John Handmaker, co-founder of Q2 Business Capital, has more than 27 years of experience in small business finance and commercial lending. Prior to Q2, John co-founded Quadrant Financial which over its 14-year history became one of the largest small business lenders in the country. Under John’s leadership, Quadrant also appeared on the INC 5000 fastest growing companies list and won the 2012 Business First Louisville Company of the Year Award.

John’s extensive history in finance has included work for Bank United, Liberty National Bank, and The Money Store, where he was one of the company’s all-time top performers.

In 1994, John opened the Louisville market for The Money Store and was appointed to the company’s prestigious “President’s Club” in 1996 and 1997. In 1996, John was also honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration as “The Financial Services Advocate of The Year”.

In both 2011 and again in 2012, John was recognized as a Finalist in Ernst & Young’s annual Entrepreneur of the Year event.  A native of Louisville, John graduated magna cum laude in 1988 with a degree in economics from Vanderbilt University.

Two things you might not know about John: He’s an excellent cook and often caters for his wife and two young kids. He’s also a big fan of live music. Next time you see him, ask him how many times he’s seen his favorite bands in concert.

Kirk Robinson brings more than 25 years of banking experience to Q2 Business Capital’s Executive Leadership Team as the company’s Chief Credit Officer. Most recently, Kirk managed credit at Live Oak Bank, the nation’s largest SBA lender.

Kirk has been actively engaged on the risk side of our industry, serving as a National Board Member of the Risk Management Association. He has also served as an RMA Chapter President, among other leadership roles.

A graduate of the University of Central Florida, Kirk went on to the Graduate School of Banking in Boulder, Colorado.

In his spare time, Kirk enjoys travel and bike riding, including competitive cycling with regular appearances at USA Cycling’s Masters Track National Championships.

Courtney Arena, EVP, Chief Legal Counsel of Q2 Business Capital, has spent her career as an attorney working in small business finance and commercial lending.

Courtney began her career as in-house counsel for a nationally recognized 7a lender. Eventually, she and Kim Ray, Q2 Business Capital’s EVP, Legal Counsel, formed their own firm to focus on representing the interests of lenders seeking to make government guaranteed small business loans on a local, regional, or national scale. Immediately prior to joining the Q2 team, Courtney served as in-house counsel and SBA Loan Administration Manager for BankUnited, N.A.

Courtney graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law where she was recognized for academic excellence in property law and trail advocacy.  She is married with one son for whom she enjoys using her creativity to bake unique cakes. Courtney and her husband are active members of their church where she serves on the children’s ministry team.

Kim Ray, EVP, Legal Counsel, for Q2 Business Capital, has worked her entire legal career in the professional circles of government guaranteed lending.  Her deep expertise has been honed through several stints as in-house closing counsel at nationally-recognized SBA 7(a) lenders.  Additionally, she launched her own boutique firm in partnership with Q2’s Courtney Arena, where the pair focused on representing lenders making government-guaranteed loans. Most recently, Kim served as in-house SBA closing counsel for BankUnited, N.A.

A proud Volunteer, Kim attended the University of Tennessee for both her undergraduate and law school degrees. She is married with two daughters who keep her busy with violin lessons and performances as part of the Knox Symphony Youth Orchestra. Kim also enjoys reading, cooking, gardening and travel.

Before joining the SBA lending community, Natalie Beane worked in operations management for a utility management services firm where she worked for two entrepreneurs helping to grow a small business exponentially in preparation for its successful sale.  That experience helping to build something from the ground up inspired her to forge a career in SBA lending.  Her first-hand understanding of the challenges small businesses face and her experience working with entrepreneurs provide the foundation for her approach to SBA lending.

Natalie started her SBA career with Quadrant Financial where she had the good fortune to again work with two progressive entrepreneurs.   Through a sequence of acquisitions, she also worked for CertusBank and BankUnited before rejoining the Quadrant founders at Q2 Business Capital.

Natalie earned an undergraduate degree from University of Chicago and an MBA from University of Notre Dame where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in two years.  When she’s not working or enhancing her education, Natalie actively volunteers as a program coordinator for Girls, Inc. educating young girls on subjects ranging from economic literacy to conflict resolution. She’s also an avid football fan (Go Irish!), a repeat fantasy football champion, a yoga teacher and an ever-active mother of four.

