The past few months have been a vivid reminder of why advocacy matters—and why the industry I serve matters. From the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C., to policy forums in New York and Simi Valley, for the last year, I’ve been privileged to represent the equipment leasing and finance community, championing its role in the American economy and building the relationships that make our voice heard.

Elevating the Story

At the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference in D.C., followed by the National Speakers Conference in New York, the discussion was centered on business investment, innovation and economic opportunity. These gatherings gave me the chance to remind policymakers that the equipment leasing and finance sector isn’t simply about moving equipment—it’s about enabling growth, unlocking capital, and giving companies the tools they need to succeed.

I’ve share the latest data showing the U.S. equipment finance industry at approximately $1.34 trillion in 2023 — a record high — and that 82 % of end-users rely on some form of financing for their equipment and software acquisitions

These are the stories we must share: the factories investing in new machinery, the hospitals upgrading critical equipment, the tech firms embracing new hardware and software. And behind each of those investments is financing that often flows through our industry. That’s why our advocacy isn’t a side-note—it’s central to the story of productivity, competitiveness and economic vitality.

From Policy to Practice

In Simi Valley, at the State Legislative Leaders Foundation Leadership Forum, the focus turned to states—where much of the legislative groundwork for 2026 is being laid. Many state legislatures are now in recess or committee weeks, which means advocacy teams must look ahead, build relationships, and prepare for the next round of sessions. This industry-wide preparation is not just proactive, it’s strategic.

Because while Washington sets broad policy, many of the most consequential rules for equipment leasing and finance are made on the state level—tax treatment, UCC-9 exemptions, sales-tax issues, and regulatory frameworks that influence small-ticket and middle-ticket transactions alike. When states are out of session, it’s the perfect time to engage, educate and build partnerships that will pay dividends when they reconvene.

Why This Matters

• When businesses invest in equipment, they create jobs, boost productivity and invest in innovation. According to the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, the industry finances more than half of all U.S. capital goods and software investment—illustrating the strategic importance of equipment finance to the national economy.
• Effective advocacy ensures our members’ voices are part of the dialogue, not just reacting to policies after they become law. From tax-incentive proposals to regulatory clarifications, the decisions made today can ripple through our industry for years.
• With states preparing for 2026 sessions, relationships formed now allow our industry to be at the table—and not scrambling to catch up later.

Looking Ahead

As many state legislatures wrap up business for the year and turn their attention toward 2026, our role remains clear: build trust, deepen industry-member engagement, prepare the ground for policy work, and stay ahead of the curve. Every conversation I had—whether with a state policymaker, a vendor, a member or a colleague—reinforced that advocacy isn’t a one-off event—it’s a continuous journey of connection, education and representation.

It’s deeply fulfilling to champion this sector. Because when equipment leasing and finance thrives, businesses thrive—and when businesses thrive, communities thrive. I’m honored to carry these stories forward and I’m energized by the work ahead.