Our Team
“My job is never the same from day to day. I relish facing new and interesting challenges that demand creative solutions to satisfy our clients’ needs.”
John Petersen
PRESIDENT
John traces his skills as a problem-solver back to his college days as a bartender, where he learned to listen to people’s needs and to deal with their challenges. Helping people get what they want still drives him today. This highly-respected finance expert thrives on meeting the challenge of every deal, working through the complexity of issues unique to each transaction, and crafting just the right solution. His acumen and savvy have been honed through 35+ years as an attorney, a banker, and a mortgage banker – a rich blend of experience that helps his clients achieve exactly what they’re looking for.
“I really enjoy real estate. The fact that I get to advise clients on their real estate assets and investments, and then help map strategies to match their goals, is a bonus.”
David Schaffer
Partner
David Schaffer has always had an entrepreneurial nature. He likes the process of creating something tangible and watching it grow from the conceptual stage to reality. This interest gives him an affinity for developers and a shared understanding of how they think and approach a project, which makes him a valuable resource during the financing process. He even completed a small redevelopment himself for a better grasp of the challenges his clients face. Like his partners, he thrives on problem-solving and helping clients figure out the best path to capitalizing their project.
“Continue to strive for excellence and integrity.”
Greg Wellington
PARTNER
The discipline of team sports was good preparation for Greg; as a former college football player, he knows that it is the sum of the parts that wins the day. He appreciates that he and his partners work together, sharing their know-how to move deals through the process and helping each other solve challenges along the way. Because he’s worked on hundreds of transactions, clients are confident that he knows what he’s doing. He doesn’t believe in taking no for an answer— if a project hits a roadblock, he looks for new ways to navigate around the obstacle and deliver the right solution to meet the client’s need.
“Commercial lending is both a technical and social enterprise, and appeals to both sides of my personality. I love the challenge posed by each unique loan prospect as well as the opportunity to build relationships with new clients. ”
Mark Paskill
PARTNER
Mark joined Melvin Mark Capital Group in 2016 in loan production, bringing more than 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, including stints as a broker, appraiser, and commercial loan officer. A native Portlander, he has a strong track record sourcing, negotiating, and closing commercial loans with a wide range of portfolio funding sources. Talented and well-respected, Mark has a great reputation with both lenders and borrowers. His goal? To match their respective needs so each party is pleased with the outcome. Clients trust his guidance and appreciate his strong industry relationships, leading to a portfolio of loyal, long-time business. His depth of knowledge and experience make him a natural fit for the Capital Group team.
Contact
Direct Line (503) 546-4538
Cell (503) 539-6624
Rick Hiller
Loan Production Analyst
Rick is a skilled finance professional with a background in accounting and financial analysis. He has over four years of experience in public accounting and is a certified public accountant. Throughout his career, he has developed skills in working with financial data and managing multiple projects simultaneously from inception to delivery. Rick enjoys the task of working directly with clients to achieve their desired goals. Rick attended Oregon State University where he obtained two bachelor’s degrees in finance and accounting. Outside of work, Rick enjoys golf, live music, and watching Oregon State sports.
Contact
Direct Line (503) 546-4577
Melissa Gray
loan underwriting/closing manager
Melissa is a skilled finance professional with a strong background in both financial analysis and commercial mortgage loan servicing. She has over 23 years of increasing experience and responsibility in the commercial real estate industry. In her career, she has developed diversified skills in the analysis of financial data supporting management decision making as well as a reputation for managing large volumes of work that requires attention to detail and timely follow-through. Her colleagues know her as an effective communicator with a strong business ethic and commitment to achieving desired results with a high standard of professional and personal integrity. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in finance at the University of Portland and master’s degree in financial analysis from Portland State. A native Portlander, Melissa loves the outdoors and enjoys camping, water skiing, and hiking in the area with her family and friends.
Contact
Direct Line (503) 546-4543
Cell Phone (503) 806-3697