AP Equipment Financing Celebrates 2024 Achievements and Outstanding Leadership
BEND, OR. – AP Equipment Financing, a leader in equipment leasing and financing solutions, reflects on an exceptional 2024, celebrating both organizational milestones and the recognition of remarkable leaders within its team. AP finalized a record-breaking year with a 58% increase in originations volume in 2024 compared to 2023 and is now actively managing a portfolio of $881 million.
Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership with Chris Lerma
2024 marked a significant milestone for Chris Lerma, CLFP, AP’s President, who celebrated his 20th anniversary with the company. Starting as employee #9, Chris has played a pivotal role in shaping AP’s growth and strategy over the past two decades. From founding the syndication division to developing the company’s credit philosophy, expanding sales industry verticals, and overseeing all operations, Chris continues to exemplify dedication, innovation, and steadfast leadership.
Honoring Industry Recognitions
AP’s CMO & CTO, Nick Fong, CLFP, has been recognized as a “Monitor NextGen Icon” for his forward-thinking leadership and innovative strategies. Over his 14-year career at AP, Nick has seamlessly integrated marketing and technology, driving operational excellence and positioning AP for future growth. Nick’s collaborative leadership style and focus on understanding consumer behavior have been instrumental in shaping AP’s success.
Read Nick’s story, “Merging the Evolving Worlds of Marketing and Technology,” here.
Additionally, AP proudly congratulates Docs & Funding Manager, Melanie Rudiger, CLFP, who has been named one of Monitor’s “Top 50 Women in Equipment Finance.” With 12 years of experience in the industry, Melanie has demonstrated unparalleled expertise across diverse products and sectors. Her servant-leadership style fosters trust, active listening, and team empowerment, equipping AP for long-term success.
Read Melanie’s feature on page 80 of Monitor’s November/December issue here.
AP Fleet Management Secures Landmark Deal
AP Fleet Management, a growing division under AP Equipment Financing, has marked an incredible achievement by securing its largest leasing transaction to date—$11,140,000 to an investment grade US company—within its first year of operation. Furthermore, AP has partnered with PALFINGER to provide rent, lease, and finance options for their insulated and non-insulated bucket trucks, and AP purchased and deployed over $30 million in 3-to-24-month fleet rental assets in the second half of 2024.
Positioned for Growth in 2025 and Beyond
“AP Equipment Financing is well positioned for continued growth this year and beyond” states CEO Chris Enbom, CLFP. “We look forward to where the AP Fleet Management division will grow in 2025 and beyond as it provides expanded solutions for fleet businesses across the U.S. Additionally, AP’s focus on expanded financing programs and diversified industry verticals sets the stage for an exciting trajectory of growth and achievements.”
About AP Equipment Financing:
Founded in 1998 and based in Bend, Oregon, AP Equipment Financing is a subsidiary of Tokyo Century (USA) Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation. Tokyo Century Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, has 7,800 employees, and offers specialty leasing and other high value-added financial services in more than 30 countries. AP Fleet Management is a division of AP Equipment Financing.
AP Equipment Financing is renowned for its reliability, consistently delivering innovative financial services and comprehensive expertise to ensure customer satisfaction. The affiliation with Tokyo Century Corporation grants AP the financial strength and resources of a large organization, while enabling them to uphold the swift and personalized service characteristic of an agile independent enterprise.