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They have developed customized leasing programs specific to the needs of our industry. Clune has taken away many of the inherent dangers associated with presenting a lease that eventually end up holding our customers hostage. The beauty of Clune is that they have taken away the pain of the past and packaged a solution that will offer overall long-term value for our customers and us. We are also better protected against losing a customer's future business.

James O'Keefe, R.S. Knapp Co Inc

Never a boring moment in the leasing industry

By Kevin Clune, CLP, President and Owner of Clune & Company, a Kansas City based leasing firm

"Can you finance air conditioner units?" was a question we received recently. The answer was that we are not in the HVAC business but frankly, one might be surprised by the array of collateral we do finance. It is never a dull moment in the leasing business, as we have become acquainted with many innovative manufacturing companies and even toured their plants.

Digital movie projectors, plant seed applicators, circus traveling trailers, and pivot turn riding mowers are just a few of the types of unusual equipment that come to mind. Since an air conditioner unit is a structural component of a building, it is normally not considered a "leasable" piece of machinery. However, for many manufacturers, a lease option is a solution to offer buyers who are not able to secure financing from their bank, due to loan restrictions.

Seeing a need for more agile riding mower equipment that would pivot turn, include attachments for snow removal, and offer upgrades such as sunshades, Grasshopper developed and is building such a mower in Mound Ridge, Kansas. It was my privilege to have an opportunity to tour their plant and discuss their lease finance needs. In this real-life example, a seasonal piece of machinery may benefit from a variable payment schedule.

A larger manufacturer may offer their own "in house" lease product, but this option is normally less attractive to everyone involved. Clune & Company usually has the agility to be more responsive and offers a more attractive lease contract, without hidden pitfalls at lease end. The sales person may make a sale and get paid, but that customer may never return if they consider the in house lease to be less than fair.

Smaller manufacturers, on the other hand, who need to secure a lease finance product to offer their customers have partnered with us. In response to industry demands, Clune has developed a streamlined application process, "on site" educational sales support, and a specialized Vendor Incentive Program which insures customer satisfaction and retention. These innovative concepts have resulted in a well trained sales staff that can offer a lease product with the confidence that their customer will be treated well.

Tours of many similar factories and manufacturing plants such as those cited above gives me confidence that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. We have been honored to partner with many companies who have taken that entrepreneurial leap and are marketing machinery and equipment to meet a variety of needs. I continue to be amazed at the creativity and engineering skills I have observed over the years in the leasing industry.

We are indebted to many such talented individuals whom we have had the privilege of serving. They put a human face on a lease contract, and are the real engine of our economy. Over our 50 plus year history, the leasing business may have changed but our commitment to serving the leasing needs of our customers has remained constant. They can be assured that Clune & Company is a "different" business, regulating itself in an unregulated industry. Even after my 35 years as a lessor, I can honestly state, "There is never a dull moment in the leasing industry".

Kevin F. Clune, CLP, is the second generation owner of Clune & Company, a 50 year-old capital equipment leasing firm located at 5950 Roe Avenue, Mission, KS 66205. Visit them on the web and sign up for their bi-monthly newsletter at www.clune.net.