A Leading Private Mortgage Lending Platform
About Us
At Gradient Mortgage Capital, we believe opportunity should be accessible, meaningful, and built on genuine partnerships. As a leading private mortgage lending platform, we combine capital, creativity, and compassion to support mortgage bankers and brokers on their growth journey. With a focus on collaboration, exceptional service, and streamlined execution, we don’t just fund loans—we build momentum, together!
Collaboration is at the core of everything we do. We work closely with our partners to clearly understand their business goals and obstacles so we can provide customized solutions that meet their needs. Our team values open communication, consistent transparency, and trust, ensuring every relationship feels like a true partnership.
Creativity drives our approach to lending. Each deal is unique, and we take pride in taking the necessary steps to offer tailored financing solutions that solve complex business needs, speed up decision-making, and uncover new opportunities. By thinking beyond traditional lending models, we help our clients gain a competitive edge in a fast-paced market.
Exceptional service is what sets us apart. From the first conversation to successful closings, we are committed to providing a streamlined, responsive, and supportive experience. Our clients know they can rely on us for consistent execution, quick turnarounds, and a dedicated team determined to close more deals.
Your Tailored Solution Backed by Experience
Gradient Mortgage Capital is proud to be an affiliate of Saluda Grade, a leading alternative investment firm known for its focus on emerging asset classes and forward-thinking capital solutions. Since 2019, Saluda Grade has been at the forefront of identifying opportunity where others overlook it, fueling innovation and expanding access in underserved lending segments.
This powerful relationship gives Gradient the financial foundation and institutional backing to operate with strength, speed, and certainty. It’s what allows us to deliver competitive products, consistent execution, and the lift our partners need to thrive in todav’s dynamic market. With Saluda Grade behind us, Gradient is built not just to participate, but to lead.
Navigate Our Sales Network
Where We Work. Who to Call.
The Future of Lending
And the Team That Makes it All Happen
Leadership
Edward Ainbinder
SVP, Business Development
Edward Ainbinder
SVP, Business Development
Edward R. Ainbinder, serves as SVP of Business Development at Gradient Mortgage Capital, a nationwide private mortgage lender specializing in small-balance commercial and business-purpose residential loans. With over 28 years of experience in commercial and residential real estate finance, Ed brings extensive expertise in production, sales, team management, industry relationships and credit. His production and leadership are driven by his commitment to service, relationship building and leading by example.
Before Gradient Mortgage Capital, Ed held executive roles at Stronghill Capital (ArrowMark Partners), Cherrywood Commercial Lending (Fortress Investment Group & Angel Oak), Washington Mutual and Long Beach Mortgage Company. Throughout his career, his personal and team production consistently ranked number one, regardless of company. He is also known for his unique sales techniques, service, accessibility, educational approach as well as being a regular speaker at top industry events.
He is a graduate of Hofstra University where he captained the football team and soon thereafter was invited and attended numerous NFL and CFL training camps before entering the financial services industry.
Daniel Castello
Chief Financial Officer
Daniel Castello
Chief Financial Officer
Daniel Castello serves as Chief Financial Officer at Gradient Mortgage Capital. Mr. Castello is a seasoned finance executive with deep expertise in strategic planning, financial forecasting, and operational transformation across the specialty finance and real
estate sectors. Before joining Gradient, he was CFO at Whetstone Holdings, where he led financial strategy, treasury operations, and helped drive record growth in originations and revenue. Earlier in his career, he supported financial operations at Service
Corporation International and held leadership roles in real estate development and investment, overseeing projects generating over $2 billion in revenue. Daniel holds a bachelor's degree in finance from Florida International University.
Kim Devine
Chief of Staff
Kim Devine
Chief of Staff
Kim Devine is a dynamic and experienced business professional with a strong background in project management, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. Currently serving as Chief of Staff at Gradient Mortgage Capital, she leverages her skills in CRM administration, data analysis, and strategic planning to support business growth and efficiency. Before joining Gradient Mortgage, Kim spent over a decade at Swarovski NA in various roles, including Store Opening Expert and Customer Service Supervisor, where she led large-scale retail projects, managed high-performing teams, and streamlined operational processes. Prior to her tenure at Swarovski, Kim built a successful career in the small commercial lending industry as a producing sales manager, where she honed her expertise in business development, client relationship management, and team leadership. Her diverse background and commitment to organizational success make her a valuable asset to GMC's Operations team.
Maddie Hisaw
SVP, Marketing
Maddie Hisaw
SVP, Marketing
Maddie Hisaw is the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Gradient Mortgage Capital, where she leads brand strategy and integrated marketing operations for the firm’s small balance commercial and investor-focused lending platform.
