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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
307-322-2545 • CHBEF.COM
Next-Level Growth A MENTOR HELPS YOU PICK THE RIGHT BATTLES
As a broker, you can easily get stuck looking at a deal from the wrong angle. It’s just that you’re so close to the problem, you can miss what’s really going on. That’s where a great mentor can come in and look at things from a higher view, providing industry-specific insights that only come with experience and offering a judgment-free zone to learn and grow. January is National Mentoring Month, and young brokers can gain confidence, skills, and the right kind of challenges by working with a lending mentor. A great mentor will push you outside your comfort zone and encourage you to view deals, relationships, and strategy from a different perspective. At CHB, we know that mentorship is one of the most effective ways brokers can advance to the next level. As a lender, we don’t see ourselves as just a funding source, but a partner to brokers who want to grow. We want to pass on our knowledge to the next generation so they can truly achieve their goals and continue to empower brokers after them. I’ve worked with brokers for many years, and one thing I’ve seen with people early in their careers is a need to develop greater patience. The loan process can be time-consuming and complex, requiring you to navigate financing requirements and the diverse challenges that clients face. They have to learn to pick the battles they can win, and let the little fights be; an instinct that takes time and practice to build. New brokers need to be curious, ask a lot of questions, and have self-awareness, as this is a people-centric career. The world of equipment financing is constantly evolving, and brokers must stay up-to-date with the industry. Joining an industry or trade association
is a great way to gain mentorship from experts in the field, broadening your knowledge and expanding your network of people you can learn from. Many offer training opportunities or conferences. I stay involved through multiple associations, like the American Association of Commercial Brokers. Even as someone who is established, I still gain a great deal of valuable insight from participating in organizations like this. If you stay curious and seek out opportunities to hone your skills, you can find mentors in your colleagues, peers, and lenders like CHB. Mentor relationships are a source of some of the best advice you can receive, and they don’t just make you better at your job, but also grow your professional network. They are people you know who will pick up the phone and provide some emotional support on your journey. Those of us who have been in this field for a while have a lot to offer to someone navigating this career path. We know firsthand what it’s like and can act as guides to someone who is still learning. Mentorship matters at CHB. We’re here to help you build a successful broker business and answer any of your questions. Having a mentor can make all the difference, and we are happy to share our experience and insights so you can finance more deals and build better relationships with your clients. We’re just a phone call away.
–Kit West
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One Jar, Countless Smiles KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH GRATITUDE
The start of a new year always feels like a blank page full of possibilities. While many families dive into resolutions and goal-setting, try another tradition just as powerful (and a lot more fun): creating a family gratitude jar. Instead of focusing on what to change, this little project helps you notice and celebrate what’s already good in your life. With nothing more than a jar, scraps of paper, and a few minutes daily, you can build a collection of joyful moments your family will treasure all year. Getting Started Pick a container. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A mason jar, decorated tin, or clear plastic container all work as long as they can sit where you’ll see them daily. Prepare the supplies. Cut paper into squares (3-by-3 inches works nicely) and have pens, crayons, or markers nearby. If someone doesn’t love writing, they can draw, circle options, or dictate for an adult to write. Have extras ready so you’re never scrambling. Set a daily ritual. Decide together when you’ll pause to think and share. It could be after dinner, tucked into bedtime routines, or first thing in the morning. What matters is consistency. Stick with it long enough that it becomes part of your rhythm.
Use a simple prompt. Here’s an easy method: Ask each person, “What was a bright moment today?” Encourage them to name something specific, even if it’s small, like “the puppy barking” or “a funny joke.” Give them space. Then have them write or draw it, slip it into the jar, and (if you like) share aloud.
Make it meaningful later. Open the jar together once a month or at the end of the year and read through the notes. You’ll be surprised how small moments you may have forgotten feel powerful all over again. Use them to spark intention for the coming year: “I want more of that,” or “Let’s do more kind acts like this.”
Starting a gratitude jar is about building a modest, consistent habit that opens your eyes to abundance. Over time, the jar becomes a treasure chest of your family’s stories, reminders, and unseen miracles. That collective memory anchors your family in kindness, wonder, and connection as each new year unfolds!
Creative Ways to Break Up the Daily Grind NO MORE ‘RINSE AND REPEAT’
Breakfast, school, work, dinner, rinse, and repeat.
Ongoing Dinner Board Games Extend the dinner table experience by
Family Storytelling Circle Gather the family in a circle and take turns adding sentences to a story. This collaborative activity sparks creativity and often results in hilarious and imaginative tales. Talk about memory-making! Impromptu Craft Sessions Keep a box of craft supplies handy for on-the- spot art sessions. Even 15 minutes of drawing, coloring, or simple DIY projects can provide a satisfying creative outlet for both kids and adults. Pajama Walks Under the Moon On clear nights, consider a short walk around the neighborhood in your pajamas. This simple activity offers fresh air, a change of scenery, and a unique way to end the day together.
Busy weeknights often leave little room for quality family time. However, with a bit of creativity and intentionality, you can transform even the most hectic evenings into memorable bonding moments. Here are seven engaging, low-prep activities that fit seamlessly into your evening routine. Screen-Free Time After Dinner Designate a window of 30–45 minutes after dinner as a screen-free time for the entire family. This intentional time allows for uninterrupted conversations, taking a walk, playing a favorite sport outside, or enjoying each other’s company without digital distractions. You can even create a “screen bucket/basket” for everyone’s phone or tablet during this designated time.
introducing a board game that spans multiple nights. You can pause and resume games like Monopoly or Clue over several evenings. It’s a great way to stay connected all week long! Dance Party Snack Break Inject some energy into your evening by turning snack time into a mini dance party. Play your family’s favorite tunes and let loose together, creating joyful memories and a fun atmosphere. Living Room Obstacle Course Use pillows, chairs, and other household items to transform your living room into an obstacle course. This activity encourages physical activity and teamwork, all within the comfort of your home.
