Financing Utility Scale Solar Projects: Options & Strategies

Traci Dolphin serves as President of Commercial Funding Partners, bringing over two decades of underwriting and commercial finance expertise to her leadership role. She is instrumental in delivering creative, relationship-driven funding solutions that bridge the gap between complex borrower needs and rigorous capital market requirements. Traci's deep understanding of both borrower challenges and lender expectations allows CFP to structure deals that serve clients across a wide range of industries and transaction sizes. Her commitment to finding innovative solutions and her dedication to the firm's customer-first values make her a cornerstone of CFP's ability to execute large-scale, flexible financing arrangements across North America.

Buddy Zarbock is the Founder and CEO of Commercial Funding Partners (CFP), bringing over two decades of experience in commercial equipment finance, capital markets, and business growth strategy. He works closely with businesses across industries to structure financing solutions that support equipment acquisitions, expansion, and long-term growth. Prior to founding CFP, Buddy held leadership roles at IBM and Plumbers Supply Company, where he helped drive significant business growth. He is an active member of ELFA, NEFA, and AACFB, and is passionate about helping businesses access the capital they need to succeed.

Dave Johnson is the Chief Operating Officer of Commercial Funding Partners and a nationally respected equipment finance executive with more than two decades of industry experience. Since entering commercial finance in 2002, Dave has successfully funded over $1 billion in equipment and project financing transactions spanning manufacturing, healthcare, construction, transportation, energy, agriculture, technology, and infrastructure sectors. As COO, he oversees the operational execution of CFP's equipment finance, leasing, sale-leaseback, and structured capital activities throughout North America. His breadth of sector knowledge and proven track record of large-scale transaction management make him a vital force behind CFP's operational excellence and continued national expansion.

Travis Colledge serves as Chief Financial Officer at Commercial Funding Partners, playing a critical role in the financial leadership and strategic direction of the firm. As CFO, he oversees the financial health and integrity of one of North America's fastest-growing independent equipment finance organizations, supporting transactions ranging from $250,000 to over $100 million. Travis works closely with CFP's executive team to ensure sound financial governance, operational efficiency, and alignment with the firm's founding values of transparency, partnership, and customer-first service. His leadership is essential to maintaining the institutional trust and capital market relationships that underpin CFP's ability to deliver flexible, large-scale financing solutions to middle-market businesses across the United States.

Terry Lutz serves as Chief Credit Officer at Commercial Funding Partners, bringing specialized expertise in credit analysis and risk management to the firm's leadership team. In his role, Terry is responsible for overseeing CFP's credit underwriting standards and ensuring that every financing transaction meets the rigorous requirements of the firm's institutional funding partners while remaining flexible and responsive to client needs. His leadership in credit operations helps CFP maintain its strong relationships with banks and capital market partners, supporting the firm's ability to execute transactions from $250,000 to $100 million or more. Terry's disciplined approach to credit ensures the long-term financial integrity and trustworthiness that CFP's clients and partners rely on.

Kristy Phillips is Executive Vice President of Documentation at Commercial Funding Partners and a highly respected equipment finance operations executive with nearly two decades of industry experience. She oversees documentation, funding administration, transaction execution, and operational compliance across CFP's national portfolio. Prior to joining CFP, Kristy held senior leadership positions at Goldman Sachs, Axos Bank, and Varilease Finance, giving her a broad and deep command of complex commercial finance operations. Her industry excellence was formally recognized when Equipment Finance News named her one of the industry's 'Executives to Watch.' Kristy's meticulous standards and operational leadership are central to CFP's ability to execute large-scale transactions with precision and reliability.

Megan Upton serves as Vice President of Documentation at Commercial Funding Partners, playing a key operational role in managing the firm's documentation systems and processes that support its equipment financing activities. Her work ensures that CFP's transaction documentation is executed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable standards — a critical function for a firm handling deals ranging from $250,000 to over $100 million. Megan's attention to detail and commitment to process integrity help CFP maintain the high levels of operational reliability its clients, vendors, and institutional partners depend on. Her contributions directly support CFP's mission to deliver responsive, trustworthy, and professionally executed financing solutions across North America.

Holly Allen serves as Assistant Vice President at Commercial Funding Partners, bringing more than a decade of financial services experience to her role supporting customers, vendors, and financing professionals throughout the transaction lifecycle. At CFP, Holly is a vital point of contact for responsive service and clear communication, contributing across commercial finance support, transaction coordination, customer relationship management, documentation assistance, and funding administration. Her hands-on involvement in day-to-day operations reflects CFP's commitment to personalized attention and seamless execution from application to funding. Holly's dedication to delivering an exceptional client experience embodies the customer-first philosophy that has been central to CFP's identity since its founding in 2012.

Jared Robertson serves as Managing Director of Private Credit at Commercial Funding Partners, overseeing the firm's private credit operations and investment strategies. In this senior leadership role, Jared is responsible for directing CFP's private credit initiatives, building institutional relationships, and ensuring that the firm's capital deployment aligns with its commitment to flexible, client-centered financing. His work supports CFP's ability to structure and fund complex transactions across a wide range of industries and deal sizes, from $250,000 to over $100 million. Jared's leadership in private credit is a key driver of CFP's continued growth as one of North America's most trusted independent equipment finance and structured capital organizations.

Cory Christensen is a Managing Director of Private Credit at Commercial Funding Partners with more than 20 years of experience in the finance industry, specializing in equipment finance and structured transactions for middle-market companies. His career has encompassed extensive work with businesses across manufacturing, production, medical, and technology industries, giving him a nuanced understanding of the unique financing needs across each sector. Cory holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing, providing a strong academic foundation to complement his practical expertise. At CFP, he leverages his deep sector knowledge and structured finance experience to develop tailored private credit solutions that support client growth and long-term financial success.

Daniel Herrera serves as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Commercial Funding Partners, focusing on building and nurturing the vendor, broker, and institutional relationships that are essential to CFP's growth and deal flow. In his role, Daniel works to expand CFP's national network of strategic partners, connecting businesses and financing professionals with the firm's flexible equipment finance and structured capital solutions. His efforts directly support CFP's mission to serve middle-market businesses across manufacturing, healthcare, construction, energy, transportation, and other key industries. Daniel's relationship-driven approach reflects CFP's founding philosophy of partnership, collaboration, and delivering real value to every stakeholder in the financing process.

Everest Matagi serves as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Commercial Funding Partners, bringing substantial industry experience and a principle-based leadership philosophy to his role. Influenced by his cultural heritage, Everest emphasizes teamwork, strategic planning, and servant leadership in his approach to building and managing CFP's strategic partner relationships. He is committed to fostering connections that create mutual value for vendors, brokers, clients, and the firm alike. Everest's dedication to collaboration and integrity aligns closely with CFP's founding values, and his work in expanding strategic partnerships helps drive the firm's continued national growth as a trusted provider of large-scale equipment financing and structured capital solutions.

John Pedersen serves as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Commercial Funding Partners, leading partnership strategy and business development initiatives that strengthen CFP's national presence. In his role, John focuses on cultivating long-term relationships with vendors, finance brokers, and industry partners who benefit from CFP's flexible equipment financing and structured capital solutions. His efforts are integral to expanding CFP's network of trusted partners across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, transportation, and technology. John's collaborative mindset and commitment to delivering shared value for all parties reflects the customer-first, relationship-driven culture that has defined Commercial Funding Partners since its founding in 2012.

Jay Gleason serves as Vice President of Business Development at Commercial Funding Partners, bringing over 22 years of specialized experience in equipment financing for industries requiring heavy machinery, technology, and medical equipment. Known for his straightforward, client-focused approach, Jay takes the time to thoroughly understand each client's unique needs before crafting tailored financial solutions designed to support their growth objectives. His extensive background across multiple capital-intensive sectors gives him the ability to speak the language of business owners and procurement teams alike, building the kind of trust that leads to long-term relationships. Jay's dedication to transparent, results-driven client service is a natural extension of CFP's founding values.

Drake Nielsen serves as Vice President of Business Development at Commercial Funding Partners, leading market development and client acquisition strategies that drive the firm's continued national expansion. In his role, Drake identifies and pursues new business opportunities across CFP's target industries, connecting middle-market companies with the flexible equipment financing and structured capital solutions they need to grow. His work is grounded in CFP's customer-first philosophy, ensuring that every client engagement is built on a foundation of trust, transparency, and genuine commitment to their success. Drake's contributions to CFP's business development efforts support the firm's mission to be the most trusted independent equipment finance partner for businesses across North America.

Sean Starks serves as Vice President of Business Development at Commercial Funding Partners, managing business development initiatives and strategic growth efforts that strengthen CFP's national footprint. Sean plays an active role in identifying new client opportunities and expanding CFP's reach across key sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, construction, transportation, and technology. His commitment to understanding each client's specific financing needs and delivering responsive, customized solutions reflects CFP's culture of partnership and long-term relationship building. Sean's energy and drive for strategic growth contribute meaningfully to CFP's position as one of the fastest-growing independent equipment finance organizations in North America, serving transactions from $250,000 to over $100 million.

Steve Hansen serves as Director of Web Operations and Digital Strategy at Commercial Funding Partners, combining over 30 years of digital growth expertise with a foundational background in capital markets. He leads CFP's national online ecosystem, leveraging SEO, artificial intelligence, and advanced content architecture to connect middle-market businesses with the firm's critical structured finance solutions. Steve bridges the worlds of finance and digital strategy, ensuring that CFP's online presence accurately reflects the firm's expertise and makes it easy for prospective clients across North America to discover and engage with CFP's equipment financing capabilities. His innovative approach to digital marketing supports CFP's mission to be the most accessible and trusted independent equipment finance partner in the country.

Megan Burr serves as Office and Marketing Manager at Commercial Funding Partners, providing essential operational and marketing support that keeps the firm running smoothly across both day-to-day functions and broader brand initiatives. In her role, Megan coordinates internal office operations while also supporting CFP's marketing efforts, helping to communicate the firm's value proposition and customer-first mission to clients and partners across the United States. Her versatility and attention to detail make her an important contributor to CFP's organizational culture and client-facing communications. Megan's behind-the-scenes dedication reflects the collaborative, team-oriented spirit that has been central to Commercial Funding Partners since its founding in 2012.