SVP, Commercial Finance,
Head of Sales, Commercial Finance
eCapital
In the world of specialty finance, where progress meets tradition and every deal can be a game-changer, few leaders have navigated the terrain as effectively as Tom Siska. For over three decades, Siska has been at the forefront of the industry, not just surviving its shifts and challenges but shaping them.
FINDING FACTORING
Fresh out of college and job-hunting, Siska discovered a classified ad in the Chicago Tribune that led to his first role in the industry, helping to establish the Chicago branch of a California based non-recourse factoring company.
“It was a challenging but rewarding experience that ignited my passion for the industry,” Siska says. This early exposure set the foundation for a career that would take him across North America and into various leadership roles.
From the beginning, Siska was drawn to the challenges and rewards of the industry. After establishing the Chicago branch, he started the company’s first international branch in Toronto. His knack for identifying opportunities and driving growth became evident early on, and he continued to build this reputation as he moved into leadership roles in California, Texas and the East Coast.
PASSION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Throughout his career, Siska has focused on helping small businesses thrive when access to capital is limited. He has worked with many companies that might not have survived without the financial support his teams provided.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that we’ve been able to keep businesses afloat and preserve jobs, especially in rural areas where the local economy often depends on just a few key employers,” Siska says.
Siska’s leadership at eCapital has been transformative. When he joined, the factoring business had a sales team of three, concentrated in two regions. Under his guidance, the team expanded to six operating across the U.S. and Canada. This growth increased revenue and set new standards, reflecting Siska’s strategic vision and ability to drive results.
“We’ve grown the team significantly, and it’s been exciting to see how we’ve been able to expand our reach and impact across different markets,” he says.
NAVIGATING EMERGING MARKET TRENDS
Siska has seen how factoring has addressed emerging trends and navigated several major shifts in the market. Back when video games were still new and banks were hesitant to finance this unproven industry, Siska’s first employer stepped in to support the pioneer of the gaming industry, Atari.
Similarly, when the trucking industry was deregulated in the 1980s, creating uncertainty for traditional lenders, Siska recognized the opportunity and helped make trucking one of the largest segments for factoring.
“We’ve always been ahead of the curve, stepping in where traditional banks were hesitant. It’s about finding those niches and being willing to take calculated risks,” he says.
MENTORSHIP & INNOVATION
Siska is committed to mentorship. He has taken pride in mentoring and empowering the next generation of dealmakers, sharing valuable insights into structuring deals, managing risk and navigating the complexities of the industry.
His leadership is not just about closing deals; it’s about fostering a culture of excellence and service. “Mentorship is crucial,” Siska says. “I’ve learned so much from others in this industry, and I believe it’s important to pass that knowledge on to the next generation.”
Siska is also a pioneer in financial innovation. He played a crucial role in facilitating the first securitization of third-party factored accounts receivable, a move that had a significant impact on the industry. Later, he led the first dual-class securitization of asset-based loans and factored accounts receivable, cementing his reputation as a forward-thinking leader.
He also has successfully led several turnarounds and startups, three of which have generated net profits exceeding $100 million for stakeholders. The sale of his first turnaround achieved a remarkable valuation of 15 times book equity. Siska has a knack for enhancing company value and driving growth, even in challenging environments.
In addition to his professional achievements, Siska remains focused on giving back to the community. His newest passion is volunteering with a veteran’s organization that helps military personnel transition to civilian life. Through the Warrior-Scholar Project, Siska helps veterans gain admission to top universities and explore entrepreneurship. “Seeing the determination and integrity of these veterans is incredibly inspiring,” Siska says.
Siska’s impact on the commercial finance industry is profound. His career is a testament to the power of creativity, leadership and a commitment to excellence. Whether through his transformative dealmaking, his mentorship of future leaders or his contributions to the community, Siska continues to shape the future of the finance industry. His story is one of resilience, adaptability and a relentless
drive to make a positive difference in the lives of his clients, colleagues and the broader community.
At eCapital, Siska’s vision and hands-on approach keeps the company at the forefront of the industry while maintaining a strong commitment to serving the needs of small and middle market businesses. Siska is more than just a dealmaker; he is a mentor, a leader and a true icon in the finance world. •
