Our Staff

Our Staff

United Financial’s track record of success is due first and foremost to its team of dedicated personnel. The ultimate goal of each team member is to ensure our business partners are provided with unrivaled service and professionalism.

William Gruber

President

Mr. Gruber established United Financial of Illinois, Inc. (“UFI”) in 1986 to provide equipment acquisition financing services to municipal and federal government organizations. UFI supports essential purpose governmental equipment acquisitions, involving a diverse array of federal, state and municipal government enterprises including military and medical facilities, legislative and judicial facilities, postal facilities, transportation authorities, housing authorities, school districts and more.

Prior to starting United Financial, Mr. Gruber was employed as Vice President/Regional Operations Manager for Chase Manhattan Equipment Leasing Company and was responsible for new business development, management and control of a $250 million regional portfolio. In addition he was accountable for marketing research and development, and training and sales support for a regional sales force. Mr. Gruber also previously held positions as Regional Credit Manager with Citicorp Leasing, Inc. in New Jersey and was a Risk Analyst for Foreign Credit Insurance Association in New York, an affiliate of the U.S. Export/Import Bank. He graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Business Administration.

Susan Dillon

Business Office Manager

Ms. Dillon is responsible for organizing and coordinating office operations, procedures, and human resources. This includes planning, implementing, and evaluating employee benefits and HR policies and practices. Ms. Dillon brings over 20 years of administrative experience, directing executive-level administrative affairs and providing support to senior management. Prior to joining United Financial, Ms. Dillon held Senior Executive Assistant positions at American Hardware Manufacturers Association and most recently at Experian, Schaumburg, IL. She holds an Associate’s Degree at Harper College.

Arif Javedullah

VP Legal

Mr. Javedullah serves as the primary legal counsel of UFI, and is responsible for identifying and analyzing the day to day legal matters.  His roles include drafting key documents and policies, negotiations, litigation and ensuring regulatory compliance. He has served as a Market Maker/Co-Specialist on the floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange and has practiced law the since 2015, litigating complex civil defense matters. Mr. Javedullah holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Loyola University Chicago and a Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School (now University of Illinois Chicago School of Law).

Alan R. Riefenberg

Vice President – Sales

Mr. Riefenberg is responsible for the origination, management and maintenance of contractor and direct customer relationships, and the structuring of federal, municipal, and commercial energy projects. He has served in corporate and investment banking structured finance since 1987 and has been with United Financial since 1992. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola University Chicago

Tom Peterson

VP Sales

Mr. Peterson is responsible for the origination and management or structured finance transactions.  Over his career, Mr. Peterson has primarily focused on structured finance, debt capital markets, cross border transactions and the transportation sector.  Mr. Peterson began his career in 1986 with Van Kampen Merritt.  He later joined CIBC and spent the majority of his career at ABN AMRO in both Chicago and Amsterdam, The Netherlands.  Mr. Peterson earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from Wheaton College.