Events

Moderators:

• Tom Croteau - Founder & CEO, OperFi
• Tom Croteau has been in the transportation factoring industry since 2012, with experience spanning operations, underwriting, risk management, and executive leadership. He began his factoring career as VP of Operations at Single Point Capital, where he developed deep expertise in transportation finance and the operational needs of small and mid-sized carriers. An Air Force veteran, Tom founded OperFi in 2019 to provide working capital solutions to carriers and logistics companies while building a company rooted in service, education, and long-term client support. OperFi offers veteran discounts and donates a portion of its profits annually to veteran-focused charities. Tom has been involved with the International Factoring Association for more than a decade and brings practical, front-line insight into operations, underwriting, fraud prevention, and the evolving challenges facing the transportation factoring industry.
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• Bryan Alsobrooks - President, Phoenix Capital Group
• Bryan has over 30 years commercial finance experience and more than 20 years in the transportation industry.  He is active with the International Factoring Association and has served as past Chairman and Vice Chairman for the North American Credit Manager’s National Transportation Credit Group.  Bryan received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Austin Peay State University. Phoenix Capital Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company and is a nationally recognized provider of working capital solutions to small- to medium-sized transportation companies.  Financing solutions include asset-based lending, accounts receivable financing and factoring, equipment financing and fuel card services.  They are headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, with additional offices in California, Texas, Alabama and Tennessee.
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• Trena Harustak - Vice President - Factoring - OpenRoad Financial Services, Inc.
• Trena began her career with OpenRoad Transportation Inc. in 2014, where she was initially hired to process carrier invoices and manage certificates of insurance. She was soon promoted to Office Manager, a role that expanded her responsibilities across multiple operational functions and deepened her understanding of the business. In pursuit of new challenges, Trena briefly stepped into a position with the Department of Revenue. However, when the owners of OpenRoad approached her with an opportunity to build and lead their newly formed factoring division, she eagerly returned to take on the challenge of developing the business from the ground up. Trena immersed herself in every aspect of the factoring industry—learning to sell their services, process invoices, fund carriers, and manage collections. As their business gained momentum, she focused on building a strong, collaborative team. What began with a single employee has grown into a thriving department of 26, and they continue to scale. Over the years, Trena was promoted to Vice President, a position that has allowed her to lead with purpose, foster a culture of excellence, and make a meaningful impact on both her team and the clients they serve daily. She takes pride in mentoring others and creating an environment grounded in hard work, trust, and mutual success.

Roundtable Sessions (Choose One):

• Sales Executives Roundtable:

  The Sales Executives Roundtable is designed for thought leaders shaping the future of origination in the factoring industry. This roundtable focuses on networking and sharing among industry thought leaders who directly or indirectly manage the origination efforts of the business, with a focus on sharing best practices among peers.  Deeper dives into specific topics such as the recruiting market and motivational techniques for business development officers will be discussed. Whether you are looking to better educate, adapt to changing market trends, gut check the health of your origination strategy, train and/or mentor an existing sales team or are developing an origination program, the Sales Executives Roundtable provides solutions to build and maintain a sustainable and successful sales practice and strategy.
   
  Key topics to be explored during this Roundtable:
  • Maintaining Growth Targets
  • Selling Success
  • Creating Successful Company Culture
  • Developing (Not Just Recruiting) Top Talent
  • Transformation of the Origination Model on the Horizon
  • Broker sourcing, relationship and funding success
  • Cold calling for business - who, what and what outcomes?
  • Email templates for better open rates and response
  • Openers on team vs Closer roles
  • Utilizing overseas sales teams for cost and pursuit
  • Local market presence pursuit
  • Banker vs. outsourced CFO vs. CPA relationship building
  • Using AI for improved Sales Success
  
  Who Should Attend: The Sales Executives Roundtable is ideal for Owners, Principals, Presidents, CEOs, National Sales Managers, and other company leadership with sales management responsibilities.
   
• Moderators:
• Greg Salomon - President, Oxygen Business Capital
• Greg's entire 25-year career has been in the non-Prime Lending space, predominantly with publicly traded companies and well-established Factoring Companies. Throughout his career, he has generated hundreds of millions in revenue for these organizations. Greg has a Bachelor of Science in Management and a minor in communication from Fresno State.
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• Sam Tork - Partner, Quasar Capital
• Sam Tork is a seasoned industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in executive and C-Level roles, focused on serving clients, employees, peers, and the finance industry. He has built a career based on the values of integrity, authenticity, and selfless service. Sam's desire to add value to people’s lives aligns perfectly with Quasar Capital's mission of improving the lives of those they serve. With a background in commercial banking and asset-based lending, Sam has spent over 30 years in the industry, with the last 15 years being responsible for new business development, managing client relationships, and serving in executive management roles. His expertise in corporate finance includes capital markets, asset-based lending, distressed debt/CCAA restructuring, mergers & acquisitions, and leverage buyouts. Sam is passionate about building trust and maintaining long-lasting relationships with his clients, and he excels at developing and leading strategic business plans to re-capitalize their businesses. In addition to his advisory role with Quasar Capital Partners, Sam continues to serve in various roles in the industry and his community. His wisdom, character, and insight make him an impeccable role model, and he is thrilled to partner with Quasar Capital Partners in their rapid growth journey.
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• NEXGEN Leadership Roundtable:

  The NEXGEN Leadership Roundtable will bring together the brightest young professionals in the factoring industry. Over the course of the 2 days, attendees will gain crucial industry knowledge, insights into the current state of the market, and leadership skills to help take their careers to the next level. Attendees will leave with a solid understanding of the ins-and-outs of the entire factoring process and how different functions work together.
   
