What’s happening in the small ticket sector of the equipment finance space? Equipment Leasing & Finance magazine caught up with Kayla Perlinger, Vice President, Syndications at AP Equipment Financing, to find out. Perlinger is Chair of the Small Ticket Business Council Steering Committee (BCSC), which is comprised of members from financial services organizations primarily involved in transactions under $250,000, either individually or through lines.

What are the top issues your BCSC is focusing on this year and into 2026?

Our council has spent a lot of time discussing external market forces that directly affect the small-ticket space. Interest rates continue to be on everyone’s mind. Higher costs of funds have shaped both customer demand and deal structures, and we’ve shared approaches to managing growth responsibly in this environment. Tariffs and supply chain pressures are another key theme, as rising equipment costs and vendor uncertainty can create challenges for small businesses, and in turn, the lenders who support them.

Technology has been a strong focus as well, particularly around the adoption of AI and automation. We’ve been examining how these tools can responsibly enhance underwriting, improve decision-making, and drive efficiency, while making sure we don’t lose sight of maintaining a high-quality customer experience.

Beyond operational topics, we’ve had meaningful conversations about people. Succession planning and leadership development remain top of mind across the council, particularly as organizations think about preparing the next generation of leaders. This includes mentorship, training, and even refining hiring practices, using personality and behavioral assessments more intentionally to identify and develop talent that will thrive in the long term. Looking ahead into 2026, I expect the industry will continue balancing these factors: rates, tariffs, AI adoption, leadership development, and evolving credit standards.

What are some of the highlights from your time on the BCSC?

I have served on the Small Ticket BCSC since 2022, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience both personally and professionally. What I have enjoyed most is the ability to connect with peers from across the industry who bring such a wide variety of perspectives to the table. Being part of this council has allowed me to contribute to conversations that directly impact the direction of our business segment while also deepening my own understanding of the challenges and opportunities unique to the small-ticket space.

One of the greatest highlights has been the collaboration within the group. Everyone comes with a willingness to share, listen, and collectively problem-solve, which makes the discussions especially valuable. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how open and candid the conversations are, even when tackling difficult topics such as risk, regulation, or market uncertainty. For me, the outstanding experiences have been those moments where a dialogue sparks a new idea or helps reframe a challenge I’ve been considering in my own role. It’s rewarding to be surrounded by such a strong group of leaders who are not only passionate about their organizations, but also committed to advancing the broader industry.

What’s your advice to members considering serving on the Business Council?

Without hesitation, I would recommend serving on the Business Council to others. It provides a unique opportunity to have a voice in shaping industry dialogue and to contribute to initiatives that extend beyond your own organization. It is also a tremendous learning experience to gain insights into best practices, emerging trends, and innovative strategies that you can bring back to your company. Perhaps just as importantly, the council offers a chance to build lasting professional relationships and expand your network with peers who share a commitment to the future of equipment finance. For anyone seeking to broaden their perspective and make a meaningful impact, this is a valuable and worthwhile experience.