History
As Vice President of Operations and Contracts at VFS Energy Services, Larry leads the execution and delivery of multiple Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Battery Storage System energy projects. In this role, Larry oversees project operations, contract negotiations, partner coordination, and compliance to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. With a career spanning large-scale manufacturing, healthcare operations, and clean energy, Larry brings a strong foundation in operational leadership, risk management, and organizational effectiveness. This diverse background supports VFS’s mission as a value-added reseller serving higher education, municipal, and commercial clients nationwide.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration, Central Michigan University
History
-CIT, Regional Finance Manager
-Tip Capital, Regional Finance Manager
-Crestmark Bank, Regional Finance Manager
-Pathward, Regional Finance Manager
Of Special Interest
Joe was the #1 Salesperson for new equipment lease originations, for over 18 years, at Tip Capital/Crestmark Bank/Pathward
Education
BA, Accounting, University of Scranton
MBA, Finance, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Ryan joined VFS in March 2023 as the Director of Credit. He has a history in both leasing and asset-based lending.
History:
-Pathward, Equipment Finance Credit Manager
-Pathward, Equipment Finance Underwriter
-Crestmark, Field Examiner
Education: BA, Finance, Michigan State University
Gerry spent forty-five years in the high technology business selling complete solutions to large enterprise customers. The enterprise solutions have been energy based with fuel cells and enterprise computing for fortune 1000 customers. These turnkey offerings include design, installation, service and financial packaging to achieve immediate economic benefit for the customer.
History:
– Clearedge Power and Doosan , specializing in fuel cells offerings, VP of Sales.
– Network Appliance , specializing in World Wide computer storage offerings,. VP of WW Sales.
– Amdahl Corporation, Enterprise computing World Wide, VP and General Manager of WW Sales.
Special interest:
Developed unique financial offerings to allow customers to acquire leading edge technology and achieve economic benefit and allow for growth to future technology advances.
Education:
B.S. Mathematics , Niagara University.
John has 25 years of experience as a Regional Vice President. He is an expert in financing Capital Equipment for mid-size companies. He recently joined VFS and has, quickly, contributed to its success.
History:
-Crestmark Bank, Regional Vice President
-Tip Capital, Regional Vice President
-Varilease, Regional Vice President
-AT&T Capital, Regional Vice President
Of special interest:
John has funded over 250 million dollars, during his career, and has been named salesman of the year multiple times.
Education:
BA, Science, Michigan State University
Sharlene has been with VFS since 2010. She provides 30 years of lease accounting experience and has been significant to the growth of the company.
History:
TIP Capital, CFO
AT&T Capital Corporation, Business Planning Manager
Coopers & Lybrand, audit staff
Of special interest:
Sharlene has developed the accounting departments for both TIP Capital and VFS.
She has worked with Pat Callahan, President of VFS, for her entire leasing career.
Education:
BS, Accounting, University of Detroit
MSF, Walsh College
Wendy has over 35 years of business and administrative experience. Her history with VFS has included combined roles such as, Executive Assistant, Office Manager, Contract Administrator, Transaction Coordinator, and Collection Manager.
History:
-Valeo, Contract Administrative Assistant
-ITT/Valeo, IT Asset Management and Procurement
-Coldwell Banker, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Of special interest:
Wendy has recently taken on the website renovation/management project for VFS. In addition, she also coordinates office team building events and community outreach projects.
Education:
Certification, Master Gardener, Michigan State University Extension,
Certification, Preparation for Michigan Real Estate License, Oakland County Board of Realtors
Certification, Word Processing Transcription/Office Administration, Dorsey Schools
Steve joined the VFS team in 2016 with 37 years of experience in lease finance. His focus as a VFS Finance Executive is on creating finance options for our Energy and solar prospects.
History:
– IBM, Regional Finance Manager
– Amdahl, Regional Finance Manager
– Fujitsu, Regional Finance Manager
Of special interest:
Steve is a pioneer of the VFS fuel cell finance program and is credited with much of its growth and success.
Education:
BA, Accounting and Financial Administration, Michigan State University
MBA, University of Detroit
Steve joined VFS in May 2023. He offers over 13 years of professional experience with a focus in accounting.
History:
-Mattina, Kent & Gibbons, P.C., Senior Staff Accountant
-Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC, Staff Accountant
Of Special Interest:
Prior to receiving his degrees in accounting, Steve spent 5 years in the Marine Corps as a flight inspection technician.
Education:
BS, Accounting, University of Michigan – Flint
MS, Accounting, University of Michigan – Flint
Prior to joining the VFS team in 2016, Mark spent 25 years in Detroit’s automotive industry. He has used his marketing, sales, management, and business skills to help build the Energy Services portfolio for VFS.