Christian Bowles has been in the financial services industry for the past six years. His career has focused on helping entrepreneurs and small business owners with all aspects of their businesses’growth.  At Q2 Business Capital, Christian’s focus is to develop tailored loan solutions that meet his clients’ needs. Christian’s creativity and customer-centered mindset are keys to his success.

In the community, Christian is a board member for Family Scholar House, Young Professionals Association of Louisville Foundation, Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana, Home of the Innocents, and the Ballard High School Alumni Association. He is also a big brother for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Kentuckiana.

Christian graduated Summa Cum Laude from Murray State University with a degree in Finance. While not working, he enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, playing golf and cheering on the Louisville Cardinals.

Peter Burgraf has been in the banking industry for the past 15+ years. His career has focused on commercial and small business finance.   Prior to joining Q2, Peter was the top performer for FirstMerit Bank, Bridgeview Bank and Fifth Third Bank.  With a deep understanding of commercial lending, he has become known as, “The guy who gets the deal done.”

Always meant to work in banking, Peter started his career through a program at his high school that placed him as a part-time teller.  Over the years he accelerated through the retail positions and eventually transitioned into the business/commercial banking world where he has consistently been a top producer.

Based in Chicago, Peter spends most of his free time in the gym, playing golf, and spending time with his wife and new born baby girl.

Chuck Jaeger has more than 20 years of experience in finance, residential, commercial and small business lending. Prior to joining Q2, Chuck was a top contributor for Quadrant Financial, Bank United, Certus Bank, Community West Bank and Prime Trust Bank. Throughout his career, Chuck has worked with customers across a wide variety of industries, helping them achieve their commercial objectives.

Chuck got his start in banking after receiving his Bachelors of Science in Business from the University of Evansville, and his MBA from Marquette University. Since then, Chuck has continued his education completing NAGGL’s ‘SBA Lenders’ course, and attending the Southeastern School of Commercial Lending. Chuck considers continuing education to be one of the most important aspects of providing good counsel and service to his clients.

Chuck spends his free time trying to keep up with his wife and two small boys and occasionally enjoying a round of golf. Chuck also works with the community helping to fundraise for St. Mary’s Villa, and Agape Animal Rescue.

Brian McClendon has more than twenty four years of experience in direct SBA lending. He specializes in providing up to 100% financing for owner-occupied real estate and equipment purchases. Over the years, Brian has served as a business development officer for various organizations and in leadership roles managing loan origination teams. He has gathered a large referral network consisting of commercial real estate brokers, business brokers and bankers, among others.

Throughout his loan origination career, Brian has consistently been a top producer and was recognized as such by the SBA’s San Diego District Office. His role at Q2 will focus on taking customer service to the next level while applying his creative, out-of-the-box mindset to help borrowers achieve their objectives.

Brian is a California native, and a graduate of California State University, Bakersfield.  When not working, he enjoys spending time at the beach, wine tasting and cheering on his beloved Dodgers. He’s also an avid traveler with his wife and their three children.

Prior to joining Q2 as our first Business Development Officer, Greg Pitner was a top producer in commercial lending at Quadrant Financial and Certus Bank.

During his 25+ years in finance, Greg has worked for a variety of firms, from large Wall Street investment banks to small private equity groups. Throughout his career, he has specialized in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and financial solutions for middle market companies.

When not at work, Greg enjoys spending time with his two daughters and his wife of 26+ years. He also has a hobby for every season: sailing in the warmer months, and skiing in the colder ones.

Greg likes to say he’s an eternal optimist. As a kid from the North side of Chicago, he’s a devoted Cub’s fan. After all, “anyone can have a bad century.”

Brandon has been in the banking industry for the past twenty years. His career has included focuses on commercial, residential and small business finance. Prior to joining Q2, Brandon was a top performer at US Bank where his efforts helped the bank to become the #1 SBA lender in Kentucky.

Always meant to work in banking, Brandon started his career in college as a part-time teller. After graduation he transitioned into mortgage originations, before eventually moving into the business/commercial banking world, which remains his area of focus and expertise to this day.

