Chelsea Neil 2017-01-20 03:37:55
THE FOUNDATION has a new Chair of the National Development Committee: Randy Haug, Executive Vice President/Vice Chairman of LeaseTeam, Inc. Randy graciously allowed me to interview him about his passion for the Foundation and the Foundation’s value proposition. Here is a look at the person leading the Development Team.
Why did you become involved with the Foundation?
The Foundation was created the same year we founded Lease- Team. As our company grew we relied on the research the Foundation published; we used the information to provide insight and to support our goal of always being connected to the industry. Additionally, I’ve sat through a number of educational breakout sessions [focused on Foundation research], and I’ve always found those sessions to be informative and to provide a “forward-looking” perspective on our industry. My respect for the Foundation and the thought leaders supporting it is why I decided to become involved.
Randy Haug
What impact do you want the Foundation to have on the industry?
The Foundation’s mission statement is to provide comprehensive, forward-looking research for business leaders, analysts and others interested in the industry. As the industry’s largest non-profit research foundation, it’s my opinion that the Foundation needs to continue evolving and growing. I believe this is important to ensure the industry continues to thrive, which is important for everyone who works directly, or indirectly, in the industry.
What value does the Foundation provide that keeps generous corporate and individual donors pledging year after year?
I believe one of the most impactful benefits the Foundation provides is its research. The topics are selected by a Research Committee and span a variety of segments. No other organization off ers the breadth of research, data and analysis that the Foundation generates year aft er year. We have a great group of both corporate and individual members that we can count on year aft er year due in large part to the value the research creates for them.
It's also worth noting that if we want to expand our research and education programs, we need to expand our donor base. It's important for people who understand the value the Foundation off ers to help educate non-donors.
What are three things that most people do not know about you?
I'm a proud first-generation American. My parents came to the United States as young adults without any formal education or grasp of the English language. My parents worked multiple jobs to ensure we had the education and opportunities to be successful. They also instilled in us the value of hard work, to appreciate our good fortunes and the importance of paying them forward, and to treat others with respect.
I love to travel. Most of my relatives still live overseas, and I love to go to other countries and experience new cultures. It has helped me become a better person and has taught me to have compassion and gratitude for all I have been given in life.
Twenty-seven years ago I co-founded a company called LeaseTeam, Inc. Starting and maintaining a successful company in the industry I love was a dream come true for me. I attribute my success to the core values my parents instilled in me.
Chelsea Neil is Program Assistant for the Foundation.
Industry Confidence Spikes Post-Election
ACCORDING TO the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation’s Monthly Confidence Index, confidence in the equipment finance market was 67.5 in December, a sharp increase from the November index of 54.6, with equipment finance executives expressing post-election optimism.
When asked about the outlook for the future, MCI-EFI survey respondent David Normandin, Managing Director, Commercial Finance Group, Hanmi Bank, said, “I am optimistic as the election cycle is finally behind us, and regardless of the side, people will begin to accept it and move forward. I also think an interest rate increase will be healthy, and I believe that we will see that happen this coming year.”
Foundation Monthly Confidence Index
Key Findings:
Access the latest Monthly Confidence Index at www.leasefoundation.org/research/mci.
Survey Comments from Industry Executive Leadership:
“The results of the election should lead to a more favorable business environment over time. The anticipation of this has already had a positive impact and is beginning to shift the mindsets of business leaders and investors. I am concerned about the potential negative impact the anticipated tax reform may have on our industry segment.”
Robert Boyer, President, Susquehanna Commercial Finance, Inc.
“I’m hopeful that we are moving into a more favorable business environment that will create a more optimistic outlook. Certainly having the election behind us is less of a distraction.”
David T. Schaefer, CEO, Mintaka Financial, LLC
“A more business friendly administration will provide economic stimulus to all sectors of the economy.”
Harry Kaplun, President, Specialty Finance, Frost Bank Frost Equipment Leasing and Finance
“I believe that with the election now over there will be a more stable and hopefully a more positive business environment, which will translate to an increase in financing opportunities.”
William H. Besgen, Senior Advisor, Vice Chairman Emeritus, Hitachi Capital America Corp
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