“I’m excited to welcome Robert and Michael to Star Hill. Rob brings over 30 years of leadership and industry knowledge to the team that will enable us to reach even deeper into the equipment finance industry. Mike was previously at Ascentium Capital in the hotel and hospitality sector; we are excited to expand on the opportunities in those verticals,” said Hollis Bufferd, Chief Executive Officer.

“I am starting to sound like a broken record, expansion, expansion, expansion,” said Keith Smith, company President, “From day one the goal was to organically grow.  We launched the franchise division in 2021 focusing on tier 1 and 2 quick service restaurants, fitness, and personal services.  Bringing on Mike allows us to further penetrate our franchise business and expand into hotel financing.   Robert’s experience speaks for itself, he is known for his industry expertise, strategic thinking, and ability to drive growth.  Robert will expand the Equipment Finance Division by continuing to develop our WBE programs,” added Smith.

Prior to joining Star Hill, Robert Cobleigh served as President of Peapack Capital where he led a team that built a portfolio of nearly $1 billion for Peapack Gladstone Bank in under 5 years.  Peapack Capital quickly entered the Monitor 100 and remains a top 100 equipment finance company. Prior to Peapack, Mr. Cobleigh held credit leadership roles at Santander, Bank of Tokyo, RBS-Citizens and Siemens Financial Services.  Cobleigh earned both his MBA - Investment Management and Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance from Pace University - Lubin School of Business, New York. "It is an honor to join Hollis, Keith, and the team at Star Hill," said Cobleigh. "Market demand by corporations and banks to increase their diversity reach is clear. These firms are actively seeking to expand their diversity relationships with WBE’s and others.  As a WBE, Star Hill is in a very unique position not only to help expand the diversity relationship with these firms, but to also partner with and fulfill their asset financing needs.  It’s a win-win and I’m excited to grow this business with the team."

Michael Alverez brings almost 10 years of industry experience.  Most recently he was a Regional Sales Manager at Ascentium Capital, a Subsidiary of Region Bank, having generated over $100MM in business loans in the Franchise and Hospitality Division.  Alverez adds, “The energy of the Star Hill team is awesome.  I am excited to work with seasoned industry leaders like Keith and Hollis.”   Michael Graduated from Pace University – Lubin School of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A), Entrepreneurial Studies with Minor in Finance.

About Star Hill Financial LLC

Star Hill Financial LLC is certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and independent equipment and franchise finance company based in Fairfield, Connecticut. Star Hill was founded by Hollis Bufferd in 2016 to provide advisory services and equipment financing. Since that time, Star Hill has expanded its Equipment Finance Division and continues to expand partnership with financial institutions and captive companies by providing them the ability to offer their customer base the option of using a minority lending partner. The Franchise Division of Star Hill has created a customer centric franchise finance group with deep experience structuring transactions.  As a certified WBE, Star Hill’s goal is to help customers meet their diversity spend requirements while providing solutions that work for their company.

For more information on Star Hill Financial, visit www.starhillfinancial.com or call 203.883.6060.