Customers Commercial Finance gives you the best of both worlds: the industry knowledge, responsiveness, and personal service of a specialty finance company coupled with the financial strength, stability and low cost of funds of a growing bank.
Customers Commercial Finance gives you the best of both worlds: the industry knowledge, responsiveness, and personal service of a specialty finance company coupled with the financial strength, stability and low cost of funds of a growing bank.
Customers Commercial Finance, LLC (CCF) is the equipment financing and leasing subsidiary of Customers Bank. Our full-service origination, underwriting and documentation operation is based in Portsmouth, NH with market coverage across the entire U.S.
We are bankers who really know your business.
We understand how your machinery works and why it is vital to your operation.
We are industry and equipment specialists, not generalists.
We visit your plant or facility, learn and analyze, delivering a tailored, competitive financial solution.
We offer a full array of quality products:
Transaction size
Products
Equipment Loans and Leases
(TRAC, Tax, Capital, Sale-leaseback, Refinancing)
Terms
3 to 8 years
Pricing
Fixed and Floating Rate options
We take a consultative approach with our customers, using our deep expertise. Our differential comes from our team of a typical equipment financing professionals that are industry and equipment centric and who intimately understand the products, processes and challenges of the markets in which we do business.
We often hear from our customers
Finally, a banker that really knows my business.
When looking for a lender, you should seek out a company that lives day to day in your market. We understand the industry and are able to provide top notch resources.
Samuel H. Smith III
Founder/President
Sam is the founder and President of Customers Commercial Finance, LLC and is responsible for the overall strategy and management of the business unit. With a true passion for the art of the deal, Sam seeks to understand and find a path to transactions that result in the best solution for clients. Sam founded Wentworth Capital
John Donohue
Executive Vice President, Managing Director
John is the Executive Vice President, Managing Director responsible for the strategy and operation of the Small Ticket Business at Customers Commercial Finance. John brings more than 30 years of financial expertise in organizational development, executive management, and senior leadership. John has a deep knowledge in FinTech, business and sales development, risk and credit management,
The real competitive advantage in any business is one word only, which is people.
George is Senior Vice President, Business Development responsible for delivering tailored financing solutions within the plastics/packaging, utility, and franchise industry segments. His experience and depth of industry knowledge help CCF create a unique solution to meet a client’s needs.
George began his career in the equipment finance and leasing industry more than 30 years ago and he holds the Certified Leasing and Finance Professional (CLFP) designation. Prior to joining Customers Commercial Finance, George was Business Development Manager for the Industrial Group at EverBank Commercial Finance. George holds a BS in Business Administration from Miami University.
Tom is the Capital Markets Leader responsible for the development, indirect originations and syndications of a large, growing portfolio at CCF. His experience and industry contacts allow CCF to act as a single point of contact for all of our clients financing needs regardless of size.
In his career spanning 35 years, Tom has syndicated over $3 Billion of equipment leases. Prior to joining Customers Commercial Finance, Tom was the Capital Markets Leader at EverBank Commercial Finance, Managing Director at Banc of America Leasing Healthcare Finance and Fleet Capital Leasing Healthcare Finance. Tom graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Finance from Seton Hall University.
Sam is Senior Vice President, Specialty Vehicle, responsible for loan and lease originations in the plastics, transportation, motor coach, packaging, crane, marine, and construction industries. Sam’s ability to build deep collaborative relationships with his clients and understand their needs allows him to create long term relationships that go beyond their current financing needs and look toward the future.
In his 10 years in equipment finance and leasing, Sam has gained a wide range of knowledge and holds the Certified Leasing and Finance Professional (CLFP) designation. Prior to joining Customers Commercial Finance, Sam was Business Development Manager for the Industrial Group at EverBank Commercial Finance. Sam holds a BS in Construction Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Sawyer is the Business Development Representative coordinating Direct and Vendor Originations in the Marine, Crane, and Construction industry, bringing over 10 years of expertise.
