Endorsement From Former Colleagues and Clients
MIKE SHALABI HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT
My name is Mike Shalabi, I own a property located on Washington Blvd in Los Angeles, the property is approximately a 15,000 SF empty lot zoned for multiple mix use residential/retail. I was contacted on or about June of 2021 by a gentleman named Don Hinton. Don was proposing to help me with financing or and listing my property for sale. When Don and I spoke and he mentioned that he can help to sell my property but also he can help me to keep it if I needed financing to develop the property as well, I was pleasantly surprised because I was contemplating to do both.
Although I was already talking to different banks on my own and one of those banks had already giving me an indication that they would approve my financing, I still felt that Don could probably help me as well. It didn’t take long for Don to convince me to engage him, he sounded experienced, he had several banking contacts, and he came across very honest. I first asked Don to help me to get financing, he went to work right away, he brought more than 4 potential lenders that specialized on lending for mix use apartments/retail. The lenders that Don brought to me were very competitive and were very interested in doing my project, Don helped me every step of the way with the lenders.
At some point I contemplated to sell the property, I decided to give Don an opportunity to list my property for sale, Don assured me that he will get me a strong price in return, based on Don’s Experience he listed my property for more than what I thought I can get at that time. Don understood that I was not fully ready to sell the property and he agreed not to publish the listing until I was ready. At some point I was able to get the financing from my bank to build my project and I asked Don to not publish the listing, he gracefully and professionally agreed.
It was such a pleasure to work with someone as honorable, diligent and experienced as Don. When Don asked me to write a recommendation to be included on his web page, I didn’t hesitate to do so. If you would like to sell your property or you need to get financing, “DON IS YOUR MAN”, I highly recommend Mr. Don Hinton.
Sincerely,
Mike Shalabi
BRENT MITCHELL RED POINTE DEVELOPMENT
“Don sees things from many perspectives at the same. His ability to see things from lenders point of view and our perspective as a builder developer helped us communicate with our lenders effectively and close our development construction loans quickly. After a hiatus from building and developing we actively sought Don out for his skill, effectiveness and understanding of our business needs and the ability to find and secure financing for our new projects. I find him especially helpful in communicating with our lenders. Since our founding in 1994 we have not come across Don’s equal when it comes to understanding our business as a small builder developer and securing financing for our projects.”
BILL CARSON WESTCAP FUND, INC.
“It is with pleasure that I endeavor to provide my reflections on the many years that I have worked with Don Hinton. In the early years of our relationship, I represented local and regional home builders seeking construction financing for their various projects. My role as a financial consultant depended on my ability to gain the confidence of construction lenders, both in my financial capacity and that of my developer clients. Of the many lenders I have collaborated with, none is more professional and capable of discerning the nuances of this complex business. I am now the President and CEO of WestCap Fund, Inc., a home-building equity fund, which relies heavily on the leverage senior lending provides our investment opportunities.
The most important quality that we value is integrity. Don proved to me over and over again that he is a man of high integrity. That is critical when your clients depend on getting their developments adequately funded and on time.
This is a stressful industry and being able to put your trust in someone like Don is essential to maintaining a successful business. Don's knowledge and experience is exceptional. His background in credit analysis and construction lending has helped us enormously in deciding whether or not to enter into a transaction.
We lived through some tough times when the great recession hit our industry. Don always stood tall and did what was right for all concerned when he could have passed the buck. It's easy to do the right thing when everything is working well, but much more difficult when everything is corning unraveled. In the desire for brevity, I will close with this. Don Hinton is someone we can trust and rely on as a financial partner. Given the chance to work with Don again would be a welcome opportunity.”
DUANE URGUHART PRESIDENT OF NORTHERN CAPITAL
“I had the pleasure of working with Don Hinton for a number of years while he was at Imperial
Capital Bank (ICB). Don for all practical purposes was our primary lending officer with ICB. During this time, Don was arranging aggregate new construction loan commitments in the neighborhood of $40 million+/-. He helped facilitate the production of an extensive amount of due diligence required for review. He actively interfaced with us and the bank's credit review process regarding the negotiations on loan terms, guarantor requirements, etc. Then, after the loans were funded, he remained actively involved and followed up with our construction progress as well as occasional loan modifications or other needs.
The above generally outlines what Don did but, it does not accurately describe all the exceptional business attributes he bought to the relationship.
