Steven has been with Venture West since 2013, he specializes in the underwriting and origination of financing for multi-family, commercial, and single-family properties. He serves his independent base of clients while also operating as part of Matt Douglas’ team. Mr. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in business economics from the University of Arizona.
Steven Smith
Director of Originations
Bios
Senior Vice President
Don brings more than 28 years experience in real estate financing, advisory and portfolio management to the team. After completing an internship with Cambridge Capital Group (FNMA/GSE, CMBA division of Columbia Savings), Don was hired full-time under the CEO to learn each major company function including servicing, REO management, secondary marketing, underwriting and origination. Following a lengthy tenure with CCG, Don helped build several recognized commercial lending brokerages in Southern California until joining Venture West Funding in 1998.
During his career, Don has invested in numerous multifamily and commercial real estate ventures. He currently oversees management and operations of those projects located in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego Counties. Don’s experience makes him expertly positioned to advise on many facets of the income property business. Advisory in the area of debt placement, acquisition analysis, development, management, reposition and disposition of almost any size transaction are what clients rely on from Don and the VWF team.
Don graduated from the school of business at California State University at Fullerton. Shortly after, Don continued his education at UC Irvine’s program in Advanced Real Estate Finance. Don holds a real estate license with the California DRE and is NMLS approved. Don is a native of Southern California and is married with three children.
DRE #00889584
NMLS #173373
Dave is a true problem solver and dedicated to finding a tailored solution for each of his clients. His dedication to delivering superior service and competitive loan programs ensures client satisfaction. Whether it’s a property in distressed condition or a borrower with credit challenges, Dave’s experience and dedication will help provide a lending solution for those tough transactions.
Dave specializes in apartment lending, particularly hard-to-place multi-family transactions. In his established working relationships with various apartment lenders throughout Southern California and across the nation, Dave consistently delivers reliable transaction closings and secures the maximum loan-to-value on most loans.
Dave is also a graduate of California State University at Fullerton with a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration. His education coupled with 16 years experience arranging apartment financing assures his clients of the most competitive financing solutions available in the marketplace.
Loan Specialist
DRE #01266646
Real Estate Finance Advisor
Bill has more than 25 years experience in commercial finance and real estate valuation analysis. Bill recognized early in his career that the mortgage broker plays an important role for both the borrower and the lender. He understands that developing and maintaining lender relationships is key to successfully closing transactions.
Bill was a senior multifamily appraiser with Home Savings of America for 14 years which gives him great insight into the operation and management of apartments. His appraisal knowledge provides an added dimension to the strategic counsel he is able to offer his commercial business clients.
An investor in income producing properties himself, Bill’s first-hand knowledge enables him to provide his clients a superior level of counsel and insight that is rare among other mortgage brokers.
Bill is a licensed California Real Estate Salesperson and a Certified General Appraiser with the State of California.
DRE #00833292
Senior Loan Officer
Jean-Marc Herrouin is a Senior Loan Officer with Venture West Funding. He (and his team) have arranged over $425 million of financing in over 270 transactions during his 15 years at Venture West Funding, including all types of permanent financing on commercial and residential properties.
Mr. Herrouin started his real estate career 28 years ago by using his financing degree and real estate license as a commercial real estate broker with Colliers International. He had a very successful career where he spent over 13 years representing both tenants and landlords in the marketing of real estate for both lease and sale.
Mr. Herrouin earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from the University of Southern California in 1988. He is a supporter of The Tartikoff Foundation and a previous director, in which he organized fundraising events that generated more than $20 million for cancer research for the Revlon/UCLA Women's Cancer Research Program.
DRE #01030798
NMLS #306340
Director of Originations
Steven Smith is the Director of Originations at Venture West Funding’s corporate headquarters in El Segundo, CA. After joining Venture West in 2013, Steven quickly thrived in the company’s fast-paced and hard-working environment. He serves his independent base of clients while also operating as part of Matt Douglas’ team.
Steven specializes in the underwriting and origination of financing for multi-family, commercial, and single-family properties. By establishing strong relationships with a wide array of lending sources and meticulously analyzing their underwriting guidelines and metrics, Steven has developed a uniquely in-depth understanding of the real estate lending market. He believes in a hands-on approach throughout the loan process to ensure a successful closing.
Mr. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in business economics from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management. He is a licensed California Real Estate Salesperson and NMLS approved.
DRE #01947264
NMLS #1246036
Loan Analyst
Jackson Miller joined Venture West Funding as an Intern in 2020. Upon completion of his internship, he began working as a Loan Analyst under Matt Douglas and Steven Smith. Jackson’s main responsibilities include underwriting, assembling loan summaries, and assisting with business development initiatives.
Prior to joining Venture West Funding, Jackson worked in the digital marketing industry. During his time there, he was responsible for running marketing campaigns for multiple Fortune 500 companies.
Jackson was born and raised in Los Angeles. He graduated from SMU in 2017 with a BBA in Real Estate Finance. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball and tennis, being outdoors, and traveling.
DRE #02121106