Double hire is just the start
Angel Oak Commercial Lending is looking to more than double its team this year as it builds on the growth momentum of its CRE business.
To support the continued growth of its small-balance commercial real estate lending, the firm has tapped Daniel Friedman as senior vice president and Gavin Pohlhaus as underwriting analyst. The move, according to Angel Oak, comes on the heels of a successful small-balance commercial loan securitization, which is expected to surpass $250 million this year. The company also predicts an additional $250 million in a middle-market bridge lending strategy.
Read more: Angel Oak Capital Advisors steps into commercial real estate lending
“Angel Oak has decided to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the turmoil of a difficult year and will be launching a series of debt products designed to fill the needs of our high-quality borrowers as we build a solid foundation for growth in our commercial real estate business in 2021,” said Rick Gallitto, co-president of Angel Oak Commercial Lending. “The hiring of Mr. Friedman and Mr. Pohlhaus is just the start. With a focus on expanding our client base and improving our technological capabilities, we feel we are in a great position entering 2021.”
Based in the New York office, Freidman will be responsible for sourcing and structuring debt investments for the Angel Oak Commercial Real Estate Strategies group of investment funds. Meanwhile, Pohlhaus will work from Angel Oak’s headquarters in Atlanta.
“As we embark on our growth initiatives, Daniel and Gavin are valuable additions who bring a variety of strengths that bolster our team,” Angel Oak co-president Nik Chillar said. “Their knowledge of the industry, paired with Angel Oak’s top-of-the-line technological resources, will allow us to continue offering exemplary service for our clients and further our goals within the commercial lending market.”
“I look forward to working with the Angel Oak team and really focusing on expanding the brand footprint with institutional borrowers that benefit from Angel Oak’s debt offerings,” Friedman said. “Angel Oak has built a cutting-edge platform on the backs of a great team of industry veterans, and I am excited to play a role in this growth.”
