For the second year in a row, Equipment Finance Advisor brings together a panel of four industry leaders to share their impressions as to how the industry is faring thus far with one quarter behind us. In the following roundtable discussion, John Evans, Jud Snyder, David Merrill and Richard Doherty share the view that in general, 2014 is shaping up quite nicely. In spite of the chilling effect that the harshest winter in recent times had on the economy as a whole, most equipment sectors, with the exception of healthcare, are showing strength if not promise. These executives make the point that risk management is an ever-constant reality as are intense competition and areas of uncertainty caused by lease accounting and macro-economic issues.

While the consensus is generally the same, each executive voices their unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the current environment with both candor and clarity. As such, we express our thanks to Rich, Dave, Jud and John for the thoughtfulness of their responses and their generosity of spirit.

In closing, we ask you, our readers, to take a moment and share your views as to how the industry is faring in the Comments From Our Members feature provided below.

Feel free to read these four perspectives in any order you prefer.