About Us

The InStar Group’s management team comprises seasoned industry professionals with expertise in leasing, manufacturing, railcar portfolio management, and financing. We maintain strong relationships with major railcar manufacturers, other operating lessors, shippers, railroads, repair and maintenance facilities, and financial institutions across the industry.

190+

Customers

Car Types

25+

Average Years of Industry Experience

Umesh Choksi

President and Chief Executive Officer

Umesh has over 37 years of experience in the railcar industry, with a majority of his experience in the railcar leasing market.

John O’Bryan

Chief Commerical Officer

John has over 35 years of experience in the rail industry, with most of his experience in the railcar leasing and manufacturing market.

Joanna Marek

SVP, CFO & Treasurer – Treasury

Joanna was Director of Accounting and Audit for the regional public accounting firm Smolin, Lupin and Co. for the past 12 years.

Larry Culligan

VP of Operations

Larry has over 40 years’ experience in Engineering, Manufacturing and Operations. Most recently he worked for AITX (formerly ARI/ACF) for railcar leasing, repair, and shop support.

Navin Andy Choksi

VP of Sales and Marketing

Navin Andy Choksi has been with Instar since shortly after its founding in 2016, holding roles in finance, accounting, and administration before assuming his current position as Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 2019.

Tod McCrea

VP of Sales and Marketing

Tod leads business development and sales & marketing at The InStar Group, bringing over 20 years of rail industry experience to the team.

Chris Franco

AVP of Sales and Marketing

Christopher Franco graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master’s in Business Administration with a focus in Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University – Florham. Mr. Franco is in his eighth year with The InStar Group and oversees sales in the Gulf and Western regions.

2016

The InStar Group, LLC was founded. InStar acquires first group of railcars.
2019

Through strategic acquisitions, InStar has significantly broadened its customer base, now proudly serving over 30+ customers.
2022

The InStar Group, LLC is acquired by institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management (“JPMAM”).
2024

InStar is proud to serve a diverse and growing client base, with our number of customers exceeding 190.