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 Senior 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 oversees marketing, billing and accounting, recruitment, and administrative processes across the firm’s three office locations. In her four-year tenure, she has spearheaded the internal growth of MBP, expanding the team from 10 to 50 employees while ensuring the infrastructure kept pace with rapid scale. Kristin drives organizational process improvement and supports business development, playing a central role in maintaining MBP’s reputation as a best-in-class real estate advisory firm. She has built and formalized MBP’s human resources program to intentionally cultivate a collaborative culture that attracts and retains top commercial real estate professionals. She also restructured the finance department to strategically reallocate resources toward professional development and networking opportunities, and played a key role in developing a custom internal platform that streamlined data sharing and workflows to maximize efficiency.

At the heart of her leadership is a passion for optimizing processes and empowering the people who drive them. Kristin’s oversight across multiple functions, including marketing strategy, financial operations, HR, and administrative management, positions her as a cornerstone of MBP’s continued success and growth. Her commitment ensures that the firm not only meets but exceeds the high standard of excellence it has been recognized for across the industry.

Originally from Idaho, Kristin brings her love of the outdoors and curiosity for the natural world into all aspects of her life. Her professional experience in the nonprofit sector also shapes her approach, inspiring both herself and the MBP team to be leaders in creating positive impact within their communities.

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

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.

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/

Jonathan Rosner is a Managing Director at MBP New York City office, where he leads the origination and placement of structured debt and equity transactions. He brings over 25 years of commercial real estate experience across capital markets, finance, and advisory. Prior to MBP, Jonathan founded and led Woodbrook Capital, and previously served as CFO and Managing Director at The Carlton Group, where he helped source and structure over $5 billion in debt and equity alongside CEO Howard Michaels. He also spearheaded Carlton’s capital raising efforts in Israel.

Earlier in his career, Jonathan spent five years in Israel building relationships with leading insurance companies, pension funds, and ultra-high-net-worth investors. He also held roles at Cushman & Wakefield, where he advised on large, complex real estate transactions, as well as at Ernst & Young and Arthur Andersen.

Jonathan’s notable transactions include a $100M equity raise for a cold storage project in California, a $235M construction loan for a Manhattan residential development, and the acquisition and financing of a 1,030-unit multifamily portfolio in Ohio. He holds an MBA in Finance from NYU’s Stern School of Business and a BS in Accounting from Yeshiva University. He is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson and a former licensed CPA.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-rosner-9361032

Mike serves as a Senior Vice President at MBP and is a member of their New York City team. In this role, he will be responsible for expanding MBP’s presence on the east coast, originating new investment opportunities, placing structured debt and equity capital, and developing new capital and sponsor relationships.

Mike brings over 20 years of experience and has largely centered his career around real estate capital formation and building successful investor relations programs for investment sponsors. Most recently, Mike was Director of Capital Markets for a leading NY-based debt and equity advisory firm. Other roles include key leadership positions at Olive Tree Holdings, Castle Lanterra Properties, CityShares, Castellan Real Estate Partners, and Gemini Real Estate Advisors. Mike began his career at Credit Suisse, where he held various positions within their real estate private equity fund group, DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners.

Over the course of his career, Mike has been directly involved in capitalizing in excess of $1.5 billion in asset value across all major property types, deal structures, and investment strategies.

Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Vermont. Mike is a proud father of two, and in his spare time, he enjoys discovering new eateries, cooking over fire, day tripping, playing golf, and watching documentaries.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-kim-1316908/

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/

Paul is the Managing Director leading MBP's recently established New York City office. In this role, he oversees the origination and placement of structured debt and equity transactions. Prior to joining MBP, Paul was a Director at The Carlton Group, where he worked closely with CEO Howard Michaels on sourcing and structuring over $750 million in debt and equity financing for commercial real estate transactions.

With more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate, Paul has held key leadership positions within the industry. He served as Chief Operating Officer at Chesterfield Faring Ltd., a boutique investment bank, and was Vice President at Argent Ventures, a private real estate investment firm. At Argent, Paul managed acquisitions and asset management for a diverse portfolio that included Grand Central Terminal and its 1.2 million square feet of air rights, the Omni Mall and Hotel redevelopment in Miami, and over 700 sponsor condo/co-op units in New York City.

