Serving Equipment Management Professionals for Over a Quarter of a Century
- GREAT SESSIONS that bring you up-to-date on a variety of asset classes
- OFF-SITE EQUIPMENT TOURS enabling attendees to get invaluable insight into a variety of equipment and to see them in actual work settings
- FIRST CLASS EXHIBITION of equipment appraisers, remarketers, and others you need to meet
- QUALIFIES FOR ASA Re-CERTIFICATION
- UNMATCHED NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES with your peers in the industry.
Off-Site Tours
A fantastic aspect of the Equipment Management Conference are the off-site tours. This year, we have three options for tours. You can find additional information about the tours in the Conference Brochure.
Please Note: All Off-Site Tours are currently full and are CLOSED for registration. Further details and waitlist information will be provided onsite during the Monday Opening General Session.
Who Should Attend?
Equipment management professionals, including senior managers and their staff, equipment appraisers and remarketers and service providers to the industry.
Things To Do
From the front door of the Sheraton New Orleans, it’s only a matter of deciding what YOU WANT to do - you are in the center of it all! From shopping to restaurants, culture, arts and entertainment to the famed Bourbon Street - there’s so much to do for everyone! Below are a few ideas for different tours and popular locations in NOLA. These tours are all booked on your own and not facilitated by ELFA, but we encourage you to have a great time while in the city!
Audubon Aquarium
Located on the Mississippi River adjacent to the French Quarter, Audubon Aquarium is consistently top ranked, voted as one of the top five in the country in the USA Today “10Best” reader poll and ranked as one of the top things to do in New Orleans. The Aquarium transports visitors to an underwater world from the Caribbean, to the Amazon Rainforest, to the waters that give New Orleans its lifeblood: the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. With more than 3,600 animals from more than 250 species, including endangered species, such as African penguins, and rare animals, such as white alligators, the Aquarium offers you an experience you’ll never forget.
Click Here to Book Your Audubon Aquarium Tour Today!
City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Discover historic New Orleans in an open-top double-decker bus on this hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. With your 1-day ticket, design a personal itinerary with several stops, including the French Market, Jackson Square, and the Garden District. Enjoy unobstructed views and fun onboard commentary as you soak up ‘The Big Easy’. City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off tour of New Orleans. Hop off at any of the stops including Jackson Square and the French Market.
Click Here to Book Your Mardi Gras World Tour Today!
New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation
Explore one of Louisiana’s last protected wetlands on a 2-hour boat tour that includes round-trip transport from New Orleans. Depart in the morning or afternoon for Honey Island Swamp, a wildlife preserve teeming with critters such as 'gators, wild boar, snakes and birds. Ride through the swamp dripping with lush foliage and visit a boat-accessible Cajun village with an informative local guide who sheds light on the area’s inhabitants. 2-hour Honey Island swamp tour, with transport from New Orleans.
Click Here to Book Your New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour Today!
New Orleans Steamboat NATCHEZ Jazz Cruise
Journey back in time to when New Orleans was a budding port town that dazzled visitors with its colorful Creole culture. Board the historic riverboat for a morning or afternoon float down the mighty Mississippi. Stroll the deck, admire the iconic paddlewheel, enjoy live music, and snap picturesque shots of the beautiful urban shoreline.
Click Here to Book Your New Orleans Steamboat NATCHEZ Tour Today!
St Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Walking Tour
One of New Orleans' most popular tourist attractions, St. Louis Cemetery No.1 is only able to be visited as part of a guided tour, with limited visitors allowed into the City of the Dead each day. This pre-bookable experience ensures you don’t miss out on the chance to visit the impressive cemetery—or the opportunity to learn more about the final resting place of some of the city’s best-known residents. Explore New Orleans’ oldest and most famous cemetery, opened in 1789 with an in-depth tour around the cemetery and an official guide.
Click Here to Book Your St Louis Cemetery Tour Today!
Sazerac House Tour and Tasting
The Sazerac cocktail gained fame in New Orleans in the 1850s and is served all around the world to this day. Now, it has its grandest home yet: The Sazerac House. Located directly next door to the conference hotel, this is a “Can’t Miss” tour for bourbon aficionados.
This is your place to see how the Sazerac is part of the customs, traditions and culture of New Orleans. Discover the methods used in distilling Sazerac Rye, learn how we handcraft world famous Peychaud’s Bitters and join us for special experiences steeped in the unique character of the city that inspires it all.
Click Here to Book Your Sazerac House Tour Today!
Release and Assumption of Risk
As we continue taking important steps to provide for the health and safety of our attendees, we ask that you review our COVID-19 information, well-being protocols, and policies below. By registering for this event you agree to adhere to the below policies to sustain a healthy and safe environment for our attendees. It's important that we all respond responsibly and transparently to these health precautions. Any and all private health and personal data will be treated with confidentiality and sensitivity.
Because COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is spread mainly from person-to-person contact, Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (“ELFA”) has adopted preventative measures to reduce the spread of the COVID virus at its conferences and events in accordance with guidance published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for events and gatherings, in coordination with event host properties. ELFA will comply with all applicable requirements imposed by state, provincial, and local health authorities for the locality in which the conference or event takes place. However, ELFA cannot guarantee that conference attendees will not become infected with COVID-19.
