Q&A with Tim Paulson

We’re excited to welcome Tim Paulson to the Vantage Financial sales team as a Managing Director! Tim brings over a decade of experience in equipment finance, beginning his career as a Sales Associate at TCF Equipment Finance before transitioning to a successful six-year sales tenure with Winthrop Resources, TCF Bank’s technology and healthcare equipment leasing arm. Following TCF’s acquisition, Tim continued to excel in sales with Huntington Technology Finance and later expanded his expertise in business development and management during his time at KLC Financial. Tim’s strong industry background, deep market knowledge, and commitment to building meaningful client relationships make him a standout addition to the Vantage team.

Check out the Q&A below to get to know Tim as he begins his new role!

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How did you come about the equipment leasing industry?

"Like most people in this business, I majored in Equipment Finance in college and choose this industry on purpose. Just kidding! I stumbled into it the same way most of us do: through people. I was introduced to equipment finance by the great and all-connected Jeff Vint, a long-time close family friend who became a mentor and manager. Jeff connected me with Brian Slipka, one of the best people and business minds I’ve ever known, and those early relationships completely shaped my path. I was fortunate to learn this industry from Jeff, Brian, and later from people like Josh Schulman, who is here at Vantage. Looking back on the past 12 years, I feel lucky that those relationships opened the door to a career that fits me so well."

What are you most excited about in your new role at Vantage?

"I’m excited to be working again with people I not only respect, but genuinely enjoy -Josh, Jake Schwamb, Kyle Richardson, Stacy Hoffman, Ariel Waldoch, Dave Mathis, Steve Pietrowski, and many others. They taught me how to build creative, flexible financial solutions that actually solve customer and partner needs, not just rate-and-term boxes. I’m also energized by the ability to contribute the expertise I’ve built over the years to Vantage’s growth. The chance to work with great partners, vendors, and referral sources again, and to build new relationships in a thoughtful, authentic way means a lot to me."

What career achievement are you most proud of so far?

"I’m most proud of the relationships this industry has given me, I love that this business allows connections to grow far beyond the deal. I’m also proud of the way I’ve continued to learn every year. I’ve always been wired to understand the “why” behind what we do, credit, structure, asset management, contracts, vendor programs, and that curiosity has made this industry feel both challenging and rewarding for me."

What do you most enjoy about your role in equipment finance?

"For me, it’s simple, I love helping people and solving problems. I love sitting across from a customer, vendor, or partner, hearing what they’re trying to build, and figuring out the right financial solution to support it. The best part of this job has always been the conversations, the trust, and the opportunity to be part of someone else’s growth story. When you approach this business with authenticity, curiosity, and a long-term mindset, the work becomes incredibly meaningful."

What's something people wouldn't know about you from your LinkedIn profile?

"I’m someone who genuinely enjoys deep, meaningful conversations and getting to know people beyond the surface. Fall golf, live music, and sitting around a bonfire with close friends, especially up north in Minnesota, are my happy places. And above all, my wife and I raising our three kids together is the greatest joy and responsibility of my life."