This year’s ABF Journal Icons didn’t get where they are by luck. They earned it — through years of hard decisions, quiet mentorship and showing up when it mattered most. These leaders share what shaped their journeys, what they’ve learned and what they want the next generation to remember.
For Alan Jasenovic of Solifi, the foundation was built early. “Having the opportunity to learn Asset-Based Lending from the ground up shaped my leadership journey,” he says. From rewriting user manuals to training hundreds in the industry, Jasenovic’s path has always centered on clarity, mentorship and meaningful relationships. “In such a digitalized world, one of the most important challenges for me to overcome is maintaining a personal touch.”
Brian Rosa of Mitsubishi HC Capital America leads through trust and shared ownership. “Sometimes, the best leadership I can offer is stepping back and letting [my team] do what they do best,” he says. Collaboration isn’t optional — it’s how things get done: “Rather than pointing fingers, we ask how we can support each other.”
David F.W. Cohen of Gowling WLG boils it down to passion and accountability. “If you love the hell out of what you’re doing, you’re usually pretty good at it,” he quotes from Chuck Yeager. That passion, paired with an unflinching sense of personal responsibility, has earned him trust across the board. “Trust is like money being deposited into a savings account … it is easy to spend in a single moment.”
Gary Robinson of SB360 Capital Partners leads with precision and purpose. “Every design, every word and every campaign must serve a purpose,” he says. He blends strategy with creativity and ensures the next generation feels empowered to do the same.
Greg Richter of Medalist Partners says longevity in specialty finance comes down to composure and adaptability. “Show strength in tough times and never give up,” he advises. His decades in structured credit have taught him that markets may shift, but strong relationships — and a steady hand — will always matter. “Never underestimate the importance of a handshake and good conversation.”
James H. Aronoff of CohnReznick believes leadership is about stepping back and letting others rise. “Complete trust of my direct reports … curtails any inclination to micro-manage,” he says. His legacy? Watching mentees become leaders in their own right: “I hope my legacy will be that all my mentees … become future leaders and innovators in the specialty finance industry.”
- Scott Victor of SSG Capital Advisors built his legacy one deal — and one relationship — at a time. “If you do what you love, you will love what you do,” he says. He’s helped hundreds of businesses navigate hard situations and built a firm where the next generation is given real responsibility from day one. His advice: “Work hard, have integrity, act professionally and use humor.”
Jim Davidson of Avant Advisory Group leads through values. “Serving others first … seeking the best interests of our clients before my own,” he says. From fraud investigations to operational turnarounds, his mission is clear: “I would like to be recognized as someone who helped save or recover hundreds of millions … and countless employee livelihoods.”
Joseph F. Nemia of TD Bank has seen asset-based lending shift from niche to essential. “The industry has evolved from being considered a lender of last resort … to a financial solutions provider for a diverse range of industries,” he says. After four decades, his focus hasn’t changed: “Building a talented team … is how you will remain relevant enough to someday become an industry icon.”
Across all their stories, one message stands out: your title doesn’t define you — your actions do. Whether it’s guiding a firm through a crisis, mentoring tomorrow’s leaders or doing the hard work behind the scenes, these Icons prove that real leadership isn’t loud. It’s consistent.
Their advice to those rising up now? Build trust. Keep learning. And, as Rosa put it, “Stay focused, support your team and do the hard work.”