Cole Taylor Equipment Finance, a subsidiary of Cole Taylor Bank, announced openings of new offices in Austin, Texas. and San Francicso, CA.
Industry veteran Steve Thompson has been hired to oversee the new office in Austin and will be responsible for building client relationships and developing new lease and loan originations across Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Mr. Thompson brings more than 25 years of industry knowledge and direct equipment leasing and finance experience to Cole Taylor. He is especially well versed in the transportation, construction, energy, manufacturing, and marine sectors. Prior to joining Cole Taylor Equipment Finance, Mr. Thompson was a vice president in direct sales with Fifth Third Leasing Company and was with GE Capital prior to that.
“Steve has the breadth of industry knowledge and expertise we need as we expand into the Southwest. He is going to truly be integral to the company’s success, and I couldn’t be happier that he has joined us,” said Edward A. Dahlka, Jr., president of Cole Taylor Equipment Finance.
Industry veteran Joseph (Joe) Louis has been hired to oversee the new San Francisco office and will be responsible for building client relationships and developing new lease and loan originations across Northern California, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, and Washington. Mr. Louis brings with him more than 30 years of equipment finance and financial management experience. Prior to joining Cole Taylor Equipment Finance, Mr. Louis was a vice president and regional manager with Banc of America Leasing (formerly Capital Group/Fleet Capital Leasing), where he specialized in wholesale origination and product development for the Western U.S., Mexico, and Canada. He has also been in business development positions with BTM Capital and Maryland National Leasing Corporation, and he has served in various financial management capacities with firms such as Galoob Toys and Synapse Software Corporation.
“With Joe’s extensive resume, I have every confidence that he will be able to hit the ground running and help us take our business to new heights. We are very excited to have Joe come on board with us,” said Edward A. Dahlka, Jr., president of Cole Taylor Equipment Finance.