Coleman Movers & Shakers — Ross Blanchard, Rowan Sbaiti, Gregg Mitchell, Tom Miller, and SBA Temporary Employees

April 23, 2020 

By Caity Witucki
Contributing Editor, Coleman Movers & Shakers

Coleman Movers & Shakers — Ross Blanchard, Rowan Sbaiti, Gregg Mitchell, Tom Miller, and SBA Temporary Employees

Ross Blanchard to Lead Equipment Appraisal Division at Reliant Business Valuation

Ross Blanchard has joined Reliant Business Valuation’s appraisal division as a Senior Machinery and Equipment Appraiser. In this role, Blanchard will be responsible for providing certified third party business valuations and equipment appraisals for SBA lenders.

“We are extremely pleased to have Ross join our team and to continue expanding our equipment appraisal services around the nation for SBA lenders.  His experience and knowledge of the SBA guidelines adds substantial value to our brand and his core values align perfectly with our company’s culture,” says Neal Patel, Founder and Chief Appraiser.

Ross Blanchard brings over a decade of experience in machinery and equipment appraisals to Reliant Business Valuation. He is a graduate of Cornell College, and is trusted in M&E appraisals throughout the Midwest and across the nation. His breadth of experience covers most businesses and equipment, earning him the Certified Machinery Equipment Appraisal designation by the NEBB Institute.

Rowan Sbaiti Joins BH Properties as Senior Managing Director of Acquisitions

Rowan Sbaiti has joined BH Properties as Senior Managing Director of Acquisitions, as the firm expands its significant real estate investment platform to include real estate bankruptcy and financial instrument acquisitions.

Sbaiti comes to BH Properties from Fortress Investment Group where he was a Vice President.  Over his nine-plus year tenure at Fortress, Sbaiti was involved in more than $3 billion of real estate debt-equity transactions including the acquisition and workout of distressed real property assets and non-performing loans.

With Sbaiti, working alongside Senior Managing Director of Investments Andrew Van Tuyle, BH Properties will look to acquire senior mortgages, mezzanine loans, B-notes and controlling participations secured by fee simple, leasehold interests and long-term leases on all major property types as they arise.   BH Properties will pursue investments between $5 million and $150 million that bigger funds and investors tend to overlook, with a market focus predominantly in the Western US States.

“BH Properties is well-capitalized and not reliant on third-party investors,” says Sbaiti.  “This gives us the speed and flexibility to close quickly and provide sellers with the immediate and near-term liquidity they need to survive these troubling times.”

Gregg Mitchell joins TMC Financing as Chief Operating Officer

Gregg Mitchell joins TMC Financing as Chief Operating Officer.  Prior to his appointment, Mitchell managed the West Coast underwriting team for Wells Fargo’s SBA lending program and assisted in the development of the bank’s construction, SBA Express and Community loan underwriting processes.  During his 35-year tenure, 27 of which in SBA Lending, Wells Fargo not only became the largest SBA lender, but also maintained that position for many years. 

Mitchell brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success in specialized areas, including SBA risk asset review audits, credit underwriting, policy and procedure. Mitchell joined TMC Financing to manage its fast-growing loan portfolio, develop the servicing department and continue to deliver market-leading turn-around times on SBA loan applications.

Mitchell is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley with an M.B.A. in Finance and a B.A. in Marketing.

Tom Miller joins First Bank of the Lake

Tom Miller has joined First Bank of the Lake’s Small Business Administration (SBA) Lending team as Vice President, SBA Development Officer. In this role, Miller will be responsible for growing the bank’s assets by capitalizing on his strong track record and relationships in the Franchise and Business Broker arenas.

“Tom has previous experience not only as a lender but as a franchisee owner. His 35+ years of proven success and his expertise in the franchise finance industry is a true asset to First Bank of the Lake,” says Annemarie Murphy, Executive Vice Presidentat of First Bank of the Lake. “We are excited Tom has joined our team. His unique skill has prepared him well for the client-focused industry and culture in which First Bank of the Lake operates.”

“I’m excited to be part of this dynamic company and help contribute to its continuing success,” says Miller. “My client’s success is of paramount importance to me. As a former franchisee, I appreciate the complexity and time constraints franchise owners face in running their business and securing capital. I utilize my many years of experience to develop lending solutions that address the opportunities and challenges my clients face.”

SBA Hires Temporary Employees to Assist with Disaster Relief Efforts

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the SBA is hiring for a number of positions. Including several temporary full-time loan processors, credit analysts, and underwriters. Applicants must have experience evaluating financial information; determining creditworthiness and repayment ability; and making loan decisions based on overall financial condition. 

For a full list of temporary SBA positions: https://www.sba.gov/page/disaster-response-jobs-sba