Show Notes:

In this episode of Portfolio Perspective: Managing Risk & Seizing Opportunity, host Andrew Pace welcomes Kip Amstutz, President of 360 Equipment Finance. From launching his first business with a promissory note from his father to building a nationwide finance company with a disciplined approach to subprime lending, Kip shares the real-world strategies that have shaped his success. They explore portfolio diversification, AI-driven automation, strategic use of third-party originators, and what it means to scale responsibly in a volatile market.

Guest:

Kip Amstutz, President, 360 Equipment Finance

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Kip’s entrepreneurial start and the founding story of 360 Equipment Finance
  • Transitioning from originator to full-service finance company
  • Portfolio diversification across 47 states and multiple verticals
  • Strategic use of third-party originators for scale and geographic diversity
  • Subprime risk management and credit-conscious underwriting
  • How AI and automation are reshaping fraud detection, data entry, and credit decisioning
  • Why company culture, EOS, and hiring for complementary skillsets drive growth
  • Capital access, lender trust, and transparent communication
  • What’s ahead for 2026: AI, BI dashboards, and marketing-driven growth

Executive Takeaways:

“You can’t hold anything if you can’t fund it. We’ve learned to hold the subprime—and sell off the prime—because that’s where we can use our capital to its fullest.”

“Hiring people who think differently than you do? That’s where the magic happens. It’s how we’ve scaled while staying lean.”

“AI isn’t just about speed—it’s about precision. And it only works if it complements the human experience.”

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