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This delicious dish will help make your home the go-to destination for Taco Tuesday! Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
INGREDIENTS • 3 dried guajillo chiles • 2 dried ancho chiles • 1 medium onion, chopped • 4 garlic cloves • 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes • 3 lbs beef chuck roast • 2 cups beef broth • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp
ground cumin
• 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp salt
• Pepper, to taste • Corn tortillas • Fresh cilantro and diced onion for garnish
In the fast-paced world of equipment financing, broker fees are the financial lifeblood of your business, but they are also a curse. If you are chasing the highest possible fees, it can be a double-edged sword. Push too hard, and deals can become too expensive for your clients; focus too little, and your revenue suffers. The right approach balances your borrowers’ best interests and the costs. When you prioritize their needs, you build trust and turn one-time transactions into long-term relationships. The Pitfalls of Chasing Maximum Fees Broker fees are a primary part of your overall income, necessary for sustaining your business and covering your operating costs. But the fees you charge can significantly impact the affordability of deals for borrowers and erode the trust you have with them. There’s a key difference between chasing one-and-done deals and building actual wealth. Short-term thinking doesn’t consider the lifetime value of a client, which is more valuable than a single deal. While a maximum YOUR CLIENTS’ BEST INTERESTS ARE YOUR BIGGEST ASSET Stop Sacrificing Relationships for Revenue
DIRECTIONS 1. Soak dried chiles in hot water for 15 minutes. 2. Process chiles, onion, garlic, and tomatoes in a blender until smooth. 3. Place beef in a slow cooker and pour the chili mixture over it. 4. Add beef broth, vinegar, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. 5. Cook on low for 8–10 hours or until the beef is tender. 6. Shred the beef using forks, then mix back into the sauce. 7. Fry tortillas in oil until crispy, then assemble tacos as desired.
Inspired by SimpleWhisk.com
Take a Break
fee may yield a larger, immediate payout, your success relies on sustainable, repeat business. The relationship is worth more and will only grow your reputation. Put Them First When the borrower is top of mind, everything will fall into place. If your customer knows you have their best interest at heart, that’s when trust and loyalty grow. Actively listen to their needs, work toward solutions that benefit them, and maintain open and transparent communication. Stay responsive and set realistic expectations for them. Remember that you have a responsibility to put your client in the best possible financial situation. If you provide high-quality service and ensure they feel heard, they will keep coming back to you. They need to know you see them as more than a paycheck. If you can offer flexibility with your fees, it will ultimately pay off. Revenue is essential, of course, but the relationships you cultivate with borrowers will help you grow more than charging the highest upfront fee you can. Happy customers equal return business and referrals that can open doors. At CHB, we help brokers strike a balance of fair fees and client satisfaction. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
BOOTS CANDLES CARNATION FURNACE
GARNET HOCKEY INSULATE JANUS
OPPOSITE RESOLUTION
SKATING SWEATER
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307-322-2545
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
C.H. Brown Co., LLC A PLATTE VALLEY COMPANY 20 W. Frontage Rd. • Wheatland, WY 82201 307-322-2545 • chbef.com
Inside
1 Learn Insider Moves From the Pros 2 End the Year With a Jar Full of Joyful Memories
Bite-Size Family Activities That Fit Your Schedule
3 Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
Take a Break
The Double-Edged Sword of Broker Fees
4 Chill Out the Right Way
WARM UP IN WYOMING
HOT SPRINGS, COZY CAFES, AND INDOOR FUN AWAIT
for centuries. The Saratoga Hot Springs Resort is a favorite for locals and visitors, with well- established hot springs and a free public soaking pool. The temperatures get toasty, providing a tranquil setting to relax, warm up, and soak in the healing waters. The Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis is one of the largest mineral hot springs in the world. It boasts multiple pools and a free state bathhouse. The park itself has impressive views, and you might catch a glimpse of bison as you soak. Take the Fun Indoors You can bring the adventure indoors, where it’s warm, by visiting a local museum, an indoor ice skating rink, or even finding a fireplace at a ski resort or visitor center. The Cheyenne Ice and Events Center is a great place to enjoy winter sports without venturing out into the cold. You can learn all about the state’s history at the
Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne, which includes fascinating exhibits and interactive displays. Admission is free, giving you more spending money for a hot meal after exploring Wyoming’s past. Jackson Hole is home to some of the most popular ski resorts and lodges, where you can warm up by a fireplace or fire pit. Shop Up a Sweat Most cities have a charming main street lined with shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants to warm up in while you explore. Laramie has actually been named one of America’s best main streets and features a variety of shops and public murals. The Green River Main Street features historic buildings dating back to the 1800s, unique shops, and a view of Expedition Island. No matter how frosty it gets, Wyoming winters can be a blend of relaxation and adventure that makes the cold season unforgettable.
Wyoming winters are breathtaking, but they’re also famous for their icy winds and cold, snowy landscapes. But you don’t have to stay cooped up by the fire inside just because the weather is frosty. From naturally heated hot springs to indoor sports, the Cowboy State offers plenty of entertaining ways to stay warm and lively this season without shivering. Cozy Up in Hot Springs Wyoming is home to many wonderful hot springs that people have enjoyed in the colder months
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