I was fortunate to be able to spend several days last week at the Lessor Network’s Fall Showcase at the Ritz-Carlton in Atlanta. My primary role there was as a speaker, although I also was an interested observer. My session, which I conducted with Crit DeMent, the CEO of LEAF Financial, dealt with building a vendor program that will last. We stressed properly identifying all issues up front and addressing them in the program agreement, rather than glossing over them at inception and then having them hit you on the head later on. I thought the session went well, as we were able to pass on many practical and helpful tips on how to prosper ‘after the honeymoon,’ including dealing with poor credits, remarketing, revenue recognition, personell migration, and UNL pools.

While I always enjoy speaking and sharing experiences with the audience, my role as an observer was even better. John Semon, who puts together the showcase, touts the event as allowing an intimate group of senior industry executives to meet in an upscale, professional business environment, and I have to agree with him on this. His description is more than hype – it fits. I found the whole program to be of a high standard, from administration all the way through to the presentations. The attention to detail was evident throughout the event right down to the constant availability of Diet Coke, both morning and afternoon. (For those of you who know me and my preference for a healthy lifestyle, you realize the importance I place on the electrolytes that can be found in consuming copious amounts of Diet Coke.) A small thing, admittedly, but it is the sum of the small things that create a memorable event.

Not that the details were everything. It also was great to meet many old friends and create new contacts, in addition to listening to some very good presentations on current topics. I also saw plenty of people tucked away in corners doing deals, which always is a hallmark of a successful gathering. All in all, it was a very enjoyable and beneficial experience, both from a business and personal perspective. Kudos, John, and keep up the good work..

- Shawn Halladay, Principal
The Alta Group
Leasing Notes