Our Vision & Growth
Our Story
Our story begins, as many do, with an unexpected wake-up call that compelled us to adapt and innovate. This wake-up call was none other than the Great Recession. It was during the fires of this economic downturn that our model was conceived, tested, and proven. We believed that if we could develop a lending model that remained safe and profitable during one of the worst financial disasters in generations, we would have something truly special. And guess what? It worked!
Our Vision
Our vision crystallized in 2006 when we noticed that capital was flowing freely—anyone could get funding for any reason. This was clearly unsustainable, and by late 2008, banks had virtually stopped lending altogether. Neither extreme made sense.
Caught in the aftermath of big bank layoffs and the consequences of years of poor corporate and governmental decision-making, we saw an opportunity. Three pivotal events transformed our idea into a tangible opportunity:
- Capital Scarcity for Low-Risk Businesses: Even the most reliable businesses couldn’t secure the funding needed for operations and construction. They needed capital wherever they could find it.
- Demand for High-Yield Investment Opportunities: With the Federal Reserve driving interest rates down to zero, those with capital weren’t earning any interest. They sought high yields wherever they could find them.
- Persistent Housing Demand Amidst Supply Shortage: New home construction plummeted by 90%, but the underlying need for housing didn’t dissipate. People needed places to live wherever they could find them.
Understanding the delicate balance between the financial and housing markets, we predicted that these events would create a housing shortage that could last for decades. With the stage set, in 2009, we invested our own money, raised additional capital, and began making real estate-backed loans for home renovations to some of our best banking customers.
Our Growth
What started as an idea has now blossomed into a multi-million-dollar, professionally managed portfolio of income-producing secured debt obligations. Our current portfolio spans multiple states and industries, completing over 400 full life-cycle projects with zero losses, serving dozens of investors and nearly 100 borrowing entities.
As our portfolio model expanded over the years, we were frequently approached to open it up for new investors seeking safe, high-yield investments. In 2020, we began transitioning our business and assets into a private equity model organized under SEC Regulation D with a 506(c) exemption.
This transition allows us to offer our investment as a Private Placement Security to accredited investors, providing exclusive investment opportunities in the realm of private credit and secured lending. We continue to be blessed with an ever-growing group of investors and partners that make Mid Atlantic an industry leader in high-yield income investing.
Today’s Group of Companies
Mid Atlantic Advisory Group
Mid Atlantic Advisory Group provides advisory and support services to private equity and debt funds. Serving as the advisor to the Mid Atlantic group of funds, with its principal fund being the Mid Atlantic Secured Income Fund, the group is dedicated to delivering exceptional value to investors. The Mid Atlantic Advisory Group, LLC is a Delaware Limited Liability company whose principal responsibility is to sponsor and provide oversight to the fund.
The company also offers advisory services to external funds in various sectors, including:
- Commercial and Non-Owner Occupied Residential Real Estate
- Automotive Financing
- Specialty Finance
- Consumer Finance
- Inventory & Receivable Factoring
- Small Business Working Capital in the legal and healthcare industries
Mid Atlantic Secured Income Fund
Our flagship fund’s investment objective is to provide high current income while seeking to preserve capital through a professionally managed portfolio of income-producing secured debt obligations. The fund originates or purchases debt obligations across a range of sectors, including:
- Small to Medium-Size Real Estate Development Projects
- Non-Owner Occupied Single-Family Residential Portfolios
- Commercial Real Estate in the Multifamily Sector
- Land and Lot Bridge Loans
- Early-Stage Commercial Project Development
- Inventory & Receivable Factoring
- Small Business Working Capital in the legal and healthcare industries
Mid Atlantic Advisory Group is the investment advisor of the fund, ensuring that each investment aligns with our commitment to consistent returns and capital preservation.
Credo Capital Management
Founded in 2007 as an asset management company, Credo Capital Management has been retained by Mid Atlantic to manage the day-to-day operations of the fund. Taking direction from the sponsor, Credo endeavors to execute the fund’s vision and strategy as it continues to grow. Their expertise in managing real estate-backed loans and secured lending plays a pivotal role in delivering the consistent income our investors expect.
By staying true to our roots and maintaining a steadfast commitment to our core principles, we have created a platform where high current income meets low volatility, allowing you to invest with confidence. Join us on this journey towards financial growth and security.
Our Leadership Team
Nathan Larsen
Chief Investment Officer
- 20 years Experience in Debt Portfolio
- $500M+ Portfolio Value
- 3 years in Legal and Healthcare
- 20 years Experience in Debt Portfolio
- $500M+ Portfolio Value
- 6 years in Legal and Healthcare
Nathan J. Larsen serves as the CIO of the Fund and Founder of Credo Capital Management LLC. Mr. Larsen has 20 years’ experience in the full life cycle management of debt portfolios in various asset classes (including: commercial/non-owner occupied residential real estate, automotive, specialty finance, consumer finance, inventory & receivable factoring, and small business working capital in the legal and healthcare industries) with an aggregate value of over $500 million under management. For the past 3 years Mr. Larsen, has been a Special Advisor to PE firms in the legal and healthcare finance space.