Individuals who fall within either of the categories listed below should not attend ELFA conferences or events:
- Individuals who are experiencing, or within the 14 days prior to the conference or event have experienced, symptoms associated with COVID-19; or
- Individuals who believe that they may have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are not yet cleared as non-contagious by state or local public health authorities or the health care team responsible for their treatment.
Conference and event attendees should self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and are asked to contact ELFA at meetings@elfaonline.org if experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 within 5 days after participating in an ELFA conference or event.
Registration Fees
| Price Description |
Amount |
|
|
|
|
| Additional Attendee - Member Company |
$1160.00 |
| Attendee - Member Company |
$1290.00 |
| Committee Member |
$650.00 |
| First Time Additional Exhibitor - Member Company |
$1095.00 |
| First Time Attendee- Member Company |
$1095.00 |
| Non Member Company Attendee |
$2580.00 |
| Non Member Spouse Companion |
$270.00 |
| Speaker - Member |
$650.00 |
| Speaker - Non Member |
$650.00 |
| Spouse Companion |
$270.00 |
| Spouse Companion - Closing Party Only |
$95.00 |
View cancellation and other policies
Conference Schedule & Other Events
Schedule
Get Credit Towards Your ASA Re-Accreditation
Attendees of the Equipment Management Conference may obtain credit toward their American Society of Appraisers (ASA) re-accreditation requirements.
Off-Site Tours
Monday, March 11, 2024 • 12:45-4:30pm
This is a unique opportunity to visit with the experts and experience the equipment in a real-world setting. Three tours have been planned:
- Port of New Orleans Tour (Limited to 50 attendees)
- Edison Chouest Offshore Shipyard Tour (Limited to 100 attendees)
- C&C Marine Tour & Maritime Partners (Limited to 30 attendees)
A box lunch will be provided before the tour.
Important Information about the Off-Site Tours
Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear, you will be walking outside. Tours may have limited capacity, so pre-registration is mandatory. Registration is required by Friday, February 23, 2024. No additional fee is required. Be sure to check the box of the tour you wish to attend on the online registration form.
Special Networking Events
Golf Tournament
Sunday, March 10th * 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
**Additional fees apply**
Join your fellow attendees on the links! Stunningly beautiful and equally challenging, this 18-hole championship golf course, TPC Louisiana, offers a distinct experience you won’t soon forget. The tournament will be held off-site from the hotel. Buses will leave the hotel at 7:00am, for a 30-minute drive to the course, where players will have time to warm-up for an 8:00am shotgun start. Parking is available at the course for those who would like to drive themselves. Club rental is available at an additional fee.
Welcome Reception
Sunday, March 10th * 5:30 - 7:30 pm
A great start to the conference and a wonderful opportunity to network with individuals from across the industry. Don’t miss the opening Welcome Reception in the exhibit hall.
Daily Breakfast
Monday and Tuesday, March 11th and 12th * 7:30 and 8:00 am
A lite breakfast is held on both Monday and Tuesday in the exhibit hall for all attendees.
Hosted Reception
Monday, March 11th * 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Join your fellow conference attendees for an evening reception in the exhibit hall before heading out to dinner on your own.
Closing Reception
Tuesday, March 12th * 6:00 - 8:00 pm
A perfect way to end your 2024 Conference - the Closing Reception! Have some food and refreshments with your friends and wish everyone farewell, until next year! Heavy hors d’oeurves and open bar. Attendance for this reception is included in your registration fee. Guests are welcome for a fee.
Available Functions
| Sunday - March 10 |
| 7:00 am - 3:00 pm |
| |
Golf Outing
|
$300.00 |
| 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm |
| |
Prodigy Program Reception
Are you a young professional with 5-8 years of experience in the field of asset management? ELFA and the Equipment Management Conference have started a new program, the Prodigy Program, to highlight young, emerging professionals and to excite new talent about the asset management field. Attend this fantastic event to meet fellow YP’s at the conference and learn more about our Prodigy Program.
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| Tuesday - March 12 |
| 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
| |
Closing Reception
Have some food and refreshments with your friends and wish everyone farewell, until next year! Heavy hors d’oeurves and open bar. Attendance for this reception is included in your registration fee, but please select the option if you plan to attend. Guests are welcome for a fee.
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Speakers
Joshua Bates
Sales Director
Green Truck General Partner, LLC (dba Green Truck Financial)
Dennis Bolton II
Head of North America Equipment Finance
Gordon Brothers Equipment Finance
Dennis Bolton is a Managing Director in Gordon Brothers' Commercial and Industrial Division. In his role, Dennis is responsible for assisting and advising clients in all aspects of equipment management, evaluating remarketing methods for various types of industrial equipment as well as sourcing and facilitating large equipment deals in a multitude of sectors including construction, mining, oil & gas, energy, aviation, marine, trucking and rail. He also performs machinery and equipment analyses and valuations as part of multi-asset equity investments.
Dennis has over thirty years of experience in industrial machinery and equipment, valuation, remarketing, remediations and inventory management. His equipment finance experience is extensive building and managing some of the largest equipment finance portfolios, work-out and equipment management teams. Before joining Gordon Brothers, Dennis was Head of the Equipment Management Group at Wells Fargo Equipment Finance and Wachovia Equipment Finance. Previously, he was Senior Vice President and Remarketing Manager for Banc of America Leasing.
