When it comes to your development project or new construction venture, you want to know that your financing partner has the knowledge and experience needed to get the job done seamlessly.
In our Meet the Team series, you’ll be introduced to valued members of MCAP’s Development Finance Group to allow new, existing, and prospective clients to get to know the team responsible for making their project a success!
Ray Johnson is the Senior Director for our Vancouver office. Recently, we had the opportunity to ask him about his background in the industry, his experience at MCAP, and the distinguishing features of MCAP’s Development Finance team.
Ray, could you tell us about your experience in the industry? I’ve been in the mortgage lending industry, specifically construction financing, for nearly 17 years, almost all of which have been with MCAP. I started at MCAP as a Credit Analyst right after graduating from The University of British Columbia. I then progressed to a Senior Advisor (account management), and currently, I am a Senior Director where I’m responsible for originating new opportunities as well as overseeing an underwriting team. |
Why should a client choose MCAP for their construction financing needs?
MCAP differentiates itself from the competition by taking a creative and common-sense approach when structuring each opportunity. We tailor loans to meet borrowers’ specific needs and goals, whether that is minimizing pre-sales, providing higher leverage, a combination thereof, etc., rather than trying to make a deal fit within a particular “credit box”. We offer first mortgages, mezzanine financing, or structured A/B loans, offering a comprehensive product offering to our borrower clients.
What makes MCAP’s Development Finance Group unique?
Experience and long-term relationships. Most of the team has been with MCAP for an extended period of time and are experts in our field, having a strong understanding of the development process and current market trends. MCAP clients have the assurance of knowing they are working with an experienced team, and, in most cases, they’re working and dealing with the same team members for years on end who really know and understand them and their business.
As a highly-skilled team, we work with clients to come up with creative solutions regarding issues that may arise during the life of the loan (it’s construction and sometimes things come up – we get it).
How do you tackle difficult or complicated deals?
We are at our strongest when we work together as a team, and the collaborative sprit of our team leads to solutions and success. All the deals we finance are unique and we are always prepared for the challenge… this is why our clients place their trust in us.
How do you and your team stay motivated throughout a deal?
Our team is comprised of a group of motivated and engaged people who look to get things done efficiently for our clients, whether that’s meeting a land closing, a council date, or other specific milestones. We love to see our clients succeed, and we take pride in knowing that we helped a little bit along the way.
What are some of the secrets to your success?
Communication and teamwork. MCAP’s team is small and nimble, which allows/calls for all members of the team from underwriters to origination, to funding & admin, to senior management to be involved and work together. As a result, the team all rows in the same direction achieving success — an approval, an initial funding, or whatever the case may be.
What is the best way for new clients to contact you?
You can reach me at (604) 630-3668 or email me at ray.johnson@mcap.com. Feel free to touch base to discuss any financing requirements you may have, or to simply learn more about MCAP and how we can be a fit.