The majority of Mr. Larsen’s career was with Wells Fargo Bank Corp and Nicholas Financial Inc. where he led the full cycle process of growing AUM including underwriting, acquiring, servicing, auditing, and divestiture of debt portfolios. Throughout the past 9 years, Mr. Larsen has spent time growing Credo Capital Management into a respected asset manager with an exemplary track record of 250 major debt transactions. Mr. Larsen holds a B.S. in both Finance and Economics from Miami University.
Michelle Abernathy
Director of Operations
- 19+ years in private capital financing
- President and CEO of United Capital Partners, LLC
- Senior Advisor to Credo Capital Management
- 19+ years in private capital financing
- President and CEO of United Capital Partners, LLC
- Senior Advisor to Credo Capital Management
Michelle Abernathy oversees the day-to-day operations of the company’s investment platform, asset management, investor reporting, and fund management. Mrs. Abernathy is an experienced operations executive leader with over 17 years in B2B sales and revenue growth. Additionally, she is passionate about formulating and implementing the long-range strategy of debt portfolios in various asset classes including automotive, specialty finance, and consumer finance. At Nicholas Financial, she specialized in life-cycle credit and valuation analysis, negotiations, loan originations, and loan servicing responsibilities for a $22M portfolio. She places a strong emphasis on corporate controls, transparency, and individual integrity as well as team development to ensure the firm meets the goals of its investors, partners, and employees.
Michelle’s friends, family, and colleagues describe her as a driven and hardworking person, committed and dedicated to pursuing whatever she sets her mind on. Her optimistic attitude combined with her willingness to exceed expectations has helped her succeed throughout her career.
Josh Bennett
Director of Financing & Accounting
- Experienced with 500 Fintech and Fortune Companies
- Oversees finances and compliance
- Specialization in Automating and streamlining
- Experienced with 500 Fintech and Fortune Companies
- Oversees finances and compliance
- Specialization in Automating and streamlining
Josh Bennett oversees the company’s financial and accounting department, with responsibilities that include investor payments, financial reporting, compliance, budgeting, cash flow forecasts as well as implementing accounting policies and procedures. In his previous roles with Fintech and Fortune 500 companies, he has worked in various accounting and finance management positions. Josh was responsible for training staff, timely and accurate financial reporting, cash flow forecasting, variance analysis and procurement in local and international business units.
Some of Josh’s specialization is to automate and streamline various accounting processes that cut down the overhead in payroll and operations while providing the same standard of timeliness and accuracy of the financial records.
Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Georgia State University and is the treasurer of a non profit business owners association that continuously gives back to its local and surrounding communities.
Preston Nevins
Director of Capital Markets
- 20 years Experience in Debt Portfolio
- $500M+ Portfolio Value
- 3 years in Legal and Healthcare
- 20 years Experience in Debt Portfolio
- $500M+ Portfolio Value
- 3 years in Legal and Healthcare
Preston has worked in the financial services industry since 2002 for such firms as Wells Real Estate Funds, Terra Capital, and Bluerock Capital. Preston has worked exclusively in the private equity sector of the financial services industry raising capital through Reg D private placements, limited partnerships, public BDC’s and public non-traded/traded REITs. During his time as PEO Consultant with Oasis (PAYCHEX Subsidiary), Preston consulted companies on how to structure and organize their operations including payroll administration, Medical Insurance, Worker’s Comp, and HR consulting. He brings a wealth of knowledge both in operations and capital raising to the Mid Atlantic Team. Preston has a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Georgia. He is series 7, 63 licensed by FINRA. In his free time Preston likes to play golf, spend time with family, and coach his son’s baseball team.
Mark Weber
Builder Relations
- Financial Services Since 2002
- Series 7 and 63 licensed by FINRA
- Specialization in Private Equity and Capital Raising
- Financial Services Since 2002
- Series 7 and 63 licensed by FINRA
- Specialization in Private Equity and Capital Raising
Mark Weber serves as Senior Advisor to Credo Capital Management, LLC, and Co-originator for the fund. Mr. Weber has more than 19 years’ experience offering a variety of private capital financing solutions (including debt, equity, gap funding, transactional lending, etc.) for real estate transactions throughout the following cities: Atlanta, GA, Charleston, SC, Columbia, SC, & Richmond, VA. He is the President and CEO of United Capital Partners, LLC which specializes in evaluation, underwriting, and origination of short-term capital loans to real estate developers and contractors. He has also worked as Vice President of Business Development for Private Bank of Buckhead and worked as Vice President of C&I Special Assets for SunTrust Bank. Mr. Weber has a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management from the University of Georgia and is a graduate of the Georgia Banking School from the University of Georgia.
Andrew Montoya
Director of Strategic Relationships & Technology
- Experience in Client Management, Marketing
- Leadership, Communication , Relation Building
- Head of Marketing
- Experience in Client Management, Marketing
- Leadership, Communication, Relation Building
- Head of Marketing
Andrew Montoya is the head of Marketing at The Mid Atlantic Fund. He is a veteran of client relationship management, marketing and business growth strategy. Andrew graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. He is an astute leader; an effective communicator; a relationship builder, father, and husband.