I have spent my career building businesses, investing capital, and creating opportunities through disciplined execution. Before entering private lending, I served for 18 years as President of one of the largest interior and exterior property maintenance companies in California’s Central Valley. At its peak, the company employed more than 400 people. In 2006, I sold the business to a New York-based private equity firm and began focusing full-time on my professional passion: private money lending and real estate-backed investing.

Today, I lead three entities operating within the private capital and lending space.

What makes ZINC different is simple: we are a licensed direct lender, not a broker. We invest our own capital alongside the investors we serve, participate in the same transactions, assume the same risks, and remain directly accountable for every loan and investment we originate. That alignment of interests is fundamental to how we operate.

To date, ZINC has originated more than $1 billion in private money loans while maintaining a historical loss ratio of less than one-eighth of one percent. I have also personally fixed and flipped more than 500 properties. Our team actively manages millions of dollars in real estate-backed loans and investments and funds millions in new transactions each month.

Every ZINC loan is secured by a first-position lien against the underlying collateral. We focus on opportunities that fall just outside traditional bank guidelines—transactions requiring speed, flexibility, experience, and disciplined underwriting. We also require borrowers to invest meaningful cash into every transaction. Whether the collateral involves real estate or another asset class, the borrower must have genuine capital at risk. This creates accountability and aligns the interests of the borrower, lender, and investors.

For me, this business is about more than deploying capital. It is about protecting principal, making disciplined decisions, building long-term relationships, and helping experienced operators turn strong opportunities into successful outcomes.

John joined the ZINC team in 2012 and has many years of experience in the accounting, forensic analysis, and oversight of various financial investment instruments. He acquired his license as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of California in February of 2012.

Before joining ZINC, he practiced in public accounting for six years at CBIZ & Mayer Hoffman McCann, P.C., a national independent CPA firm focusing on litigation and valuation services. He performed analyses in hundreds of litigation engagements involving marital dissolutions, fraud, and fund tracings in this capacity.

He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Claire is the Community Director at ZINC, overseeing community relations across 11 counties in California’s Central Valley. Born and raised in the area and a Fresno State graduate, she has deep local roots and is dedicated to helping investors get their Central Valley properties funded.

Mario serves as the IT Operations Manager at ZINC, where he oversees the end-to-end technology ecosystem that powers the organization. By prioritizing enterprise-wide reliability and data security, he ensures that ZINC’s entire infrastructure remains a resilient catalyst for efficiency and innovation.

Matt leads ZINC’s Customer Experience team, focused on building strong relationships and ensuring a smooth, supportive experience for every client. He serves as the primary internal contact for borrowers and oversees operations from application through funding. Matt works closely with borrowers to make the funding process clear, efficient, and stress-free.

Nick is a Field Assistant at ZINC Realty, supporting on-site operations and project coordination. He works closely with the team to help ensure projects stay organized, on schedule, and moving forward efficiently.

Piper is ZINC’s Marketing Coordinator, leading our social media efforts and helping shape the brand’s voice online. With a strong background in marketing and brand identity, she brings creativity and strategy together to engage our community and showcase what makes ZINC unique.

Ryan joined ZINC in 2024 to lead ZINC Auto Finance, bringing over 30 years of experience in subprime auto lending. Before ZINC, he held senior management roles at Westlake Financial Services, where he oversaw more than 150 employees and played a key role in growing receivables from $300 million to over $2 billion while maintaining exceptionally low delinquency and loss levels. Ryan has also held leadership positions at WFS/Wachovia, United Auto Credit, and Bayside Credit, leveraging his deep industry knowledge to drive operational excellence and strong results.

Kyle is the Director of Marketing at ZINC with over 15 years of experience in the real estate industry. He leads brand strategy and marketing initiatives that drive growth and strengthen ZINC’s market presence.

Kelly Samson is a seasoned mortgage professional with over 30 years of industry experience. Throughout his career, he has successfully led teams of more than 30 employees, serving in leadership roles including Area Processing Manager and Underwriting Department Manager.

Currently, Kelly oversees the Post-Closing and Capital Markets divisions at ZINC Financial, Inc., where he is responsible for ensuring operational excellence and supporting the efficient delivery of loan transactions. He is known for fostering high-performing teams by continuously refining processes and creating an environment where individuals are empowered to reach their full potential.

Outside of the office, Kelly enjoys staying active through pickleball and bowling.

I am Jack Achey, the V.P. of Construction at Zinc, where I bring nine years of hands-on experience and a high-energy approach to every project. My journey at Zinc has been one of dedicated growth—starting as an intern and rising through the ranks to my current leadership role, where I manage crews through full property rehabs and lead our off-market acquisitions team.

A Fresno native through and through, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Business Management from California State University, Fresno. I am truly in my element when I’m out in the field and immersed in the outdoors. When I’m not overseeing construction sites, I stay active by skiing, hiking, and riding mountain bikes.