  Guest speakers and moderators will highlight the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of factoring. Experts will share cutting-edge analysis about where the market is headed to help attendees strategically position themselves for long-term success. Attendees will help to build a community among the next generation of factoring talent, fostering idea sharing and collaboration that will help to build the foundation of our industry’s future. This group of attendees is not just a collection of individuals; it is a collective force shaping the future of leadership and influence.
   
  Who Should Attend: The NEXGEN Leadership Roundtable is ideal for young professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve and thrive in the commercial finance industry.
   
• Moderators:
• Carson Harmonson - VP Business Development, Dare Capital
  Carson Harmonson is a recent and promising graduate of St. Edwards University with a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship. Before joining Dare Capital as a Portfolio Analyst, Carson helped grow a local water sports venue from one thousand customers per season to ten thousand customers in a single summer. Since then, Carson has become passionate in helping entrepreneurs surpass their goals with asset-based lending and factoring solutions. As a member of the NEXGEN committee, Carson hopes to help in the pursuit of NEXGEN’s goal to build partnerships within the factoring industry.
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• Madison Majecki - AVP, Business Support, Triumph
• Madison Majecki brings over a decade of experience in factoring to her role as Assistant Vice President, Business Support at Triumph. Since joining the organization in 2010, Madison has taken on roles such as funding processor, customer service representative, and business support manager, gaining a deep understanding of Triumph’s operational processes and the factoring industry. As AVP, Business Support, Madison focuses on improving efficiency through technology and streamlined processes. She is known for her ability to identify challenges, develop practical solutions, and drive meaningful improvements. Colleagues rely on her as a subject matter expert and problem solver, consistently turning to her for guidance and support. Madison's leadership is rooted in a commitment to excellence and a forward-thinking approach to business challenges. Her ability to simplify processes and embrace innovation has enhanced her team’s effectiveness and contributed to Triumph's success in a competitive and evolving industry.
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• Paige Runyard - Senior Credit & Portfolio Manager, First Business Specialty Finance, LLC
• Paige Runyard, CPA, joined First Business Bank in 2015 with over ten years of experience in consumer banking and business accounting.  She began her career at First Business Bank in Asset-Based Lending and was promoted to Field Examiner Team Lead before accepting a position as Credit Officer within the Accounts Receivable Financing team. Since that time, she was promoted to Assistant Vice President – Senior Credit & Portfolio Manager, managing a staff of analysts monitoring First Business Bank’s factoring portfolio, overseeing debtor credit, and working directly with ledgered-line clients. In 2025, ABF Journal recognized Paige’s career accomplishments with a Trailblazer Award. Paige is actively involved in the International Factoring Association and is part of the NEXGEN committee.
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• Entrepreneurial Factors Roundtable:

  The Entrepreneurial Factors Roundtable (formally the Small Factors Roundtable) provides a dynamic forum for independently owned and operated factoring companies, bringing together owners, executives, and key decision-makers who are actively involved in the day-to-day management and growth of their businesses. Unlike larger organizations with multiple layers of management, Entrepreneurial Factors are characterized by hands-on leadership, lean teams, and the ability to make decisions quickly and adapt to changing market conditions. This roundtable offers an opportunity to share experiences, exchange ideas, and discuss practical solutions to the challenges and opportunities unique to owner-operated and growth-oriented factoring companies.
  
  Discussions will focus on business development, portfolio management, risk mitigation, operational efficiency, technology, talent development, and emerging market trends. Participants will explore strategies for growing and scaling their businesses while maintaining the responsiveness, personalized service, and strong client relationships that distinguish Entrepreneurial Factors in the marketplace. Technology and innovation will be key topics of discussion, including automation, artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and data-driven decision-making. Through peer-to-peer discussions and networking, attendees will gain valuable insights, actionable ideas, and meaningful connections to help their businesses adapt, innovate, and thrive.
  
  
  Key topics to be explored during this Roundtable:
  • New tools to streamline your operations
  • Best practices throughout the industry
  • Operational processes and procedures for small and lean offices
  • Funding sources
  • Commercial, sales, and marketing strategies
  • Negotiating with a larger Factor (ie: Participations, PO, Buyouts)
  • Dealing with Junior Creditors and MCAs
  • Securing subordinations and working with the SBA
  • Red Flags - Detecting frauds and avoiding losses
  • Contingency Planning - How to make sure you are prepared in the event of a disaster
  • Overcoming challenges
  • You took a hit...now what?
  
  Who Should Attend: The Entrepreneurial Factors Roundtable is ideal for factoring company owners and professionals who are entrepreneurial in nature and involved in the day-to-day functions of their factoring organization.
   
  Moderators:
• Richard Gendron - President & CEO, Primary Funding Corporation
• Richard joined Primary Funding in 2016 as Vice President of Operations and was named President in 2021. He’s responsible for our operations team, loan portfolio, credit standards, underwriting group, and helps improve and administer our “Lines and Loans” programs. Richard is a San Diego native who resides in North County and continues to be active and well connected in the banking community. Richard and his wife Ashlee have two children and enjoy traveling and living an active San Diego lifestyle.
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• Clayton Richardson - CEO, American Funding Solutions, LLC
• Clayton is the CEO of American Funding Solutions (AFS), a Midwest based general factor with 20+ years serving clients throughout the United States. AFS has built their brand primarily in staffing (emphasis on medical staffing), business services, and consulting. Clayton leads the growing team in their next chapter as a company, after acquiring the business in 2024. Prior to AFS, Clayton spent a decade working across asset classes, from institutional grade to small business credit. A native of Kansas City, Clayton and his family are active in supporting their favorite local teams (Jayhawks, Chiefs, and Royals) and non-profit organizations (Special Olympics, Sheffield Place, and Wayside Waifs).