Northpoint and ABA Renew Partnership
Northpoint Commercial Finance recently announced its renewal with the ABA, an exclusive agreement between the association and only two wholesale finance providers.
Now entering its 10th year of partnership, the Northpoint and ABA affiliation continues to build momentum.
“At Northpoint, we appreciate the long-standing relationship we enjoy with the ABA and the opportunity to support many of the most iconic brands in the industry through this partnership,” said Russell Baqir, Sr. VP of Business Development. “We are pleased to continue our collaboration with the ABA, to find creative solutions to meet their goals, and to help their member companies achieve their respective objectives.”
“We appreciate the opportunity to continue our very successful partnership with Northpoint which directly benefits our ABA members,” added ABA President Jay Patton. “Over the years, Northpoint has worked diligently to provide winning solutions and customized programs to support our members. We look forward to continued success moving forward.”
Top Northpoint Marine Execs Appear on the Garagecast Podcast
Northpoint Sr. VPs John Durnien and Russell Baqir were recently featured guests on the popular marine industry #Garagecast podcast, hosted by well-respected marine personality and 20-Group facilitator Sam Dantzler.
The podcast spotlighted the team’s lengthy tenure in the industry, along with relevant discussion regarding the economic outlook ahead for both marine dealers and OEMs.
“It was a tactical type of approach where Sam led us to speak early on about our experience, expertise, knowledge and passion along with what we see happening and how we believe the industry needs to evolve,” said Durnien. “We took the approach that businesses need to move forward and make things happen today, not be complacent and wait for things to happen.”
Dantzler, who hosted the podcast on site at Northpoint’s headquarters as part of a broader sales training session with the entire marine group, added, “It’s always nice to deliver training with a group who actually WANTS to be there and is looking for opportunities to better themselves. I really enjoyed my time with the team, especially my individual sessions with the sales team.
“I’ve known John and Russell for years now, and it’s great to always see them at the annual events like MRAA’s Dealer Week,” he added. “Too often, staff members are sent in the place of the senior execs. Northpoint seems to have the mindset of ‘bring ’em’ instead of ‘send em,’ which I love.”
Regarding the podcast content, while there was plenty of serious discussion, there was also a lot of fun and banter.
“Our podcast with John and Russell had me laughing the entire time,” said Dantzler. “It’s great to be reminded how integral so many people in our industry are and these two are no exception. Thanks for jumping on to Garagecast, gents!”
“I give Sam a lot of credit… I especially admire his style and lack of formality,” said Durnien. “Our ability to relax, smile and laugh during the conversation makes it more candid and interesting. Russell and I both had a lot of fun and hope we were able to provide some meaningful context about the state of the industry, along with how our way of doing business differentiates us from our competition.”
Check out the podcast here: https://garagecomposites.com/podcast; #349 – From Floorplans to Rentals: How Northpoint Financial Supports Dealers
Northpoint Undergoes Headquarters Expansion
To facilitate continued growth, Northpoint has recently enhanced its corporate footprint at its Alpharetta, GA headquarters facility. The company has leased an additional 6,000 square feet, bringing its total operational space to 28,000 square feet.
The new expanded facilities include an updated reception/entrance with easier elevator access, plus the addition of eight offices, two smaller meeting rooms, a large conference facility and employee break room.
“As Northpoint continues to grow, we are committed to investing in both our business and our people,” said Dan Radley, CEO. “This expansion supports our ability to attract top talent, enhance collaboration, and continue providing best-in-class service to our customers and partners across the industries we serve.”
Northpoint’s Russell Baqir Appears on MRAA BoatBiz Podcast, Speaks at National Marine Lenders Association National Conference
Northpoint Sr VP Russell Baqir was recently interviewed by MRAA VP of Industry Relations Mike Davin on the association’s The Boat Biz podcast to share his perspective on innovation within the industry and how businesses are continuing to adapt to a changing marketplace. Lots of great insight and discussion shared!
Watch it here: YouTube: https://youtu.be/G4cedN2JIxU;
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2YLY1NbfHak3CQGRlc4B6l?si=X5PvhyKNSRmZN11ZhWjH-w
In addition, Baqir has been tapped along with other industry leaders to speak at the upcoming National Marine Lenders Association’s National Conference on September 20-22 in Sandestin, FL.
NMLA Director Jim Coburn, president of the Coburn Consulting Company, will facilitate an executive panel including Baqir and Matt Ginsburg. The panel will share perspectives on inventory levels, inventory turn, aging inventory, dealer financial health, and the key performance indicators every retail lender should be monitoring to better assess portfolio risk, identify emerging opportunities, and prepare for what’s ahead.
According to Coburn, the discussion will also examine the broader economic and business environment—including interest rates, inflation, consumer demand, tariffs, OEM and dealership dynamics, and evolving market conditions. Panelists will discuss which product segments are out-performing expectations, where demand has softened, and what these trends may signal for lenders as they evaluate credit risk, capital deployment, business development strategies, and the potential impact of future policy, regulatory, and legislative developments.
“Whether your focus is portfolio performance, new business growth, or strategic planning, this session will provide valuable executive insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping marine lending over the next 12 to 18 months,” said Coburn. “In addition, having known and worked with Russell in the marine finance industry for many years, I know firsthand the experience and perspective he brings to the table. His participation will provide valuable insights for NMLA members, the U.S. marine finance community, and our industry partners.”