Paul’s earlier experience includes his role as Vice President of Acquisitions and Asset Management at American Real Estate Holdings, LP/Icahn Enterprises, a publicly traded real estate partnership controlled by renowned financier Carl Icahn. There, he was responsible for overseeing a diverse portfolio encompassing 3 million square feet of retail, office, industrial, hotel, land​, and casino assets. 

Paul graduated from Fordham University​. Outside of business, he enjoys playing recreational tennis.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-wolfson-3b82408/

Maureese Jones holds an MBA in Business Administration and Management from Villanova University, earned in 2021. His advanced education has equipped him with a deep understanding of strategic business operations, leadership, and financial management, which he applies daily in his professional roles. Maureese also graduated with dual bachelor’s degrees in Business Marketing and Computer Science from York College of Pennsylvania in 2019. This unique combination of business acumen and technical expertise allows him to develop data-driven marketing strategies and innovative solutions for complex business challenges.

Over his career, Maureese is an accomplished Senior Mortgage Broker with a proven track record of closing over $644 million in financing for clients across the nation. Specializing in multifamily and commercial real estate deals, Maureese leads a dedicated team focused on providing optimal debt structures and capital solutions. His expertise spans a broad range of loan programs, including multifamily, industrial, retail, and land development financing, as well as asset-based lending. With a keen understanding of the complexities of real estate financing, Maureese consistently delivers tailored financial strategies that help investors and developers achieve their business objectives.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureese-jones-31417a149/

Blake is a Vice President at MBP, where he is responsible for debt and equity placements, with a focus on client management, capital advisory, and deal origination. He works closely with investors, developers, and financial institutions to structure tailored financing solutions that align with his clients’ strategic objectives.

Prior to MBP, Blake was a Senior Associate at CBRE’s Capital Markets Debt and Structured Finance group, where he specialized in originating, structuring, and executing complex debt placements across various asset classes. Blake also headed CBRE’s National SBA Program, developing strategies to expand the firm’s small business lending platform, executing all internal SBA financing needs, and enhancing access to capital for growing enterprises as it relates to real estate.

Prior to CBRE, Blake was a Commercial Loan Officer at Silvergate Bank, where he focused on originating and facilitating financing for property acquisition, asset repositioning, and asset exit strategies all over the West Coast, along with fostering long-term client deposit relationships.

His deep understanding of capital markets, combined with hands-on experience in banking and structured finance, has been instrumental in delivering successful outcomes for a diverse range of clients.

A native of Los Angeles, Blake earned his degree from the University of San Diego.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-kunitake-941981119/

Herschey Liss is a Vice President at Max Benjamin Partners, where he is involved in sourcing, underwriting, managing client relationships, and closing both debt and equity placements. Within his first 6 months, Herschey closed a record $56 million. Herschey focuses on high leverage non-recourse construction financing for properties $10MM to $250MM+.

Herschey’s foundation in real estate finance began at The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a business degree with a concentration in real estate finance. There, he developed a deep understanding of real estate development, capital markets, and sales. 

His experience spans both the development and financing sides of real estate. Before joining MBP, Herschey worked at Cypress Equity Investments in Los Angeles, where he focused on underwriting as well as assisting in the entitlement and permitting processes for multifamily mixed-use developments in Santa Monica. He later joined Wells Fargo’s Agency Lending division, working on financing solutions for multifamily, student housing, senior housing, and manufactured housing projects.

Outside of work, you’ll find Herschey on the tennis court, in the gym, or exploring new happy hour spots.

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

Jack Cao is Senior Vice President at Max Benjamin Partners in New York City, where he leads the firm’s cross-border strategy and capital partnerships between Asia and the United States. With over 18 years of real estate investment and advisory experience across global markets, Jack specializes in structuring complex capital solutions for institutional investors and developers alike.

Fluent in Mandarin and deeply attuned to the nuances of both Eastern and Western business cultures, Jack plays a dual role — guiding Asia-based capital into the U.S. market while also supporting U.S.-based developers with Asian roots in scaling their domestic operations. His work spans private equity, hospitality, branded residences, mixed-use developments, and debt placements.

