eLease Equipment Leasing

When I first met Brett he came into the eLease office and told me about opening the Ale and the Witch.  He explained why it was going to be successful and that he needed help financing his cooler and tap system.  At that time we weren’t funding any startup restaurants and bars but he had so much passion for his business and his future customers that the passion was contagious.  Although we did not have a bank program to help Brett I agreed to finance his business because of Brett’s experience and passion.   Like most entrepreneurs Brett had a great business acumen and the ability to make his dreams come through.  Brett had something else going for him.  He had 15 years of experience of running operations from Avalon NJ (Jack’s Place) to St Petersburg.  He had learned what works and what doesn’t.   Brett was a good bet!  I also love his music taste!

 In April 2011 I decided to launch St Pete Brew and needed another entrepreneur’s help and was unsure how we were going to get to the market.  When I talked to Brett he was so excited to help us.  Our launch party at the Ale and the Witch was fantastic and the response was great.  Brett helped me and has been a huge advocate of St Pete Brew as we try to open the brewery in this amazing city.  With Keep St Pete Local and The Burg out the there it is amazing how everyone supports each other and this city.  The success of Brett and Ale and the Witch is what this city is about. 

 I could not attend the 1 year anniversary since I am just getting over Bronchitis and my wife was traveling, I am reminded how many sacrifices we all make to do something unique and make a difference in our cities and other people’s lives.  Brett’s long night’s on deciding to be an entpreneur and how to open, when and where.  We entrepreneurs, we dreamers give up so much to make our dreams reality.  There are nights when people change who they are, what they will become, and also their environment.   The Ale and the Witch is his dream and we all love it. 

I will be there today a day late to celebrate with a pint his one year anniversary and I will get to see Brett smiling and maybe get to spend a minute or two with him about his future plans.    I am always concerned about what if people didn’t become entrepreneurs?  What if Brett didn’t open?  Would the plaza still be empty?  Where would people be going?  What about the 5 other entreprenuers he inspired to open in the courtyard?  Selfishly where would we have launched our beer?  He was the catalyst and visionary.  Thank goodness for dreams and people like Brett who make them a reality. 

When I look at Brett has accomplished over the last year it is amazing.  There was nothing in that courtyard and only for rent signs.  Brett’s vision changed that and again his success and vision was contagious.  I am very proud that I have gotten to know Brett as friend, client, customer, and supplier.   Entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs is great but it is really people helping people. 

 Congratulations to the Ale and the Witch and Brett and team!

As entpreneuers we all know how the game works.   When the stakes are high typically so are the rewards.  It would seem to me that Obama and Gingrich should not attack Mitt on his success.  Although he only paid 3 million in taxes on 21 million made.  He gave an additional 3 million to charity.  That puts his effective (back to society) rate at almost 30%.  What most people don’t understand is how much risk entrepreneurs undure to make the world a better place and yes maybe make a few bucks.  We die younger, we live harder, and yes we might ruffle a few feathers along the along way. 

Instead of picking on success we should celebrate.  My vantage points allows me to say “Way to go Mitt, How do I do that and do it even better?”  I love this country and I am sad to see people pull down success.  Just my thoughts after the State of the Union and the debates. 

 Also if they really want to create jobs dump employer side Social Security and FICA.  I pay 12.5% on every dollar I pay someone!!!  Come on guys we don’t need tax credits.  We need real cash weekly on payroll……..

If banks aren’t lending and not really supporting small business ie business’s with under 1.5 million per year in revenue where does that leave lenders like eLease and other specialty lenders who service these business.  In many ways I feel as though we are the Anti Bank.  Being that the banks have orphaned this space with exception of a few.  I applaud Regions and will leave my opinion about other banks who took Tarp and left their business providers.
So I guess eLease is the anti bank right now since we are lending and supporting real small business.  Call us if we can help you grow.
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Used equipment is an excellent way to take advantage of leasing or financing. We recently financed a used 2000 Peterbilt truck for a customer that is a great example of how to make the most out of limited capital.

To begin with, the used truck cost 40% less than a new truck. That is a big savings, even before they calculated how much less they would have to pay upfront by breaking up the payments over a couple of years. We were also able to finance the additional 200,000-mile warranty for the truck. This gave the customer the piece of mind that if anything went wrong with the truck it would be covered in their monthly payment.

There are a couple of things to remember when choosing a piece of used equipment. First make sure the equipment is in good working condition. A lot of companies will lease a piece of used equipment that is exactly like equipment they already own. Smart move.  That way they already know how to operate the equipment and will have a maintenance plan in place to keep the equipment in good working order.

When ever possible get a warrantee. If a warrantee is not offered, which is usually the case with used equipment, take the time to get the equipment looked at by a trained professional to make sure there are no hidden problems an untrained couldn’t see. Particularly when you are leasing the equipment, it is worth the minimal extra cost to ensure you have a good piece of equipment that will last the term of the lease.

eLease is able to finance all kinds of used equipment and recently we expanded our offerings to allow used equipment to be leased regardless of the age of the equipment.  eLease most frequently leases titled vehicles, furniture and fixtures, printing equipment, metal working equipment and others.

In my opinion, there are only two seasons in the snow industry: ski season and preparing for ski season. In the off-season critical decisions are made regarding investments in equipment and capital improvements that are needed to maximize the experience of guests, stay competitive in the marketplace, and upgrade to newer technology. Of course these decisions need to be implemented before the mountain is in its high revenue cycle and cash flow positive.

Ski business or not, the goal of any company is always to maximize cash flow and to match the timing of lease payments with the income being generated by your business and its new equipment. Seasonal trends are common in several sectors including consumer electronics, hotels, restaurants and department stores.

eLease has developed a Snow Resort Financing Program that provides the convenience of seasonal payments, which are ONLY due during when the mountain’s busy season. By matching the payment with the revenue cycle we can maximize your cash flow during the off-season and avoid negative cash flow on equipment. Additionally, seasonal payments give you the advantage of getting a jump on the season. You’ll have your new equipment delivered, installed, and tested months before your first payment is due.

The benefits of leasing equipment become crystal clear when your equipment payment is tied to the revenue stream of your business. I’m not telling you anything new, but traditional financing that requires payments 12 months of the year throughout the term of the lease can be a heavy burden on seasonal businesses. Particularly when you generate nearly 100% of revenue within a 5-month period.

If you’re interested in learning more about our Snow Resort Financing Program or are curious to find out what your monthly payments would be on a snow making purchase, please feel free to contact me. We’d really like to help. Thanks for your interest and have a great season.