The Centra Funding Story

Built on Experience. Driven by Relationships.

From a one-man office during the Great Recession to becoming a nationwide direct equipment lender, Centra Funding has grown by doing things the right way and helping businesses move forward.

Our History Of Innovation

Black-and-white portrait of a man in a suit

1982–1983

John’s father, Bernie Boettigheimer, founded Pioneer Capital, an equipment finance company, in the early 1980s. John joined about a year later, beginning his career in commercial equipment finance and learning the business alongside his father. Pioneer grew into a successful finance company and would eventually be sold, giving John the experience that would later help shape Centra.

Where It Began

Desktop computer with a CRT monitor and keyboard

2005

Long before electronic contracts became the industry standard, John saw where equipment finance was headed. He developed a vision for paper free digital transactions and a faster, more efficient financing process. When Centra later launched, that vision became part of the company’s foundation, making Centra an early adopter of electronic contracts, digital processes, and alternative underwriting.

Ahead of Its Time

Man carrying a box through a crowd of photographers

December 2008

After building and selling his previous equipment finance company, John Boettigheimer set out to build again, applying decades of experience and lessons learned to create something even stronger. In December 2008, at the height of the Great Recession, Centra Funding was founded and incorporated.

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS

Summer 2009

Centra began in a small, one room executive suite. A core group of experienced equipment finance professionals, including Alan Justman, Eric Van Skyock, Rob Wofford, and Paul Kipgen, came together to build the company.

ONE ROOM. ONE VISION.

2016

In 2016, CV Holdings made a strategic investment in Centra Funding after Jim Crystal and the CV Holdings management team recognized the strength of its leadership, deep industry experience, and the opportunity to build something exceptional. That shared vision became the foundation for Centra’s next chapter.

A Partnership That Changed Everything

2016 AND BEYOND

With the support of its first senior credit facility from Wells Fargo Lender Finance, Centra transitioned into a true direct lender. The approximately $25 to $30 million facility provided the capital needed to expand operations, fund more businesses, and accelerate the company’s long term growth.

$30 Million

2021 | First Securitization

In March 2021, Centra diversified its funding sources by completing its first securitization of equipment finance receivables. Centra Funding 2021-1 included approximately $69 million of equipment finance agreements and was agented by Wells Fargo Securities.

$69 MILLION

2023 | In House Servicing

Effective February 2023, Centra brought a substantial majority of its portfolio servicing in house. The move proved highly cost effective compared with outsourcing and created additional revenue opportunities.

GREATER CONTROL. GREATER EFFICIENCY.

2026 | Capital One Credit Facility

Centra closed a $175 million senior credit facility with Capital One to support continued growth and expand its ability to fund more equipment, more businesses, and more opportunities for its vendor partners.

$175 Million Credit Facility

Today

From a one room office to a national lender, Centra remains focused on relationships, innovation, excellence, its partners, and the team that makes it all possible.

Built for the Long Term

The Dog Food That Saved Centra

In 2011, a sales call led John to a Canadian freezer manufacturer facing a difficult financing challenge.

Their customer, Nature’s Variety, had secured a major opportunity to place frozen pet food in Petco stores across the U.S., but no one could figure out how to finance the rollout.

Centra found a way.

The deal became a turning point for the company, helping establish Centra’s reputation for persistence, creativity, and finding solutions when others could not.

$8.5 million in financing

870 Petco locations reached over two years

“By the time we finished, they were profitable and didn’t need us anymore. In helping yourself, you also help people.”

– John Boettigheimer

Core Leadership

Jim Crystal

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

John Boettigheimer

President

John De Mata

Chief Financial Officer

Logan Tarkowski

Chief Administrative Officer

Sandra Ray

VP, Head of Operations

Alan Justman

VP, Broker Relations

Kennedy Gilbertson

VP, Broker Relations

Jim Munkittrick

VP, Vendor Sales

Jim Baker

VP, Servicing

Lana Becker

VP, Marketing

Dean Ward

VP, Head of Credit

Yvette Saenz

VP, Controller

Our Principles

Collaboration

We partner with our clients, vendors, and communities to achieve shared success.

Long-Term Relationships

We build enduring relationships based on trust, respect, and loyalty.

Integrity

We do what’s right for our clients, our team, and our company.

Discipline

We exercise sound judgment, consistency, and a commitment to excellence.

“We invest in people first. Strong leadership, deep experience, and a culture built on integrity are the foundation of every successful business. That’s what we’ve built in Centra, and it’s what drives our long-term growth today.”

Jim Crystal

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

The Next Chapter Starts With Centra

We're not just proud of where we've been; we remain serious about the path ahead. Join us in shaping tomorrow.