Jack has successfully advised on over $180 million in equity and debt across a range of high-profile transactions in the United States, Asia, and island nations. Prior to joining MBP, he held senior positions at The Carlton Group and JCN Capital. Earlier in his career, Jack managed a $1.2 billion commercial real estate portfolio in Beijing, overseeing institutional-grade mixed-use assets while leading leasing, budgeting, and ESG initiatives that significantly enhanced asset value.

From 2014 to 2018, Jack also served as an APC Assessor for RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) in Greater China, contributing to the development and evaluation of professional standards across the region.

He is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), Certified Property Manager (CPM), and Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS). Jack also teaches corporate finance at Columbia University and holds two master’s degrees in real estate from Fordham University.

https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=jack%20cao&origin=GLOBAL_SEARCH_HEADER&sid=%3AX9

Giuseppe Riggi serves as a Vice President at Max Benjamin Partners, where he plays a key leadership role in the origination and placement of structured debt and equity financing for a broad range of commercial real estate transactions. With a deep understanding of capital markets and a client-first approach, Giuseppe is a strategic asset to the firm, helping to drive complex deals from concept to close with precision and insight.

Before joining Max Benjamin Partners, Giuseppe spent seven successful years at The Carlton Group, where he also served as Vice President and was directly involved in the execution of high-profile, multi-million-dollar transactions. Earlier in his career, he was a Regional Consultant with PGIM Investments, working within the mutual fund and separately managed accounts distribution team, where he built a strong foundation in investment strategy and relationship management.

Giuseppe’s financial expertise is further grounded in his advisory roles at AXA and SunTrust, where he was responsible for financial planning, portfolio management, and the development of asset allocation models for a diverse client base. His breadth of experience across both institutional and private markets makes him uniquely positioned to provide tailored financial solutions that align with the strategic goals of developers, investors, and lenders.

Giuseppe holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Dowling College and brings a global perspective to his work, maintaining dual citizenship in the United States and Italy. Known for his professionalism, integrity, and analytical rigor, Giuseppe is a valued partner and trusted advisor in every transaction he undertakes.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/giuseppe-riggi-5a8b0828/

Wilken is a Senior Vice President in MBP’s New York office, where he advises developers, operators, and investors on capital structuring across the capital stack including senior debt, mezzanine financing, preferred equity, and joint venture equity. Known for his strategic approach and executional rigor, he works closely with clients to navigate complex capital markets and deliver tailored financing solutions for a wide range of real estate ventures.

Wilken brings extensive international experience, having worked across both U.S. and European markets. He has advised institutional investors, family offices, and sponsors on acquisitions, development capital, special situations, and real estate M&A. He began his career in London, worked many years in Berlin, and later transferred to EY’s Transaction Real Estate group in New York, where he worked on high-profile portfolio transactions, restructurings, private equity strategies, and cross-border real estate M&A.

A graduate of the Technical University of Berlin, Wilken offers a global perspective and a proven ability to bridge investment cultures, translating capital into practical, executable structures. Outside the office, Wilken is usually found shuttling his three sons across the Tri-State for soccer matches—and whenever there’s a window, he is always up for a battle on the tennis court.

Michael Khoury is an Associate at Max Benjamin Partners, where he plays a key role in originating, structuring, and executing innovative financing solutions for commercial real estate assets nationwide. He brings a strong command of high-leverage construction, bridge, and permanent debt, with a particular focus on value-add and ground-up multifamily projects. Michael works closely with developers and investors to craft tailored capital strategies that align with each project’s specific risk profile and business plan.

Before joining MBP, Michael was with Bluestone Flagship Investors, a multifamily syndication firm, where he focused on underwriting, market analysis, and due diligence for value-add acquisitions. His time there provided him with a deep foundation in multifamily investment strategies and a hands-on understanding of capital stack optimization—experience that now informs his ability to deliver structured finance solutions with precision and creativity.

Michael earned his degree in Finance and Accounting from Loyola Marymount University, where he was an active member of both the Real Estate and Finance Societies. Outside the office, he enjoys golfing, playing chess, hiking, traveling, and discovering new restaurants across Los Angeles.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-khoury01/

Sam Axner is an Associate at Max Benjamin Partners, where he focuses on originating and structuring financing solutions for commercial real estate projects nationwide. He works across the build-for-sale, multifamily, and hospitality sectors, developing relationships with sponsors and capital providers to help connect clients with competitive debt and equity solutions. Sam is actively involved in supporting clients through the financing process, with experience on high-leverage, non-recourse construction, bridge, and permanent loans tailored to each project’s business plan.

Sam has developed a particular interest in the hotel sector, where his work centers on helping developers and owners structure financing that aligns with the unique dynamics of hospitality assets. He is drawn to the combination of real estate, operations, and design that hotels represent, and is continuing to build his expertise in this area by working closely with sponsors on ground-up developments and recapitalizations.

He earned his B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from the University of Southern California. Outside the office, Sam enjoys traveling, hiking, practicing yoga, exploring new restaurants in Los Angeles, and spending time with friends and family.

Sean Lenz spearheads the MBP equity division as Senior Vice President. Sean brings a distinguished background in real estate investment banking and private capital advisory, with nearly two decades of experience working alongside institutional clients, sponsors, and developers across the U.S. Most recently, he served as Founder and Managing Director of Arboreal Capital, where he specialized in raising private capital and structuring strategic transactions for real estate operators and funds. Over his career, Sean has advised on more than $20 billion in transactions, spanning mergers, reverse mergers, divestitures, IPOs, and complex debt and equity financings. His expertise spans the full capital stack and includes senior and subordinated notes, proprietary debt placements, and over $5 billion in private capital raising, which has been his core focus.

Prior to founding Arboreal, Sean held senior roles within the real estate investment banking groups at Sutter Securities, Salem Partners, Cantor Fitzgerald, and BMO Capital Markets, where he was a trusted advisor to public and private REITs, real estate developers, and fund managers. He has executed transactions across all major real estate sectors including multifamily, industrial, healthcare, hospitality, and net lease, as well as in infrastructure and energy. His work includes both advisory and principal investment experience, with a deep understanding of asset management and buy-side transaction dynamics. Sean is known for his thoughtful, client-centric approach to solving complex capital needs and creating structures that support long-term value creation.

Sean began his career in Wachovia Securities’ Real Estate Corporate Finance Group (now Wells Fargo), and graduated cum laude from the University of Richmond, with dual majors in Finance and Leadership Studies. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sean will be instrumental in expanding MBP’s capital markets platform, advising clients through sophisticated transactions, and helping grow our national presence in institutional real estate finance.

Zachary Novatt is a Director in the Calabasas office of MBP with more than 13 years of institutional real estate investment and capital markets experience. Having spent over a decade as both a principal investor and lender, Zach brings a differentiated, execution-focused perspective to advising clients on complex debt and structured financing solutions.

Prior to joining MBP, Zach served as Director and Head of West Coast Origination at Calmwater Capital, where he led the origination and execution of over $600 million of senior construction and bridge financings across a wide range of asset types.

Previously, Zach was Head of Acquisitions for GR Properties’ U.S. platform, the U.S. division of a multi-billion-dollar vertically integrated Hong Kong-based developer, and a member of the acquisition and underwriting team at Canyon Partners, where he worked across multiple debt and equity strategies.

Over his career, Zach has been involved in more than $3 billion of commercial real estate investments, spanning acquisitions, underwriting, lending, structured products, joint ventures, securitizations, and debt and equity capital markets transactions.

Zach began his career in investment banking in New York in structured products at Citigroup, followed by the Real Estate Industry Group at J.P. Morgan. He holds a B.S. in Finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Zach’s approach is grounded in integrity, creativity, and tenacity, with a focus on delivering certainty of execution and trusted capital advisory. Outside of work, he enjoys skiing, riding his horse, traveling, and spending time with his family.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-novatt-00267b6/

Melissa Nguyen is the Executive Operational Coordinator and Controller at Max Benjamin Partners and Hybridge Capital Management, where she oversees financial operations and firm-wide execution across multiple entities and portfolio companies. In her Controller role, she manages accounts payable and receivable, cash flow management, expense tracking, and monthly financial close processes, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance across all business functions.

Prior to her current role, Melissa served as Construction Billing and Operations Manager at a luxury residential custom home builder, where she oversaw a $17M development alongside up to five additional concurrent projects. She implemented company-wide billing protocols that significantly reduced errors and improved financial accuracy, overseeing budgets, job costing, lender documentation, client payments, and fraud prevention for each project. Her earlier experience includes Operations Manager and property management roles, supporting commercial real estate underwriting, deal flow management, and complex financial record-keeping.

Melissa's foundation in engineering, combined with deep hands-on financial experience, gives her a uniquely analytical lens on operations and process design. A self-starter known for taking initiative and leading with minimal oversight, she brings a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to every engagement. She is highly proficient across financial, operational, and project management platforms, with a proven ability to implement process improvements, optimize workflows, and translate complex financial data into actionable insights for leadership. She is deeply committed to protecting shareholder value and ensuring that every operational and financial decision serves the long-term interests of the firms. 

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys surfing, climbing, snowboarding, and creative pursuits like pottery which reflects the same curiosity and drive she brings to her professional work.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nguyenmelissa23/

Roey Dadon is a Vice President in the Calabasas office of MBP, focused on commercial real estate debt and equity placement. With a background spanning direct lending, principal investing, and corporate finance, Roey brings an underwriter's perspective and an originator's discipline to advising sponsors on complex capital structures and execution-driven financing solutions.

Prior to joining MBP, Roey spent over four years at Anvil Channel Energy Solutions, a private family office focused on direct lending, where he originated more than $150 million in senior secured transactions and built out the firm's Canadian origination platform from the ground up. Earlier in his career, Roey was a member of the investment banking team at Innovation Capital, a boutique advisory firm, and held a role in the valuation practice at PwC. He has been in the industry since 2018.

Roey holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Southern California. His approach is grounded in rigorous underwriting, transparent communication, and tenacious execution on behalf of his clients. Outside of work, Roey is a lifelong Lakers fan and a student of the watch and collector car markets.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/roey-dadon-021494b2/

Sam Manoochehri serves as Vice President at MBP, where he is responsible for debt and equity origination, advisory, and placement across a broad range of commercial real estate asset classes. Sam focuses on developing and maintaining relationships with borrowers and capital partners, leveraging MBP's extensive lender network to deliver competitive and structurally sound financing solutions for clients nationwide.

Sam brings a uniquely well-rounded background to his role at MBP, having worked across both sides of the capital markets. He began his career in real estate finance, where he originated over $640M in commercial and residential debt, built an extensive referral network, and was consistently recognized as a top producer. He subsequently transitioned into multifamily acquisitions, closing over $380M across 1,900+ units for institutional platforms across the Western U.S. His experience spanning debt origination, complex underwriting, capital structuring, agency and bridge debt placement, and full-cycle deal execution positions him as a trusted advisor to borrowers navigating today's capital markets.

Sam is also the founder of Arroyo Equities, a multifamily acquisitions platform, and holds a California Real Estate Broker license and a B.S. in Real Estate, Finance, and Business Administration from California State University, Northridge. Outside of work, Sam enjoys staying active and spending quality time with his family.

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

Steven leads our New York team as a veteran Capital Markets Advisor and Technology Executive with a 30-year track record of driving innovation and closing high-stakes transactions across real estate, finance, and media.

He began his career deploying institutional equity and debt trading platforms for Fortune 100 giants including Merrill Lynch, Citibank, and Credit Suisse. In 2000, he bridged technology and media at ABC News, building live computing infrastructure for marquee broadcasts like Good Morning America and election coverage alongside Peter Jennings and Barbara Walters. Recognizing his expertise in scaling tech, billionaire Barry Diller recruited Steven as a technology executive for IAC (formerly USAI), where he supported the strategic acquisition and integration of Expedia, Ticketmaster, and Match.com.

In 2004, Steven pivoted to commercial real estate, joining legendary Capital Markets broker Howard Michaels at The Carlton Group as Chief Technology Officer. There, he engineered a proprietary, streamlined loan auction platform that successfully transacted over $2 billion in commercial loans through 2009.

