Robert Benitez

Robert started his career working at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (DLJ) in the early 80s after completing his education at the New York Institute of Finance. After two years at DLJ, he went to work at a boutique Investment Banking firm where he raised capital for early-stage tech and biotech firms. It was at the Investment Banking firm that he learned about commodities. He transitioned into trading commodities —managing client funds and trading metals, and financial derivatives. He eventually worked his way up to full equity partner.

He left the firm to start his own fund that specialized in managing private funds for investors. His company was located at Tower II of the World Trade Center. Although he survived the attacks of 9/11, the company was lost. It was at that point that he transitioned into commercial lending where he has spent the last 22 years facilitating financing for real estate projects throughout the US. He has worked at private equity and debt funds that provided financing for construction loans, commercial RE term loans, bridge loans and equity participations.

In his last role, he was Chief Lending Officer for a bank that was acquired. He was recently hired as the interim Chief Lending Officer for a company that is looking to be acquired 2024. He is responsible for all lending operations across the seven states.