 Lusvard Araqelyan joined the Max Benjamin Partners team in 2024, bringing a solid foundation in financial market analysis and financial statement assessment. With experience spanning multiple international markets, Lusvard has developed expertise in monitoring financial trends, performing in-depth market research, and generating insights to guide strategic decision-making. Previously, she held roles at Cognaize Engineering LLC and Exinity Group, where she contributed to complex market analysis and supported financial reporting to ensure compliance with global standards.

Lusvard earned her Master’s degree in Economics from the American University of Armenia and her Bachelor’s in Economics from Yerevan State University. She is skilled in data analysis tools like SQL, Python, and Power BI, and is fluent in Armenian and English. Outside of work, Lusvard enjoys enhancing her skill set through coursework in finance and data visualization, along with exploring emerging trends in global financial markets.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lusvard/?originalSubdomain=am

Max B. Mellman is the managing partner and founder of Max Benjamin Partners, Inc. Recognized as one of the top intermediaries in the nation, Mr. Mellman has coordinated and been involved in over $3 billion in debt and equity financing across a variety of property types, including office buildings, retail shopping centers, ground-up construction, health care facilities, multifamily, industrial, and hospitality assets. His transactional experience, capital markets expertise, and ability to structure some of the most complex capital stacks in commercial real estate allow him to be one of the most sought-after intermediaries in the United States.

Mr. Mellman is also managing partner and founder of Hybridge Capital Management. An investment firm focused on commercial real estate, healthcare, and technology. HCM directly invests alongside seasoned operators, tackling the demand for equity capital in the lower market segment with the overall mission to produce industry leading investment returns.

Prior to forming HCM and MBP, Mr. Mellman held senior and associate positions at The Souferian Group and California Commercial Investment, where he helped acquire, manage, entitle, and develop over 500M of commercial real estate.

Max prides himself on his unparalleled work ethic, integrity, and willingness to go the extra mile for his team and investors. As an active member of his community, he provides for several charities in the Los Angeles area. In his spare time, Max enjoys skiing, traveling, and spending quality time with his family.

Max has a Bachelor of Science in Planning, Policy, and Development from the University of Southern California with an emphasis in Real Estate finance.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-b-mellman-0314b751/

Jason is the Managing Director at MBP, where he is responsible for client and partner management and origination. Before arriving at MBP, Jason spent time at an accelerator, where he was consulting, implementing, and executing go-to-market strategies for foreign companies looking to enter the US market. 

Previously, Jason was a top performing Private Banker in wealth management and lending, working with High-Net-Worth Individuals and businesses and receiving numerous performance awards. Integrity is of utmost importance to Jason as he takes complete ownership of all tasks undertaken and is always looking to do the right thing for his clients.

A native Angelino, Jason was educated at San Diego State University in International Business, Finance, French, and Political Science; and ESSEC Business School in France. During his free time, Jason is an avid beach volleyball player, traveler, and family man.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-moyal-1408ba2a/

Christian serves as a Vice President at MBP, where he is responsible for originating, underwriting, client management, and capital partner relationship management. 

Christian has extensive experience across all asset classes and the entire range of the capital stack, ranging from perm financing to joint venture as well as tax credit LP equity. He has been involved in the originating, underwriting, and closing of hundreds of deals throughout his career.

 Before joining MBP, Christian was a Financial Analyst at a global LIHTC syndicator. He was responsible for managing Multi-Investor and Proprietary Funds with values in excess of $500 M. Christian was also responsible for maintaining relationships with high-profile investors in each of his funds. 

Christian received his B.S. degree in Real Estate Finance from NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate. During his free time, Christian enjoys skiing and scuba diving.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-bloom-9aa777121/

Kristin Mellman is the Operations Manager at Max Benjamin Partners where she is responsible for all aspects of organizational process improvement and business development. In her tenure at MBP, she has developed the company’s human resources program which intentionally cultivates a collaborative environment to employ the top commercial real estate professionals in the industry. She restructured the finance department reallocating funds to professional development and networking opportunities for the team. Kristin has also been an integral part of building a custom internal platform for data sharing which has streamlined workflows to maximize efficiency. She is committed to maintaining the best-in-industry standard that MBP has been held to.

