The Story Behind CEFI

Built on Trust: The Story Behind CEFI

In the commercial equipment financing world, numbers matter. Interest rates, loan terms, credit scores — they all play a role. But behind every deal, there's something even more important: trust.

At CEFI (Commercial Equipment Finance, Inc.), we've built our business on trust. Trust in our people, trust in our process, and trust in the relationships we cultivate with every customer, vendor, and dealer we work with. We're not just financing equipment — we're helping businesses move forward with confidence. And it all started with a simple idea: do business the right way, with the right people.

Humble Beginnings: A Relationship-Driven Vision

CEFI was founded with a clear mission — to be a reliable partner who understands customers' challenges, and their goals. That's why we've always focused on being an added-value, relationship-driven company.

The Core Values That Drive CEFI

Every company has a list of values — but at CEFI, ours aren't just words on a wall. They shape everything we do. Here's what defines us:

Commitment

We're committed to our customers, our employees, and our community. Whether it's helping a small business owner secure financing or supporting a team member's professional development, commitment is at the heart of who we are.

Excellence

We aim for excellence in everything — from our underwriting process to our customer service. Our goal isn't just to close deals; it's to create solutions that lead to long-term success for our clients.

Financial Strength

Over the past 16 years, we've built CEFI on a foundation of sound financial principles.

Integrity

This is a non-negotiable. We operate with honesty and transparency. If something doesn't feel right, we don't do it. It's that simple.

These four pillars — Commitment, Excellence, Financial Strength, and Integrity — aren't just our values. They're what the "CEFI" name stands for.

Building a Team That Builds Business

Ask any CEFI customer what makes us different, and you'll hear a common answer: the people.

We take pride in hiring not just finance professionals, but great communicators, critical thinkers, and genuinely trustworthy people. Our sales team is knowledgeable, responsive, and proactive — always looking out for what's best for the customer, not just what closes the fastest.

We've structured our departments to support this approach. From Credit to Operations to Customer Success, each team plays a critical role in making sure deals get done right — and that clients feel supported at every step.

Spotlight on Credit: More Than Just a Score

In many finance companies, credit underwriting is a black box. At CEFI, it's a conversation. We take the time to understand the whole picture — not just a FICO score or a balance sheet.

Our Credit professionals look at real-world risk, industry trends, and business potential. That flexibility means we can find value and structure transactions with confidence.

Expanding Our Footprint: Serving Key Industries

We've grown to serve a wide range of industries across the United States. Here are just a few of the sectors we specialize in:

Construction Equipment

From rock crushers to excavators and front-end loaders, we help contractors access the machines they need to stay competitive — without tying up capital.

Auto Repair Equipment

Shops and garages rely on us to finance lifts, compressors, alignment machines, and other tools of the trade.

Transportation and Vocational Trucks

Whether it's a single medium-duty box truck or an entire fleet of tow trucks, we structure financing that works for owner-operators and fleet managers alike.

Food Trucks & Mobile Kitchens

This booming industry needs more than creativity and great food — it needs smart financing. We help food entrepreneurs launch and grow their dreams.

Trailers & Specialized Equipment

From flatbeds to refrigerated units, we finance trailers for a variety of logistical needs across the country.

But no matter the industry, the formula stays the same: understand the business, structure the right deal, and build a relationship that lasts.

A Partner, Not Just a Lender

Many lenders talk about customer service. At CEFI, we go further. We aim to be a true partner in your growth. That means:

• Quick decisions without sacrificing due diligence
• Clear communication from first call to final payment
• Repeat financing programs for returning customers
• Dealer support to help our partners close more sales

We don't want to be the biggest equipment financing company — we want to be the most respected and trusted by those who know us.

Where We're Headed

As we continue to grow, we're investing in the tools and technology to make equipment financing even easier — and more accessible — for our customers and partners.

Here's what's on the horizon:

• A new website designed as a lead generation hub and knowledge center
• Enhanced automation and application workflows
• More downloadable tools and resources for business owners
• Continued investment in our team and training

But no matter how much we grow or innovate, we'll always hold on to what matters most: doing good business, with good people.

Why It Matters

You can get a loan almost anywhere. But a loan is just a transaction. At CEFI, we're offering something more:

• A relationship built on trust
• A partner that sees the big picture
• A team that's as invested in your success as you are

We're proud of the company we've built — not just because of what we finance, but because of how we do it.

If you're a business owner looking to expand, a manufacturer looking for a financing partner, or a vendor looking to close more deals, we'd love to connect. You'll find that when you work with CEFI, you're not just getting financing — you're gaining a partner.