Based in Louisville KY, Brandon spends most of his free time on Lake Cumberland, playing golf, and spending time with his wife, son and daughter.

Jonas has 16 years of experience in small business lending and a background in credit analysis, portfolio management, and business development. This variety of roles throughout his career enables Jonas to take a comprehensive approach to sales, and tailor the best solution for his clients.

A graduate of Miami University with a BS in Economics, Jonas was a commodities trader for an agri-business firm prior to his career in banking. His banking tenure has included time as a top producer for Quadrant Financial, First Chatham Bank, CertusBank, and BankUnited. He regularly earned President’s Club honors at each company for his accomplishments in SBA lending.

In his time away from work, Jonas enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. He hopes to impart his love for soccer and tennis on his girls, both of whom are under the age of 3. During the school year, Jonas tutors Chicago youth. Who knows, maybe he’s training the next great SBA lender?

Joe Mascio has worked in banking for 13+ years with a focus on SBA lending for the last eight. Joe has a diverse commercial banking background that ranges from underwriting and closing, as well as operations and servicing. His work at Q2 will involve managing our portfolio of SBA loans, and working to assist borrowers with their servicing needs or questions.

Prior to joining Q2, Joe was an SBA Portfolio Officer at Radius Bank where he helped service and manage the organization’s nation-wide portfolio of SBA loans. Joe was also an SBA Credit Officer for The Bancorp Bank, where he specialized in underwriting with a focus on franchises, business professionals, and business acquisitions.

Joe graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Finance. He lives in the suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters. Joe enjoys coaching his daughters on the soccer field and going on hiking trails in the Chicagoland area and beyond. When it is time to relax you’ll find Joe playing his guitar and going to see his favorite bands.

John Maymon is a Portfolio & Servicing Specialist who has spent the last seven years servicing loans in both commercial and private banking roles. His work at Q2 Business Capital will include managing the servicing desk and assisting borrowers with any needs or questions about their loans.

Prior to joining Q2, John worked at JPMorgan Chase where he serviced the commercial bank middle market clients, supporting borrowers with loan documentation and gathering financial information for annual reviews. In this role, John provided exceptional service to both his external and internal customers.

John graduated from Indiana University Southeast in 2010 with a double major in Finance and Economics. Recently he received a Graduate Certificate from IU in Business Analytics. As if his prior academic achievements aren’t enough, he carves out time away from the office to take classes in R and Excel. When John isn’t advancing his professional skills, he enjoys spending time with his family in the great outdoors camping, hiking and boating.

Tom Maciejewski is a Servicing & Portfolio Specialist with a concentration in Special Assets. He has spent the last 15 years doing liquidation and workout on all types of government guaranteed commercial loans. His work at Q2 Business Capital will include managing the Special Assets portfolio and working to assist borrowers through the liquidation process.

Prior to joining Q2, Tom worked at Newtek Small Business Finance as a VP of Asset Management where he managed portfolios of distressed SBA and USDA loans for third party clients such as the FDIC and NCUA.

Tom graduated from Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ in 2002 with a degree in Communications. Outside of his liquidation work, Tom enjoys lifting weights, cheering on his favorite sports teams including the Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Volunteers, and following his two daughters’ soccer ambitions all over the Southeast with his wife of 12 years.

Melissa Drake has recently returned to the workforce in the role of Sales Associate assisting the members of Q2’s Business Development team. Melissa is great at determining customer needs, and delivering world class service. Applying her prior experience in Human Resources and consulting work, Melissa brings key strategic planning skills to the team.

As a busy wife and mother of two boys, Melissa jokes that her time away from the office is largely spent as her family’s chauffeur. She also enjoys baking, cooking, and volunteering in her community’s food pantry. Conversations in the Drake household these days vary from discussions on college plans to intense debates over the entertainment factor of the Marvel Universe.

Nikki Gates has worked in banking for 16+ years with a focus on SBA lending for the last eight. She enjoys SBA loans because they provide her the opportunity to work directly with business owners who are going after their dreams.