At the heart of her work is her passion for understanding processes and the people who drive them. As a native Idahoan, she enjoys all the outdoors have to offer and is full of a range of random geography and biology facts. When not in the office, Kristin is likely pursuing activities in nature from skiing, mountaineering, and scuba diving. Her experience and passion in the nonprofit sector influences herself and the team to be leaders for pushing positive impact in their community

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-mellman-60982a253/

Neeral Desai is an Associate at Max Benjamin Partners, where he is responsible for originating, underwriting and client management. He started as an intern during the end of 2021, and transitioned into a full-time role at the start of 2022. 

Prior to joining MBP, Neeral did various internships with First Republic Bank, Wells Fargo, PWC, and Holiday Inn Express. Neeral found a home with capital markets after being in various fields such as middle market banking, consulting, and financial planning. Despite being in his first year, his experiences have all been transferable into the field as he is excellent at time management and communication. Neeral is an extremely hard worker, as he has been working two jobs every summer since high school graduation.  

In his first year, Neeral was successfully able to originate $15M worth of debt across the hospitality, multifamily, single family rental, retail, and industrial asset classes. He has extensive knowledge across all asset classes and can structure a variety of unique capital stacks. Neeral has been able to execute on LP equity, permanent financing, construction financing, bridge financing, and mezzanine loans. 

During his free time, Neeral enjoys hiking, volleyball, basketball, and spending time with his family. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/neeral-d-8a5b6b135/

Charlie is an Associate at MBP, where he is responsible for originating, underwriting, client managing, and capital partner relationship management. 

During his time at MBP, Charlie has structured a variety of transactions involving permanent financing, construction financing, bridge, mezzanine loan and equity capital. Charlie has quickly built strong client relationships and played a crucial role in the funding of more than $100M of debt and equity on multiple asset classes across the nation.

 Prior to joining the MBP team, Charlie interned at a family office that owns over 8,000 units nationwide. Charlie is well-versed in capital markets, asset management, and acquisition of all asset classes. 

Charlie received his B.S degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Colorado Boulder. During his free time Charlie enjoys skiing and scuba diving.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-mellman-194812230/

Bijan is an associate at MBP, where he is responsible for originating, underwriting, client management, and capital partner relationship management.

 Bijan has had extensive leadership experience while working in the healthcare field and digital marketing space. While working at WebUpgrade, a digital marketing startup based in Los Angeles, Bijan was the executive account manager of all clientele, managing over 30+ clients. With a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from medical professionals to real estate agencies, Bijan grew his clients' digital presence while fostering long-lasting relationships and providing value to their businesses. 

Bijan earned his Bachelor's degree at UC Davis and later went on to receive his Master’s in Bio-Medical Sciences. For the past few years, Bijan has had the opportunity to work with mentally disabled kids as a soccer coach, teaching them the fundamentals of the game and cultivating a fun and safe environment. 

Outside of work, you can find Bijan playing soccer, traveling, and spending downtime with friends and family.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bijan-saremi-594235123/

Drew Rands serves as Senior Vice President at MBP, where he is responsible for debt and equity origination, advisory, and placement as well as developing and maintaining relationships with capital partners. Additionally, he oversees the financial analysis, underwriting, due diligence and closing of transactions across the firm. 

Beginning in 2005, with MJ Leola Investments, Slatt Capital as a Commercial Mortgage Banker, and Clearview Realty Finance as a Capital Markets Advisor, Mr. Rands brings over 18 years of commercial real estate debt originations, analysis, underwriting, acquisitions and dispositions experience. Mr. Rands became a Commercial Real Estate Broker with MJ Leola Investments in 2005. During his tenure with the group, he specialized in apartment building investment sales and condo land acquisitions throughout Southern California. 

In 2008, Drew joined the Los Angeles offices of Slatt Capital as a Commercial Mortgage Banker. At Slatt and Clearview Realty Finance, he focused on originating permanent and structured financing for commercial, hospitality and apartment assets nationwide. Mr. Rands focus with CRF included comprehensive financial analysis, underwriting and structuring of debt and equity advisory transactions across all asset classes.  Mr. Rands has contributed to over $2 billion in CRE acquisitions, dispositions, debt and equity transactions throughout his career.

Drew Rands is a native of Oregon and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon.  Drew enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid outdoorsman, regularly participating in activities such as camping, hiking, surfing and snowboarding. Mr. Rands currently resides in Manhattan Beach, California.

