Celebrating a Major Milestone

This fall, Banleaco officially celebrates 80 years of providing equipment financing solutions to small businesses across the nation. Reaching this milestone is an incredibly proud moment for our family-owned, independent company.

For eight decades, we have partnered directly with hard-working entrepreneurs—helping construction companies upgrade fleets, manufacturers scale production lines and healthcare providers invest in specialized technology. Our longevity is a direct reflection of the trust our clients and vendor partners place in us, and we owe this milestone entirely to the lasting relationships we have built together.

What excites me most about turning 80 is that our core philosophy has never wavered: we remain driven by real human relationships, not automated algorithms. While our industry shifts toward auto-scoring, outsourced call centers and AI bots, Banleaco remains fiercely independent. Our credit decisions are still made right here in Iowa by experienced professionals.

While we are proud of our history, we are even more energized by our future. Turning 80 marks the beginning of a dynamic new chapter as we continually innovate to provide the fastest, most flexible commercial funding in the industry.

Whether you have partnered with us for decades or are just discovering Banleaco, we are ready to fuel your next chapter. We look forward to celebrating this historic fall milestone with you and spending the next 80 years helping American businesses thrive.

Tom Grady

Chief Executive Officer

Our Staff

Our team is dedicated to making the finance process simple for our customers and vendors. If you have questions any time throughout the process of financing your equipment, we ask you to contact us. We are available from 8am 5pm Monday through Thursday and 8am-4pm Friday (cst).

Tom Grady, Banleaco CEO

Tom Grady

President & CEO

Tom recently joined Banleaco in 2025.  He has more than 25 years of financial services experience, including 15 years in equipment finance for both independents and banking institutions. Originally from St. Louis, he is a loyal follower of his hometown Blues and Cardinals. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf and tennis with his three (now grown) kids. He and his wife of 28 years are busy taking care of their new rescue Golden Retriever named Hazel.

Sherrie Kunecke

Chief Financial Officer

Sherrie started her Banleaco journey in May 2022. When she’s not working, she loves to spend time with her children and grandchildren, as well as kayak, spend time near water, read, craft, and travel.

Sherrie’s direct line (515) 471-1027.

Dave Sloan

Credit/Collection Manager

Dave spends his weekends biking, fishing, and playing tennis…just not all at the same time! Every year he and a group of friends travel to a different major league baseball stadium. To date they have visited 22 of the 30 Major League Baseball stadiums.

Dave’s direct line (515) 471-1655.

Kara Bundy

Account Executive

Over the past 25 years, Kara has logged hundreds of thousands of miles meeting with our customers across the United States. She also enjoys traveling in her free time, as well as going to concerts, entertaining her friends, collecting cookbooks and football! Fall is her favorite time of the year, spending her weekends watching her favorite teams, the IA State Cyclones and Green Bay Packers!

Kara’s direct line (800) 926-7239.

Julie Soma

Credit Analyst

When looking for Julie, she won’t be far from a ball field or court cheering on her kids as they are both multi-sport athletes. In the fall, Julie’s family enjoys cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones. When she can catch a free minute, she enjoys boating, spending time with friends and family and reading.

Julie’s direct line (515) 471-1657

Helen Randolph

Credit Analyst

Helen joined Banleaco in May 2021. She is passionate about spending time with her dogs, exploring new places, and creating lasting memories with family and friends. Helen’s adventurous spirit is a key part of who she is. With Vietnam on her travel bucket list due to her family roots, she is also a dedicated foodie, always ready to try new flavors and experiences at least once.

Helen’s direct line (515) 471-1658

Amie Holben

Credit Services Representative

Amie is a sports enthusiast, when not learning golf she is cheering for her teams, the Royals, Chiefs, Irish, and NWMSU Bearcats! With her three boys grown, off at college or with families of their own, it’s quieter at home. She enjoys crocheting, reading, and cuddling with her beagle, Chief. Soon, she’ll be racking up miles visiting her new grandchildren.

Amie’s direct line (515) 471-1656

Brenda Alexander

Collections Specialist

Brenda holds the title of best baker in the office. A self described introvert with a coffee addiction, Brenda bakes and decorates amazing cakes that our staff are always more than happy to sample. Brenda also gardens, knits, sews, and scrapbooks.

Brenda’s direct line (515) 471-1654

Danielle Hansen

Assistant Controller

Danielle started at Banleaco in the fall of 2021. She spends her free time enjoying life’s adventures with her family and friends. She can often be found sewing, quilting, and working on any number of creative projects

Danielle’s direct line (515) 471-1660

Shelly Wailes

Accountant

Shelly has worked for Banleaco for over 30 years! (Yes, she started when she was 5 years old.) When not spending time with her family and friends, she enjoys long walks with her fur baby, bike rides (yes, the fur baby tags along too) and reading. Shelly is the bookworm of the office 

Shelly’s direct line (515) 471-1652