Q: Could you walk through your role as President of Lending and share a bit about how it shapes the experiences of DLP’s investors?
My role is to lead DLP’s lending team, which involves developing and seeking out financing opportunities that form the foundation of the DLP Lending Fund and DLP Preferred Credit Fund.
Beyond sourcing new opportunities, I am also responsible for assessing their risk. Understanding risk and maintaining the right mindset is fundamental in this business because, at the end of the day, we’re stewarding capital that DLP’s investors have entrusted to us. Every decision we make carries serious responsibility, and that responsibility shapes the way we evaluate new opportunities, structure deals, and monitor performance over time.
Ultimately, my goal is to strike a balance between strategic growth and effective risk management. It is also important for me to consider the long-term value of our investments, rather than focusing solely on short-term or near-term gains. We aim to deliver stable returns to investors year after year and maintain a portfolio that performs consistently throughout market cycles, which in turn strengthens the trust that fuels our business.
Q: What makes DLP’s lending platform unique, and what excites you most about leading the team behind it?
What excites me most is the caliber of people we have on the team and the culture that unites them. DLP attracts exceptional talent because of its deeply-rooted values, which create a culture that’s both inspiring and magnetic. As a leader, one of my primary responsibilities is to attract, develop, and retain great people—and DLP makes that possible by giving our team a mission that’s meaningful to align with.
At the same time, what truly sets our lending platform apart is its vertical integration. We’re not just lenders; we also have hands-on expertise in developing and managing real estate. That perspective is rare among asset managers and offers us a competitive edge.
For example, our draw process is managed by construction development experts who understand the realities of building a project from start to finish. That insight allows us to anticipate challenges, support sponsors, and manage risk more effectively, all while providing a positive experience for our borrowers.
Understanding market competition and regularly revisiting our promotional and leasing strategies is also crucial. My role is to act as the “owner” of these properties, and that stewardship can directly impact investor capital.
Q: From Amsterdam to New York to Montreal, your career has led you around the globe. How has that international experience shaped the way you approach your role today?
Having lived, studied, and worked professionally in different countries has been incredibly valuable. It’s taught me to adapt to different cultural nuances and interact with a wide range of people.
As a leader, my international experience helps me to work with different personalities more effectively. It enables me to better navigate relationships and develop solutions that are tailored to our sponsors, partners, and investors. Ultimately, those skills drive success in my current role because I’m able to adapt to whoever is on the other side of the table.
Q: What is one lesson you learned early on in your career that still guides your decision-making today?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that regardless of what industry you’re in, there will be times when things get tough. Early on in my career, I used to think things would just continue to go well, but the reality is that most businesses are cyclical, which is why it's so important to always remain prepared for anything and everything. In the lending business, we have to be exceptionally discerning and make decisions with many different scenarios in mind.
Q: What hobbies or passions help you stay grounded and energized outside of work?
My family is the most important thing in my life, and one thing I really appreciate about DLP is the philosophy that people should be fulfilled not just at work, but as a whole.
That constant message coming from Don [Wenner] and trickling down throughout the organization encourages me to Live Fully and prioritize the “Eight F’s of Life,” [Faith, Family, Fitness, Finance, Fulfillment, Freedom, Friends, and Fun].
For me, that means being intentional about creating time and space for my family, while still striving to be the best I can be at work. Aside from spending time with family, I also love to take on physical challenges and am very passionate about cycling. I recently completed an 80-mile ride, and my goal is to finish a 100-mile fondo before the end of the year. Cycling requires endurance, training, and discipline, which keep me physically fit and mentally sharp. It also ties back to the “Eight F’s” by supporting my fitness and overall well-being.
Q: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice at the beginning of your career, what would it be?
When I was young, I thought working hard was enough. I was told that if you just work hard, everything else will fall into place. Over time, I realized that’s not entirely true. Hard work is incredibly important, but it’s not enough on its own. You need to be clear about your goals, communicate them to your leaders, and actively pursue the skills that will help you grow, both as a professional and an individual.
