Our Success is Built by Our Incredible Team
Serving Canada’s entrepreneurs since 1986
Since 1986, Essex Lease has grown to become one of Canada’s leading financial partners for industrial businesses of all sizes. That growth has been powered by a team of specialists who are passionate about helping businesses like yours succeed.
At Essex, we believe business finance should be personal. We build long-term relationships, think creatively to overcome challenges, and work hard to find the right solutions—no matter how complex your needs may be.
Our team is our greatest strength. With a culture rooted in collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. Our specialists embody these values, fostering diverse perspectives and innovative thinking. Together, we’re dedicated to making a meaningful difference for Canada’s entrepreneurs, driven by a shared passion for success and a personal touch.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Ross Sten
Chief Executive Officer
Ross Sten is the Chief Executive Officer and co-owner of Essex Lease Financial Corporation, bringing over 37 years of entrepreneurial and executive experience to the Company. With a strong track record of driving sustained growth, Ross has successfully scaled multiple organizations across the transportation and financial services sectors. Since taking over leadership at Essex in 2016, Ross has focused on strategic expansion, team development, and delivering outstanding customer service. His deep operational expertise and customer-first approach position Essex for continued growth and long-term success.
Trevor Sterner
Chief Financial Officer & Chief Risk Officer
Trevor Sterner is the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer of Essex Lease Financial Corporation, bringing a diverse background in finance, engineering, and organizational development. Since joining Essex in 2016, he has led the development and implementation of the Company’s financial structure, risk governance, and operational strategy to support its ongoing growth. By leveraging his multidisciplinary expertise, Trevor combines technical acumen with strategic insight to identify inefficiencies, drive operational improvements, and implement sustainable change. His leadership has been critical in positioning Essex for scalable, long-term success through cross-functional collaboration and disciplined financial and risk management.
David Thiessen
Chief Product Officer
David Thiessen is the Chief Product Officer of Essex Lease Financial Corporation, bringing 20 years of experience in corporate finance, logistics, product development, and strategic leadership. David has worked alongside Essex’s largest shareholders since 2012 and, since formally joining Essex in 2022, has been instrumental in expanding the Company's product offerings and enhancing its service delivery to better meet the evolving needs of Essex’s customers. David's approach emphasizes a holistic view of business financing, considering not only financial metrics but also the values and goals of clients in crafting creative solutions to complex challenges.
Brett Endicott
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Brett Endicott is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Essex Lease Financial Corporation, bringing over 20 years of experience in the equipment financing industry. Since joining in 2018, he has played a key role in leading Essex’s expansion across Western Canada while proving his undying determination to ensure customers’ needs remain the prime deliverable. Brett’s career has been marked by consistent top performance, effective sales leadership, and a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Aligned with Essex’s long-standing customer-first values, Brett continues to drive growth through a commitment to understanding and serving client needs.
Ryan Sorgard
Executive Director, Corporate Accounts
Ryan Sorgard is an Executive Director, Corporate Accounts at Essex Lease Financial Corporation, with over 24 years of experience within the company. Having served in roles across nearly every department—including Sales, Credit, Audit, and Funding—Ryan brings a comprehensive understanding of both the equipment financing industry and the internal operations of Essex. Over his career, Ryan has originated more than a thousand finance contracts, representing hundreds of millions in funding, by consistently delivering tailored solutions and exceptional client service. Known for his dedication, insight, and team-oriented approach, Ryan is a key contributor to Essex’s continued success.
James Forrest
Executive Director, Corporate Accounts
James Forrest is an Executive Director, Corporate Accounts at Essex Lease Financial Corporation, bringing 28 years of experience in the equipment financing and banking industries. Since joining Essex in 2016, he has been a key contributor to the company’s growth, leveraging a strong track record of exceeding sales targets and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Prior to Essex, James held diverse roles in banking—including credit, auditing, collections, and management—equipping him with a broad perspective on financial services and client needs. James’s ongoing success is driven by his deep industry knowledge, dedication to client outcomes, and alignment with Essex’s core value that success is achieved by helping others succeed.
Pamela Anderson
Vice President, Operations
Pamela Anderson is the Vice President of Operations at Essex Lease Financial Corporation and has been a key contributor to the Company’s growth for over 23 years. Rising through a variety of roles—including Customer Service, Documentation, Audit, IT Coordination, and Software Implementation—Pamela has developed a deep operational understanding and has become a central figure in Essex’s day-to-day and strategic execution. Pamela is a strong leader with an incredible ability to motivate and inspire team members to reach new heights. She is known for her reliability, cross-functional support, and commitment to continuous improvement, making her an integral part of Essex’s long-term operational success.
Darren Ackerman
Vice President, Credit
Darren Ackerman is the Vice President of Credit at Essex Lease Financial Corporation, with over 21 years of experience at the Company and deep expertise in industrial equipment financing. Having held roles in both Sales and Credit, Darren brings a well-rounded perspective that helps balance customer service with prudent risk management. His strong understanding of equipment value, market trends, and customer potential allows him to make informed credit decisions that align with both client needs and Company risk standards. His leadership in credit adjudication reflects a thoughtful approach focused on both building customer loyalty and protecting the company’s financial integrity.
Kelly Powis
Controller
Kelly Powis is the Controller at Essex Lease Financial Corporation and has been a key contributor to the Company’s growth since 2014. She brings over 27 years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, spanning industries such as international transportation, oil and gas, non-profit, and professional sports. At Essex, Kelly has been instrumental in advancing the Company’s financial systems and internal controls, enabling the development of scalable processes to support continued expansion. Her detail-oriented and forward-looking approach, combined with a strong commitment to continuous improvement, makes her an essential part of Essex’s financial strength and operational stability.
Brad Heintz
AVP, Credit
Brad Heintz is AVP, Credit at Essex Lease Financial Corporation, bringing over 41 years of experience in commercial lending, credit, and equipment financing. His career spans senior roles with Saskatchewan and Alberta Credit Unions, National Bank of Canada, and Travelers Financial, where he supported diverse industries including agriculture, construction, oil & gas, and manufacturing. Since joining Essex in 2018, Brad has specialized in structuring equipment leases, mortgages, and asset-based lines of credit tailored to each client’s needs. Known for his analytical approach and commitment to understanding each business model, Brad helps clients achieve sustainable growth through thoughtful financing solutions.
Raquel MacLean
AVP, Operations
Our Values
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