With a strong background in maritime operations and studies at Suffolk University Business School, Sawyer excels in credit management and documentation. Prior to joining Customers Commercial Finance, Sawyer gained valuable insights into industry trends and operational strategies. At Customers Commercial Finance, Sawyer continues to drive innovation and strategic growth in direct and vendor originations, leveraging extensive industry knowledge and a commitment to excellence.
Kurt is Senior Vice President, Business Development responsible for loan and lease originations within the plastics/packaging, food processing, and construction industry segments. Kurt’s ability to build long term relationships coupled with his energy and tenacity for finding a financing solution for clients has contributed to the success of CCF and its clients.
With a 25-year career in equipment finance and leasing, Kurt has the proven ability to establish and grow strong relationships. Prior to joining Customers Commercial Finance, Kurt was the Sales Manager for the Industrial Group at EverBank Commercial Finance. Kurt holds a BA in Accounting from East Carolina University.
Chris is Senior Vice President, Business Development responsible for loan and lease originations within a diverse array of industries including food production, transportation, packaging, and construction, among others. Chris’ outgoing demeanor and strong penchant for open and straightforward communication has resulted in hundreds of strong customer relationships nationwide finding the appropriate funding structure for his customers.
Starting in the industry in 1992 while at GE Capital, Chris has evolved from an underwriting/operations specialist into a seasoned Business Development Officer who has a strong feel for the entire process of a funding operation, from originations to back office. Prior to joining Customers Commercial Finance, Chris spent 18 years at GE Capital and 5 years at First Niagara Leasing. Chris holds a BA and MBA from the University at Buffalo.
Jason is the SVP of Sales for the Small Ticket Business at Customers Commercial Finance.
Jason brings more than 20 years of financial expertise in sales management, organizational leadership and business development. Jason has deep knowledge in sales operational execution, marketing and business development. Prior to joining Customers Commercial Finance, Jason worked at Direct Capital (a division of CIT,) most recently as director of partner development. Jason holds a BS in Engineering, Naval Architecture from the United States Naval Academy.
Gavin, a Partner Experience Manager on the Small Ticket Team at Customers Commercial Finance, ensures seamless transition for all financing needs and fosters strong relationships with clients.
A recent graduate from the University of New Hampshire with a BS in Finance and ISBA, Gavin carries a light blue-collar demeanor from his time with the UNH Professional Sales Group. Playing on the UNH lacrosse team, Gavin values teamwork and a tough work ethic throughout day-to-day operations. Born and raised in NH, Gavin brings a local bank perspective to one of the fastest-growing businesses in the US. In his free time, Gavin enjoys spending time with family and surfing.
Joe is a Partner Experience Manager on the Small Ticket Business team at Customers Commercial Finance.
He joined Customers Commercial Finance after 10 years at Fidelity Investments and 2 years in venture-backed startups. At Fidelity, Joe held roles in portfolio reporting, investment services, and business development for Family Office Services, collaborating with some of the largest single and multi-family offices nationwide. Before joining Customers, he worked in institutional business development at various digital asset startups. Joe has extensive knowledge of financial services and excels in building long-term partnerships, delivering excellent client service, and solving problems. He holds a BS in Management Studies from Boston University. In his free time, Joe enjoys spending time with his family and golfing.
Franics is a Partner Experience Manager on the Small Ticket Business team at Customers Commercial Finance.
Francis graduated from Gordon College in 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and a minor in Business Administration. He brings to Customers Commercial Finance more than 2 years of consultative sales experience with industrial manufacturers, including some of the top industrial distributorships in the country. Francis’ strengths revolve around partnership and relationship building, problem solving, and client service. He is passionate about servant leadership, self-learning, and anything outdoors.
7 August 2020 |Categories: Press Releases
PORTSMOUTH, NH, August 7, 2020 — Customers Commercial Finance (CCF), the nationally recognized equipment finance and leasing specialist, announced today the additions of Christopher Clark and Robert Rose as Senior Vice Presidents – Business Development Managers. Clark and Rose are both highly regarded sales professionals and will focus on building relationships with end-users, OEMs and vendors in CCF’s targeted verticals of plastics, packaging, crane, marine and construction.
