Leadership

matt-headshot

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Matt Manero

Founder/Chairman

Matt started CFF in 1995 with nothing more than a vision, a phone, and a relentless drive to succeed. Over the next three decades, he and his team turned that vision into one of the most respected and recognized independent equipment finance companies in America.

Along the way, he shaped the company’s mission and core values, set the standard for customer service and execution, and earned a reputation for leading people with accountability, fairness and grit. 

Matt’s story and business insights have been featured in Inc. Magazine, Dallas Business Journal, Overdrive, Fleet Owner, and Transport Topics.  He is also a sought-after speaker and the author of two books: The Grit (2015) and You Need More Money (Penguin Random House, 2018).

Today, with a strong president and leadership team now running daily operations, Matt’s energy is centered on advising the team when needed and continuing to build on the entrepreneurial foundation he started nearly 30 years ago.

Fun Fact: Matt and his wife, Rokki, have been married for more than 25 years and are the proud parents of three sons — John, Jack, and Julian. John and Jack both attend the United States Military Academy at West Point and Julian is in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University.  They live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and Matt once biked from San Francisco to Mexico along the Pacific Coast just for the challenge.

Management

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Erik Wong

President

Erik began his career at Commercial Fleet Financing in 2022, where he built the EMS and NEMT division to more than $50 million in funding. With a keen understanding of business, the industry, and customer relationships, he was promoted to President in 2025. Today, he provides enterprise-wide oversight, guiding every department toward long-term growth.

As President, Erik is responsible for driving growth strategies, strengthening client and dealer partnerships, and leading the company’s continued expansion in key markets. His leadership is defined by operational discipline, a focus on execution, and a long-term vision for sustainable growth.

Under his direction, CFF continues to solidify its position as a trusted national leader, funding hundreds of millions annually and building on nearly $2 billion financed throughout the company’s history.

Fun Fact: Outside of work, Erik is happily married and a proud father of two children. He has completed a marathon and several long-distance races and is a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan.

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Austin Solt

Chief Digital Officer

Austin is responsible for the technology and digital foundation that supports the company’s operations and growth. His work ensures that systems across IT, data, and digital platforms remain secure, reliable, and scalable as the business evolves.

He plays a key role in shaping how technology supports CFF’s clients, partners, and internal teams, helping ensure the company operates efficiently while continuing to grow.

Fun Fact: Austin has an awesome son, a soft-spot for dogs and cats, and is a terrible cook.

Contact:

Rick Villasana

Office Manager

Rick joined Commercial Fleet Financing in 2018 within the Operations department, beginning his career as a loan processor before advancing into operations management. Over time, his role expanded to include Information Technology and Operations advisory support, giving him broad exposure to the systems, processes, and compliance considerations that support the company’s day-to-day business.

In his current role as Office Manager, Rick oversees and supports core operations across the organization, including accounting and administrative support, HR and benefits administration, compliance oversight, internal systems, Operations advisory, and company-wide initiatives and events. He works closely with multiple teams to maintain efficient workflows and ensure internal processes run smoothly. Known for his broad institutional knowledge and problem-solving mindset, Rick serves as a go-to resource across departments, helping teams navigate challenges and drive continuous improvement.

Fun Fact: Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Rick enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, as well as spending time with friends and family.