Our Team
Each member of the Axel Group has over two decades of experience in their respective fields of commercial finance, banking, and equipment leasing.
To make sure you are choosing the right team, take a few moments to get to know the Axel Group.
Robert "Chip" Leas
A nationally recognized leader on small business and middle market finance with extensive experience in all areas of management and operations. Chip has decades of experience in serving a variety of businesses and industries ranging from small entrepreneurial startups to fortune 100 corporations, providing an unparalleled understanding of the needs of business today.
Chip has over 25 years of experience in the equipment leasing and financing industry. His experience covers all areas of the industry inclusive of originations, portfolio management, and portfolio purchase and sale. In addition he has an extensive background and experience in all facets of commercial finance. Some highlights of his career include:
- served as CEO for commercial finance company for 25 years;
- served as member of the executive staff of two community banks for combined 8 years;
- has provided consulting and management coaching for growing and transitioning companies;
- served as Senior VP publically traded Insurance company;
- has provided expert testimony and litigation support to major law firms and corporations;
- has extensive experience in M&A within the leasing industry;
- served as President and CEO of national Leasing Professional association;
- served as National Chair Person for Independent Leasing and Commercial Finance Companies of the Equipment Leasing and Financing Association.
Claudine Aquillon
A recognized leader and innovator in business management and operations.
Claudine has more than 23 years of upper level operations experience, with 16 years specifically in the equipment leasing and finance industry. She was a founding member of a consulting firm focused on implementing operational functions and processes to improve the efficiency and economic effectiveness of companies, resulting in increased revenue and profitability. She is a Certified Master Black Belt in Six Sigma and also provides Six Sigma training.
Claudine has held Senior Vice President and COO positions in two privately held and one publically-traded commercial equipment leasing and finance companies.
Claudine has provided litigation support for expert witness testimony in equipment leasing and finance transactions as well as directed legal activities in numerous complicated commercial finance and equipment leasing litigations. Claudine's greatest asset is her ability to leverage her experience in spotting inefficiencies and structural problems in all areas of operations and financings and providing efficient, effective solutions and remedies.
Bill Wade
Bill is a CPA and IT professional. He has written, developed and marketed financial software that pioneered lease accounting - this software has been used by some of the largest international banks and numerous companies involved in providing equipment leasing services for small and middle market companies.
In addition Bill, a Microsoft Small Business Specialist, has developed, implemented and managed programs and operations for medical field, multi-location clinics. In the growing Tele-medicine market, Bill's experience is unsurpassed.
Bob Pappa
Bob has three decades of unparalleled experience and success as a senior corporate officer serving as Division President for a fortune 500 company managing over 100 subsidiaries in a dozen countries.
His skills include corporate strategy, financial control, cost control, supply chain management as well as having a keen sense for identifying market opportunities. His exceptional people skills and strategic approach in managing resources have been proven on an international level as well as in small close held entrepreneurial businesses.
In addition to maximizing cash flow and leveraging resources, Bob has created successful exit strategies for business owners and improved reporting efficiencies, cleaned up balance sheets and driven exceptional values in various businesses.
Pat Roberts
Pat has 30 years of experience in the equipment lease finance industry including 25 years as President and Owner of an independent equipment leasing company located in Denver, Colorado. Her focus is on developing and continuing relationships with various corporate franchisees to help insure their current and continued profitability.
Prior to joining the Axel Group, Pat worked with a bank leasing and financing company providing services on a national basis. There she focused on identifying and developing business opportunities and relationships available in the Rocky Mountain Region. She also served 3 years on the Board of Directors of the United Association of Equipment Leasing and has always been active in the industry.
Cherie Milazzo
Cherie has over 15 years of experience in commercial finance, her experience range includes collections, collections management and training, restructure and related litigation support. In addition, Cherie has worked with asset management and remarketing.
Her hands on practical experience and excellent client skills have been utilized in the management of commercial portfolios in excess of $100 million dollars.