Dennis earned his BS in Economics from Bentley University and is a senior accredited appraiser in the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and a member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and Turnaround Management Association (TMA). Dennis was active in the ELFA Equipment Management Committee from 2000-2010 including serving as committee chair and was also a contributor to the Marine and Aviation segments of the Equipment Lease Foundation Transportation Series. He has presented and written numerous articles on topics including equipment management, portfolio management, oil and gas, mining, energy, corporate and commercial aircraft and marine.
Robert Boyer CLFP
President
First Commonwealth Equipment Finance
Robert Boyer is currently President of First Commonwealth Equipment Finance, a division of First Commonwealth Bank. Most recently, he was Senior Director and Senior Vice President at TCF Capital Solutions, a division of TCF Bank. Prior to that, he was the President of BB&T Commercial Equipment Capital Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T), now Truist.
He is the 2024 ELFA Board Chair.
Rob has held a variety of positions throughout his career, including Sales Executive, Syndications Manager, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Syndications and Executive Vice President. He has served as Treasurer of the ELFA Board and is a member of its Executive Committee. Previously, he chaired ELFA’s Membership Committee and Small Ticket Business Council Steering Committee. He also has served as a Director for the Certified Leasing and Finance Professional Foundation (CLFP).
Rob has been working in the equipment finance industry since 1995. He holds a bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University and attended the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking.
Quentin Brasie
Chief Executive Officer
Aci Aviation Consulting
John Byron
President
Global Inventory Management
Kevin Carr
VP Financial Services
PassTime GPS Solutions
Spent 20 years in auto finance lending and risk management before transitioning to collections technology telematics for the past 12 years. Works with financial institutions in all vehicle-equipment segments helping to improve loan performance, mitigate risk and reduce collection cost/loss.
Ryan Chesterton
Director
Rouse Services LLC
<p>Ryan has been with Rouse Appraisals, a subsidiary of Ritchie Bros., since 2017 and currently serves as a Director focusing on the valuation of machinery and equipment. His current responsibilities are focused on the management and execution of appraisals that are complete, accurate, and delivered on time. Ryan has a strong background in valuation, data analysis, strategic consulting, relationship management, and project management.</p>
<p>Ryan has experience performing and reviewing appraisals for lending institutions, private equity firms, and equipment owners worldwide ranging from single unit valuations to multi-billion dollar appraisals.</p>
<p>Ryan is an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) with a focus Machinery and Technical Specialties (MTS). Prior to joining Rouse, Ryan began his career at KPMG and graduated from Villanova University with degrees in Finance and Accounting.</p>
Carl Chrappa A.S.A, M.R.I.C.S., I.F.A
Senior Managing Director
The Alta Group LLC
Carl C. Chrappa is Senior Managing Director - Asset Management Practice Leader of The Alta Group, LLC, headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. He is a registered auctioneer, recognized expert witness, and nationally (A.S.A.) as well as internationally (M.R.I.C.S.) tested and accredited senior equipment appraiser with over 45 years of experience.
Mr. Chrappa is uniquely qualified to author this article, since he actively trades in global equipment markets, and provides appraisals and equipment consulting services to companies throughout the world. He is also a member of the National Association for Business Economics (NABE), where he was elected to serve two-terms as Chair of the Association’s Industrial/ Manufacturing Roundtable. Since 2009 Mr. Chrappa has served as a panelist on the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s - ‘Livingston Survey,’ which twice a year forecasts macroeconomic moves in the U.S. economy. He also serves on the Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) monthly PMI survey panel.
He is Chair Emeritus and a founding member of The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association's Equipment Management Committee, also serves on the Board of Directors of the Secured Finance Network (fka CFA). He has served on the ELFA’s Service Providers Steering Committee, and is a past national technical director of the American Association of Cost Engineers. Mr. Chrappa received the ELFA’s Distinguished Service Award in 2010. In addition, he co-authored a book entitled A Leasing Company's Guide to Equipment Management and is the author of several columns devoted to equipment management as well as being a regular content provider to the ELFA's web-based ELFAonline.org. He has given numerous presentations at professional and trade association meetings and seminars throughout the United States, Europe and South America, and has been interviewed and quoted by such news media as The Wall Street Journal, the L.A. Business Times, TheStreet.com, CNBC MoneyLine, and NPR radio. Mr. Chrappa is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
The Alta Group, LLC, 2451 McMullen Booth Road, Suite 305 - Clearwater, FL 33759
Phone: (727) 796-7733
Email: cchrappa@thealtagroup.com
Gregory Chrappa
Director - Asset Management Practice
The Alta Group LLC
James Comerford
Comerford & Orlando Forklifts
As Founding Partner of CO Forklifts (COF), Jim Comerford has over 15 years of experience in the wholesale forklift industry. In February 2015, he and partner Steve Orlando formed COF, a full-service forklift wholesaler, providing lease valuations, end of lease inspections, freight, storage, consignment, and purchasing of off-lease forklift assets. COF specializes in assisting banks and non-bank leasing companies with enhancing their material handling portfolios.
Through his many years of experience and relationship building, Jim has established a diverse, customer base worldwide. This broad customer base provides Jim with a unique ability to sell a wide range of off lease material handling assets both domestically and abroad. Utilizing the latest technology platforms, Jim has also developed a wide-reaching remarketing network. He is also a partner in EZ-CR, the first of its kind digital condition report application, designed to streamline the condition report process for banks and OEM dealers.
