Harvest, sports and contemplation: October feels so good
October 2025 Newsletter
This time of the year the Midwest is filled with scenes of the harvest. Driving through rural Wisconsin, we passed fields buzzing with combines harvesting soybeans and corn. Seeing farmers out harvesting is a powerful reminder of the amazing machinery and people that keep our communities running. Thanks to all of you who help our farmers get access to this critical equipment.
And of course, this month brings a cornucopia of sports. In October, the World Series gets underway, both NFL and NCAA football move into high gear (yea Game Day!), NCAA basketball starts its journey to March Madness, and NHL pucks start dropping. The real-world drama and competitive spirit of sports is something we look forward to watching every October night in our family.
Then there are the colors of autumn. The leaves trigger another part of every October – contemplation. How did this simple trail become so beautiful? Why are the oaks redder than the maples this year? Why do some leaves turn yellow, some turn red, and what makes one year more colorful than another? Is this week going to be peak week?
The fall season also brings contemplation at work as companies start preparing for the next year. It’s a month of review, analysis and strategy. Hockey Hall of Famer Jim Craig talked strategy this year at NEFA. As a member of the team who many think accomplished the greatest victory ever in sports, he had a lot to say about playing to win. He talked about how the 1980 Olympic gold medal hockey team developed a mindset and culture singularly focused on each player being their best and winning. Craig spoke bluntly – “If you aren’t winning consistently, you aren’t your best yet.” This time of year is dedicated to strategy, and strategy is figuring out how to be your best, compete and win consistently. There is much to contemplate.
Enjoy the season. Celebrate the harvest with family. Watch a few sporting events – enjoy the performances of the best athletes in the world. Venture out to enjoy and wonder about fall leaf colors and spend some time thinking. Contemplate the why and how you are going to be your best and win.
Tamarack team members included as Monitor's "Most Influential"
Tamarack team members have been recognized by the Monitor in its annual listing of the “Most Influential People in Equipment Finance.” The list celebrates the changemakers, innovators and people working behind the scenes to shape the future of equipment finance.
Tim Appleget was recognized in the Creating Change and Innovation category for his work developing SaaS solutions that create efficiency, reduce risk and expand opportunity. According to the profile, he embodies innovation through his ability to connect vision with execution, helping organizations translate ideas into measurable results.
Scott Nelson was highlighted in the Tech Transformers category. The profile highlighted how his leadership continues to advance the role of AI, automation and data-driven design across the equipment finance ecosystem. As Nelson noted, “Technology enables us to do things differently, and those new tools are making innovation not just more possible, but more likely than ever.”
The latest edition of the CLFP Foundation Circular features a spotlight on Tim Appleget, CLFP. In the profile, he shares insights from his experience in equipment finance and technology, emphasizing professional growth and the value of continuous learning within the CLFP community. He also highlights how collaboration and knowledge-sharing continue to drive the industry forward.
Leadership, data and what's next: NEFA 2025 Fall Conference Takeaways
This month’s NEFA Fall Conference in Minneapolis offered a glimpse into the trends shaping the future of equipment finance. From data-driven growth strategies to smarter automation and leadership insights, every discussion topic pointed toward innovation and collaboration. Tamarack’s Corey Ashline shares key takeaways and breaks down what they mean for the industry’s future.
To celebrate CLFP Day 2025, Tamarack teamed up with Channel, KLC Financial, and Northteq for a casual get-together at Kip’s Irish Pub in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, on October 8. About 15–20 industry friends from the Twin Cities stopped by throughout the evening to share stories and make connections.
“It was great to meet folks from Oakmont, PEAC, TomorrowZone, and U.S. Bank in addition to the sponsoring organizations,” remarked Tamarack’s Kevin Gjersvig, CLFP. “I am consistently impressed by everyone I meet at CLFP events – they are always friendly and bright. Meeting CLFPs from different organizations and across varieties of roles leaves me motivated.”
Breaking the fear barrier through collaboration, tech & trust
In the latest episode of the Monitor podcast, Editor-in-Chief Rita Garwood sits down with Spencer Thomas of KLC Financial, Alistair Canal of Syndifi, and Scott Nelson of Tamarack for a candid conversation about collaboration and innovation in equipment finance. The group discusses how bringing finance companies and technology providers together can spark modernization and create real growth opportunities. The conversation touches on the importance of leadership, trust and shared vision in driving meaningful change.
Risk management is one of the most essential pillars of any equipment finance business platform. According to Scott Nelson, “Data is the language of risk and AI is telling the stories.” In the September/October 2025 issue of Monitor, Nelson explores how lenders can uncover those stories by using data not only to avoid or transfer risk, but to predict, engage and manage it more strategically. The article illustrates how intelligent use of data and AI can transform risk from a defensive function into a strategic advantage.
Welcome to Waypoint Reads, a curated selection of articles that Tamarack team members have found valuable and relevant to the evolving equipment finance industry. Each month this column will highlight perspectives on technology, data and market trends that shape how we work and lead. It’s a concise, insight-driven collection designed to keep you informed and inspired.
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