Partners
Acquisitions and Business Development
Mr. Sabraw joined SMS Financial in November of 2018. In his current role as Managing Director, Business Development, Mr. Sabraw is responsible for SMS’ loan acquisition efforts as well as the placement of new bridge and hard money loans. Prior to his role at SMS, Ben spent 11 years at The Debt Exchange, Inc (DebtX), where he led the engagement and placement of $1.2 billion of loans on behalf of more than 125 distinct banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions. He is an expert in loan sales and valuations. Ben holds a Bachelor of Science in history from Oregon State University and an MBA from the University of San Francisco.
Mr. Gervin joined SMS Financial in 2019 as Managing Director, Business Development. Mr. Gervin is responsible for SMS’ loan acquisition efforts as well as the placement of new bridge and hard money loans. He has over eighteen years of experience in commercial and consumer lending, including having spent the eleven years prior to SMS at The Debt Exchange, Inc. (DebtX). While at DebtX, he managed the sale of $1.4 billion of performing and non-performing loans and was involved in more than 125 transactions. Prior to joining DebtX, Mr. Gervin worked for Credit Suisse and Wells Fargo. Mr. Gervin received his Bachelor of Arts in finance and management from the University of Florida.
Mr. Stamets joined SMS Financial in 2017. As an Associate, his primary responsibilities focus on underwriting, strategic analysis, and asset management. Mr. Stamets also assists in acquisitions and business development. Before joining SMS Financial, he was an Underwriter at STORE Capital, a publicly listed REIT. Mr. Stamets’ experience lies deeply rooted in credit and financial analysis having underwritten over $1 billion in transactions across multiple industries including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, hospitality, education, and automotive. Mr. Stamets holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from The Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. He is also an active member of the Executive Council Charities and Turnaround Management Association (TMA).
Mr. Trusiak joined SMS Financial in 2018. As an Associate, his responsibilities focus on underwriting, acquisitions, financial analysis, and asset management. Before joining SMS, Mr. Trusiak was an Underwriter at STORE Capital, a publicly listed REIT. His overall background brings experience in both credit and commercial real estate valuations. Mr. Trusiak holds a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management from The W.P. Carey Business School at Arizona State University. He is also a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, Turnaround Management Association (TMA), and the Risk Management Association (RMA).
Mr. Kaplan joined SMS Financial in April of 2009. His responsibilities primarily focus on all aspects of the acquisitions and due diligence process while also managing a portfolio of distressed assets. Mr. Kaplan has extensive experience in real estate lending and analysis, borrower negotiations and collateral liquidation. Mr. Kaplan holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona.
Mr. Blasi joined SMS Financial in 2019. As an Analyst, he focuses on financial analysis, due diligence, and asset management. Mr. Blasi holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.
Ms. Myers joined SMS Financial in January of 2020. As an asset manager, she services a portfolio of commercial loans. She also assists in the acquisitions and due diligence areas at SMS. Before joining SMS Financial, Ms. Myers was a legal assistant at Sternberg & Singer law offices. Ms. Myers holds a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor focused in business administration and management from the University of Arizona.
Mr. Sutherland joined SMS Financial in 2020 as an Analyst, focusing on financial analysis and due diligence. Before joining SMS, he worked with The Wolff Company assisting in the underwriting and analysis of multifamily and senior property acquisitions and developments. Mr. Sutherland holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from The Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona.