Sal Cifala, Howard Eisner, Carol Francis, Eddie Sullivan and Cathy Taskaya have joined Western Equipment Finance, a bank-owned equipment finance company that offers full-service commercial financing and leasing options throughout the United States. The five experienced industry professionals recently departed Firestone Financial, LLC, after the company announced it would no longer originate new loans.

• Cifala joins Western as a Vice President – Business Development Manager. He served Firestone Financial for nearly 25 years, most recently as Assistant Vice President of Sales. Cifala attended Bentley University and lives in North Dighton, MA.
• Eisner joins Western as a Program Manager. He served as a Loan Closer at Firestone Financial and has extensive financial services experience. Eisner attended SUNY Brockport (NY) and lives in West Warwick, RI.
• Francis joins Western as a Vice President – Business Development Manager. She joined Firestone Financial in 2010 and has more than 25 years of sales and marketing experience. Francis earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts – Lowell and a master’s degree from Babson College and lives in Arlington, MA.
• Sullivan joins Western as a Senior Credit Analyst. He joined Firestone Financial in 2019 and most recently served as a Commercial Credit Associate. A graduate of the University of Delaware, Sullivan lives in Franklin, MA.
• Taskaya joins Western as Vice President – Senior Credit Officer. She joined Firestone Financial in 2013 and most recently served as Senior Vice President – Credit and Operations Officer. She has more than 25 years of financial services experience and graduated from the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. Taskaya lives in Randolph, MA.

“Western Equipment Finance is thrilled to welcome Sal, Howard, Carol, Eddie and Cathy to our team,” said Laurie Bakke, President of Western Equipment Finance. “They will grow our presence in several segments including gaming, amusement, family entertainment, carnival and fitness. More importantly, they have a shared commitment to our industry, our customers and our core values.”

Western Equipment Finance is based in Devils Lake, ND, with additional team members working from locations across the country. It is a division of Western State Bank, a full-service community bank with 10 locations in North Dakota and Arizona.