With more than a decade in the mortgage industry and nearly 20 years of marketing experience, Maddie brings a rare combination of strategic vision and hands-on execution. Her career spans leadership roles at Pacific Union Financial, First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation, Stronghill Capital, and GenWay Home Mortgage, where she built and scaled marketing platforms supporting both retail and B2B lending models.
At Gradient Mortgage Capital, Maddie leverages deep expertise across content development, email marketing, digital marketing, graphic design, social media strategy and execution, and event planning to drive brand awareness, partner engagement, and operational efficiency. She is known for building marketing infrastructures that are scalable, data-driven, and closely aligned with sales and executive leadership goals.
A graduate of University of North Texas, Maddie earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing in 2008. She is known for her personable, empathetic leadership style and is passionate about mentoring young professionals as they begin and grow their careers in the mortgage and financial services industry.
Jeremy Irwin
Chief Executive Officer
Jeremy Irwin
Chief Executive Officer
Jeremy R. Irwin serves as CEO of Gradient Mortgage Capital, a nationwide private mortgage lender specializing in small-balance commercial and business-purpose residential loans. With over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate finance, Jeremy brings deep expertise in credit, operations, institutional sales, and capital markets. His leadership is guided by a strong commitment to creativity, compassion, and customer experience.
Before launching Gradient Mortgage Capital, Jeremy held executive roles at industry-leading firms including Stronghill Capital (ArrowMark Partners), Adaptive Financial Group, Cherrywood Commercial Lending (Fortress Investment Group), Silver Hill Funding (Bayview Asset Management), and LNB Commercial Capital/Loan Services. Throughout his career, he has overseen billions in loan production, built high-performing teams, and driven innovation in lending strategy. Known for his collaborative approach and dedication to lasting relationships, Jeremy is passionate about delivering financial solutions that empower people and communities.
He is a graduate of Temple University, where he was also a member of the football team and served as a graduate assistant coach before entering the financial services arena.
Annais Klock
Chief Operating Officer
Annais Klock
Chief Operating Officer
Annais C. Klock serves as Chief Operating Officer at Gradient Mortgage Capital. Mrs. Klock is a dynamic real estate attorney and seasoned operations executive with over a decade of experience in the mortgage and financial services industry. With a strong foundation in law and insurance, she has led high-performing teams and driven operational excellence across organizations, most recently as Senior Vice President of Operations & Strategy at Stronghill Capital. Known for her strategic mindset and empathetic leadership, Annais excels in cross-functional collaboration, process optimization, and risk management. Her expertise spans managing complex transactions, streamlining loan fulfillment processes, and enhancing financial performance, consistently aligning business objectives with measurable outcomes.
Thomas Marvin
SVP, Underwriting
Thomas Marvin
SVP, Underwriting
Thomas Marvin is the Senior Vice President of Underwriting at Gradient Mortgage Capital, LLC, a nationwide direct lender specializing in small balance commercial and business purpose residential loans. With over two decades of experience in commercial real estate finance, Mr. Marvin has held key leadership roles in underwriting, asset management, credit risk, and loan servicing at firms including Stronghill Capital, Silver Hill Funding, and Bayview Asset Management. He brings deep expertise in structuring complex transactions, forensic accounting, and designing credit policy in dynamic markets. Mr. Marvin holds a CCIM designation, a Florida real estate broker license, and a B.S. in International Business and Finance from Northeastern University.
Braxton Mills
Director, Business Intelligence
Braxton Mills
Director, Business Intelligence
Braxton E. Mills serves as Director of Business Intelligence at Gradient Mortgage Capital. He brings a modern, technology-driven approach to data, combining strong engineering fundamentals with business intuition to create systems leadership can trust and act on. Braxton is known for simplifying complex systems, eliminating manual work, and delivering clear, reliable metrics that help teams move faster and make better decisions.
Before joining Gradient, Braxton most recently served as Chief Technology Officer at Atlas Agent, a real estate technology company. He began his career as a Software Engineer at Windstream, where he worked on scalable enterprise systems and conversational AI platforms. Braxton earned his degree from The University of Texas at Austin, combining Economics with formal Computer Science training.
Misty Millsap
SVP, Loan Administration
Misty Millsap
SVP, Loan Administration
With over two decades of experience in real estate finance, insurance, and banking, Misty is a strategic operations leader dedicated to optimizing efficiency and driving growth. As Senior Vice President of Loan Administration at Gradient Mortgage Capital, she oversees vendor relations, loan processing, quality control, loan sales, and collateral management. Misty is passionate about facilitating seamless transitions from loan onboarding to loan sale while ensuring operational excellence and optimizing workflows to improve efficiency and maximize revenue. Her expertise in policy development and process improvement has consistently contributed to superior customer service and strong lending partnerships. Prior to joining GMC, Misty held Officer roles at Stronghill Capital and Bank OZK, where she developed and implemented training programs, enhanced operational workflows, and strengthened client relationships. Her industry knowledge, proactive leadership, and commitment to excellence both personally and operationally make her an invaluable asset to the GMC team.
