With more than 25 years of experience working in bank and non-bank asset-based lending environments, Lisa DeSantis Adams brings a wealth of diverse experience to our business development team. In an interview with Lisa, she shares what she believes helps Gibraltar stand out in today’s market, and what she thinks are the most unique value propositions of a non-bank asset-based lending partner in today’s challenging economic environment.
What influenced you to join the Gibraltar Business Capital team?
I started my career in asset-based lending (ABL) in 1997 with Fleet Capital, and I joined Gibraltar in September 2022 as an SVP and Business Development Officer covering the West region. In my 25+ years of working in this industry, I’ve been at bank and non-bank financial companies. I was drawn to the Gibraltar team for the company culture and for their reliable and agile lending approach. Scott and the leadership team have built a very strong company culture and lending platform.
It’s also a great time in the market to be at a non-bank ABL where you can really differentiate yourself. At Gibraltar, we can design financing structures that support what our borrowers are trying to accomplish, without the limitations that banks may have. I can work with my prior banking colleagues because we aren’t competing directly. Gibraltar can work with banks to provide debt while allowing the banks to provide other services such as treasury management.
What is something you’ve done recently at Gibraltar that makes you proud?
While we are still very active in the lower end of the middle market, Gibraltar is continually expanding our financing capabilities and innovating to serve more customers. We now offer facilities from $5 million to $100 million. My job is to let the market know about our evolved value proposition and how we can now serve more businesses. This is an exciting time to be delivering this message. Since many banks are tightening credit standards, company borrowers and financial sponsors are looking to non-bank asset-based lenders to meet their financing needs. I’ve enjoyed sharing our product expansion news and vision for the future across our partner communities.
What makes GBC unique in your point of view?
Gibraltar is unique because our value proposition sits just outside the limitations of the banks. In certain situations, we can offer greater access to liquidity for businesses in need and particularly in this economic environment, while not burdening the borrower with extreme costs.
Whether it be an acquisition, merger, turnaround, or a company experiencing rapid growth, it’s nice to know our team can bring something to the table and give businesses the room they need to grow. The current economic conditions have created new opportunities for Gibraltar. We’re really poised to do a lot for our partners with a great team.
How do you enjoy spending your time outside of work?
I live in Portland with my husband and son. We like to run, hike, ski, and snowboard. We also foster dogs, which is a lot of fun. We’re also looking forward to taking some vacations together this summer before my son goes off to college.
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