Brand Ambassador Spotlight – Jim Simon

Image | March 31, 2022March 28, 2022 | Zeb Wright

Kingswood Leasing* is grateful to partner with outstanding foodservice dealers to offer equipment lease financing to their customers. We honor sales reps that have demonstrated a strong commitment to our partnership by distinguishing them as brand ambassadors.

Our latest brand ambassador is Jim Simon, project manager at Edward Don & Company.

Jim’s experience in the foodservice industry spans 43 years, 25 of them with DON. For him, one of the most exciting things about being in the industry for so long has been seeing how technology has revolutionized it. With intelligent cooking equipment coming from manufacturers like Rational and Alto Sham, it’s easier than ever for foodservice operators to cook their menu items consistently and efficiently. These innovative products automatically adjust the humidity and heat based on the items they’re cooking, and can be programmed with different menu items to ensure consistency.

This appreciation for technology is something he hopes to pass onto those just starting out in the industry. “Start with an education in a university that offers classes in the hospitality industry,” he advises. “Today’s foodservice industry is technology-based. Starting in this business in this climate, I would align myself with a company embracing the forefront of using technology in marketing, operations, kitchen production, and engineering.”

He has advice for more experienced operators, too. “To truly understand the global effect changes in demographics and target markets is critical to the end user's success now. Equipment companies are opening tech centers for cooking techniques and innovation. I would certainly want to learn from those people and bring that back to my operations and culinary teams to digest and use, to make my product more cost-effective to produce with the best quality possible. I would seek positions on different sides of the spectrum to educate myself over my first years in the foodservice industry.”

Photo of Jim Simon sitting at a restaurant table — Jim Simon

Jim’s favorite part of his role at DON is taking a blank piece of paper and turning it into a fully designed foodservice facility. Most recently, Jim worked with our team to finance a hotel project he’s been designing. Without financing, the hotel would have had to open the various kitchen spaces in phases. Kingswood Leasing’s equipment lease financing programs provided Jim the flexibility to complete all his projects before the opening. His customer can now build their lobby cafe, central kitchen, and sports bar all at once.

Equipment lease financing also freed up the client’s cash to focus on essential marketing campaigns. “Marketing is one of the biggest challenges new businesses face,” explains Jim. “By choosing to finance their equipment, business owners can invest their cash into marketing efforts to ensure their community knows when they've opened.”

In addition, Jim loves that financing options allow customers to invest in the best technology. “Since the pandemic, businesses have opened up again that had been closed for a long time. Their equipment sat dormant, and when they reopened, some of that equipment was no longer working correctly. Through financing, operators can upgrade those items and keep their quality high.”

Jim also notes that at times, a project gets to a point where the budget is exceeded, and in those instances, financing can make the difference between opening on time or not. “Leasing is instrumental; obtaining high-quality equipment that best fits their needs is important, and financing can help customers do that.”

Kingswood Leasing’s own Regional Account Manager, Eric Reinauer, has enjoyed working with Jim to provide DON's customer's equipment lease financing options. “Jim has been a great partner from the first deal we worked on together. He understands the value we can bring to his customers and is always willing to go the extra mile to help get his customers what they need.”

Going that extra mile—for customers and for coworkers—is key to Jim and DON’s success. The longevity they’ve had (DON just celebrated its 100th anniversary) says it all: DON is a team-focused company that genuinely cares about the people that work for them. “Everyone takes care of each other, which makes DON special,” Jim explains with pride.

Thanks once again to Jim Simon for being an outstanding brand ambassador.

In addition to being featured on our blog, our brand ambassadors receive a gift card to a local restaurant they choose. Here’s what Jim said about his choice, Till Neighborhood Bistro & Bar

“The culinary team at Till is very much at the forefront of what is happening in Colorado. If you happen to visit, make sure you taste the salmon spread appetizer and do not miss the duck. Also, you will like the wine list!”

*Kingswood Leasing, powered by TimePayment

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund Is Here

April 21, 2021April 30, 2021 | Zeb Wright

The online applications opens Monday, May 3rd, and will remain open until all funds are depleted.

The SBA will begin registrations on Friday at 9 a.m. eastern and will open online applications for the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund Monday afternoon.

There are three ways to apply to the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The first option is to apply through a recognized “SBA Restaurant Partner.” The other two options are to submit applications electronically at https://restaurants.sba.gov/ or apply via phone at 844.279.8898.

To prepare, the SBA recommends that eligible restaurants familiarize themselves with the application process to ensure a smoother experience. Here are some steps the SBA recommends:

Registering for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov starting Friday, at 9 a.m. EST.
Reviewing the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions, and application sample.
Preparing the required documentation.
Working with a point-of-sale vendor or visiting restaurants.sba.gov to submit an application when the application portal opens.

Take the time now to visit the SBA’s official page to get information about the documentation you’ll need to provide and a sample application.