Jacob is an associate at MBP, where he is responsible for originating, underwriting, and full capital stack relationship management. Jacob spearheaded loan originations across multiple asset classes including multifamily, assisted living, luxury single family homes, and hospitality assets with deals ranging from $10-200M.
Jacob is a graduate of University of Southern California, where he earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) degrees. Prior to his real estate career, Jacob was an accomplished civil engineer, working as both a design engineer for Los Angeles Public Works and as a field engineer for Kiewit Infrastructure. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Loyola Marymount University.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-hallum/

Connor Glasco is an Associate at MBP, where he plays a vital role in originating, underwriting, and managing clientele through the full financial loan process. Connor's unwavering dedication is evident as he consistently leads by example, often the first to arrive and the last to depart from the office, showcasing a relentless work ethic that spares no effort in advocating for his clients. His steadfast commitment and diligence contribute significantly to fostering robust connections with capital partners.

Prior to his tenure at MBP, Connor excelled as a Project Manager at HRI Development, a distinguished boutique firm specializing in triple-net, build-to-suit retail projects. His impactful contributions included overseeing a robust pipeline/portfolio valued at over $40 million across diverse developmental stages. Connor's responsibilities ranged from comprehensive asset management to facilitating tenant onboarding. Notably, he played a pivotal role in structuring an Opportunistic and DST Fund for HRI's crowdfunding platform, NetVested Capital. Connor holds a B.S. degree in Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California's Price School of Public Policy, where he also pursued a minor in Business Law. 

In his free time, Connor enjoys skiing, biking, and supporting the Trojans.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-glasco/

Yuchen Ai is an Analyst at Max Benjamin Partners, where he is responsible for underwriting, conducting market research, and supporting due diligence processes across various commercial real estate asset types. Yuchen has actively participated and been involved in underwriting and supporting transactions exceeding $300 million. His expertise spans diverse areas, including construction financing, bridge financing, permanent financing, acquisition and development financing, preferred equity, and mezzanine loans.

Before joining MBP, Yuchen gained valuable experience in development and private equity. During this time, he demonstrated proficiency in overseeing the entire transaction cycle, from deal sourcing and financing to closure. His experience equipped him with a strong understanding of real estate finance and capital markets.

Yuchen holds an M.S. degree in Analytics from the University of Southern California and a B.S. degree in Economics from Syracuse University. Outside of work, Yuchen enjoys being outdoors and spending time with friends and family.

Gabe Steffler is an Associate at MBP, where he manages a range of crucial responsibilities encompassing originating, underwriting, client management, and fostering relationships with capital partners.

His journey began after graduating from San Diego State University's Fowler School of Business with a major in Financial Services. Gabe delved into the world of real estate development, making impactful contributions to multifamily projects in New York and Southern California. These experiences not only equipped him with a deep understanding of market analysis and asset management but also laid the foundation for his subsequent specialization in acquiring multifamily properties across Southern California. His expertise expanded to encompass sales, marketing activities, and a keen insight into the intricate nuances of the real estate domain.

Post-graduation from SDSU, Gabe ventured into capital markets, a domain where he continues to excel and evolve. Beyond his professional endeavors, Gabe enjoys exploring his passions for traveling, surfing, and hiking.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-steffler-38503a1a6/

Julian Madrid is an Associate at Max Benjamin Partners, where he is responsible for originating, underwriting, and client management. He started as an intern during the Summer of 2023 and transitioned into a full-time role shortly after. Prior to joining MBP, Julian studied at the University of Southern California where he received a B.S. in Real Estate Development with an emphasis in Finance. Julian eventually found a passion for capital markets after his time at USC. Julian has helped structure a variety of transactions involving permanent financing, construction financing, bridge, mezzanine loan, and equity capital. Julian has quickly built strong client relationships and played a crucial role in the development of MBP. 

During his free time, Julian enjoys cooking, skiing, fishing, hiking, traveling, and spending time with his family. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliananthonymadrid/

With over a decade of expertise in commercial and residential real estate finance, Huber Bongolan currently leads as Director of Capital Markets and Underwriting at Max Benjamin Partners. This tech-enabled CRE brokerage provides nationwide access to debt and mezzanine capital for investors and developers. Huber helps structure a wide range of financing projects, from land acquisition to construction and permanent loans, managing an extensive network of over 1250 diverse capital sources, including equity debt providers. 

He is also passionate about education and mentorship within the real estate community, actively writing and speaking on industry trends and best practices. Huber holds dual master's degrees in Business Administration and Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California, with distinctions, and dual bachelor’s degrees in Business Economics and International Studies from the University of California, Irvine, where he graduated cum laude. An Eagle Scout, licensed mortgage loan originator, and real estate broker, Huber is a leader in several professional and alumni organizations and enjoys giving back to the community in his spare time.

