October 31, 2025 | by Randy Haug, EVP, Vice-Chairman, Co-Founder, LTi Technology Solutions.
A Thriving, Evolving Industry
After three inspiring days at the 2025 NEFA Annual Conference in Minneapolis, one message was clear: equipment finance isn’t just surviving – it’s thriving. Despite a complex economic backdrop, the energy and confidence within our industry are undeniable. Many firms are using this period not to pause, but to strengthen foundations, diversity portfolios and prepare for accelerated growth in 2026.
New products, strategic hires, and technology investments are reshaping how lenders serve their customers. The result: smarter operations, value-added solutions, and healthier margins that empower businesses to grow.
Top 4 Takeaways from the NEFA Conference
Resilience and Transformation
While 2025 may not be a record-breaking year for everyone, it has been a year of measured progress and strategic growth. The equipment finance community continues to adapt, finding new ways to meet client demand, drive efficiency, and deliver meaningful value in every transaction.
AI’s Double-Edged Sword
Artificial intelligence dominated hallway conversations. We’re seeing both sides of its influence: risks such as fraud, deepfakes, and data theft, but also transformative potential.
AI is already helping organizations automate manual tasks, detect anomalies, and strengthen credit and security frameworks. The challenge ahead lies in balancing innovation with integrity and ensuring human oversight remains central to every decision.
Succession Planning is Non-Negotiable
Future-ready organizations are proactive about leadership continuity. Documented, actionable succession plans protect institutional knowledge, culture, and stability, and they’re becoming an essential part of every boardroom conversation.
Leadership Still Leads
In an era of technology and transition, leadership remains the key differentiator. Consistency, intentionality, and humanity continue to be the foundation for trust, culture, and long-term resilience.
When Technology Amplifies Humanity
What resonated most for me was this simple truth: when people feel valued, processes empower rather than burden them, and technology amplifies humanity instead of replacing it, our industry flourishes. That balance, the space between digital capability and human connection, is what continues to define the best in equipment finance.
Moments That Inspired
Keynote speaker, Jim Craig, 1980 Olympic Gold Medallist and Founder of Gold Medal Strategies, delivered one of those rare sessions that stays with you. His message, “Life doesn’t get easier – you just get stronger,” perfectly captured the mindset that drives leaders in our industry. Jim wove stories from his Olympic triumphs and business ventures into a powerful reminder: mindset is a game-changer.
Afterwards, he met attendees, signed photos, and shared personal reflections, transforming inspiration into authentic connection. It was, in every sense, a gold-medal moment.
Gratitude and the Road Ahead
I left Minneapolis energized by conversations with brokers, lessors, lenders, and technology partners who share one vision: an industry built on collaboration, trust, and innovation. Our collective strength lies not in weathering change, but in shaping it, together.
A sincere thank-you to Chad Sluss, the NEFA Staff, Board, and Conference Committee for creating an environment where these vital conversations can take root and flourish.
As we look toward 2026, one truth endures: the equipment finance industry continues to power opportunity, growth, and resilience.
What insights are you carrying from your recent industry events?
I welcome your thoughts and look forward to continuing the dialogue.
The Power of LTi. Real Results. Measurable Impact. Future Focused.
About the Author
Randy Haug is Executive Vice President, Vice Chairman & Co-Founder of LTi Technology Solutions, a pioneer in software solutions for the equipment finance and asset-based lending industry. WIth more than 35 years of leadership and innovation, Randy has been instrumental in shaping technology strategies that drive growth, efficiency, and client success across the global asset finance market. A long-time NEFA member and advocate for industry collaboration, Randy continues to share insights that reflect LTi’s commitment to Precision, Performance, and Partnership, the key strategic pillars that define the Power of LTi.