Jim and his family reside in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a Buffalo, New York native and Buffalo Ambassador for life!
Nicholas Coscia
Equipment Manager, Asset Management Americas CT&I
DLL
Nicholas Coscia is the Equipment Manager for De Lage Landen Financial Services (DLL), working in the Construction, Transportation & Industrial (CT&I) group.
Prior to joining DLL, Nick worked People's Capital & Leasing Corp as the VP, Asset Management. Prior to that, Nick worked for CoBank as an Asset Manager. Prior to CoBank, Nick spent 6 years at Terex Corporation working in Asset Management and Crane Sales. Nick started his career at GE Capital Corporation in 2002.
Robert Cowgill
Managing Director
ACI Aviation Consulting
Brian DeRusha
Executive Vice President - Director Asset Management
Wintrust Commercial Finance
Tim Farrow
COO
APTO Solutions
Tim Farrow is the COO of Apto Solutions, an IT Asset Disposition company providing lease valuation and return services since 2004. Tim is a champion of the company’s mission to help organizations address environmental, data and financial risks caused by the quickening pace of technological change.
Heather Feito
Asset Sales Manager, Asset Management Americas CT&I
DLL
Cameron Gibson
Business Development Manager - Non-Containerized
Port of New Orleans
Anthony Gordon ASA
Director of Asset Management and Remarketing
Farm Credit Leasing
Anthony Gordon is the Director of Asset Management & Remarket for CoBank - Farm Credit Leasing. Mr. Gordon is responsible for Asset Management and Remarketing functions at Farm Credit Leasing. He received his accredited Senior Appraiser designation from the American Society of Appraisers in 2011. Mr. Gordon was raised on a family farm and has over 30 years of agricultural equipment finance experience in various roles, including asset management, asset remarketing, credit underwriting, sales, foreclosure and portfolio management. Prior to joining Farm Credit Leasing in December 2017, Mr. Gordon spent a year at Heritage Bank NA, fifteen years at DLL Finance Food & Ag and fourteen years with Agricredit Acceptance Co. He studied finance at Drake University, Des Moines, IA and received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Graceland University – Lamoni, IA.
Anthony Gordon ASA
Director of Asset Management and Remarketing
Farm Credit Leasing
Anthony Gordon is the Director of Asset Management & Remarket for CoBank - Farm Credit Leasing. Mr. Gordon is responsible for Asset Management and Remarketing functions at Farm Credit Leasing. He received his accredited Senior Appraiser designation from the American Society of Appraisers in 2011. Mr. Gordon was raised on a family farm and has over 30 years of agricultural equipment finance experience in various roles, including asset management, asset remarketing, credit underwriting, sales, foreclosure and portfolio management. Prior to joining Farm Credit Leasing in December 2017, Mr. Gordon spent a year at Heritage Bank NA, fifteen years at DLL Finance Food & Ag and fourteen years with Agricredit Acceptance Co. He studied finance at Drake University, Des Moines, IA and received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Graceland University – Lamoni, IA.
Laura Grill
VP, Asset Management
Truist Equipment Finance Corp.
Robert Herb ASA
Head of Global Asset Management, Healthcare, Technology & Office Equipment
DLL
DLL is a global vendor finance company with more than EUR 30 billion in assets. Partnering with equipment manufacturers, dealers and distributors in more than 30 countries to support their distribution channels and help grow their businesses, DLL combines customer focus with deep industry knowledge to deliver sustainable solutions for the complete asset life cycle, including retail finance, commercial finance and used equipment finance. DLL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rabobank Group.
In his role with DLL, Rob Herb manages a EUR 3 billion global portfolio of healthcare and clean technology assets, consulting with manufacturers on life cycle asset management (LCAM) initiatives, driving the adoption of refurbishment and redeployment plans for capital equipment, as well as transforming selling models from traditional ownership to usage and service based.
Rob received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Gettysburg College and his Masters of Business Administration from LaSalle University.
Casey Herschler
North American Marine Consultants, LLC
Casey M. Herschler joined North American Marine Consultants, LLC in 2011 as a marine surveyor and since been involved in numerous marine consulting and appraisal projects for customers including Bank of America, BB&T Equipment Finance, Crowley Marine, The Dutra Group, Signet Maritime, SunTrust, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, People’s Capital, Firth Third Leasing, Regions Equipment Finance, AIG Financial, and many more clients in the financial, insurance and private sectors.
Mr. Herschler concurrently works with Canton Marine Towing Company, a small regional towing company on the Mid-Mississippi River where he is involved in government regulations and relations. Mr. Herschler was previously employed at, Inc. as the Director of Engineer at SCF Marine and prior to that as an Architect with Clayco Construction in St. Louis, MO.
Mr. Herschler holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Southern Illinois University. He is a candidate member of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). Mr. Herschler is a licensed mariner holding a Master of Steam and Motor Vessels and Master of Towing Vessel licenses upon Western Rivers and is also Co-Chairman of River Industry Action Committee.
Philip Houser
Director, Asset Management
First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
Phil Houser is an accomplished, effective, and performance-driven leader with 30+ years of equipment finance success in Global Asset Management, Business Development, and Operations Management. Phil has extensive achievement in creating, motivating, and leading high-performing teams within the Banking, Captive Finance, and Independent Finance industries.
