Cliff E. McKenzie, CLP, President
Financialogic, Inc.

"Certified Leasing Professional (CLP) is the only title in the entire industry of finance that recognizes those few people who have strived to be the best in the leasing industry.

As the head of FinanciaLogic, Inc. a company that sets atop 4 major credit arms/financial relationships, it is important that those major companies believe that they have hired the best person possible to lead their sales effort and be entrusted with the greatest asset - their customer base. The CLP provides that certification.

In addition to FinanciaLogic, I also lead FinanciaLogic Consulting Services, Inc. This company provides expert review and testimony as to what is and what is not a lease. These services usually terminate with depositions and trial. As a CLP, the courts consider me an expert in my field.

The question I would ask anyone in our industry that does not have the CLP is simple. In competition, will the prospect believe you have all the same talents as someone who has been certified?"

Steven B. Geller, CLP
Leasing Solutions LLC

"…In the two years that the CLP Foundation has been in existence much has been accomplished by many dedicated volunteers. We are in the process of updating the examination, we are looking into an updated and modular study guide and we are formulating new education programs. The major reason that potential candidates do not follow through and sit for the CLP exam is fear, fear of taking the test, fear of failing and fear of the resulting embarrassment. The examination has been and will continue to be a full day affair is to test the candidate's ability to react under time pressure, the same pressure that is felt meeting with a customer to close a transaction and being asked to explain the lease terms, tax and accounting consequences and payment calculations. Those candidates who do not pass are more prepared and usually do much better the second time around. The CLP Foundation offers a mentor program whereby a candidate can take the examination confidentially with the assistance of a mentor. We do not think CLP is for everyone, just those who are proud of their achievements in the leasing industry, interested in furthering their education and those who want to be recognized for the excellence that the CLP confers."

Hal Horowitz, CLP

"When the CLP exam was first instituted by WAEL, I felt privileged to have been qualified to sit for the first battery of exams and was among the first eight CLP’s so designated. It feels like that was back in 1890, though I think it was actually 1980. I remember acing the selection on lease law and collections as I actually wrote that part of it. The following year, those of us who passed the exam were asked by WAEL to conduct workshops on various topics and to assist in re-writing the exam. Jeff Wong and I worked on the sections mentioned above."

Back then I wore my CLP designation on my sleeve (at first figuratively, and then literally after Ken Goodman had cufflinks designed for us). I participated on the CLP committee and eventually made a contribution to the Leasing Professional’s Handbook (first addition, so I don't know if my chapter is still in the current edition). For years the designation meant little to any except those who either held it or those who desired it. It was very ego satisfying."

Today there are many more than eight CLP’s, many of who include my old cronies and most of who are very active in the industry. I had hoped the designation would have come to mean something, but from the sound of your letter, I'm not sure it tests much more than one's ability to recall various facts, and many of those having less meaning and being less topical. Still, I wish you the best of luck in taking the exam. I believe that in order for some things to evolve, they require the assistance of those who have vision, and they are often the ones who can say, "This cow is not sacred. I can change it." As a CLP, you can help make the designation more meaningful. I believe that people who care about their profession should be as active in that profession as they can afford to be.

As a recruiter working in the financial arena, designations make a difference. When I introduce a candidate with a designation, whether it's a CLP, a CPA, a CMA, a CFA, or any of several others that apply to their trade, I tell them to wear that badge proudly. So long as it has not been smeared, it is a major accomplishment, if for no other reason than to show that we can deal with the pressure of sitting through a tough exam long after we thought we'd taken our last."

Steve Reid, CLP, VP Marketing
Santa Barbara Bank & Trust

"What does the CLP designation mean to me…well, I was attending a local UAEL meeting a number of years ago, and there were several individuals from GE sharing my table. They mentioned that if they received the CLP designation that they would get a $1,000 bonus. I mentioned this to my boss, Paul Menzel, and he asked if I had planned on going to work for GE. I guess one could conclude that there is no money value to the CLP designation as I still work for Paul, so it must be something else.

I have been in this industry for over 20 years and I consider myself a professional. To be a professional, one should have a good understanding and knowledge in all the phases of their chosen profession. This is the major benefit of the CLP designation. At the time I started studying for the CLP test, we did not have the formalized classes or the Leasing handbook. I collected articles and handouts that I had saved from prior association meetings and conferences. I even found parts of the “blue binder” that was the original study guide. This studying forced me to learn all the different aspects of our industry, such as accounting, collections, legalese, etc. I was forced to learn about the parts of the business that I had never cared about, or was concerned with, as it didn’t affect my job, or so I believed. What this forced studying did was provide me with an all-encompassing knowledge of our leasing industry. What does it mean today? It states that I have a good understanding and overview of our industry. Does it mean I am an expert in all phases of Leasing? No! As I have told people who have asked me difficult or challenging questions, “I only need to be correct 75% of the time to be a CLP”, but being right three out of four times puts me way ahead of the average leasing person.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes! If you are calling yourself a “professional” and making your livelihood in leasing, you owe it to your business associates, your lessees, your vendors, your funders, and most of all to yourself and your family who depends on you for their well being. In summary that CLP designation is the self-satisfaction in knowing that I am a “Professional” in the leasing industry."

Paul R. Knowlton, CLP, President
BWC Equipment Leasing

"Initially, the course work and skills required to pass the exam did me a great service. In any industry, one tends to stick with what one knows and you can narrow in your skills and experience. Working toward the CLP designation required me to brush up on a variety of other leasing products and topics. This has served me well in assisting clients and coworkers with a broader base of knowledge.

The CLP designation has allowed me to elevate my status with clients and bankers. I am frequently asked what the CLP stands for on my business card and it provides me with an excellent opportunity to explain the designation and the knowledge and experience required to attain it. It allows me to separate myself from competitors and the clients view my information with a higher degree of confidence. I have closed deals and relationships because of the expertise reflected by the CLP designation.

Internally, within my bank, the designation has assisted me in forming the leasing division. The board of directors also as to what a CLP is and again the answer has helped create a confidence in me as the leasing group has grown.

Within the industry, a CLP is well respected and the feeling is mutual when I meet another CLP. I have enjoyed the friendships and relationships I have made within the associations and the continuing education opportunities. A Certified Lease Professional has demonstrated a broad base of industry skills and experience and I am very proud of my CLP status."