Resilience and integrity. Hector Castro, one of the three co-founders of
Resilience and integrity. Hector Castro, one of the three co-founders of Equity Lending Solutions, credits these attributes for their financial company’s unprecedented rise. Because the circumstances were definitely stacked against them from the start. Founded in October 2019, just months before the world was plunged into the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, this Miami-based private lender has defied the odds to become the number two private lender in Florida and the 28th nationwide.
Equity Lending Solutions focuses on helping clients achieve their financial goals. They specialize in providing fix-and-flip loans, ground-up construction loans, bridge loans, and DSCR loans. By offering high-quality service and fostering strong, lasting relationships, Equity Lending Solutions is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with.
The success began with its three young co-founders— Hector, Gabriel Sultan, and Daniel Benarroch.
Equity Lending Solutions began when Hector, then working on a consulting project, crossed paths with Daniel. Daniel had an impressive network of private investors, while Hector had access to a broad client base. Realizing the potential synergy, they decided to join forces.
“We started conversations like, ‘Hey, Daniel, let’s build something together,'” Hector recalls.
The duo soon brought in Gabriel, who hailed from a family with a strong corporate background , providing the structural acumen they needed.
Hector reflects, “I think we are the perfect tripod. Daniel brings the investors, I the clients, and Gabriel brings the structure.”
Their business model was meticulously crafted to operate with the precision of a bank. This approach meant they could manage their investors’ money with the utmost care, rotating capital efficiently and securely. Despite the solid strategy, the young company faced a monumental challenge almost immediately—COVID-19.
Launching Equity Lending Solutions in late 2019, the founders could not have anticipated the global pandemic. “We opened in October, so in 2020, COVID hit. It was horrible,” Hector recounts.
With the future uncertain, they grappled with the decision to either close down or press forward. Their choice to continue operating, albeit cautiously, proved to be pivotal. “We leveraged technology and the benefit of our relative youth to brazen through when others would have crumbled,” Hector says.
The subsequent rebound, fueled by government stimulus and a hot real estate market, saw the company flourish. By the end of 2020 and throughout 2021, they experienced exponential growth.
Equity Lending Solutions found its niche in providing short-term construction and fix-and-flip loans, targeting builders, flippers, and foreign nationals needing quick refinancing.
Hector believes customers respond to the integrity that three principals demanded be central to their business. “People trust us to treat them fairly and only present fair deals that will not put them into financial hardship. I think this is the key to our rapid growth,” he says.
However, the meteoric rise hit another roadblock. The company faced a daunting challenge in 2022 when interest rates soared to historic highs. “2022 was the highest interest rate in more than 40 years in the US,” Hector laments.
The skyrocketing rates necessitated a complete restructuring of their operations. They had to pause briefly to reassess their strategy. “We had that question again—should we close or continue? We developed a strategy to survive COVID, we will survive this too,” Hector states resolutely. And survive they did.
Through conservative and cautious management, Equity Lending Solutions not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger. By the end of this turbulent period, they had solidified their position as a leading private lender. Their success was achieved primarily through word-of-mouth referrals and a sterling reputation, rather than aggressive marketing.
This organic growth approach has paid off, as evidenced by their recent milestone of $1 billion in originations.
Today, Equity Lending Solutions is a success because of its founders’ resilience and strategic thinking in the face of adversity. Their journey from a fledgling startup to an industry leader in just a few years is remarkable.
“We went from nobodies to an example of success in the industry,” Hector states with a smile.
The company’s primary focus remains on Florida and Texas, with plans to expand to North Carolina, though the company can provide loans throughout the US. The three co-founders remain focused on their core values of integrity, client care, and prudent financial management. The future looks bright for Equity Lending Solutions, a company forged in the crucible of crisis and poised to lead the private lending industry.
For more information about Equity Lending Solutions and their services, please visit equitylendingsolutions.com or contact Hector Castro.
Equity lending refers to the practice of borrowing against the equity of a property or asset, allowing individuals or businesses to access funds based on their ownership stake.
Fix-and-flip loans are short-term loans designed for real estate investors who purchase properties to renovate and sell for a profit within a short period.
Interest rates are the cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage of the principal amount, and can fluctuate based on economic conditions and monetary policy.
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