Phil is a Senior strategic leader with global expertise in delivering transformational and systematic change initiatives, and broad experience in starting, building, and restructuring cross-functional teams while driving organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Phil is highly regarded for building relationships and fostering a culture of collaboration to drive results.
Areas of expertise; Dynamic Team Leadership, Talent Acquisition and Team Building, Performance Developing and Elevating, Business Development, and Efficiency and Effectiveness.
Kelly Lane
Senior Managing Director, Head of Asset Management
Ansley Park Capital
Kelly Lane is Senior Managing Director, Head of Asset Management and is part of the Ansley Park Capital leadership team. He is a seasoned leader in the industry with over 25 years of experience in equipment trading, appraisals, leasing, and portfolio valuation. Mr. Lane leads the Asset Management Group at Ansley Park, which is responsible for asset valuation, residual risk, appraisal review, remarketing, and portfolio oversight. The group has a primary focus on air, marine, transportation, manufacturing, oil & gas, mining, construction, infrastructure, alternative energy, and other large ticket transactions. Prior to joining the Ansley Park team, Kelly worked at Bci Capital, Signature Financial, Santander Equipment Finance, CIT Equipment Finance, Somerset Capital Group and nearly 10 years at GE Commercial Equipment Finance. Mr. Lane is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University, currently serves on the ELFA Equipment Management Committee, is a member of the American Society of Appraisers, and received his Green Belt Certification while at GE. Kelly also serves on the Board of Directors for Candlewood Shores Tax District in Brookfield, CT, where he lives with his daughter.
Michael Larson
Senior Asset Management Analyst
Farm Credit Leasing
Eric Livingston
Chief Operating Officer
Maritime Partners LLC
Eric Livingston is Senior Vice President Asset Management for Citizens Asset Finance focusing on the rail and marine industries. Prior to this he was Vice President and Executive Director, Portfolio and Equipment Management at GATX Corporation. Where he directed all asset management activities for GATX's $500 equipment finance portfolio. Prior to joining GATX in 2001, Mr. Livingston served as Vice President of Asset Management at ATEL Capital Group where he supervised all asset management activities for ATEL's $750 Million diversified equipment finance portfolio.
Mr. Livingston began his twenty-five year leasing career at GE Capital Computer Leasing in a variety of positions including Investment Analyst, Trader-IBM Communications Equipment and Product Manager-IBM Enterprise Systems. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Finance from San Diego State University and is a ASA accredited Senior Appraiser.
Vincent Lorenz ASA
Director, Fleet & Valuations
Nations Capital, Inc.
Vince has over 20 years of experience working in the heavy equipment industry having started his career from the ground up working at his family’s construction equipment business. He is an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) with the American Society of Appraisers and has worked with various institutions, helping them understand equipment values, residual analysis, and remarketing strategies. He has managed complex appraisal and liquidation projects across multiple industries and various geographic areas. Specialty subject matter areas for Vince include heavy lifting & rigging, transportation, mining, construction, and the oil and gas pipeline industries.
Jacob McCarthy
Director
Rouse Services LLC
Dan Melnyk
Director of Sales- North America
Tadano America Corporation
Dan Melnyk is the Director of Asset Management for Tadano Americas, working in the Construction Industry specializing in the sale of rough terrain cranes, all terrain cranes and crawler cranes. Prior to joining Tadano, Dan worked 13 years at Terex and held roles as the Director of Sales for Terex & Demag Cranes and the Director of Asset Management for Terex Financial Services, a captive finance arm of Terex Corporation located in Westport CT.
Dan graduated from the University of Connecticut's Business School as a dual major in Finance and Marketing. Dan spent his first 2 years at General Electric in their Financial Management Program rotating throughout GE Corporate HQ and GE Capital in Fairfield and Stamford CT. The next 5 years off program were dedicated to GE Capital's Vendor Financial Services group working in Remarketing and Valuations handling the IT and Telecom portfolio before transitioning to valuing Machine Tools, Plastics Machinery, Fitness, Furniture, Textiles and ModSpace. Dan has served on the ELFA Committee from 2012-2015 during his Asset Management years prior to transitioning over to Sales.
Robert Mercogliano
SVP, Head of Asset Management
PEAC Solutions
Robert Mercogliano
Strategic Account Manager - Financial Services
bidadoo Inc.
Bob is currently the Strategic Account Manager for Financial Services at bidadoo auction services. Bob has 30 years of Asset Management experience with expertise in managing, evaluating, and selling transportation, construction, industrial, manufacturing, technology, and healthcare assets.
Bob has held several positions during his career in Leasing and Finance as Head of Asset Management, Pricing, and Portfolio Management. Prior to joining bidadoo in 2020, Bob worked as the Managing Director, Head of Asset Management for SunTrust. He was also the Global Head of Asset Management for the Project Structured Finance Group of Siemens Financial Services for 18 years. He currently sits on and is a former chairman of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s Asset Management Committee.
Education - Bob received a B.S. in International Business Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
bidadoo is the largest and most trusted online auction service on the world’s largest auction marketplace, eBay. With eBay’s 150+ million active buyers around the globe, bidadoo provides equipment sellers access to the world’s largest online auction marketplace, with its long-term partnership with eBay. bidadoo provides professional remarketing for used construction equipment, rental and municipal fleets, trucks, and other capital assets to many of the world’s largest equipment and fleet companies.
