Q: Why did you choose Private Lending?

My decision to pivot was driven by my experiences with the conventional mortgage market, where fluctuating interest rates repeatedly disrupted our business. Each rate increase, even just 50 basis points, was devastating, often forcing layoffs and deeply impacting our employees’ lives. Despite understanding the situation, I struggled with the lack of control and recurring setbacks.

After facing these issues multiple times, I realized we needed a product less vulnerable to interest rate swings. Currently, while conventional mortgage rates range from the high fives to low sixes, our private lending rates are between 10% and 12%. This stability helps avoid the extreme reactions seen in the conventional market when rates shift.

Q: What is your current role and what do you do day-to-day?

My primary role involves growing the company and ensuring its financial success. However, my daily focus extends beyond just business metrics. I feel a deep responsibility to our employees and clients, understanding the human impact of business decisions, particularly layoffs. Having experienced the personal humiliation of being laid off myself, I am committed to treating my team with empathy and respect.

I believe that strong relationships are crucial, both in the workplace and in life. The Harvard Study on Adult Development1, spanning nearly 80 years, reveals that strong relationships are key to leading a happy and healthy life, outweighing the importance of wealth and career success. This study, which emphasizes the importance of close relationships, reinforces my view that meaningful connections enhance life more than financial success alone. I aim to create an environment where employees feel valued and supported, as I’ve learned that helping others achieve their goals ultimately benefits everyone, including myself.

Q: What excites you about your role today?

What excites me most about my role today is seeing our vision from 2008 come to life. We’ve built a larger and more successful mortgage company than I ever imagined, thanks to a fantastic team that continues to surpass expectations. Their capability and dedication are driving us forward, and I genuinely believe we’re only at the beginning of what we can achieve. It’s not just about the impressive results, like becoming the fastest to reach $100 million in monthly funding volume, but also about the heart and culture that drive our success.

Q: Can you explain a time where you faced adversity or had struggles early on in your career? Where did it all begin? How did these experiences mold and shape you into the leader you are today?

In November 2007, I had one of the worst conversations of my life. I had to sit my wife down and tell her I lost my job. I was a VP at LandAmerica, and they eventually filed for bankruptcy and went belly up. I had three kids and two mortgages. It was also tough because everyone in the world thought that my industry was responsible for the financial plight. Trying to build a new business during that time was probably a terrible idea, but that is what we did anyway. Justin Smith and I started a new mortgage company in March 2008, using our own capital. By November 2008, we had only funded a few mortgages, and nothing was working I remember sitting on a park bench with Justin, our savings nearly depleted, struggling to cover our basic needs, ready to give up. It was a dark time. But eventually, we found a niche loan program that allowed us to fund our first successful loan in February 2009. This breakthrough, achieved through persistent hard work and incremental progress, laid the foundation for our current success. Sixteen years later, it’s been a long journey, but I’m proud of the company we have built, brick by brick.

Q: Is there anything that you wish you could go back and tell yourself at the beginning of your career?

If I could give my younger self one piece of advice at the start of my career, it would be to focus more on the journey rather than just the outcomes. Early on, I was overly concerned with securing high-paying jobs, but I now realize the importance of seeking opportunities that allow you to meet great people, learn new things, and grow. This lesson became clear to me after college when I moved to Hawaii and experienced life without a set path. I made just enough money to afford to keep me fed and surfing. Taking that time to surf, reflect, and explore my next steps helped me understand that taking the time to enjoy and think through your experiences is crucial. Even today, it’s easy to get caught up in achieving results and missing the chance to celebrate milestones. Like recently, we hit 100M in funded volume so we rented a dunk tank, put it in Justin’s driveway, and we all got dunked. It was fun, and we mailed these paper celebration popping streamers to everyone, so they could celebrate at home too. Stopping to acknowledge and appreciate these achievements, no matter how small, while having fun is essential for personal and professional growth.

Q: Who is someone that has had a significant effect on your career and why?

The person who had the most significant impact on my career was my dad, who recently passed away. Despite being a dentist and far from a businessman, his influence was profound. Whenever I sought advice on job choices, business plans, or financial matters, he would always remind me, “I’m not a great businessman, but stay true to who you are. Be kind, humble, and do the right thing, even if it costs you money. You’ll come out okay.” His wisdom and values continue to guide me, and his memory brings a smile to my face.

Q: What has been your favorite aspect of being in private lending over the years?

My favorite aspect of being in private funding has been witnessing our resilience and growth during recent interest rate fluctuations. Over the past three years, I’ve seen a unique phenomenon: while conventional loan businesses struggled or faced downturns from 2022 to 2024, our private lending business has thrived with record growth. It’s been remarkable to see our sector adapt and excel despite broader market challenges.

Q: How do you make sure your company stays ahead in this industry?

We continuously innovate by developing new products and programs. By actively listening to the marketplace and our clients, we aim to deliver solutions that support their business growth.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who has just started out in private lending?

When I first became interested in private lending, I attended several conferences and trade shows. They were incredibly valuable for meeting people, asking questions, and learning the ropes. Educating yourself is really the best way to get started. Do that, and you will always do well.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I enjoy most about my work is connecting with the amazing people on our team. One standout experience was when we flew everyone from across the country to our corporate headquarters. We call it the Roadshow, and have started doing it every summer. There were no work meetings or strategic planning—just pure fun and connection.

Seeing people in person after only meeting them virtually creates an irreplaceable energy and deepens connections. It’s incredible to witness team members building relationships with others they wouldn’t usually interact with and hear how these new connections have profoundly impacted their lives. That’s what makes this work truly meaningful for me.

Q: Finally, what would you consider to be the highlight of your career thus far?

Reflecting on a specific memory, I remember back in 2020 and 2021, we aimed high, hoping to hit $100 million in funded volume, which seemed ambitious. I often joked that if we ever reached that milestone, I’d be outclassed, and they’d need a new CEO. When that day came, I was amazed and humbled by our success, and luckily, they still wanted me.

The highlight of my career so far is, frankly, today. Our company is more successful than ever, and I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the best people in the industry. If everything ended right now, I’d still consider this the pinnacle of my career. Future achievements would just be icing on the cake.