Rinaldi Advisory Services

What Rinaldi Advisory Services does

Rinaldi Advisory Services (RAS) is a Houston-based, privately-held advisory firm founded in 2018 by industry veteran Bob Rinaldi that specializes in the U.S. equipment leasing and finance marketplace. The firm serves three primary buyer segments: community and regional banks seeking to enter or expand in equipment finance; independent equipment finance companies preparing for exit or capital optimization; and OEMs and equipment dealer groups evaluating captive finance strategies. Its core productized methodologies include Bank-Ready (a four-step exit preparation process), Capital Navigator (capital facility analysis starting at $5,000), Tech Navigator (technology assessment delivered in partnership with MAI Technology Solutions), the CCR Confidential CEO Resource (monthly advisory retainer), EFI Ready (bank market entry), and Captive Strategy & Value Modeling for OEMs.

RAS operates a service delivery model — not a technology platform — generating revenue through advisory retainers and project-based engagements priced as fixed monthly fees or scoped project fees. The firm runs a Strategic Alliance network of peer firms (covering technology, capital formation, talent acquisition, marketing, and digital transformation) that allows it to compose multidisciplinary teams for client engagements. Sales is sales-led via direct outreach to bank CEOs and independent lessor founders, supplemented by thought leadership in equipment finance trade media, industry association participation (ELFA, NEFA, AACFB, NFIB), and the recurring RAS Live open forum series. Notable engagements include advising Wafra on its $1.9 billion acquisition of Navitas Credit Corp., building a lift-out team for First Commonwealth Bank's equipment finance division, and developing denovo entry programs for Trustmark National Bank and Horizon Bank. The firm is founder-owned with no institutional capital and no public revenue disclosure.

Name

Rinaldi Advisory Services

Legal name

Rinaldi Advisory Services, LLC

Website

https://rinaldiadvisory.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Rinaldi Advisory Services is a Houston-based advisory firm founded in 2018 that helps community banks enter equipment finance, prepares independent equipment finance companies for bank acquisitions, and advises OEMs on captive finance strategies, delivered through productized methodologies and a Strategic Alliance of peer firms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Houston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Advisory and Consulting Services: Rinaldi Advisory Services generates revenue through advisory service fees, including long-term strategic advisory retainers (CCR — Confidential CEO Resource, affordable fixed monthly cost), project-based engagements (Bank-Ready process, Capital Navigator starting at $5,000, Tech Navigator), and one-time strategic consulting engagements. Services are delivered by C-level veteran practitioners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Rinaldi Advisory Services (RAS) is a specialized advisory firm serving the U.S. equipment finance marketplace. The firm provides M&A advisory, exit strategy planning (Bank-Ready), capital facility analysis (Capital Navigator), technology assessment (Tech Navigator), confidential CEO advisory (CCR), bank market entry strategy (EFI Ready), and captive finance modeling for OEMs and dealerships. Engagements are delivered by C-level veteran practitioners via a Strategic Alliance network of independent advisors.

Product overview

Rinaldi Advisory Services (RAS) operates as a specialized advisory firm offering a portfolio of consulting and advisory services for the equipment finance marketplace. The core offerings include Bank-Ready (exit strategy preparation), Capital Navigator (capital analysis), Tech Navigator (technology assessment in partnership with MAI Technology Solutions), CCR (Confidential CEO Resource) advisory services, and EFI Ready (bank market entry). Supporting services include captive finance strategy modeling for OEMs/dealers, a Strategic Alliance of independent advisors, an Independent Portal directory, and Leasing Avenues video content platform. Services target independent lessors, banks, OEMs, and equipment dealerships across the equipment finance industry.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bank-Ready A 4-step exit strategy process that prepares independent leasing companies for bank acquisition, assessing business model, infrastructure, technology stack, and management team to identify readiness gaps and position for premium sale.
• Capital Navigator Strategic capital analysis providing insights into credit facility pricing, sizing, scalability, advance rates, eligibility criteria, and covenants, integrated with Bank-Ready process for equipment leasing companies. Starts at $5,000.
• Tech Navigator Technology assessment and planning service delivered in partnership with MAI Technology Solutions, featuring three phases: Assessment (cybersecurity, AI/automation readiness, governance), Mapping (strategic IT planning), and Implementation (hands-on execution support).
• CCR (Confidential CEO Resource) for Equipment Finance Leaders Robust full-scope advisory service for equipment finance leaders (>$30M annual volume) providing strategic planning, financial metrics analysis, funding development, policy formalization, and quarterly reviews with 5-6 hours monthly access to advisors at a fixed monthly cost.
• EFI (Equipment Finance Industry) Ready Strategic support service for community bank CEOs developing entry strategies into the equipment finance industry, including sector identification, M&A analysis, and implementation assistance through a 4-step process.
• CCR for Banks Advisory service providing bank executives with analysis and actionable insights for managing C&I asset growth while managing risk, including business model alternatives and financial impact scenarios at a fixed monthly cost.
• RAS Captive Strategy & Value Modeling Comprehensive multi-year financial and operating model for OEMs and dealership groups considering captive finance companies, translating strategic objectives into projected volumes, costs, and pre-tax net income.

