This article is part of our series, Lessons From Over 20 Years of Equipment Financing, where Commercial Credit Group (CCG) leadership shares insights on building resilient businesses. Drawing from decades of experience, we explore the principles that help equipment owners thrive through market cycles and industry change.
This article features insights from seasoned professionals at Commercial Credit Group, including Executive Vice Presidents Don Pokorny and Justin Mock, and Chief Credit Officer David Adams—leaders with decades of experience in equipment financing in the construction, manufacturing, transportation, and waste industries.
If there is one principle that consistently separates resilient businesses from vulnerable ones, it is this: equity matters. Equipment equity is the difference between its market value and any current outstanding debt. Beyond being a balance sheet figure, it’s a strategic asset that enhances flexibility, stability, and long-term strength.
Running a business today means managing constant cash flow pressures. Inflation and supply chain issues keep pushing up the cost of fuel, labor, and materials. And unexpected expenses, from equipment repairs to staffing gaps, have a way of showing up at the worst possible time.
Equity is your built-in protection against uncertainty. In cyclical industries, downturns are inevitable. When they happen, equity gives you options to address cash flow needs, unanticipated setbacks and opportunities that may arise.
As Justin Mock, Executive Vice President at CCG, explains:
“The economy is not always in growth mode. In times of downturn, equipment values can drop. If this occurs, you need to be able to sell the equipment and be able to survive. Equity is everything; how you buy the equipment matters.”
Market cycles aren’t a question of if—they’re a question of when. Equipment financing is greatly influenced by economic volatility, shifting demand, and capital constraints. Equity is the advantage that keeps you positioned for what’s next.
Beyond being a safety net, equity is a strategic lever for long-term stability. Equipment isn’t just a tool; it’s a capital asset whose value depends on condition, brand reputation, and resale potential. Smart financing decisions today determine whether you have flexibility tomorrow.
David Adams, Chief Credit Officer at CCG, reinforces this point:
“When a business owner finances a good piece of equipment for the right term, they build equity. This will allow them more options later, including the ability to sell if there is a downturn or refinance for additional capital.”
And Don Pokorny, Executive Vice President, adds:
“Capital structure matters because you’re in a cyclical business that is highly capital-intensive. Stable capital sources and equity are critical.”
Building equity in your equipment doesn’t happen by chance; it’s the result of intentional decisions made at the start of the financing process. At CCG, we guide customers to focus on three key priorities:
At CCG, we believe equity is more than a number—it is a strategy for resilience and growth. It provides optionality when the market shifts and confidence when planning for the future.
Ready to structure your next deal for long-term strength? Contact us today.
Executive Vice President
Justin joined CCG in 2011. During his time with CCG, he has been a credit analyst, credit manager, operations manager, division manager, and in April of 2025 was promoted to executive vice president. He started his career in 2004 at Financial Federal Credit in Houston before he moved to the Chicagoland area in 2006. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in General Business with minors in Economics and Finance from Oklahoma State University in 2002.
Executive Vice President
Don joined CCG in 2005. He began his career in equipment finance with Orix Credit Alliance Inc. in 1984, holding various positions. In 1994, Don joined Financial Federal Credit Inc. as Vice President of Credit and Operations of the Chicago Business Center and was later given the responsibility of starting and managing the large-ticket syndication group, as well as developing the company’s internet business. Don earned his BS in finance, his MBA from the University of Missouri, and a Master’s Degree in accounting from Keller College. He is also a licensed CPA in Illinois.
Chief Credit & Portfolio Officer
David started at Commercial Credit Group in 2010 as a Regional Sales Manager. He then served as the Regional Vice President and Waste Division Sales Manager before being promoted to Senior Vice President in 2022. He became Chief Credit and Portfolio Officer in 2024.
Before CCG, he gained equipment and finance experience from managing service, rental, sales and F&I departments at various construction and waste equipment dealers for 7 years. David graduated in 2003 with a B.S. in Business Administration and Management from Kent State University.