Kingswood Now Available on AutoQuotes Platform

April 8, 2021May 3, 2021 | Zeb Wright

Did you know that anyone using the AutoQuotes platform can easily and quickly include lease-to-own monthly payment options from Kingswood next to the total cost on every equipment quote?

Businesses acquiring the equipment they need continue to choose leasing over cash and other credit options and AutoQuotes is the preferred quoting solution in the foodservice equipment and supplies (FES) industry. Show your customers why the perfect match of Autoquotes and Kingswood is the easiest way to affordably get the equipment they want without large outlays of capital upfront.

AutoQuotes has been leading the FES industry with their catalog, pricing and quoting software solution for over 30 years and Kingswood has been providing the best in FES equipment financing for over 30 years. Together their 60 years of combined experience can’t be beat.

“AutoQuotes shares our mission to make equipment financing fast and easy, and we’re excited for our seller community who has been asking to see us as an option on AutoQuotes” said Cliff Metcalfe III, Director of Food & Beverage Group at Kingswood.

Want to see how quick and easy it is to add this feature to your next AutoQuotes equipment project? Check out How To Add Kingswood To Your AQ Quotes

How To Add Kingswood To AutoQuotes Quote

Image | April 8, 2021June 29, 2021 | Zeb Wright

How To Include Monthly Lease-To-Own Options On Your AutoQuotes Projects

You can access the Payment & Financing option through the Print function in AutoQuotes.

1. Choose Print, either next to a project on the main screen or within a project itself. This will open the Report Viewer.

2. Scroll the right sidebar to the Totals section where the Payment & Financing option is located. Click the arrow on the right of the Payment & Financing box and select Kingswood from the options that appear in the dropdown.

3. The Kingswood badge will then appear at the bottom of the quote next to the total cost showing monthly payment scenarios specific to that project.

By default, the badge will be shown next time you generate a quote.

That is how quick and easy it is to include lease financing options on every project.

Tell us about your experience using Kingswood Leasing on your AutoQuotes at [email protected].

Easing the Transition to Work-From-Home

Image | June 12, 2020 | Zeb Wright

The Upward Trend

Work-from-home trends have been increasing for years.

44% growth in the previous five years
91% growth in the previous ten years
159% growth in the previous 12 years

And in a post-COVID-19 world, these numbers may see their most substantial spike ever.

The Reason for the Rise: Technology

Internet bandwidth and speed, faster mobile data transmission rates, as-a-service conference and communication platforms that allow for low barriers and the increasing adoption of easy to use videoconferencing technologies are just some of the architectural reasons behind the trend. But technological evolution alone doesn’t explain the pace of growth.

The Reason for the Rise: Employee Behavior

Employee behavior around these technologies influences the trend as much as the technologies themselves. A recent survey of employee behavior at an international Fortune 100 company compared meeting behavior over the last five years. Interestingly, when employees are all in the same office building, on the same floor, they are eight times more likely to attend by ‘dialing in’ from their desk as opposed to assembling in a conference room than they were five years ago.

Employees that might be sitting only feet away from each other are still connecting using meeting technologies. Since they are using the technologies as a primary medium of connecting anyway, it becomes far easier to leverage those technologies in a work-from-home culture without losing productivity.

The Reason for the Rise: Travel Trends

With a focus on cost efficiency and productivity, travel just isn’t what it used to be. In-person client meetings that were once a necessity are moving to Teams, Zoom, and other platforms at an increasing rate. Gone are the days of wasting two days with travel for the product demo when a quick screen share and Q&A gets the job done in an hour. Even events are exploring virtual venues with webinar growth reaching nearly 2300% growth in participation rates since 2007.

The Reason for the Rise: Employee Satisfaction and Recruiting

Employee satisfaction scores increase when they have flexible work arrangements, and they average more hours worked per day when they work from home. Less time in transit and ease of access to quickly check in on business activities before and after hours can lead to enhanced productivity and happier employees for some roles.

Finally, there is the recruiting consideration. To be an employer of choice for the years ahead, flexible work arrangements will be essential to specific job functions.

Getting up to Speed

Now is the time to examine your company’s technology infrastructure and the tools your employees need to work effectively in remote environments. Tablets, laptops with reliable cameras, fast routers, and larger/extra monitors are just some of the near-term technology needs companies may need to invest in to enable a more decentralized working environment. And if you are anything like most business leaders, you haven’t planned or budgeted for this shift in office dynamics.

A strategic approach to technology financing can not only help you gear up to meet the rapidly growing demand, but also preserve cash, protect limited budgets and assist in keeping you on the cutting edge of rapidly changing technologies.

Kingswood is committed to helping small businesses and ready to provide easy access to the equipment and technology you need. We’re all in this together. Let us know how we can help.

Information for Kingswood Equipment Sellers and Referrers Regarding COVID-19

March 14, 2020March 14, 2020 | Zeb Wright

Information for Kingswood Equipment Sellers and Referrers Regarding COVID-19

Is Kingswood open?

