawyer is the President and founder of Sun South Equipment Leasing Inc., based in Lakeland, Florida. Sun South funds equipment leases in Florida and places transactions with lenders outside the State for small to large firms nationwide as needed. Pete has been active with AACFB for over 20 years serving on committees, the Board of Directors and past President (2016). He has been a Certified Lease and Finance Professional, CLFP since 1998 and is a firm believer in fair and straightforward business practices. He is also a past / current board member of the CLFP Foundation. Pete is a current board member and past President of the Boys and Girls Club of Lakeland, member of Kiwanis and has served on other non-profit boards in the Lakeland area.

Joe Schmitz, CLFP, F.I.T. Leasing

Joe Schmitz has been in the leasing industry since 1990 and the owner of F.I.T. Leasing since 1999. He is a CLFP and holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Cal State University, Long Beach.  Joe & Charlotte reside in Orange County, California and have two daughters, one cat, one dog and one rabbit, that all just showed up at their house (the animals just showed up, not the daughters).

Kalah Sprabeary, CLFP, HUB Funding Solutions

Kalah Sprabeary has been involved in the alternative financing sector as a broker and direct lender. Her experience in multiple industries such as oil and gas, agriculture, construction, and real estate has provided a depth of direct industry knowledge. Kalah and their team at HUB focuses on customized funding solutions, ranging from equipment funding, factoring, working capital, commercial real estate, and supply chain.

Cheryl Tibbs, Equipment LeaseCo Inc

Cheryl Tibbs has been leading Equipment LeaseCo Inc. as its President since July 2018. With a passion for empowering business owners, particularly in the trucking and construction sectors, Cheryl's dedication to this mission has been unwavering. In addition to her role at Equipment LeaseCo Inc., Cheryl has been collaborating with One Stop Commercial Capital since 2010. Her work there focuses on securing working capital and business loans for a diverse range of entrepreneurs. Furthermore, Cheryl serves as the Chief Strategist at AI Marvels, an AI Automation Agency established in 2023. AI Marvels specializes in the creation of conversational marketing solutions, including ChatBots, content generation, and tailored AI audits designed to benefit small businesses.

Stefanie Viada, American Capital Group

Stefanie Viada is a seasoned professional with a strong background in sales, leadership, and business development. With eight years at American Capital Group, she's the go-to Director of Broker Services. Stefanie's journey began with an MBA from Oklahoma State University, setting the stage for her diverse career. She spent a decade in pro sports, equipping her with valuable skills in negotiation, relationship-building and strategic planning, which she now applies to her work in the equipment finance sector.

Amy Wagner, American Financial Partners

Amy is a managing partner at American Financial Partners and oversees all of the finance and operations efforts. She has many years of sales experience; specifically in healthcare, technology and finance. Amy has worked in the vendor marketplace, financed equipment as a business owner, and worked for one of the largest banks in the U.S., providing an overall understanding of the leasing and financing environment.