James Merz
SVP - Head of Equipment Management
Fifth Third Bank, National Association
Jeffrey Miller
VP & Director of Valuation Services
Maynards Capital LP
Maynards offers valuation services of Machinery and Equipment and Inventory to support Leases, Loans and Asset Based Lending throughout North America. We are a leader in the industry appraising over $1 Billion in assets annually. Our AMEA and ASA certified appraisers average 20 plus years experience. We are well versed in a wide array of asset verticals ranging from automotive, metalworking and fabrication to transportation, construction, rolling stock and many others. Our Capital division provides leases and loans to support businesses in all stages of their life cycle. And our Auction division liquidates assets when a sale of the equipment is necessary.
Thomas Monroe Jr
SVP, ATEL Equipment Services
ATEL Capital Group
Thomas P. Monroe, Jr. joined ATEL as a portfolio manager in the asset management department. In 2004, Mr. Monroe was named Senior Vice President of ATEL Equipment Services. In this function, Mr. Monroe manages ATEL's asset management department, which is responsible for residual valuation, due diligence, equipment inspections and negotiating renewal and remarketing for ATEL's portfolio. Prior to joining ATEL, Mr. Monroe was employed by GE Capital for 6 years as a portfolio manager in the computer leasing division. Mr. Monroe holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley, and an M.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.
Riley Nemeth
Senior Asset Manager
Wintrust Commercial Finance
Riley Nemeth is a Senior Asset Manager for Wintrust Commercial Finance. In this position he is involved in all aspects of the asset management role.
Prior to joining WCF in 2017, Riley worked for United leasing & Finance in a similar role. He also worked for Ritchie Bros Auctioneers as a territory manager responsible for consigning equipment. He has also previously had a CDL and worked in construction up through college.
Alex Ohanessian
VP of Asset Management -IMH
Insight Investments, LLC
Alex Ohanessian is a Vice President of Asset Management for Insight Investments, working in the Insight Material Handling (IMH) division. Alex provides front end valuation as well as managing end of lease dispositions and remarketing.
Prior to joining Insight Investments, Alex worked for CIT Bank as a VP of Asset Management as well as for ATEL Capital as the Senior Portfolio Manager. Alex began his career with Wells Fargo, reviewing loans and leases for the CMBS group.
Andrew Pace
Chief Client Experience Officer
Asset Compliant Solutions (ACS)
Jane Rethmeier
CEO
Harbor Capital Leasing, Inc.
Ms. Rethmeier has been with Harbor Capital since the company's inception in 2000, as Mishawaka Leasing, and has over 30 years of leasing experience with a focus on asset management, remarketing, tax and lease accounting. Prior to joining Harbor Mishawaka, Jane was with Capital Associates International, Inc. where she was responsible for establishing residual values and end of lease activities.
Thomas Rickards
Equipment Portfolio Manager, HC Americas
DLL
Wes Romaine ASA
Vice President
ACI Aviation Consulting
Wes Romaine joined ACI in December of 2007 and has over 15 years of experience within the aviation industry. Wes has a thorough understanding of the business and commercial aviation markets and has extensive experience in the valuation of aviation-based assets, including aircraft, rotorcraft, engines, and spare parts. Wes plays a substantial role in the development and execution of ACI?s business activities. Wes is an ISTAT Certified Appraiser and an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) with the American Society of Appraisers. Wes holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from James Madison University and is a member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA), ISTAT, Helicopter Association International (HAI), and the American Society of Appraisers.
Robert Sandlin ASA
Senior Appraiser
Irontrax
Bobby Sandlin is a distinguished Senior Appraiser and leader of the Transportation Division at Irontrax, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the appraisal profession. Holding a master's degree from Texas A&M University, Bobby has dedicated the past 15 years to specializing in the valuation of trucks and trailers, demonstrating a deep understanding of this critical sector.
Growing up around his father's equipment business, Bobby has been immersed in the world of equipment from a young age. This lifelong exposure has contributed to his comprehensive knowledge and insight into the intricacies of the appraisal field, particularly in the realm of transportation.
In addition to his role at Irontrax, Bobby has actively engaged with organizations such as the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and USDA/APHIS/PPQ in Texas. His diverse experience extends to contributions to his family's company, Sandlin Farm & Equipment, where he played vital roles in both the agricultural and transportation aspects of the business.
On a personal level, Bobby is deeply committed to community involvement and serves as the Assistant Superintendent for the Young County Junior Livestock Show Board for the Ag Mechanics show. During his college years, he held leadership positions in the Texas 4-H State Council and District 3 Council. Bobby is also a proud member of the Beef Cattle Association, Texas A&M, and Saddle & Sirloin, showcasing his dedication to both professional and personal growth.
Overall, Bobby Sandlin ASA brings a combination of hands-on experience, academic achievement, and community engagement, making him a valuable asset in any professional setting. His commitment to excellence, coupled with his broad expertise in transportation appraisal, positions him as a respected leader in the field.
Joseph Santora ASA
President
Irontrax
Joseph Santora has spent the last 21 years building Irontrax into a reputable partner for financial institutions, equipment managers and construction professionals who seek accurate valuation and sales of machinery and equipment. His deep relationships in the market, coupled with his true third-party viewpoint, have yielded consistent spot-on valuations for clients.
