Star Hill Financial in the News

Lori Rainbolt Joins Star Hill Financial as Senior Underwriter for Franchise and Equipment Finance

Hackensack, NJ – May 5, 2025 – Star Hill Financial LLC is pleased to announce that Lori Rainbolt has joined the company as Senior Underwriter for Franchise and Equipment Finance… In this role, Lori will be responsible for credit underwriting and analysis across Star Hill’s franchise and equipment finance platforms, supporting the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to delivering customized financing solutions.

Lori brings more than 20 years of experience in commercial credit, underwriting, and risk management. Over the course of her career, she has held senior positions at several leading financial institutions, where she successfully structured credit facilities for a diverse range of businesses and industries. Her extensive expertise in franchise and equipment finance, combined with a disciplined and thoughtful credit approach, will be instrumental in helping Star Hill meet the evolving needs of its clients.

“We are excited to welcome Lori to the Star Hill team,” said Keith Smith, President and Owner of Star Hill Financial. “Her depth of underwriting expertise, strong ability to assess risk, and track record of structuring complex credit solutions will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow. Lori’s thoughtful, client-focused approach perfectly aligns with Star Hill’s values, and we are thrilled to have her on board.”

In her new role, Lori will collaborate closely with the credit, originations, and operations teams to ensure Star Hill maintains its commitment to flexible, responsible, and responsive financing solutions.

Smith added, “Lori’s analytical strength, attention to detail, and collaborative style will significantly enhance our platform and further support our clients and partners across the franchise and equipment finance sectors.”

“I am thrilled to join Star Hill Financial during this exciting period of growth,” said Lori Rainbolt. “I look forward to working alongside such an experienced and dynamic team to support the company’s mission of delivering outstanding service and financing solutions to our clients.”

About Star Hill Financial LLC
Star Hill Financial LLC is a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and independent equipment and franchise finance company based in Hackensack, NJ. Founded by Hollis Bufferd in 2016, Star Hill provides advisory services and equipment financing solutions to businesses nationwide. The company has expanded its Equipment Finance Division and established strategic partnerships with financial institutions and captive companies, offering them the opportunity to meet diversity spend requirements through a trusted minority lending partner. Star Hill’s Franchise Finance Division is known for its customer-centric approach and deep expertise in structuring customized transactions.

Shashank “SJ” Juvekar Joins Star Hill Financial as VP of Franchise Financing

February 7, 2024 - (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial LLC, a leading independent franchise and equipment finance company, is pleased to announce the appointment of SJ Juvekar as the company’s newest addition to its Franchise Financing Team. . .


Star Hill Financial Strengthens Sales Team with Key Hire, Kimberly Howard

January 3, 2024 ‐ (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial, an independent equipment and franchise finance company, is proud to announce the recent appointments of Kimberly Howard with a sales position within the organization.


Liam Ende Joins Star Hill Financial Leadership Development Program

September 12, 2023 ‐ (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial LLC, an Equipment and Franchise Finance company announced the addition of Liam Ende to Star Hill’s Leadership Development Program. . .


Star Hill Financial Continues Expansion with the Addition of Shayla Jasper to the Franchise Financing Team

June 28, 2023 - (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial LLC, a leading independent franchise and equipment finance company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Shayla Jasper as Executive Account Manager, Franchise Finance. . .


Robert Cobleigh, Former President of Peapack Capital, and Michael Alverez join Star Hill Financial LLC.

February 5, 2023 ‐ (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial LLC, a certified Women Business Enterprise, announced today the appointment of Robert Cobleigh as Managing Director of the company and Michael Alverez as Account Executive. . .


Star Hill Financial Announces Record Fundings in First Quarter

April 8, 2022 ‐ (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial LLC, a certified Women Business Enterprise based in Fairfield, Connecticut, announced today first quarter fundings totaling over $26.0 million across its Equipment Finance and Franchise Finance divisions. . .


Star Hill Financial LLC Hires Industry Veteran Ali Bligh

October 18, 2021 - (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial LLC, a certified Women Business Enterprise based in Fairfield, Connecticut, announced Ali Bligh has joined the firm….


Star Hill Financial Announces Creation of New Division: SH Franchise Finance

April 30, 2021 - (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial LLC, a certified Women Business Enterprise, announced the creation of a new division, SH Franchise Finance, with the addition of three key leaders. …


Zerka Gul Joins Star Hill Financial LLC as VP of Operations

February 25, 2021 - (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial LLC, a certified Women Business Enterprise, announced today the appointment of Zerka Gul as VP of Operations. …


Keith Smith, Former President of Sterling Equipment Finance, Named President, Equipment Finance Division at Star Hill Financial LLC

October 26, 2020 - (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial LLC, a certified Women Business Enterprise, announced today the appointment of Keith Smith as President, Equipment Finance Division …


 

Star Hill Financial LLC Hires Industry Veteran Ali Bligh

October 18, 2021 - (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial LLC, a certified Women Business Enterprise based in Fairfield, Connecticut, announced Ali Bligh has joined the firm….


Star Hill Financial Announces Creation of New Division: SH Franchise Finance

April 30, 2021 - (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial LLC, a certified Women Business Enterprise, announced the creation of a new division, SH Franchise Finance, with the addition of three key leaders. …


Zerka Gul Joins Star Hill Financial LLC as VP of Operations

February 25, 2021 - (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial LLC, a certified Women Business Enterprise, announced today the appointment of Zerka Gul as VP of Operations. …


Keith Smith, Former President of Sterling Equipment Finance, Named President, Equipment Finance Division at Star Hill Financial LLC

October 26, 2020 - (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial LLC, a certified Women Business Enterprise, announced today the appointment of Keith Smith as President, Equipment Finance Division …


Star Hill Financial Announces Creation of New Division: SH Franchise Finance

April 30, 2021 - (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial LLC, a certified Women Business Enterprise, announced the creation of a new division, SH Franchise Finance, with the addition of three key leaders. …


Zerka Gul Joins Star Hill Financial LLC as VP of Operations

February 25, 2021 - (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial LLC, a certified Women Business Enterprise, announced today the appointment of Zerka Gul as VP of Operations. …


Keith Smith, Former President of Sterling Equipment Finance, Named President, Equipment Finance Division at Star Hill Financial LLC

October 26, 2020 - (Fairfield, CT) Star Hill Financial LLC, a certified Women Business Enterprise, announced today the appointment of Keith Smith as President, Equipment Finance Division …