Sales
Alex Cruz
Account Executive
Alex Cruz
Account Executive
Alex Cruz brings more than 25 years of proven leadership in mortgage and commercial lending. Most recently serving as Director at Avatar Financial Group, Alex has built a strong track record of driving production, strengthening broker relationships, and expanding market presence.
Before Avatar, he served as Regional Sales Manager for NuBridge Commercial Lending and Cherrywood Mortgage Commercial Lending, overseeing seven western states and delivering consistent volume growth for more than a decade. His deep experience building and elevating wholesale channels has made him a trusted partner to brokers across the region.
Alex’s career began in residential lending with ResMae Mortgage Company and Long Beach Mortgage Company, where he earned multiple production awards for top-tier performance.
His extensive expertise and commitment to client success make him a powerful addition to the Gradient team—helping brokers rise higher in every market.
Nicole Gallagher
Account Executive
Nicole Gallagher
Account Executive
Nicole Gallagher is a results-driven mortgage executive with over 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry, spanning both sales and operations. Her deep, well-rounded understanding of all aspects of the business makes her a uniquely effective leader across residential and commercial lending.
Specializing in empowering brokers through strong partnerships, education, and strategic sales leadership, Nicole has held key executive roles such as EVP and COO—leading high-performing teams, mentoring loan officers, and driving growth across all lending products and programs.
She is known for delivering a smooth, professional experience from origination to close, with a consultative approach that consistently drives value for brokers and financial partners.
Nicole’s leadership blends hands-on coaching, operational insight, and powerful closing strategies—making her a trusted ally for brokers seeking long-term success in a competitive market.
Katie Interrante
Account Executive
Katie Interrante
Account Executive
Katie Interrante is a commercial lending professional with more than 20 years of experience across real estate and small balance commercial finance. She specializes in multifamily and mixed-use transactions, partnering with brokers nationwide to structure clean, fundable deals with speed and precision.
Katie brings deep production experience, disciplined pipeline management, and a strong understanding of both underwriting requirements and the investor mindset. She is known for identifying risk early and guiding complex transactions from application to close with clarity and decisive execution.
Katie focuses on strengthening broker relationships, delivering consistent execution, and providing strategic commercial financing solutions that move deals forward.
Eldon Lewis
VP, Regional Sales Manager Southeast
Eldon Lewis
VP, Regional Sales Manager Southeast
Prior to joining Gradient, Eldon spent nearly nine years at Silver Hill Funding, where he served in key leadership roles, including Regional Manager and most recently Sales Director. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in developing and scaling non-bankable loan programs tailored to small-balance commercial real estate and DSCR investors, with a focus on products ranging from $100,000 to $5 million across diverse property types such as multifamily, retail, warehouse, and mixed-use assets.
Earlier in his career, Eldon served as Senior Commercial Asset Manager at Bayview Asset Management, overseeing a $500M+ portfolio of performing, non-performing, and REO assets. His responsibilities spanned from due diligence and valuation modeling to managing foreclosure, bankruptcy, and disposition processes. He consistently delivered strong asset resolution outcomes.
Eldon’s foundation in commercial lending began at Silver Hill Financial and Capital One, where he developed deep expertise in broker relations and account management.mKnown for blending analytical rigor with a relationship-driven approach, Eldon is passionate about making commercial finance more accessible and transparent. He’s a Rutgers alum and a proud member of Phi Gamma Delta.
Eddie Resendez
Account Executive
Eddie Resendez
Account Executive
Eddie Resendez is a seasoned commercial lending and loan professional with over two decades of experience spanning mortgage brokerage, real estate, and financial services. Known for his unwavering work ethic and solution-oriented mindset, Eddie has built a career on integrity, client focus, and a passion for strategic problem-solving.
Prior to GMC, Eddie played a key role at NuBridge Commercial Lending as Loan Analytics Manager, where he partnered with thousands of brokers nationwide to analyze and close small-balance commercial loans. His ability to integrate financial, legal, and technical insights into loan evaluations helped scale the firm's deal volume while minimizing risk.
Eddie’s foundation in the industry was built through progressive roles at Cherrywood Commercial Lending and ResMAE Mortgage Corporation, where he earned accolades for top sales performance and leadership. With hands-on experience across analytics, account management, and sales, Eddie brings a rare blend of technical proficiency and interpersonal acumen.
Highly adaptable and driven to meet client needs, Eddie thrives in fast-paced environments requiring cross-functional collaboration and multitasking. He is a lifelong learner who embraces challenges and is known for his exceptional communication skills and ability to build lasting relationships.