Irontrax specializes in asset management; consulting, appraisal, and the remarketing of bank-owned construction, transportation, and mining equipment. Irontrax also consults for lease-end negotiations, workouts, and litigations. Irontrax has entered into Master Services Agreements with many of the major financial institutions.
Joe walked in the shoes of his clients, prior to establishing Irontrax. He was an Asset Manager at First Merit Bank (Akron, Ohio) where he established bank policy for the Equipment & Leasing & Finance Division and instituted the use of an approved appraiser list. In addition, he has held roles with Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, the world’s largest auctioneer of unused and used heavy equipment and trucks, and Insight Auctioneers (Sebring, Florida).
Well-known throughout the industry, Joe has been published in several financial and construction trade publications and has served on numerous committees for the Ohio Contractors Association. He currently is a member of the American Society of Appraiser’s International MTS (Machinery & Technical Specialties Discipline) Committee, which establishes appraisal policies, standards and education on an international level. Joe is also the Founder/Chairman of American Society of Appraisers Annual Equipment Valuation Conference.
Joe often presents at the American Society of Appraiser
Kevin Sensenbrenner ASA
SVP/Senior Managing Director, Head of Asset Management
Stonebriar Commercial Finance
Kevin Sensenbrenner is SVP and Senior Managing Director of Asset Management, with direct management responsibility for all asset valuation, lease portfolio management, and remarketing activities.
Kevin began his career in 1998 as a commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (M&E) and real estate appraiser with AccuVal Associates. He was responsible for Co-Managing AccuVal's M&E appraisal practice. At AccuVal, Kevin gained extensive experience appraising domestic and international large industrial/manufacturing facilities, such as: steel and paper mills, metal fabrication and automotive assembly plants, chemical/petroleum processing plants, carpet manufacturers, food processing facilities, printing operations, and energy related assets.
Sensenbrenner began his Asset Management career at AIG Commercial Equipment Finance (AIG CAF) in 2006 as Vice President and Senior Asset Manager. His responsibilities increased successively and ultimately included all asset management functions for AIG Investments and AIG CAF portfolios. At AIG, Kevin valued and managed a diverse portfolio, with assets in manufacturing, transportation, oil and gas, mining, construction, marine, rail, and technology industries, as well as real estate assets.
Prior to joining SCF in 2015, Mr. Sensenbrenner led an equipment management valuation team overseeing Wells Fargo Equipment Finances $29.5 billion portfolio, with responsibility for commercial bank, corporate bank, capital markets, marine, energy, and rail business verticals.
Kevin is a Senior ASA appraiser and has served as an ELFA Equipment Management Committee member since 2007.
Douglas Simon
Senior Vice President, Head of Equipment Management
M&T Bank Corporation
Douglas A. Simon is Senior Vice President, Head of Equipment Management at M&T Bank Commercial Equipment Finance Division. Mr. Simon manages M&T’s Equipment Management Group, which is responsible for residual setting and asset valuations, equipment inspections and appraisals, remarketing and portfolio reporting. Before joining M&T in 2015, Mr. Simon spent 9 years at Banc of America Leasing on the Valuation Team within the Equipment Management Group. Prior experience included equipment management roles at ATEL Capital Group, American Express Equipment Finance and TAL Financial Corporation. Mr. Simon holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Northeastern University and currently serves on the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s Equipment Management Committee.
Micheal Smith
President & CEO
RTR Services, Inc.
For over 35 years, Mike has been active in the Leasing and Financial industry. Since 1996 he has been the President and CEO of RTR Services, Inc. the leading national asset management firm specializing in Appraisals, Repossessions, Remarketing and Inspection Services. Mike along with the rest of the RTR Staff are a dependable resource for banks, leasing companies and attorneys across the nation, helping them to determine their equipment’s value and the development and implementation of sound asset management principles.
Mike currently serves on the Equipment Leasing and Financing Association (ELFA) Equipment Management Committee. He served on the ELFA Credit and Collection Committee from 2010-2012. Mike presently serves on the board of RSA as finance committee chair. In addition to his committee work, Mike / RTR are also members of the National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA), the American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB), the Chamber of Commerce, and the National Auction Association (NAA).
Kevin Toye
Senior Vice President
Bank of America Global Leasing
Guillermo Vazquez
Manitowoc Cranes, Inc.
Guillermo Vazquez is the Global Used Remarketing VP for Manitowoc Cranes, including Grove, National, and Potain brands. Guillermo has been with Manitowoc for fifteen years. He has held various positions, including VP of Sales for Latin America and National Crane Boom Truck Sales Manager for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Guillermo is based in Monterey, Mexico, with his wife and two sons.
Geoffrey Walshe
Equipment Manager
Wells Fargo Equipment Finance
Multi-faceted professional with over eighteen years experience in Equipment Management. Sharp business acumen developed through intense negotiations in a variety of infrastructure industries including Oil & Gas, Mining, Marine, Manufacturing and Intermodal. Demonstrated ability to negotiate highly structured transactions while maintaining relationships through times of conflict.
Specialties: End of lease negotiations, equipment valuation and residual forecasting, 3rd party equipment sales and transaction management. Focus has been on mid to large ticket transactions.
Currently manage a team of 10+ professionals specializing in a wide variety of Equipment types. Charged with maximizing income on a multi billion dollar direct lease portfolio. Responsible for implementing strategies to project and achieve stated income targets. Determine ways to improve efficiencies and integrate acquired portfolios.