At Q2, Nikki applies her deep expertise and understanding of SBA lending to guide borrowers throughout the loan process from the application stage to the closing table. Her strengths are two-fold: being highly organized, and maintaining an unparalleled commitment to customer service. Need help or clarification on something related to your loan request? Nikki has the answers and will keep you on track for a successful closing.

Living in downtown Chicago, Nikki takes full advantage of all the city has to offer including: live music, great restaurants, cultural activities and tours. She is also an avid beach doubles volleyball player. If it’s a sunny summer day, look for Nikki on the sand volleyball courts along Lake Michigan.

Laura Peeters has been in the commercial banking industry for 27 years. She previously worked at Quadrant Financial where she expanded her extensive knowledge of commercial banking into the world of SBA lending.

Laura has served in various roles in the commercial loan operations and documentation departments with banks, including: Huntington, Chase, Bank United as well as a few community banks in the Indianapolis area.

Proud to call herself a Hoosier, Laura and her husband reside in a suburb of Indianapolis, and she loves being the mom of two sons. Laura graduated with a BS in Human Resource Management from Ball State University and received an MBA from Butler University.

Always a team player, Laura was honored three times with Quadrant Financial’s ‘Purple Cow Award’ for going above and beyond to make someone else’s job or borrowing experience easier.

Charlotte has been in the banking industry for ten years. Her main focus has been on SBA 7a Construction and Multi-Advance projects, but she is experienced with SBA 504, USDA B&I, USDA RUS and Conventional project management as well.

Prior to joining the Q2 team, Charlotte spent six and a half years at Live Oak Bank in the Construction Department holding a variety of Construction roles. She has a passion for risk mitigation, providing support for her teammates and helping her clients grow their businesses. Charlotte enjoys providing leadership to borrowers, General Contractors, and vendors as she guides them through the closing and funding process. Her aim is always to ensure projects progress as smoothly as possible.

Charlotte graduated from Ole Miss – Hotty Toddy! She thoroughly enjoys living on the coast of North Carolina, and taking advantage of everything it has to offer with her dog, Baxter. In her free time she’s likely to be traveling, going to concerts, volunteering, trying new things and spending time with family and friends.

Todd Carson is one of Q2’s credit underwriters. With more than 18 years of commercial banking experience, and a majority of that time spent focused on the needs of small to medium sized businesses utilizing SBA programs, Todd adds tremendous value to the loan structures of Q2 clients.

Prior to joining Q2, Todd held various credit positions with American Business Lending, Chase Bank, CapitalSource, and Business Loan Express.

Todd graduated with a BBA in Finance from Texas Tech University which also happens to be where his two sons are currently enjoying their college careers. A sports fanatic, and an admitted “Homer,” Todd pulls for all of the Dallas professional teams (Cowboys, Stars, Mavericks & Rangers). He is, after all, a third generation Dallas Native with deep roots in the DFW Metroplex. Todd is also an avid fan of everything Motorsports, including: Formula 1, GT Sports Cars, American La Mans, and even NASCAR. He hopes to one day attend the legendary Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of La Mans.

Twanda Gary has 15+ years of commercial banking experience, with 14 of those in credit/underwriting. Prior to joining Q2, she was a valuable member of the Quadrant Financial team, where she helped the company double its lending portfolio and become one of the top SBA lenders nationwide.

Twanda has a focus on providing loan solutions for commercial real estate, equipment purchases, business acquisitions, partner buyouts, expansions, working capital, refinancing, and franchise financing. Her career in commercial lending has included posts with CIB Bank, Banco Popular, Certus Bank and Bank United.

Twanda lives in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area with her husband and daughter. She volunteers with the Center of Economic Progress as a tax preparer and financial coach for low income families. When she’s not at work or volunteering, look for Twanda on the dance floor. President of her collegiate dance team, to this day Twanda enjoys choreography, Zumba and various Latin dance classes. Ask her about her favorite performance of ‘Staying Alive.’

Matthew Kutner brings more than 10 years of experience working with small businesses and the SBA to Q2’s team of underwriters. Matthew’s experience includes roles in business development, portfolio management, and credit analysis. This varied background provides him with a unique perspective into the mindset and needs of his clients, and he welcomes the opportunity to solve complex or difficult lending challenges. His favorite part of the job is  helping make small business owners’ dreams a reality.

Prior to joining Q2, Matthew was a Senior SBA Underwriter at Oxford Bank where he helped to move the organization forward to one of the top producing SBA lenders in the State of Michigan. In 2018, Matthew’s efforts with the SBA were recognized as Oxford was awarded the #1 International Trade Loan lender in Michigan. Matthew is a graduate of the University of Akron, holding a B.S. in International Business and Spanish as well as an M.B.A. in Corporate Finance.

Matthew lives in the Cleveland, Ohio area with his wife and two daughters. In his spare time you are likely to find Matthew on a soccer field, either playing or coaching. He is the Director of Coaching for Team Challenger FC, and enjoys traveling with his family to tournaments across the country.

Brandy Hefner has been underwriting business loans for more than 16 years. Her underwriting career began at Goleta National Bank, later known as Community West Bank. As Brandy’s experience in commercial lending grew, she made the decision to specialize in SBA loans, and became a valuable member of the Quadrant Financial small business lending team. Quadrant transitioned to CertusBank, and eventually BankUnited, where Brandy remained a key contributor.

Across her 16+ years in the industry, Brandy has seen it all. She has underwritten loans with varying levels of complexity and for companies representing too many industries to name. At the end of the day, her favorite part of the job is hearing her borrowers’ success stories. She is inspired to know that what she does makes a difference in the lives of others.

Brandy enjoys spending her free time with her husband at their kids’ various sporting and school activities. She is usually the one carrying a large cup of coffee – iced in the summer, and steaming in the winter.

Billi Mottet has worked on the credit side of the commercial banking industry for 14 years, and brings extensive experience underwriting all types of SBA loans for Q2. She previously worked at Quadrant Financial where she was consistently a top underwriting producer.

Billi started her underwriting career at Banco Popular, where her skill and ability enabled her to work her way up from an entry level credit analyst to a Credit Supervisor/Credit Team Leader. A top performer, she was awarded the SBA department’s ‘All Star Award,’ and the ‘People’s Choice Award.’

While Billi and her family enjoy life in the suburbs of Chicago, she’s not exactly a city slicker. Billi appreciates every chance she gets to return to her roots – a farm town in Iowa with a population under 100.

Dawn has worked in banking and finance for over 25 years with extensive experience underwriting a variety of commercial requests. While she has underwritten a number of different types and sizes of commercial credits, her passion is working with and assisting small business owners.

Aside from her love of numbers and problem solving, Dawn’s motivation has been driven by personal experiences interacting with lenders. The first was at the age of 19 when she wanted to refinance her car to get a better interest rate and put herself in a better financial position. The second was while working for a small business in Denver, Colorado. In both instances, she was told that her requests were ridiculous and to forget about pursuing the loans. Both of these experiences reinforced her commitment to do everything in her power to ensure that her customers were always treated with dignity and respect. While these two experiences were personally frustrating to Dawn at the time, she enjoys sharing her story of why she became a lender and what has continued to drive her to assist small business owners with their lending needs.

Dawn graduated with a BA in Finance from Western State College of Colorado and has continued to advance her skills and knowledge of accounting and lending through various national, regional and local training events and courses. Over the years she has worked for a number of banks and lending institutions, most recently a mission-driven non-profit lender where she had the opportunity to assist small business owners from underrepresented and/or under-served communities throughout the U.S.

Dawn lives in beautiful Castle Rock, Colorado with her husband and two children. She is a kid at heart who loves spending time playing with her kiddos and seeing the world through their eyes.

Put simply, Meredith’s role is to ensure everyone who interacts with Q2 has the best possible experience. To that end, she leverages her extensive background in marketing, brand strategy and communications.

Meredith worked in the corporate marketing circles of Washington, DC for 19 years. With a focus on telecommunications, she led distribution marketing strategies for Discovery Communications (Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel), and she led consumer marketing campaigns for MCI Worldcom. Meredith also developed and implemented brand strategies at a boutique marketing agency where her clients included FEMA, the U.S. Department of Education, and Warc.com, an online resource for marketing and advertising executives.

A proud graduate of Florida State University, Meredith bleeds garnet and gold. She has also filled multiple passports. Headed somewhere new? Ask if she has recommendations. Her greatest adventure to date was a 6-month, 12-country quest throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.

Mindy Stodart, Experience Associate of Q2 Business Capital, has been involved in sales, marketing, and administrative support over her 20-year work history. Much has changed, but her emphasis on results and elevating client experiences has not.

Out of college as a Fine Arts Major with a Minor in European Studies, Mindy opened an art and framing shop called the stodART group. She realized quickly the challenges small businesses face with acquisition of capital, with cash flow, and with labor management.  After five good years of small business ownership, she sold the equipment and went into sales. Selling and supporting sales has always been her favorite part of business. She has successfully sold everything from telecommunications to pharmaceuticals.

In sales roles, Mindy developed skills that she carried into her five years as a volunteer on the PTO Board of Hyde Park School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where her two children attended. When she is not at work, you will find Mindy walking the family dog or taxiing children to and from soccer, martial arts classes and violin lessons. Kickboxing is the way she chooses to relax.

Ranjan Mevawala works to ensure all documentation collected throughout the life of each loan in Q2’s portfolio is properly documented. Her background as a loan closer for Q2 Business Capital, Noah Bank and Freedom Mortgage makes her the ideal person to ensure post-closing compliance. Prior to working in finance, Ranjan honed her terrific attention-to-detail skills during a five-year stint as a paralegal for a law firm.

Not only is Ranjan an experienced SBA loan closer, but she’s also an entrepreneur and former small business owner who spent more than ten years owning and operating two Subway franchises. This unique perspective makes her an outstanding fit for working with Q2’s borrowers.

When she’s not working, Ranjan enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. And when she’s not chasing her boys, you may find her in her kitchen where she enjoys experimenting with new recipes and new flavor profiles.

Scott Parrott is responsible for all of Q2’s secondary market activities, including the execution of sales to investors and the cultivation of investor relationships.  Scott has more than 27 years of small business and commercial lending experience. Prior to joining Q2, Scott was the SBA Lending Coordinator for Stock Yards Bank. Before joining Stock Yards, he created the Government Guaranteed Lending department for Ascencia Bank and served as a Business Banking Officer for US Bank and PNC Bank. Scott has a diverse SBA background that ranges from originations to liquidations, as well as a solid understanding on all operational functions.

Scott began his banking career after receiving his Bachelors of Business Administration in Economics from the University of Georgia, and his MBA from Webster University. Additionally, Scott has continued his education by attending the Southeastern School of Commercial Lending and the ABA National Commercial Lending School.

Outside of the office, Scott enjoys traveling with his wife of 25 years, chasing his two four-legged children, working out and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.

Anita Stevens supports post-closing and compliance with an emphasis on Q2’s multiple disbursement loans. No stranger to the small business world, she and her husband were both bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and successfully created two small business ventures in the late 80’s.

Returning to the banking industry in 1993, Anita has spent the last 23 years working in Loan Operations. She has managed numerous departments, and navigated her teams through bank mergers, acquisitions, core system conversions and office relocations.

Known for being quite crafty and a pretty good cook,  most of Anita’s free time is spent with her husband of 35+ years enjoying the fruits of their labor in three grown sons. Called “Nini” by her three precious grandsons, Anita is still waiting for the day she can dress someone in PINK!

Angela (Angee) Torres heads up Q2’s post-closing and compliance areas, leveraging her 21+ years of experience in closing operations for commercial and SBA lending. Prior to Q2, Angee led the closing team for Certus Bank. Her deep experience has enabled her to develop policies, procedures and structure that ensure compliance, mitigate risk, and support audits of the Q2 loan portfolio.

After receiving her BA in Economics from Montclair State University, Angee’s career started with a decade of legal and title work with various law firms. Her commercial lending experience has also included work for Bank United, BNB Hana Bank and CIT Small Business Corporation.

Demonstrating Q2’s ‘work hard, play hard’ culture, two of Angee’s hobbies are hitting the gym (work hard) and baking cookies expertly decorated with royal icing (play hard). Her three sons happily enjoy the lion’s share of the cookie consumption.