ELFA Inducts Tony Golobic Into Equipment Finance Hall of Fame

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) has named GreatAmerica's Tony Golobic to the 2024 Class of the Equipment Finance Hall of Fame. ELFA Board Chair Rob Boyer made the announcement on Oct. 28 at the general session of the 63rd ELFA Annual Convention in Austin, Texas. The official induction ceremony took place on Oct. 26 at the Chair Dinner preceding the ELFA Annual Convention.

Anton "Tony" Golobic
Tony Golobic, executive chairman of GreatAmerica Financial Services Corp., epitomizes the equipment finance industry's entrepreneurial spirit. Over the past 32 years, Golobic built GreatAmerica, an independent, family-owned national commercial equipment finance company, from a team of two to more than 780 employees, with annual volume exceeding $1.5 billion and a strong balance sheet with assets of more than $3.25 billion. Notably, he achieved the company's growth almost exclusively through organic expansion rather than acquisitions. Golobic's leadership is exemplified by a phrase he trademarked, "Customers for Life," which underscores GreatAmerica's dedication to customer loyalty, a principle he deeply believes in and practices.

With more than 50 years of experience in equipment financing, Golobic has held key leadership positions, including general manager of GE Capital Office Technology Financial Services, president and CEO of LeaseAmerica Corp. and senior vice president of Mellon Financial Services. Golobic has been an active member of ELFA, serving on its board of directors and committees. He served on the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation Board of Trustees and contributed to its Industry Future Council. Over time, he has earned numerous awards and participated on many boards.

Golobic earned a BSBA in accounting from Roosevelt University followed by an MBA in finance from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. He also earned a certified public accountant certification. Golobic advocates for philanthropy and has been generous with both time and money. GreatAmerica, over its history, has contributed more than $9 million to support area non-profits. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam.