FOUNDER - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & FUND MANAGER
FOUNDER - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & FUND MANAGER
Matt Podesto has been involved in real estate since 2016, where he initially partnered with other investors to fix and flip properties throughout Texas. In 2018, Black Label Capital was founded to deploy personal capital on the side as a true private lender while still being involved in renovations. After gaining the attention of several investors, Black Label Capital eventually evolved into a day-to-day operation deploying personal and investor capital.
As the CEO and Fund Manager, Matt manages the debt fund, asset management, loan sales, construction draws, marketing, capital raising and investor relations.
Matt is also a former U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper, serving several combat deployments overseas, until being Honorably Discharged in 2009. Matt continued his service overseas for the next 7 years, providing Diplomatic Security for the U.S. Department of State, and most notably serving on the U.S. Ambassador's Protective Detail in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Matt also obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Arizona State University in Political Science.
FOUNDER - CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
FOUNDER - CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Melissa Shields began her career in real estate in 2005 as a Transaction Coordinator. Melissa managed and closed 30-40 files a month and oversaw a team to ensure all files closed on time. In 2008 Melissa started her position as an Underwriter in a fast-paced environment. Melissa would quickly underwrite properties in 4 different counties as they were coming to the auction block. Melissa was responsible for determining what the company's maximum bid would be, in hopes of purchasing the property at auction, renovating it and selling it for a profit. Not only did Melissa need to quickly determine the value, she also needed to evaluate the title work, back taxes and existing liens to ensure there would be no surprises post-auction.
Melissa was promoted to Senior Underwriter and continued to manage a team under her. In 2011 Melissa moved out of state and took a new position as a Senior Loan Underwriter. Melissa played a huge part in the success of that new company and closed every loan from start to finish.
In 2018, Matt Podesto and Melissa Shields combined their knowledge and experience in the industry and formed Black Label Capital, LLC. Melissa is responsible for the success and timely closing of every loan file. Melissa oversees the processing and closing teams, which ensure the accuracy of all title work, communication with title officers, property insurance requirements are met, loan documents are drafted and settlement statements are accurate.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
With over 25 years of experience as a business owner, CFO, and Director of Finance for private and public companies, Kristen is highly knowledgeable in her field of finance. Kristen has extensive experience in all aspects of accounting from data entry through CFO duties in collections, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, audit and loan requirements, CPA/bank/client liaison, quarterly and annual filings, banking, financial overview, job costing, securing lien rights, and budgeting.
Kristen oversees all aspects of the accounting, servicing and bookkeeping and works closely with Black Label Capital's fund administrator, Socium. Kristen manages the fund's financial operations, financial reporting and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, investor relations and strategic planning.
DIRECTOR OF CAPITAL INVESTMENTS
DIRECTOR OF CAPITAL INVESTMENTS
Brad was appointed Director of Capital Investments in 2023 and was one of the early investors in Black Label Capital. He has a passion for helping and educating high net worth individuals make sound investment decisions. Brad still invests his own personal capital in the debt fund, and truly understands the needs and wants of current and potential investors because he is one himself.
Brad Mann served as a director on the International Car Wash Association Board from 2017-2020. He was instrumental in 2020 at International Car Wash Group (ICWG) in the mergers and acquisitions development in their key markets. Brad has a strong desire to help fellow operators reach their goals as it is a great time to be in the car wash industry. Brad also has a passion for people and operations and building out a customer focused car wash organization.
In 2019 Brad built a record breaking membership customer base, and in late 2019 ICWG acquired The Wash Factory Car Wash. Brad chose the car wash business based on his desire to build a team and see customers instantly satisfied with a clean car.
In 2010, Brad started The Wash Factory Car Wash in Denton, Texas. The brand was federally trademarked and grew to 5 locations in Texas and 2 in Oklahoma. In 2007 Brad was recruited by FIS, providers of healthcare documentation services to major health care providers, and with FIS he delivered three years of above quota sales before taking the entrepreneurial plunge.
Brad started his career at IBM as a sales leader and was consistently ranked in the top 1% of all Salesmen. While at IBM he earned a spot at Harvard University’s year-long leadership program. Brad also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business from the University of North Texas.
DIRECTOR OF CREDIT & CAPITAL MARKETS
DIRECTOR OF CREDIT & CAPITAL MARKETS
Originally from California, Tim got a taste of Texas while in the 6th grade when his family moved to Vidor for a couple of years. The family returned to California, but Tim remembered Texas fondly (just ask him about his pet raccoon!) The intervening years saw Tim start his mortgage banking career with Southern California homebuilders. Fast forward to today and Tim comes to us with over 30 years experience in mortgage processing and underwriting; the last 11 years as an underwriting manager. We are excited he is now expanding his experience to the hard money market with us.
As customer service remains one of our primary cornerstones, we believe in transparency and accessibility. Should you call the office, there is a strong probability the phone will be answered by Tim. He is always willing to take the time to listen and explain, coach, teach or help. While spending time with our clients is one of his responsibilities, he also oversees our in-house processes, manages our processing team, and is always looking for ways to improve our client experience. Give us a call today. Experience the Black Label Capital difference.
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Jeff boasts a robust background in the lending industry, backed by over twelve years of dynamic experience. His career journey began in servicing for a large bank's mortgage division where he managed and handled diverse aspects of existing mortgage loan payments, escrow, and modifications. Following this tenure, he transitioned into loan origination. In this role, he worked closely with clients, assisting them in securing new mortgage loans for property purchases or refinancing existing loans. Over the years, Jeff excelled in this avenue, honing his skills and developing a comprehensive understanding of the lending process.
His expertise is not confined to traditional lending. In recent years, Jeff ventured into the private equity/hard money sector as a loan partner and account executive. This pivotal role required working with private investors or firms that provide alternative financing options. These options are often utilized in real estate investment deals or situations where conventional lending may not be feasible. His experience in equity/hard money lending underlines his versatility in non-traditional financing options, making him a valued asset in the industry. His acumen allows him to cater to specific investment scenarios where standard loans may not be appropriate, thereby equipping him to navigate diverse and complex lending situations.
On a personal note, Jeff cherishes a balanced life, blending his professional pursuits with a healthy dose of leisure activities and family time. He loves spending time at the lake during summer and is a passionate follower of Dallas Cowboys and Texas Tech Red Raiders football throughout the fall and winter seasons. Above all, he places immense value on family, with his two boys and his wonderful wife being his biggest joys in life. His unique blend of professional prowess and personal values makes Jeff a well-rounded and versatile professional in the field.
EDUCATION - ETHICS - ADVOCACY
Our Story
Formed in 2009, the American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL) is the oldest national organization representing the private real estate and peer-to-peer lending industry. Our membership includes private money lenders, mortgage fund managers, brokers and service providers from around the United States.
Our Vision
The American Association of Private Lenders’ strives to be a nationally renowned association that reshapes the real estate finance industry. We want private lenders to be viewed as viable alternatives for borrowing and investing.
AAPL Team Core Values
As we grow as an association, it has become more and more important to explicitly define the core values from which we develop our culture, our brand, and our business strategies.Integrity – We believe that as an association we have moral obligations, as well as commercial ones. We are committed to working as an association that focuses on treating others as we would hope to be treated – with honesty, fairness, integrity and abiding by our word.
Morality – We believe in standing up for honesty, fairness and goodness.
Humor – AAPL is a fun place to work and partner with. A positive and enthusiastic association will naturally work smarter and achieve more!
Partnership – Our goal is to develop win-win partnerships with all our members, future members, and suppliers for the long-term benefit of all.
