The Foundation’s strategy to attract the next generation workforce to the equipment finance industry has different approaches: student scholarships, industry volunteer campus presentations, academic curricula, and internships opportunities. There’s another entry point that some industry hires have taken: introduction by a family member or friend in equipment finance. While not everyone has the benefit of being a second-generation hire (or third-generation or more, in some cases), these newcomers have lessons for everyone in equipment finance to consider to help build the future talent pipeline.
Industry Awareness Gap
Awareness of equipment finance among new talent is an ongoing issue familiar to most in the industry. “We often hear that no one grows up saying they want to go into equipment finance,” said Deb Baker, VP, Head of Global Payment Solutions, HP Inc. and ELFA Board Chair. “My mom worked for AT&T Capital Corporation and even we didn’t talk about me going into equipment finance!”
As beneficiaries of rewarding careers in a thriving, supportive sector, industry participants have an active role to play in promoting the opportunities and benefits equipment finance offers. Sophie Dicosola, a business development executive at Aspen Capital Company and a recent graduate of Colorado State University, said, “My dad has been in the equipment finance industry for years, so I was exposed to it in a way that most of my friends and classmates weren’t. Otherwise, I honestly probably wouldn’t have even known the industry existed.”
Sophie’s father, Jeff Dicosola, North American Sales Manager at Great American Insurance Group and a Foundation trustee, said, “I entered the equipment finance industry when Sophie was two years old, and she got to observe my career over the years. She also came to a couple of conferences with me and met some people in the industry, one of whom, Donna Yanuzzi, became her mentor and encouraged her.”
For Derek Williams, a credit underwriting analyst at LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc. and a recent graduate from Fairfield University, his awareness of the industry came from both parents and a grandfather in equipment finance. “I understood the role equipment financing plays in helping businesses grow long before most of my peers were familiar with it,” Derek said. “That early exposure made the industry feel approachable and introduced me to career paths and companies I may not have otherwise considered.”
Derek’s mother, Shari Williams, Chief Risk Officer at Elevex Capital, LLC and Foundation trustee, encouraged him to pursue a career in equipment finance having seen firsthand the opportunities it can provide. “I encouraged my son to consider the industry because I believe it offers a rewarding career path with limitless potential for professional development,” she said. “I am also excited about the fresh perspectives young professionals can bring, particularly in areas such as AI, advanced analytics, and innovation. Our industry's future depends on attracting and developing talented individuals who will help shape its growth and sophistication.”
Both Jeff and Shari also encourage extended family and friends’ children to look into career paths in equipment finance. “I typically mention that equipment finance is an important industry that focuses on business investment, and is less volatile because it focuses on commercial versus consumer,” said Jeff. “It is also creative, complex, entrepreneurial and filled with such talented people.”
“I am a strong advocate for our industry because, despite its importance and impact, it remains largely underrecognized within the broader finance sector,” said Shari. “Expanding awareness is essential if we are to compete successfully for the best and brightest talent.
Early Industry Experience
Internships are another sought after opportunity for equipment finance companies to offer in their organizations. “One of the best things Sophie did in college was getting an internship at Aspen Capital,” Jeff said. “It allowed her to try out the company and allowed the company to assess their interest in her, which led to extending her a full-time position.” Sophie added, “At the time, I wasn’t necessarily thinking, ‘I want a career in equipment finance,’ but I really wanted to gain real-world experience while figuring out what areas of business I enjoyed most.”
Aspen essentially built a customized internship for Sophie that gave her exposure to sales, marketing, operations, research, customer relationships, and different parts of the equipment finance process. “I’ve definitely considered other industries and roles, especially being early in my career, but the more experience I’ve gained in equipment finance, the more I’ve realized how many different directions you can take within the industry.”
Derek had internships in both credit analysis and investment and wealth management during college. “The credit analysis experience was really what pointed me in this direction,” he said. “I genuinely enjoyed the work, and combining that with my background in data analytics and AI made equipment finance feel like a natural fit. There is a real opportunity to apply those skills to modernize how credit decisions get made, and that intersection of traditional credit analysis and emerging technology is exactly where I want to be building my career.”
While not a traditional internship experience, Deb Baker’s summer job after high school as a contractor mirrors Sophie’s and Derek’s in terms of getting varied work experiences. “It was a very entry level job, supporting three senior collectors, basically stuffing envelopes all day,” she said. “But I went back to AT&T Capital each break and was given increasing responsibilities and exposure to different roles. Eventually, I joined AT&T Capital full time and officially started my career in equipment finance.”
More Student Outreach Touchpoints
Building relationships with colleges and universities by giving campus presentations and mentoring students can also provide equipment finance companies with pipelines to the sharpest new talent.
In Shari’s role on Fairfield University's Dolan School of Business Finance Advisory Council, she has the opportunity to engage with students and increase awareness of equipment and specialty finance as a career option. “Many graduates naturally gravitate toward private equity, hedge funds, or large banks,” she said. “But equipment and specialty finance offers a unique combination of financial expertise, relationship building, problem solving, and exposure to diverse industries. It's a field with strong long-term career prospects and meaningful opportunities to make an impact.”
She and Derek have presented together at Fairfield University, and Sophie and Jeff are exploring opportunities to deliver the Foundation’s industry overview presentation at Colorado State University.
Join in Workforce Development
The Foundation is ready to support your organization’s next generation talent development with a range of tools and resources. “Programs like the Foundation’s Campus to Career initiative play an important role in expanding awareness of our industry, but personal connections and advocacy remain equally powerful,” Shari added. “Many young professionals discover career opportunities through conversations, mentorship, and referrals. So, as industry leaders, we all have a role to play in sharing our experiences and helping the next generation see the value and potential that equipment leasing and financing offers.”