Thomas Walther
Managing Partner
Nationwide Equipment Co., LLC
Tom Walther began his career in the transportation equipment industry in 1990 with Transamerica Trailer Leasing, Inc. based in Piscataway, NJ. Starting as Operations Analyst, the position involved trailer inspections, verifying vendor invoices, and auditing maintenance records. Moving into sales provided experience in lease transactions and customer relations. In 2000, Tom became Director of Trailer Sales for Transamerica Leasing’s Trader Group. He managed a sales team with a nationwide focus on trading used trailers from single-unit transactions to large wholesale fleets.
In 2004 Tom founded Nationwide Equipment Co. LLC based in Boise, ID. Nationwide is a licensed and bonded vehicle dealer that works with banks and leasing companies to efficiently remarket off-lease transportation equipment throughout the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. Types of equipment include: van, tank, refrigerated, and flatbed trailers, as well as intermodal chassis and containers. He continues to broaden his focus to include tractors, vocational trucks, cranes, and construction equipment. Tom has been a dedicated ELFA member for 11 years, and regularly presents at the Equipment Management Conference. Tom is a graduate of Bucknell University.
Keith Weber
Executive Vice President
North American Marine Consultants, LLC
Keith J. Weber co-founded North American Marine Consultants, LLC to fulfill an industry need for knowledge-based marine surveying, professional appraisal analyses and brokerage of inland and ocean-going marine assets.
Since establishing North American Marine Consultants in 2009, Mr. Weber has authored appraisals for customers including Bank of America, BB&T Equipment Finance, Crowley Marine, The Dutra Group, Signet Maritime, SunTrust, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, People’s Capital, Firth Third Leasing, Regions Equipment Finance, AIG Financial, and many more clients in the financial, insurance and private sectors.
Mr. Weber was previously employed at Merrill Marine Services, Inc. as the Director of Appraisal Operations. Prior to that, he worked as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at ADVANSWERS (a $500 million, multi-state division of Omnicom), and Vice President and Finance Director at D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles, Inc.
Mr. Weber holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance from Washington and Jefferson College, and a Masters in Business Administration from Washington University. He is an accredited member of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), and a member of Financial Executives International and Financial Executives Networking Group.
Nyk Westbrook
VP of Business Development
Maynards Capital LP
Wade Whitenburg
Strategic Accounts: Finance & Insolvency Management
Ritchie Bros.
Wade W. Whitenburg is a Strategic Accounts Manager with Ritchie Bros. specializing in asset management, valuation and remarketing for finance, banking and insolvency management companies. Since joining the company in January of 2001, he has been responsible for building and maintaining customer relationships with financial organizations of all sizes throughout the U.S.
Wade provides market analysis and CMV guidance for the general equipment industry as well as for specific equipment fleet and asset portfolio managers based on real time data and market awareness. He also plays an essential role in the development and delivery of the Equipment Valuation Workshops which Ritchie Bros. hosts for equipment finance professionals across in the U.S. and Canada.
Before his tenure with Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Wade held several positions for various companies within the general equipment industry. His wide-ranging background includes sales, marketing, financing and corporate training. He and his family reside in Cypress, Texas.
Wade holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology with a second major in Business Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX.
Hotel Information
The 2024 Equipment Management Conference and Exhibition will be held at the Sheraton New Orleans, 500 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA - just steps away from the famed Bourbon Street, in the heart of the French Quarter. The conference discounted room rate expired on February 16, 2024; however, the hotel does still have availability over the conference dates. Check in time is 4:00 pm and check-out time is 12:00pm. You may use the link below to make your reservation at the current hotel rate. Using Marriott.com, the link below, will assure you receive the lowest rate available.
Nestled on Canal Street, the Sheraton New Orleans puts you steps away from the electrifying energy of New Orleans’s Bourbon Street, with easy access to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Center. Rejoice in the comfort of the lavish guest rooms and suites, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the French Quarter and majestic Mississippi River. Elevate your stay with exclusive Sheraton Club Lounge access or rejuvenate at the fully equipped Sheraton Fitness Center. Delight your senses at the lobby Starbucks or savor cocktails and local delicacies at the inviting Pelican Bar. Unveil the soul of the Crescent City at Sheraton New Orleans Hotel.
Getting There
The Sheraton New Orleans is 13 miles from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Approximate cost from the airport to the Sheraton New Orleans is approximately $36.00 one-way with a Taxi and $24.00 one-way via airport shuttle.
Public Transportation
Avoid traffic by utilizing public transit to and from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Bus service to Downtown New Orleans from the airport is available via the Jefferson Transit Authority (JET) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). Bus service is available from the outer curb outside Level 3 Ticket Lobby.
For more information regarding bus transportation, please visit the New Orleans International Airport web page regarding public transportation https://flymsy.com/public-transportation/.
Parking
Limited self-parking is available at the hotel for $62.00 per day as a hotel guest and valet parking is available for $75.00 per day.
Please NOTE - Scam Email Warning
A number of scam emails have been floating around marketing the room block for this conference. ELFA does not use third parties to assist in booking our hotel block. We provide the hotel link to you, as the attendee, through this website and through our own marketing emails. Please do not engage with the third parties to book your hotel reservations. They are NOT associated with ELFA.
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
500 Canal St
New Orleans, LA 70130
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