Equipment Leasing and Finance Association - Investing Forward

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and “why”?

The person who has had the most significant influence on my life is Donna Yanuzzi. Donna is an esteemed executive and legend in the equipment finance industry. When I transitioned from the retail home improvement sector to equipment finance, I was not sure what to expect. Six months into my position as an application processor, Donna invited me into her office for a conversation about my career path and her insights into where I could excel. At that time, I was navigating the difficult loss of a parent and trying to find my footing after college.

What stood out to me, most, was Donna's remarkable attention to detail, her genuine empathy, and her concern for both my professional and personal well-being. Her support extended beyond  my career, as she played a pivotal role in boosting my confidence and self-esteem during one of the most challenging periods of my life. Donna’s influence not only shaped my professional journey but also helped me rebuild the personal strength that I needed to move forward.

How did you start your career in the leasing industry?

I began my career in the leasing industry shortly after graduating college in 2016. At the time, my primary goal was to find a job with a consistent schedule and a location closer to home. What followed was an immersive experience that exposed me to nearly every aspect of the business and gave me the opportunity to work across several different departments.

What is the best decision you have made for your career (and yourself)?

The best decision that I have made for both my career and personal growth was accepting a role with 1st Equipment Finance, Inc., a startup equipment finance company, in September 2021. As the second employee, I had the unique opportunity to help build the business from the ground up. I, vividly, remember the early days when we didn’t even have email addresses or a phone number! It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to witness the company’s growth and to know that I have played a significant role in its success..

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve been given?

The best piece of career advice that I have received is to never turn down the opportunity to learn something new. Even if a task falls outside of your primary role, the time spent working on it, whether in a different department or unfamiliar area, will ultimately enrich your career and provide long-term benefits.

Where do you envision your future self?

I envision my future self in a more dynamic role within sales advocating for our equipment finance programs. I see myself working closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including commercial lenders, vendors, and existing customers, to drive growth and strengthen relationships.

Any favorite line from a movie?

One of my favorite lines from the 2017 film The Circle is: “Without secrets, without the hoarding of knowledge and information, we can finally realize our potential.” In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing and information is more accessible than ever, our lives are being profoundly transformed for the better. Societies that prioritize and invest in education are the ones that make significant strides toward progress, as knowledge and access to information have the power to improve the human condition. For this reason, I find this quote particularly impactful as it speaks to the transformative potential of shared knowledge and the possibilities it unlocks for both individuals and society as a whole.

Do you have any pets?

Yes, I have several pets! I have two chinchillas, two cats, and two dogs. Lola and Remy, my chinchillas, are 8 and 10 years old, respectively. My cats, Tony and Squidward, are 17 and 15 years old, respectively, and my two dogs, Amp (golden retriever), and Emma, (Jack Russell Terrier), are 15 and 9 years old, respectively.

What is on your bucket list?

One of my goals is to visit all 50 states.  I have already visited 28 of them. With 22 states left to explore, I am hoping to complete this journey before I turn 40. It is a bucket list item that I am excited to accomplish, as each state offers something unique to experience.