Katie joined the Max Benjamin Partners team in April 2024, bringing over 5 years of experience in the digital marketing space, as well as over 2 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. Her extensive background working with both B2C and B2B companies has equipped her with a strong understanding of marketing strategies and tactics. At Max Benjamin Partners, she focuses on marketing automation, email and social media campaigns, operational optimization, CRM management, fostering team culture, and handling various administrative responsibilities.

Katie graduated from North Carolina State University with her Bachelor's degree in 2020 and currently resides in her hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two Maltipoos, gardening, and undertaking home improvement projects. She also enjoys expanding her skill set, with recent additions including proficiency in SQL, Spanish, and web development.

Marketing and Sales Operations Consultant

Beth has worked in various commercial real estate roles since 1990 after graduating from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction. Prior to joining Max Benjamin Partners (StackSource) as Senior Managing Director, Ms. Mercante worked in New York City for the Quantum Fund (George Soros and Paul Reichmann fund) in acquisitions and asset management. Ms. Mercante also worked in AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp. in their mortgage finance and asset management divisions managing multi-family, office, and retail properties. After leaving AIG, Ms. Mercante worked as an investment sales broker in Manhattan and won the "Most Ingenious Deal of the Year" award from REBNY in 2001. After a successful sales career, Ms. Mercante moved into real estate consulting with Gemini Realty Advisors and then to her own firm where she most recently sourced senior housing and self-storage projects for a partnership including Columbia Pacific Advisors, Wegman Companies and Rembold Companies.  Ms. Mercante holds a New York Brokers license and a Certified Property Manager designation with IREM.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethmercante/

Mark Parada joined Max Benjamin Partners in April of 2024 as a Vice President originating Commercial Real Estate loans across most property types nationwide. Mark began his career in Orange County, California with Wells Fargo Bank in 1983 as a loan originator in the Residential Mortgage division. He continued developing his mortgage acumen with Great Western Bank and GlenFed Mortgage through the 89's and eventually climbed to a management position with Plaza Home Mortgage in 1991. In 1995 he was the founder and President of CenterPoint Mortgage, LLC which grew to offices in 37 states nationwide. Within 18 months of its inception, CenterPoint had over 200 employees, originating $60M monthly in loan originations. He also founded CenterPoint Escrow, LLC which closed over 2500 escrows annually. In early 2001 Mark returned to Wells Fargo Bank in the Sub Prime division and oversaw wholesale loan production in Southern California. He held the same position for Encore Credit Corp starting in 2004. In 2006, Mark relocated to the Pacific Northwest and was a regional manager for First Horizon Wholesale Sub Prime Lending. In the fall of 2008, Mark started CenterPoint Asset Management, LLC and acquired over 200 distressed assets from banks and mortgage companies through 2011. CenterPoint Asset Management, LLC also served as a Court Appointed Receiver at the Spokane Superior Court. In the spring of 2013, Mark moved to Grace Capital Group. 

Mark is married with four children and two grandsons. He enjoys the Pacific Northwest lifestyle, and is an avid fly fisherman and snow skier. He is a fan of the Boston Red Sox baseball and Gonzaga Bulldogs Basketball.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-parada-3109b112/

Anastasia Vladislavova serves as a Senior Vice President at MBP, where she is responsible for originating, underwriting, client management, and capital partner relationship management. 

Ms. Vladislavova has extensive experience across all asset classes and the entire range of the capital stack, ranging from construction to permanent financing and joint venture equity. Her specialty is alternative sources of financing, such as CPACE and Ground Lease capital and advisory. Anastasia Vladislavova structured and closed $500+ MM in debt and equity financing, primarily for construction and transitional deals all around the US in the last 3 years. As of January 2022, Anastasia Vladislavova teaches Finance and Investment Analysis and other certificate programs at New York University's Schack Institute of Real Estate.

Before joining MBP, Ms. Vladislavova served as Vice President for Eyzenberg & Company, a financial advisory firm, where her focus was on transaction management and capital placement, as well as analysts’ mentorship. 

Ms. Vladislavova earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Moscow State University of Russia and a Master of Science degree in Real Estate Finance and Investments from Schack Institute of Real Estate, New York University. During her free time, Anastasia enjoys hiking, traveling and scuba diving.

