5 Minutes with the Service Provider Chair

WHAT'S HAPPENING in the service provider sector of the equipment finance space? Equipment Leasing & Finance magazine caught up with Cody Sanguinetti, CLFP, Chair of the Service Provider Business Council Steering Committee (BCSC), to take the pulse of this sector. Sanguinetti, who serves as  Divisional AVP - Business Development at Great American Insurance Group, is currently serving his first year as Chair of the committee, which is composed of a diverse mix of industry specialists who provide a variety of services to the members of the other four Business Councils.

What is the Service Provider BCSC focused on this year?   

Those who haven’t served on a business council steering committee might be surprised to hear the level of effort we put in to drive success in the equipment finance industry. As Associate Members of ELFA, the welfare of the industry is paramount to us. For 2023, the Service Provider BCSC has a full slate of initiatives we are working on. Fortunately, the committee has a strong team comprising members with years of experience and newer members bringing fresh perspectives. This year, our top initiatives include:

1. Sharing insights from the 2022 ELFA Service Provider Survey. We accomplished this with a press release in February.

2. Hosting and presenting one or more Wednesday Webinars. The leading industry-relevant topics are Section 1071 of Dodd-Frank and how its adoption will impact ELFA member companies, and DE&I in partnership with the ELFA Equity Committee. 

3. Assisting with recommendations for updates to the ELFA Bylaws. We are grateful to ELFA for including the BCSC in the process.

4. Hosting at least two university guest lectures. This will be done in conjunction with the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. 

5. Assisting in recruiting new associate members. We believe the industry thrives when more service providers join and actively participate in the association. 

6. Assisting in reviewing proposals submitted for breakout sessions at the ELFA Annual Convention. Every year, the association receives more proposals than breakout session slots allow. We’re happy to volunteer our time to ensure that the convention has the best sessions possible. 

I think it’s fair to say that this is an aggressive list to accomplish this year, but with the committee we’ve assembled and Andrea Tzamaras, our ELFA staff liaison, keeping us organized, I’m confident we will have a successful 2023. 

How did you get involved with the BCSC? Would you recommend it to others? 

I attended my first ELFA Annual Convention in 2009. From the opening session, I saw how this industry had created a sense of community. Honestly, I was surprised to see so many people who technically are competitors talking, sharing stories and providing insight to help each other. I was inspired to learn more about how it all worked and how I could be a part of it. Luckily, I work with someone, Jeff Dicosola, who mentored me on how to be present, get involved and contribute. 

I’d recommend getting involved with a BCSC to others. It’s not only personally rewarding to give back, but I’ve learned so much about how the industry works. I have also established some great relationships in the process. My advice for those interested in getting involved would be that being a committee member takes time and energy. Fortunately, I work for a company that has provided me the opportunities and support to be as active as possible.