Leveraging this deep financial expertise, Steven transitioned into a Commercial Real Estate Capital Markets Advisor in 2012. He has since originated and structured over $2 billion in capital markets financings, focusing on high-profile land acquisitions and ground-up luxury condo and office high-rises in Manhattan and Miami CBDs. His institutional client roster features prominent firms like Bluerock REIT, Savanna Fund, Cohen Equities, and Vladislav Doronin’s OKO Development. In 2016, Steven returned to The Carlton Group to head all origination and placement activities for the Chairman's family office, seamlessly maintaining his institutional and client relationships

Steven holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Management from the University of Delaware.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-weis842/

Cameron Lind is a Vice President at Max Benjamin Partners, where he specializes in originating, underwriting, and structuring debt and equity solutions for commercial real estate developers and investors nationwide. He focuses on high-leverage, non-recourse construction financing across transactions ranging from $10 million to more than $250 million, recently leading the successful placement of a $75 million homebuilding facility for a first-time residential developer.

Prior to joining MBP, Cameron was part of the Los Angeles State Real Estate Group at California Bank & Trust, where he underwrote and analyzed approximately $2 billion in commercial real estate assets, developing expertise in credit analysis, risk assessment, and complex financing structures.

Cameron earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business. Outside of the office, he enjoys working out, snowboarding, fishing, attending live music events, and spending time with family.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-lind-301296176/?skipRedirect=true

Tyler Cullen is an Associate at Max Benjamin Partners, where he structures high-leverage, non-recourse construction financing for residential developers and homebuilders nationwide, across for-sale housing, build-to-rent, multifamily, and condominium projects. He has been involved in the placement of more than $75 million in construction capital. Tyler works closely with sponsors to understand both the project and the track record behind it, so that the story driving a deal is framed correctly for the right audience. No two projects are the same, and he spends the time upfront identifying the structure and the capital group best suited to a given business plan rather than forcing a deal into a generic box.

Tyler began his career at Houlihan Lokey in the firm's Portfolio Valuation and Fund Advisory practice, one of the largest independent valuation platforms in the world, where he valued illiquid debt and equity positions held by private credit funds, hedge funds, and REITs. He covered nearly 100 investments at any given time, giving him an early and unusually broad view of how institutional capital marks risk across the capital stack. He carries that perspective into every deal he structures today. Prior to joining MBP, Tyler spent a year at FloQast, a Los Angeles-based financial technology company.

Tyler earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business, with a minor in Mathematical Finance, and was named a USC Presidential Scholar, one of the university's top merit awards. Outside the office, he is a lifelong USC football fan and enjoys fly fishing and classic rock.

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

Rayan is an Associate at Max Benjamin Partners, where he specializes in originating, underwriting, and structuring debt and equity financing solutions for commercial real estate developers and investors nationwide. He works across the capital stack with a focus on high-leverage construction, bridge, and value-add financing, partnering closely with sponsors and capital providers to deliver tailored financing strategies from initial underwriting through closing.

Prior to joining MBP, Rayan interned with the Kitty Wallace Team at Colliers, supporting multifamily investment sales throughout the Greater Los Angeles market, and with the SK Group at Marcus & Millichap, where he gained experience in underwriting, market analysis, and business development for multifamily investment opportunities. These experiences provided him with a strong foundation in commercial real estate investment and capital markets.

Rayan earned his B.A. in Economics from UCLA and holds an ARGUS Enterprise Certification in Commercial Real Estate Analysis from UCLA Extension. Outside the office, he enjoys playing basketball, staying active, and spending time with family.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayan-jowharchi-569809276/

MBP arranged $3,500,000 in construction financing to complete a luxury single-family residence with a detached ADU in Lafayette, CA.

MBP successfully arranged construction financing for the completion of a luxury single-family residence with a detached ADU in Lafayette, California. The experienced local sponsor sought a tailored capital solution to refinance existing debt, fund the remaining construction budget, and efficiently advance the mid-construction project through completion.

MBP structured a highly efficient, zero-cash-to-close execution that reimbursed eligible project costs incurred to date and included a fully funded interest reserve. The financing allowed the sponsor to recapture a portion of the equity already invested in the project, preserve liquidity for future opportunities, and maintain uninterrupted construction progress without contributing additional capital at closing.

The transaction underscores MBP’s ability to navigate complex, in-progress construction assignments and deliver creative, high-leverage financing solutions tailored to experienced residential developers. By aligning the capital structure with the sponsor’s business objectives and the project’s remaining needs, MBP positioned the development for a streamlined path to completion. Financing was arranged by Sam Axner and Herschey Liss.

Transaction Details

Lafayette, CA

Transaction Overview

Intermediaries Team

Herschey Liss

Sam Axner

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