“Despite the challenging national environment, the equipment finance market remains healthy and competitive so the opportunity to add the experience and talents of Chris Clark and Bob Rose is quite a fortunate one,” said Samuel H. Smith III, President of Customers Commercial Finance. “Chris and Bob embody the exact type of industry expertise and solution-oriented initiative that CCF espouses.”
Clark is a 31-year veteran of the equipment finance and leasing industry, starting as a collector and credit analyst, developing into a successful sales executive with GE Capital, First Niagara, Wells Fargo, and Santander. Though based in upstate New York, Chris brings a national perspective. “My historic and prospective client base will be very enthused by the offerings, knowledge and efficiencies of the CCF team,” stated Clark.
Rose is embarking on his 37th year in the equipment finance industry, also having learned the business as a collector and credit analyst, transitioning to sales and originations over the last two decades. Before joining CCF, Bob was the President of Harbour Capital’s Transportation Group for 12 years. Prior to that he served in credit and sales roles at Signal Capital, TRAC Associates and Equilease. Rose will be based in CCF’s Portsmouth, NH headquarters. “In today’s environment, clients are begging for professionalism, integrity, genuine interest in their business and new ideas. It’s refreshing to see that these are fundamental principles of CCF,” said Rose.
Customers Commercial Finance, LLC (CCF) is an equipment finance and leasing firm delivering the best of both worlds: the responsiveness and deep-domain expertise of a specialty finance company coupled with the stability and low cost of a growing bank. Based in Portsmouth, NH, Customers Commercial Finance services a nationwide client base, focused on several industry silos including Plastics, Packaging, Crane/Construction, Marine, Food Processing, Aircraft, and others. CCF was recently named to the Monitor 100, showcasing the leading equipment finance and leasing firms in the US and is a subsidiary of $17.9B NYSE-listed, Customers Bank, a community-based, full-service bank with headquarters in West Reading, PA.
9 August 2024 |Categories: Articles, News
Customers Commercial Finance, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Customers Bank, delivers the best of both worlds: the industry knowledge, responsiveness and personal service of a specialty finance company, coupled with the financial strength and stability and low cost of funds of a community bank.
7 May 2024 |Categories: Articles
Customers Commercial Finance is a subsidiary of Customers Bank, a $22 billion super regional bank; Muhoray and Kolesha were part of the team that founded the equipment financing unit in 2015. Plastics has been and remains a key market for the unit. They talked with Plastics News about the state of the industry and the advantages of working with a lender that has knowledge of plastics.
24 August 2021 |Categories: Articles, News
“Technology has transformed our industry and as we leverage automation to improve processes and the customer experience, are we becoming too reliant on technology? The increasing requirement for technology is a critical factor for success, but I also believe technology is creating a gap in the knowledge and deep expertise that the leaders of our industry have,” Dana Galvin, Vice President of Finance and Systems, CCF
28 January 2021 |Categories: Articles
“We treasure our value proposition to both external and internal customers, continually enhancing and honing it with fresh ideas.” Samuel H. Smith III, President CCF
28 October 2020 |Categories: Articles
“CCF has gone back to basics with true relationship lending by knowing customers up front, looking at deals quickly and providing a definitive term sheet. The company is focused on delivering exceptional customer service”
7 April 2020 |Categories: Articles
Amped Solutions, Inc., a US developer of solar plus storage solutions, announced today the closing of a financing facility with Customers Commercial Finance, LLC, a subsidiary of Customers Bank. Amped’s portfolio covers 1.8 MW DC of solar PV plus 1.2 MWh of storage across a portfolio of six privately owned hotels in northern California and San Diego county.
“This transaction engaged key partners, allowing institutional financing to be secured with an innovative developer, new credit solutions and an entrepreneurial bank leasing company,” said Samuel H. Smith III, President of Customers Commercial Finance, LLC. “The platform will allow us to deploy more capital into the small distributed solar market,” he added.