For ten years, Michael was vice president of JBS & Associates, Inc., a loan sale advisory firm founded in 1985, where he managed the advisory and subsequent sale of over $1 billion in commercial loans on behalf of clients including GE Capital, PNC Bank, and Union Bank. Michael then served as Chief Operating Officer of Stronghill Capital, a national CRE debt finance platform that originated, closed, and serviced a multibillion-dollar loan portfolio. He's also co-founder and managing partner of West Ridge Capital, a CRE investment syndicator that owns and operates mixed-use & multifamily assets. Its most recent disposition generated a >31% IRR / >2x EM for its limited partners. Married with two young children, Michael graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with a B.S. with High Honors in Business Administration.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-perlstein-51ab4851/

Tanner is an associate at MBP, where he is responsible for originating, underwriting, client management, and capital partner relationship management.

Tanner has an extensive background in both Sales and Real Estate. Prior to joining MBP, Tanner was a sales representative at Blackline, a Fortune 500 accounting software company that sold software to other Fortune 500 companies with an average deal size of $40,000. He also worked in Commercial Real Estate Investment Sales for Lee & Associates, specializing in Retail, Industrial, and Multifamily advisory. 

Tanner earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics at Loyola Marymount University, and was a co-founder of the school’s Real Estate Society during his tenure. 

Outside of work, you can find Tanner traveling, and spending downtime with friends and family.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanner-barge-76559317a/

Mark serves as Associate Vice President in our Miami office focused on the origination, underwriting, and capital placement for an array of asset classes including multifamily, retail, office, industrial, hotel, and land, with a specialization in ground-up construction financing. 

Prior to joining MBP, Mark worked in multifamily acquisitions for a group of international investors before entering the capital markets arena as a member of the structured finance team in the Boca Raton office of Meridian Capital. In his two years at Meridian, Mark closed over $50mm in loans and developed relationships with seasoned owners, operators, developers, and capital providers across the country that he has brought to the firm, and looks forward to growing the MBP brand down in Miami. 

Graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in International Business and Trade.

Outside of work, Mark loves to travel and is an avid golfer.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrstabler/

Jeremy is based in San Diego originating and underwriting transactions, managing client relationships, and overseeing capital partner engagements. With a deep expertise across multiple asset classes and the entire capital stack, he thrives at closing challenging deals requiring unique solutions. He has successfully participated in the marketing and closing of more than $400M in capital. 

Before joining MBP, Jeremy was an Associate at CORE Advisory Partners and Cushman & Wakefield. He earned his B.S. in Finance from San Diego State University, graduating magna cum laude. Outside of work, he enjoys playing pickleball, golfing, and exploring Little Italy.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-harris-7b0006149/

Maria is a Capital Markets Coordinator at MBP, where she is responsible for managing loan transactions from application until close. She is passionate about helping others and ensuring every client always has the best experience possible while working with the MBP team.

Maria was born in Russia and raised in Rome, Italy. She moved to the United States in her teens where she spent time between Los Angeles and New York. She graduated in 2024 with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Global Business and Finance from Fordham University, after which she relocated back to Los Angeles to pursue her career in commercial real estate. Before joining MBP, Maria served as an accounting supervisor at the international holdings firm Palella Holdings LLC and led business development initiatives at various start-ups in New York City. There she worked on equipping herself with a well-rounded skill set and establishing her long-standing network.

Maria uses her diverse background and positive energy to create a balanced and productive work environment for herself and everyone around her. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, learning new languages (she is on her 5th), and Italian cooking. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariachernyshova/

Aruyel Nurbekova joined the Max Benjamin Partners team in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience in financial analysis and strategic consulting. With a background in commercial real estate and digital technology, Aruyel has worked on projects totaling over $1 billion, providing expertise in financial modeling, market research, and investment evaluation. Her previous experience includes roles at PwC and Eyzenberg & Company, where she led financial modeling for large-scale data center and telecommunications projects and supported deals across diverse asset types.

Aruyel graduated from KIMEP University with a Bachelor's degree in Corporate Finance and Investment Management. She has an international perspective, having studied abroad in Austria and worked in the U.S. and Kazakhstan. Fluent in English, Kazakh, and Russian, Aruyel is also proficient in advanced financial modeling techniques and various analysis tools. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new technologies, mentoring students in finance, and contributing to community projects focused on sustainability.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aruyel-nurbekova-62b842230/?originalSubdomain=kz

MBP Team

MBP Team

Max B. Mellman

Jason Moyal

Christian P. Bloom

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