History:
-Thomas F. Schettler Sales, Inc., President
-Anderson-Cook, Inc., Corporate Vice President of Sales
-Magna Powertrain, Senior Account Manager
Of special interest:
As a pioneer of the VFS Energy Services, Mark has been key in developing commercial alternative energy projects. In addition, he is recognized for his extensive contribution in the project management of VFS’ Fuel Cell portfolio.
Education:
BS, Public Administration, Central Michigan University
John has many years of experience as a Regional Vice President. He is an expert in financing Capital Equipment for mid-size companies. He recently joined VFS and has, quickly, contributed to its success.
History:
Crestmark Bank, Regional Vice President
Tip Capital
Varilease
AT&T Capital
Of special interest:
John has funded over 250 million dollars, during his career, and has been named salesman of the year multiple times.
Education:
BA of Science, Michigan State University
Prior to joining the VFS team, in 2015, Jason was employed by TIP Electronics for 7 years. His experience in account management, procurement of manufacturing equipment, and sales is a strong asset to VFS.
History:
– TIP Electronics, National Accounts
– Insight Enterprises Inc, Accounts
– Allstream Inc, Accounts
Of special interest:
Jason held a sales position, of IT hardware and services, at a Fortune 500 company. In addition to his current role of Vice President of Vendor Finance, he is our VFS, IT Manager. Jason also worked as an intern for a State of Michigan, Senator.
Education:
BA, Communication, minor in Economics Michigan State University
Gerry spent forty-five years in the high technology business selling complete solutions to large enterprise customers. The enterprise solutions have been energy based with fuel cells and enterprise computing for fortune 1000 customers. These turnkey offerings include design, installation, service and financial packaging to achieve immediate economic benefit for the customer.
History:
– Clearedge Power and Doosan, VP of Sales, specializing in fuel cells offerings.
– Network Appliance, VP of WW Sales, specializing in Worldwide computer storage offerings.
– Amdahl Corporation, Enterprise computing Worldwide, VP and General Manager of WW Sales.
Special interest:
Developed unique financial offerings to allow customers to acquire leading edge technology and achieve economic benefit and allow for growth to future technology advances.
Education:
B.S. Mathematics, Niagara University.
Benjamin has valuable accounting skills which benefit VFS. His education and former credit union experience, as an Accounting Specialist, has brought forth a smooth transition to our accounting team.
History:
– Genisys Credit Union, Accounting Specialist
Of special interest:
Ben is taking on the VFS Energy Services portfolio accounting.
Education:
BS, Accounting, Minor in Business Technology, Pensacola Christian College
Ken has 39 years of Senior Management experience, in equipment financing. His responsibilities have included marketing, sales, lease portfolio administration and new business development. Ken continues to play a key role in the promotion and growth of VFS LLC.
History:
-Varilease/Unicapital, Chief Marketing Officer
-ATT Capital Corporation, Senior Vice-President Marketing
-CMI/Encore, Senior Vice-President Marketing
Of special interest:
Ken works with clients directly to gain an in-depth understanding of their business plans, competitive advantages, management experience, financial projections, equipment requirements, and financing objectives. For qualified clients, he then develops creative proposals that are designed to meet, as closely as possible, each individual client’s objectives. Every proposal is unique to the client.
Education:
BS, Industrial Engineering, University of Michigan
MBA With Distinction, Marketing and Finance, University of Michigan
Mike joined VFS in January 2021. He offers more than twenty years of experience in finance and business management.
History:
-BDO LLP, Valuation and Business Analytics, Director
-Grant Thornton LLP, Valuation Services Group, Director
-Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP, Valuation Services Group
Of special interest:
Mike previously achieved the Accredited Senior Appraiser designation from the American Society of Appraisers.
Education:
BS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan
MBA, Finance, Northwestern University
Tom joined VFS LLC in January 2022. He contributes his extensive experience and expertise in the equipment finance industry.
History:
-Crestmark Equipment Finance a division of MetaBank, Division President.
-TIP Capital, Founding Member
-AT&T Capital and CMI Corporation, Equipment Finance.
Of special interest:
Prior to his positions at Crestmark, Tom was a founding member of TIP Capital. He was significant to the growth of the company to one of the top ten independent lease and equipment company, when TIP Capital was acquired by Crestmark Bank.
Education:
BA, Biology, University of California
MBA, Finance, Wayne State University
Patrick utilized his fifty years of experience in the Finance industry in founding, developing, and managing VFS LLC. His skill set includes marketing, sales, finance, asset management, and green energy expertise.
History:
-TIP Capital, Founder, President
-AT&T Capital Corporation, Executive Vice President of Marketing
-CMI Corporation, Senior Vice President of Marketing
Of special interest:
Pat has invested in and managed start-up companies and enterprise businesses of various sizes, including TIP Interactive, Tip Electronics, Energy Econ, and TIG Properties.
Education:
BS, Chemistry, minor in Mathematics and Business, Eastern Michigan University