AAPL Team
Each member of the small-but-mighty AAPL Team represents the spirit of our association: driven, committed, and acutely aware of how limitless AAPL’s potential is to grow. Together we go to great lengths to provide the best possible value to each and every member.
LAW FIRM
Geraci Law Firm is the nation’s largest law firm dedicated almost exclusively to the private/non-conventional lending space and is the leading legal resource for specialty lenders, asset-based lenders, private lenders, and non-bank institutions.
Our legal departments include Banking & Finance, Corporate & Securities, and Litigation & Bankruptcy, offering lenders a vertically integrated suite of services while our Geraci Conference Line provides networking and educational opportunities to the industry at large.
Reach out today to see how we can partner together.
FUND ADMINISTRATION
Founded in 2016, Socium Fund Services provides innovative and client-focused solutions for the alternative investment industry. We deliver tailored fund administration services to private equity, venture capital, private credit, and real estate investment funds utilizing best-in-breed technology designed to handle the unique complexities of closed-end private capital funds, including the full automation of carried interest waterfalls.
Clients are serviced by experienced leaders with deep experience in fund administration and investment management. Our mission is to provide the most value-added outsourced services possible enabling our clients to focus on growth. Socium combines Experienced People + Innovative Technology + Competitive Pricing, creating a scalable and cost effective solution for General and Limited Partners.
In April 2022, Socium Fund Services was acquired by Suntera Global, a multi-jurisdictional provider of fund, corporate and private wealth services.
DRAW INSPECTIONS
APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Liberty AMC provides quick and efficient turn times and quality reports! With our selection of panel appraisers, high tech programs to expedite quality, data-filled appraisals, we supply the best customer service to our clients. We are a direct line communications company, no waiting on the phone for someone to answer. Give us a call, text or email today to schedule your appraisal inspection!
We are seeking a driven and social individual to build relationships with real estate investors and to assist in originating & processing loans throughout the nation, with a main focus in Texas.
Your Main Role:
Your may also be asked to:
The loan products you will be providing:
Requirements:
Preferred:
Location: 7250 Dallas Parkway, Suite 400, Plano, Texas 75024
Pay: Start base salary is $35,000. Base salary of $40,000 after 3-month probationary period. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week). Opportunities for commission are also available. Hours are Monday – Friday 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Apply: Email resume to hr@blacklabelcapital.com
MJ Jannamon2021-12-31I was brand new to the entire process, Matt Podesto and his team worked with me every step of the way, making sure I understood and answered all questions that came up. They were very punctual and on top of it from the initial contact to the closing date. Requested my first contractor draw and within hours (not days or weeks) they already scheduled an inspection. Blown away by their service and care. My only regret is that I wasted time with other lenders before finding Black Label Capital. Don’t make my mistake, call Black Label first and get with Matt, he’ll take awesome care of you.Jorge Rojas2021-12-30This is the best Hard Money Lender in whole Metroplex. Ease to wok with, I never had any issues with them.Kaye Green2021-12-29This lender has been great to work with. Their process and customer service has exceeded my expectations. I'm always able to get in touch with my lender and he was able to thoroughly answer all my questions throughout the transactions. Will definitely recommend BLC to others.Sam A2021-12-28Quick and super easy to deal with, we closed on a house in 48 hours, now I have 5 open loans with Matt, not to mention the personalized service that Matt provides.MARGARITA GRAHAM2021-12-28Great communication throughout and quick responsiveness!David Plowden2021-12-23I can't say enough about the process and customer service Black Label Capital provided my business in closing my loan. The process was seamless and they exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Black Label Capital for all your lending needs.Alex Pezeshki2021-12-23The staff has made it easy and understanding in dealing with funding. I have done two projects with Black Label Capital and I can't wait to do more with them!Cleveland Robinson2021-08-06Good lender to work with. What makes them valuable is that there are no junk fees and their approach to lending is straight forward.I was very pleased with my transaction.Google rating score: 4.7 of 5, based on 24 reviews