About Catalyst

Chris Waite is a software leasing evangelist with Catalyst Software Finance. Since 2003, he has helped software sellers create financing solutions for their clients while providing commercial customers with rapid, flexible, and competitive access to the financing they need.

Before founding Catalyst Finance, Chris sold software with Triad Systems (which eventually became part of Epicor). After using leasing to sell enough software to earn a few trips to Hawaii, Chris was converted.

When Chris isn’t creating solutions for the financial buyer, he coaches his daughter’s hockey team, 3-putts a lot, and begs his wife for another dog.

Peter has been in the industry since 1983 (or “forever” according to his staff). He has held sales and leadership roles at some great companies GE Capital, AT&T Capital, and MCAP and has been involved in developing leasing programs for companies like Dell and Ingram Micro.

Peter joined Catalyst in 2008 to help us grow and continues to work closely with the underwriters to continue to develop leading-edge solutions for the software market.

Outside of work, Peter’s great passions are spending time with his kids and grandkids, enjoying time at the lake, and woodworking.

Mary-Ellen McIntosh has over 25 years of Commercial Leasing experience in building programs and helping companies, increase revenues, increase funnel speed and closing more business.

Based on industry experience, Mary-Ellen is able to provide exceptional support, expertise and partnerships to ensure companies can provide a great customer experience to support their growth with financing solutions.

As a top recognised performer in her industry, and business development leader, Mary-Ellen brings; the expertise, passion and commitment to support the business needs in several verticals across Canada. Mary-Ellen is directly involved with the strategic direction of Catalyst.

John Paul (JP) Santarelli has just over 8 years of Commercial Leasing/Financing experience and specializes in coming up with unique offerings for both the vendor and end user clients to better serve there businesses. Software and IT has been JP’s specialty however has grown his network significantly in the construction and transportation industry.

He has been able to grow his business to a level that would be comparable to those that have been in the business for 25+ years and continues to strive for additional business by leveraging his strong client relationships.

JP is adamant on making the commercial lending world more efficient by incorporating FinTech with the majority of his offerings to ensure that there is a level of ease and convenience at point of sale for both the vendors and end users.

Through relationships, hard work and a forward thinking mind-set, JP is committed to helping businesses grow significantly but also focused on ensuring a simple and easy process throughout. JP is directly involved with the strategic direction of Catalyst and he has been hands on in the development of the vendor portal.