Quantifiable outcome

• $1.9 billion acquisition advised (Wafra/Navitas Credit Corp.)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers24 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Sands CostnercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 September 2025Sands Costner is a marketing and brand strategy agency with deep-rooted expertise in the equipment finance sector. Announced a formal strategic alliance with RAS on September 10, 2025. The agency provides integrated services from branding and advertising to lead generation and growth marketing, specifically tailored to the equipment finance niche. Curtis Costner, President of Sands Costner, is a member of the RAS Strategic Alliance.
• MAI Technology Solutions LLCcoreTechnology or IntegrationMAI Technology Solutions is the technology partner behind the Tech Navigator service. Tech Navigator is a three-phase technology assessment and roadmap (Assessment, Mapping, Implementation) for equipment finance organizations, combining MAI's IT and cybersecurity expertise with RAS's equipment finance domain knowledge. Michael Varney, President and Principal Consultant of MAI Technology Solutions, is the lead technology expert on the RAS Strategic Alliance team.
• MedShareminorOthersMedShare is a 501c(3) humanitarian aid organization dedicated to improving quality of life by sourcing and delivering surplus medical supplies and equipment to communities in need globally. RAS has a philanthropic partnership with MedShare, making donations on behalf of clients during the holiday season as part of a long-term relationship. RAS serves as a resource connecting MedShare with equipment leasing and financial companies.
• Equipment Finance CaresminorOthersEquipment Finance Cares creates opportunities for professional and philanthropic connections and impact in the Equipment Finance Industry through peer leadership, awareness, and charitable giving. RAS supports this organization as part of its community engagement.
• TomorrowZone (Deborah Reuben)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTomorrowZone is a consultancy inspiring fresh ideas and collaborations to shape the future of business. Deborah 'Deb' Reuben, CEO and Founder of TomorrowZone, is a member of the RAS Strategic Alliance. Her expertise in digital transformation and future-readiness complements RAS's advisory capabilities. Strategic alliance announced July 9, 2024.
• Verity Capital Advisors (Justin Vogel)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVerity Capital Advisors, led by CEO Justin Vogel, is a partner in the RAS Strategic Alliance. Justin brings expertise in capital formation for equipment finance and leasing companies, with deep understanding of both lender and borrower perspectives. Strategic alliance announced June 4, 2024. Verity and RAS partnered to improve dealer F&I.
• Molloy Associates LLC (Scott Preiser)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMolloy Associates LLC, led by SVP-Client Partner/Recruiter Scott Preiser, is a talent acquisition and executive search firm specializing in equipment finance. Partnership announced September 30, 2024, to enhance talent acquisition for RAS clients. Scott Preiser brings over 35 years of experience in equipment finance recruiting across executive, credit, operations, sales, and documentation roles.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• EY US: Big 4 firm with a financial services advisory practice serving banks and asset finance clients. EY is an incumbent alternative to RAS for bank-side EF strategy and M&A work, particularly where global reach is required.
• PwC US: Big 4 firm with banking and capital markets advisory, including equipment leasing practice. PwC competes with RAS for bank denovo EF entry engagements, lift-outs, and M&A due diligence at the larger end of the market.
• FTI Consulting: Global advisory firm with a financial services practice serving banks, lenders, and specialty finance companies. FTI overlaps with RAS on financial institution M&A, strategic advisory, and transaction-related consulting.
• Deloitte US: Big 4 firm with banking and capital markets advisory, including equipment finance coverage. Deloitte competes for the largest community bank denovo entry and EF M&A engagements and offers integration with broader consulting capabilities.
• Huron Consulting Group: Professional services firm with a banking and capital markets practice serving U.S. banks. Huron competes with RAS for community and regional bank strategic advisory engagements where consulting and operational support are required alongside strategic guidance.
• Piper Sandler: U.S. investment bank with a Financial Services Group that covers banks, specialty lenders, and equipment finance. Piper Sandler competes with RAS for sell-side and buy-side mandates in EF M&A, particularly for bank and specialty finance targets.
• KPMG US: Big 4 firm with a financial services advisory practice covering banking and equipment leasing. KPMG competes with RAS for larger bank entry and EF M&A mandates and brings substantially broader capabilities and global reach.

Direct peers

• Stout: Global advisory firm with a dedicated equipment finance practice providing M&A advisory, valuation, and consulting services to lessors, banks, and investors. Stout overlaps with RAS on EF M&A and bank-side advisory mandates.
• The Alta Group: Global consulting firm specifically focused on equipment leasing and asset finance advisory for banks, lessors, and investors. The Alta Group is the closest direct competitor to RAS in the niche of EF strategy, M&A advisory, and bank entry consulting.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bob-rinaldi-llc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rinaldi Advisory Services