In a trailblazing entrepreneurial journey, a former investment banking analyst channeled his expertise into a groundbreaking venture with the goal of transforming the private lending landscape with innovative technology that empowers lenders. In 2014, I was at a career crossroads. My first job as an analyst at Morgan Stanley after graduating from Tulane was interesting, [...]
From early career lessons to business owner ups and downs, here’s what I’ve found to be fundamental. I feel like I grew up in the business-purpose lending world. In 2014, I was on the ground floor of an exciting and fast-moving organization called Civic Financial Services. I was 25 years old with no wife or [...]
A team of specialists is critical. I have had three “ah-ha” moments during my journey in the private lending industry. The first was when I closed my first private money loan and recognized the opportunity in the industry. The second was when I made the transition from a trust deed platform to a mortgage fund [...]
When we couldn't find what we needed off the shelf, we developed it ourselves! As I look back on how Sekady came to fruition, I realize there were many surprises and unknowns. But one thing is certain: It was born out of necessity. I had recently sold a successful invoice factoring company and had planned [...]
From an early age, I was interested in entrepreneurship. I spent my free time brainstorming new ways to make money and stumbled into starting an eBay store when I was in middle school. I sold my friends’ unwanted holiday and birthday gifts on the site for a commission. In college, I operated a drop-shipping company, [...]
It’s been nearly a decade since my partners and I launched Roc360. I’ve been reflecting a lot recently on the changes in the private lending industry as well as my own path within the space. The two points that stand out most for me are (1) it is always possible to restart and reinvent yourself, [...]
Throughout my career journey, I have embraced constant learning and growth, always being open to change. In the mid-1990s, I decided to build my own CPA practice. Working for other CPA firms provided me great experience and knowledge; however, continuing that path would have led to a future based on the evaluations and decisions of [...]
I have been on the same mission for as long as I can remember: It’s growth. Period. I fully expect to be on that mission for the rest of my life. I plan to continue to grow personally, professionally, financially, physically, socially, spiritually, etc. It’s just how I’m wired. I am a mission-driven person who [...]
A little more than 10 years ago, I had to decide where I wanted to attend law school. The usual considerations were at play (scholarships, school reputation, job prospects, etc.), but the choice for me came down to where I wanted to live for (at least) the next three years. I grew up in a [...]
There are two things I have come to believe from all my experiences: Being the underdog makes you work harder. You always end up where you are supposed to be. I have always felt like the underdog, the one others thought had great potential but who was never going to be the “best.” In my [...]
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