Kingswood’s offices are open (8am-8pm EST). All services are functioning as usual, however we are transitioning to a “work–at–home” operating model as part of our broader business continuity plans. Because the situation is dynamic, we will be adapting our plans each day while also planning for longer term implications.

What happens if Kingswood’s offices close?

We have the ability to work remotely from locations across the country, such that our day–to–day operations won’t be affected.

Where can we find the latest information?

Kingswood will update our website, KingswoodLeasing.com, your Partner Portals and will be sending out informational emails if there are changes you need to know. You should always be able to reach your account manager and you can email us at [email protected] or [email protected].

How is Kingswood settling with Sellers and Referrers?

We are settling transactions the way we always do; however, in the event our office closes there may be a delay in receiving physical checks from us due to closures or postal service delays. To avoid any interruption, we strongly recommend that you sign up for ACH disbursement. The form can be filled out and submitted online by clicking the link below:

ACH Direct Deposit Enrollment Form: Click Here

Will COVID-19 change who gets approved?

No, but all leasing and lending companies consistently reassess certain underwriting policies and practices to fully consider the current business and economic environment. It’s likely that some changes will be made for some industries. If we see changes, these will be promptly communicated.

Remember everyone at Kingswood is here to help you and your customers succeed. Let us know how we can help!

Dover Children’s Home 11th Annual Golf Tournament

Image | February 19, 2019February 19, 2019 | Zeb Wright

Kingswood Hits The Links For Local Charity

The entire staff of Kingswood Leasing was proud to support our 7th consecutive Dover Children’s Home Golf Tournament. This charitable tournament is one of the largest events that the Dover Children’s Home puts on every year, generating much of the needed funding for their non-profit programs for children. Thousands of NH’s most vulnerable children have received exceptional care at DCH since 1893. Their personalized treatment allows the young people that they serve to gain self-confidence and experience significant improvement in their family relationships, decision-making skills, and school performance.

Fundraisers and donations of any kind translate into the program’s ability to provide exceptional care while attempting to provide a positive adolescent experience. DCH is committed to improving the lives of the young people placed in their care by offering a wide array of services, experiences, and opportunities that celebrate each child’s individual strengths and personal needs.

As one of only a few community-based residential treatment programs for children remaining in NH, it is more important than ever for Dover Children’s Home to provide a safe haven for young people to develop the skills they will need to become healthy, productive members of the community.

“After another incredible year at Dover Children’s Home 11^th Annual Golf Tournament, we want to say a HUGE thank you for helping us reach our goal of almost $25,000 raised during the event!!!!! It was an absolutely beautiful day, lots of fun had, delicious food and great company!

We are so very grateful for your support, by golfing in the tournament, buying raffle tickets and bidding on our silent-auction items! We would never have been able to reach our goal without you all!” – Renee Touhey-Childress, Executive Director, Dover Children’s Home

Hope to see you all at the 12^th Annual Dover Children’s Home Golf Tournament in July 2019!!!

We will be there!!!

We Make It Simple

November 2, 2018 | Zeb Wright

Here Are Some Of The Ways We Make Equipment Financing Easy…

Paperwork, Schmaperwork – App Only up to $250K!

Kingswood now has application only funding limits up to $250,000. That means less time and paperwork needed to get you the financing you want to make that next big equipment purchase. And typically these credit decisions are made within 2-4 business hours.

Minimum Ownership Requirements – Corp Only Options

Kingswood has options to secure businesses with established credit without a personal guarantor, an option called Corp Only. And for businesses without the established credit, Kingswood has options to secure financing with a minimum of 1% ownership. Either way, that means less time getting every owner’s signature to apply or to sign for financial documents.

Electronic Documents

When it comes to closing the deal for your equipment, almost no one wants to wait for paper documents in the mail any more. With eDocs financial documents can be sent instantly to your email address for signing.

Kingswood Offers End-to-End eCommerce Solutions

October 16, 2018 | Zeb Wright

Kingswood Leasing Announces Suite Of Digital Tools

Kingswood Leasing now has the ability to offer access to equipment financing through eCommerce shopping solutions, such as previewing payment options instantly, applying for approval, and signing financial documents – all online.

Together these eCommerce solutions provide a complete end-to-end online experience for this digital age.

Shoppers can view estimated monthly payment options while browsing items with our Finance Button
Buyers can select from a full set of monthly payment options online with our Quoting Calculator
Buyers can select an option and proceed to secure their financing with our online Finance Application
Financial documents can be sent electronically and signed digitally with out having to print and return by mail.

As a seller, this means getting funded on your sales faster, while providing your customers the experience they want.

Want to learn more? Contact Us or call 888-327-8121.

Kingswood Leasing

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Author: Zeb Wright

Brand Ambassador Spotlight – Jim Simon