In this episode of Portfolio Perspective: Managing Risk & Seizing Opportunity, Andrew Pace sits down with Hollis Bufferd, CEO of Star Hill Financial, for a dynamic conversation about growth, resilience, and inclusion in the equipment finance space. From building a minority-certified business to navigating market headwinds with adaptability and discipline, Hollis shares what it takes to scale smartly—and why relationships remain at the heart of long-term success.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What it means to be a minority-certified lender—and why it matters to large organizations
• Star Hill's approach to growth, specialization, and building a winning team
• How to stay opportunistic without sacrificing credit quality
• The importance of cash flow in today’s lending environment
• Lessons from past cycles: COVID-era performance and 2023 challenges
• The shift in broker behaviors and increased sophistication
• Strategic capital sourcing: when to grow, when to pause
• Why inclusion is more than a buzzword—it's a strategy
• Advice for early-stage lenders and originators trying to find their niche

Notable Takeaways:

“We like people who are looking for partners, not just lenders.”

“Everyone thinks they want to grow fast until the first deal goes sideways.”

“People remember how you handled yourself when times got tough.”

Subscribe to Portfolio Perspective: Managing Risk & Seizing Opportunity for more industry insights and field-tested strategies.

For more information, visit Asset Compliant Solutions.

In this episode of Portfolio Perspective: Managing Risk & Seizing Opportunity, host Andrew Pace welcomes Kip Amstutz, President of 360 Equipment Finance. From launching his first business with a promissory note from his father to building a nationwide finance company with a disciplined approach to subprime lending, Kip shares the real-world strategies that have shaped his success. They explore portfolio diversification, AI-driven automation, strategic use of third-party originators, and what it means to scale responsibly in a volatile market.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Kip’s entrepreneurial start and the founding story of 360 Equipment Finance
• Transitioning from originator to full-service finance company
• Portfolio diversification across 47 states and multiple verticals
• Strategic use of third-party originators for scale and geographic diversity
• Subprime risk management and credit-conscious underwriting
• How AI and automation are reshaping fraud detection, data entry, and credit decisioning
• Why company culture, EOS, and hiring for complementary skillsets drive growth
• Capital access, lender trust, and transparent communication
• What’s ahead for 2026: AI, BI dashboards, and marketing-driven growth

Notable Takeaways:

“You can’t hold anything if you can’t fund it. We’ve learned to hold the subprime—and sell off the prime—because that’s where we can use our capital to its fullest.”

“Hiring people who think differently than you do? That’s where the magic happens. It’s how we’ve scaled while staying lean.”

“AI isn’t just about speed—it’s about precision. And it only works if it complements the human experience.”

Subscribe to Portfolio Perspective: Managing Risk & Seizing Opportunity for more industry insights and field-tested strategies.

For more information, visit Asset Compliant Solutions.

In this episode of Portfolio Perspective: Managing Risk & Seizing Opportunity, Andrew Pace sits down with Rob Ceribelli of Channel to unpack what it takes to scale a financial services company—from leading through a private equity exit to building out infrastructure that supports sustainable growth. Rob shares candid insights into strategic leadership, risk modeling, portfolio expansion, and how his team is preparing for the future of alternative finance.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Lessons from Channel’s acquisition by Onset Financial
• Maintaining employee trust and culture during major transitions
• How to structure teams and invest in middle management to scale
• The role of operational excellence and technology in high-growth environments
• Expanding into working capital: benefits and risks
• Building proprietary credit models vs relying on industry data
• Balancing risk tiers through precision-based pricing
• Digital innovation, AI, and future growth priorities

Notable Takeaways:

“We’re small-ticket and Onset is large-ticket—so the fit was natural. But what made it work was the cultural alignment and open communication.”

“Sometimes your systems or team structures are fine…until they’re not. We watch for what’s humming, what’s smoking, and what’s on fire.”

“We don’t outsource our credit models—we built them from the ground up using 16 years of data. That’s how you take smarter risk and grow with confidence.”

Subscribe to Portfolio Perspective: Managing Risk & Seizing Opportunity for more industry insights and field-tested strategies.

For more information, visit Asset Compliant Solutions.