Kelly Smutek
VP, Regional Sales Manager Northeast
Kelly Smutek
VP, Regional Sales Manager Northeast
Kelly Smutek serves as VP–Regional Sales Manager Northeast, at Gradient Mortgage Capital, a nationwide direct lender specializing in small balance commercial and business-purpose residential loans. As a results-driven sales professional, with over 20 years of success in the commercial real estate and financial services industries, Kelly is known for consistently exceeding sales goals and building strong client relationships. She delivers outstanding customer service by understanding her clients' needs, educating them on solutions, and ensuring a smooth, professional experience from start to finish.
Prior to joining Gradient, Kelly held roles at respected industry lenders including InterBay Funding, Silverhill Funding, and Stronghill Capital.
Operations
Narda Alba
Closer
Narda Alba
Closer
Narda Alba brings over fifteen years of experience in commercial agricultural lending, commercial real estate lending, SBA loans, equipment financing and small business loans. As a Closer for Gradient Mortgage Capital, Narda will bring her keen eye for detail, regulatory knowledge, strong interpersonal skills and pipeline management to provide a seamless and smooth closing experience. Narda is passionate about the accuracy of her work and providing a great customer experience. Prior to joining GMC, Narda held roles as a legal specialist, senior closing specialist, loan coordinator, SBA loan specialist, contract manager, credit analyst and loan processor. Her experience in lending gives her a versatile financial knowledge to excel in service standards. Narda holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Concordia University Texas.
Diana Greggio
VP, Closing
Diana Greggio
VP, Closing
Diana Greggio is the Vice President of Closing at Gradient Mortgage Capital, LLC, a nationwide direct lender specializing in small balance commercial and business purpose residential loans. Diana has over 20 years experience in commercial real estate finance, processing, underwriting, closing, and asset management at firms including Stronghill Capital, Wintrust Financial and LaSalle Bank N.A. Adept at navigating the full investment lifecycle, ensuring operational efficiency and long-term value creation. Proficient in real estate law, contract drafting, title examination, and financial coordination, managing complex transactions from start to finish.
Prior to joining GMC, Diana led a high-performing closing team at Stronghill Capital. With a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of legal and financial processes, she ensured every transaction was completed efficiently and in full compliance. Known for her leadership, client-first mindset, and ability to resolve complex issues under pressure, Diana plays a vital role in delivering seamless, stress-free closings for all parties involved.
Diana holds a B.S. in Business Management from Northeastern Illinois University.
Michelle Rodriguez
Underwriter
Michelle Rodriguez
Underwriter
Michelle is a seasoned mortgage professional with over 28 years of experience in both
commercial and residential lending. Her expertise spans underwriting, loan processing, and team
leadership, with a proven track record at respected institutions including NuBridge Commercial
Lending, Cherrywood Mortgage, American First Credit Union, Bank of America, and Resmae
Mortgage. Recognized for her precision and efficiency, Michelle thrives in high-volume
environments where accuracy and timeliness are essential. She consistently delivers exceptional
service while driving operational excellence. With a proactive mindset and collaborative
approach, Michelle is dedicated to building strong partnerships and achieving outstanding
results.
Michelle Shaffer
VP, CRE Loan Operations
Michelle Shaffer
VP, CRE Loan Operations
Michelle Shaffer brings over 15 years of experience in residential and commercial mortgage lending to her role as Vice President of CRE Loan Operations. Michelle brings deep subject-matter expertise in loan processing, compliance, and pipeline management and oversees the team of loan specialists. Michelle has held key roles at firms including Lakeview Loan Servicing, Silver Hill Funding, and Rialto Capital, where she supported complex transactions and high-volume portfolios. Known for her strategic approach and operational precision, Michelle is instrumental in developing scalable processes that drive efficiency, mitigate risk and deliver consistent, high-quality results for clients and stakeholders.
Jessica Wellbrock
Director, Post Closing
Jessica Wellbrock
Director, Post Closing
Jessica Wellbrock serves as Director, Post Closing at Gradient Mortgage Capital. Ms. Wellbrock specializes in underwriting, collateral management, quality control, and post-closing loan sales, with a focus on driving efficiency and maintaining high standards across all aspects of the loan lifecycle.
Prior to joining Gradient, Jessica held underwriting and collateral management roles at Stronghill Capital, where she was responsible for assessing borrower creditworthiness, conducting in-depth financial analyses, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Her earlier experience includes positions in property management and accounting at Coldwell Banker Commercial, giving her a well-rounded foundation in the commercial real estate industry.
Jessica earned her degree in Finance from the College of Charleston and is known for her attention to detail, cross-functional expertise, and ability to optimize operational workflows within lending organizations.