How Commercial Capital Is Putting Monitor’s Talent Strategy into Practice
In its recent article, “Recruiting the Next Generation: Making Equipment Finance Attractive to Young Talent,” Monitor laid out the critical demographic and strategic challenges facing the equipment finance industry. With nearly a third of the workforce approaching retirement and under-35 representation lagging other financial sectors, the industry is facing a clear call to action: attract, develop, and retain young professionals—or risk falling behind.
At Commercial Capital Company, we couldn’t agree more—and we’re actively working to translate those insights into action. This June, Commercial Capital will launch its first-ever internship program—a 10-week, in-office experience designed to immerse eight college students in the world of equipment finance. More than just an introduction, the program aims to reshape how young professionals view the industry by offering real-world exposure and hands-on learning across key business functions.
“This program represents a major step forward for Commercial Capital,” says Jonathan Yount, COO of Commercial Capital. “We’re not just opening our doors to interns—we’re opening their eyes to an industry full of potential. Equipment finance may not be on their radar yet, but through this program, we’re aiming to change that. We want them to see that this is an industry where they can grow, innovate, and lead.”
Turning Awareness into Experience
As Monitor’s article noted, only 7% of finance-oriented students are familiar with equipment finance as a career path. That lack of awareness is a challenge—but it’s also an opportunity. At Commercial Capital, we believe exposure is the first step toward engagement.
Our internship program offers immersive, hands-on experiences in:
- Credit and underwriting – Learning how to evaluate commercial lending opportunities in real-world scenarios.
- Finance and operations – Understanding how equipment finance is structured, funded, and managed across its lifecycle.
- Marketing and storytelling – Translating financial products into human narratives that drive growth.
- General business and strategy – Understanding how departments collaborate to drive long-term value.
Bringing Monitor’s Recommendations to Life
Monitor’s research outlined a blueprint for attracting the next generation: purpose-driven messaging, accelerated development, reverse mentoring, and a tech-forward environment. At Commercial Capital, we’ve embraced all four.
Mentorship & Accelerated Growth
Every intern will be paired with a mentor who provides weekly check-ins, feedback, and career guidance. But this isn’t just about supervision—it’s about helping interns take ownership of their work and see themselves as future leaders.
Reverse Mentoring in Action
Senior team members will not only be teaching—they’ll be learning as well. Our interns bring fresh perspectives on digital tools, social platforms, and communication trends, which will be integrated into our operations.
A Tech-Driven Environment
As Monitor rightly emphasized, digital fluency is essential to attracting younger professionals. Our interns will gain hands-on experience with industry-leading platforms, advanced digital credit models, automated workflows, and a cutting-edge marketing tech stack—all tools that demonstrate how equipment finance is driven by innovation, not just numbers.
“If we want to attract the next generation of talent, we have to meet them where they are—and that’s in tech-forward environments,” says Seth Seely, Director of Credit at Commercial Capital. “This internship program is an opportunity to show young professionals that equipment finance isn’t stuck in the past. It’s evolving rapidly, driven by data, automation, and real-time intelligence. We want interns to see that this is an industry where they can innovate, make an impact, and grow their careers.”
Purpose and Impact
We’re not just telling our interns that they’re contributing to business growth—we plan to show them. By working on real projects that support client success, equipment accessibility, and business expansion, our interns will understand that this industry is a backbone of the economy, not just a niche financial field.
“We believe the best way to inspire young talent is to give them meaningful work from day one,” says Mitch Rice, CEO of Commercial Capital. “We want them to leave this experience understanding that equipment finance is essential infrastructure for American business.”
Building a Talent Pipeline—Not Just a Program
Monitor’s Midmarket Talent Transformer case study made one thing clear: real transformation starts with structured change. At Commercial Capital, we’ve committed to making our internship program a strategic pipeline for long-term growth. High-potential interns are encouraged to return for future roles.
This commitment is already reflected in our workforce composition: 20% of our team is under the age of 35, a figure that far exceeds the 11% industry average cited by Monitor. It’s a testament to the effectiveness of investing early and intentionally in young talent.
Conclusion: Leading Through Action
Monitor’s research provided a clear call to modernize how our industry approaches talent. At Commercial Capital, we’re answering that call—by mentoring, developing, and investing in the next generation of equipment finance professionals.
By connecting young people with real experience, real innovation, and real mentorship, we’re not only building our own future—we’re helping reshape the future of the industry.