1 April 2020 |Categories: Articles
“SAN FRANCISCO, April 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Amped Solutions, Inc., a US developer of solar plus storage solutions, announced today the closing of a financing facility with Customers Commercial Finance, LLC, a subsidiary of Customers Bank. Amped’s portfolio covers 1.8 MW DC of solar PV plus 1.2 MWh of storage across a portfolio of six privately owned hotels in northern California and San Diego county.”
“This transaction engaged key partners, allowing institutional financing to be secured with an innovative developer, new credit solutions and an entrepreneurial bank leasing company,” said Samuel H. Smith III, President of Customers Commercial Finance, LLC. “The platform will allow us to deploy more capital into the small distributed solar market,” he added.
8 February 2020 |Categories: Articles
Customers Commercial Finance, LLC sending big congratulations to Cape Air for taking delivery of their Tecnam P2012 Traveller aircraft!
Pictured: Michael Migliore, Blake Bamford, Joe O’Leary, James Goddard, Samuel H. Smith III, Tom Pagano, Dan Wolf
1 August 2020 |Categories: Articles
With more than three decades of industry experience and a life-long appreciation for equipment, Sam Smith and his dedicated team have combined true relationship lending with vertical industry expertise to deliver exceptional customer experiences, catapulting Customers Commercial Finance’s growth and entrance into the Monitor 100.
27 February 2020 |Categories: Articles
Please be sure to stop by and say hello to Customers Commercial Finance, LLC‘s David Conover at the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association‘s Equipment Management Conference & Exhibition in Orlando FL. Dave will be presenting with his industry peers on best practices for periodic portfolio impairment testing.
24 January 2020 |Categories: Articles
Customers Commercial Finance, LLC happy to see MCI’s Tony Pederson and Dave Johnson at United Motorcoach Association Expo in Nashville, TN
Pictured: Sheila Gagon, Samuel H. Smith IV, Tony Pederson, Dave Johnson, Dave Conover
1 December 2019 |Categories: Articles
Customers Commercial Finance, LLC was honored to present Fred Clough the Customers Bank Chairman’s Award for his exceptional leadership of the CCF Credit & Risk Management Team. CCF is lucky to have you Fred!
Pictured: Samuel H. Smith III, Fred Clough, Jay Sidhu
1 December 2019 |Categories: Articles
Customers Commercial Finance, LLC was proud to present Sheila Mahon the Customers Bank Pride Award for consistently delivering outstanding service to our internal and external customers, along with delivering exceptional results. Grateful to have Sheila on our team!
Pictured: Samuel H. Smith III, Denise Gleed, Sheila Mahon, Dick Ehst
1 December 2019 |Categories: Articles
Kudos to Customers Commercial Finance, LLC‘s own David Conover for an informative article, co-authored in the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association‘s Nov/Dec issue.
24 October 2019 |Categories: Articles
Customers Commercial Finance, LLC having a great time at the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association‘s 58th Annual Convention in Washington, DC.
Pictured: Samuel H. Smith III, Tom Pagano
24 October 2019 |Categories: Articles
Customers Commercial Finance, LLC happy to see long time colleagues at the K 2019 Husky Injection Molding Systems booth in Dusseldorf Germany
Pictured: Gaetano Santospirito, Kurt Kolesha, Kenneth Ciesla
24 October 2019 |Categories: Articles
Customers Commercial Finance, LLC is present at the K 2019 in Düsseldorf Germany learning about the latest innovations in the plastics industry.
Pictured: Samuel H. Smith III, Kurt Kolesha, George Muhoray
8 October 2019 |Categories: Articles
Customers Commercial Finance, LLC is very proud to share Fred Clough‘s published “Executive Perspective” piece in this month’s Equipment Leasing & Finance magazine.
8 May 2018 |Categories: Articles
Customers Commercial Finance, LLC‘s own George Muhoray talks taxes in Plastics Machinery Magazine,
The real competitive advantage in any business is one word only, which is people.
Complete the form below:
"*" indicates required fields