First, he is more than a just lender representative-he is highly intelligent and a student the financial markets. As such, he was a much of an astute financial advisor as he was a banker helping us keep informed on important financial and industry trends. Second, he combines strong lending and financial talents with a wonderful persona. He has a unique ability to be a prudent banker in keeping the borrower's feet politely to the fire adhering to the loan conditions while maintaining a thoughtful, caring attitude about the borrower's concerns as well. My commentary may be a bit long but, I thought it necessary to explain. In summary, in my opinion Don Hinton is a consummate professional and the best financial officer with whom I have ever worked.”
JOHN MUSIAL PRESIDENT OF SEATAR, INC. (RETIRED CALIFORNIA HOMEBUILDER)
“I met Don Hinton during the 2,000’s when he was a loan officer at Imperial Capital Bank. I reviewed some transactions with Don and spent time with him in the field looking at my development projects. I enjoyed the time we spent together and found him to be very knowledgeable about the development process and construction lending. Although we both wanted to do business together the timing was not favorable as the market was beginning it’s decent into the housing crisis. Don is knowledgeable, experienced, trustworthy and would be an asset to any developer seeking project financing.
I wish him well in his new venture as a Commercial Real Estate Loan Broker.”
JONATHAN KAWAS INVESTOR
“I just want to share my experience with Don Hinton. I purchased a large commercial property, and Don was the one that took care of my loan. I liked him immediately, as he is so friendly and with positive attitude. Don was very accommodating. responsible, and made sure everything went through smoothly. I enjoyed working with him.”
RICHARD BAKER FORMER GENERAL COUNSEL OF IMPERIAL BANK
“I have known Don Hinton since I first became General Counsel of Imperial Bank in 1983. Don was in the Real Estate Loan Department of Imperial when I joined the Bank and I worked with him in various capacities throughout the years and always found him to be knowledgeable and hard working. Don is highly familiar with all aspects of real estate finance and has always acted professionally and been able to accomplish difficult transactions with appropriate and skillful efforts. I understand that Don has formed a new entity to arrange commercial real estate financing and I am sure he will be successful in this endeavor as he has in all his previous activities.”
KEN BLUMER TROY GOULD ATTORNEYS
“I have known Don Hinton since the mid 1980s when he and I started working together. Don was the Senior Credit Officer for Imperial Bank, and I was a young Partner at Troy & Gould (a Century City midsized law firm). Don and I worked on several projects together over his tenure at the Bank. We also seemed to get the toughest assignments—trying to find enough collateral and security to make a loan underwriting successful or working out some difficult problem loans or finding solutions to title and subordination problems.
I have always found Don to be very real estate savvy, with balanced negotiating skills and a calm demeanor when dealing with the more difficult issues that arise in real lending in California and elsewhere. He has always been a pleasure to work with and I think we have each benefited from this experience and our relationship.”
TOM LARMORE HARDING LARMORE KUTCHER & KOZAL
“When I was head of the real estate practice at the firm then known as Pillsbury Madison & Sutro in Los Angeles, I had the pleasure of working with Don when he was a Senior Credit Officer with Imperial Bank. We spent many months working together to resolve several thorny issues associated with the restructuring of a large real estate relationship with one of the Bank’s borrowers. I found Don to be very creative as well as experienced and knowledgeable. Despite the sometimes-testy negotiations involving a difficult attorney, Don always maintained his focus on solving whatever problems existed. We ultimately worked everything out to everyone’s satisfaction thanks to Don’s expertise and diligence.
Our work required several trips to San Francisco, and I always enjoyed Don’s company, whether on the plane or in a restaurant for lunch or dinner. I have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone looking for advice and assistance in the real estate business. I’m sure he will prove to be a valuable and pleasant addition to any team.”
BRUCE LEVINE
FORMER RVP OF IMPERIAL BANK LOS ANGELES, CURRENT CONSULTNT TO KENNEDY
WILSON
“Don is extremely knowledgeable in all facets of construction and bridge lending. I worked with Don for over ten years in the real department of a major regional bank in California.
As chief real estate credit officer Don was always thoughtful, and solution minded in finding ways to get deals to the finish line. I know he will bring the same energy and enthusiasm to helping his clients accomplish their objectives. Bruce Levine"
JIM STERLING FORMER RVP OF IMPERIAL BANK WALNUT CREEK
“It is my pleasure to write a reference letter for Don Hinton and the time that I worked with and for him while at Imperial Bank.
I first met Don in 1989 when I joined Imperial Bank to develop new clients and produce construction loans in Northern California. Don was the Bank’s Senior Credit Officer for the Real Estate Division and I reported to him on most things concerning real estate.
When reviewing my work, I found Don to be both demanding as to thoroughness but fair with his reviews. He had an ability to keep his eye on the big picture and at the same time quickly spot flaws or missed details. He listened and allowed me to explain my side of the story when we disagreed. Throughout the first several years that we worked together, Don was able to educate and indoctrinate me about the Bank’s culture and how things got done so that I stayed out of as much trouble as possible.
By the mid 1990s, economic conditions had seriously declined. The Bank was forced to cut loan production and to become more aggressive dealing with problem loans and borrowers. I was brought in to help with some of these loans throughout the state.
Once again, I was reunited with Don, and we teamed up to address some of the Banks largest credit problems. Throughout the mid and late 1990s Don’s ability to work and negotiate with borrowers under a great deal of stress was invaluable in containing and restructuring many of the problem loans so that they fit within Federal Reserve guidelines and avoided a number of bankruptcies.
Don left the bank in 1999 to accept a loan production position with Imperial Capital Bank. He focused primarily on residential subdivision construction lending and that Bank’s top loan producer for several straight years.
Now that he is returning new real estate loan production, I believe that the skills and qualities Don exhibited at Imperial Bank and later at Imperial Capital Bank will make him a successful loan producer.”
More Feedback From Industry Peers and Clients
DAVID BLITZ FORMER RVP OF IMPERIAL BANK AND CURRENT PRESIDENT OF MOUNT NEBO CAPITAL
“I have known Don Hinton for many, many years and I will list his qualities and skills that I think should be highlighted to anyone thinking of doing business with him.
- Gets to the point quickly and clearly
- Fantastic problem solver
- Super ethical
- A very engaging, friendly, and upbeat manner “
DAVE KOEPF FORMER RVP OF IMPERIAL BANK, CURRENTLY RETIRED
“I have known Don Hinton for the past 30 years and worked with him for ten years at Imperial Bank from 1989 through June of 1998. For the first six years at Imperial, we had almost daily contact from our jobs within the Bank’s Real Estate Lending Division. During that time, I found Don to be hard working, diligent, honest, and dedicated to doing the job in the best possible fashion. Don was a meticulous underwriter and a consummate problem solver. He was very much a goal-oriented person and always worked to protect the Bank’s interest while still trying to complete transactions. In addition, I always found it a pleasure to work with Don, even when I didn’t always agree with the position he was taking.
Over this period, we developed more than just a working relationship and become good friends, socializing with our wives outside of work on numerous occasions, plus getting in the occasional golf game for business or pleasure.
After I left the bank to pursue other challenges Don & I stayed in touch and would see each other several times a year through business and social events. We maintained a relationship where neither of us had a problem contacting the other for information or assistance if we felt it would be helpful or beneficial.
After I retired in 2009, we continued our relationship, even after I moved to Arizona in 2010. While more time passed between each ensuing contact, when we did connect the old rapport was back almost immediately. In summary, I would call Don a good friend that was always there when I needed him, and he always provided honest feedback. He is definitely a trustworthy person and can be counted on to fulfill any promises he makes to the best of his abilities.”
TONY LOPILATO VICE PRESIDENT HOMESTREET BANK
“I have known Don Hinton for over 25 years. We worked together at Imperial Bank where Don was the Senior Credit Officer for the Commercial Real Estate Division of Imperial Bank, and I was employed as a Relationship Manager for Commercial Real Estate Division. Don was skilled at structuring loans, negotiating terms, and analyzing the financial condition of the sponsors. He was helpful in crafting the loan presentations for submission to Loan Committee and lent support to the Relationship Managers during our Loan Committee meetings. Don added valued to a transaction and made sure that both the Bank and the Borrower could prosper.
Don also coordinated the Asset Review function for the Bank where all CRE loans were analyzed quarterly for tenancy, income, and borrower condition. Once the reviews were compiled a meeting was scheduled and ratings were analyzed, and recommendations made to improve asset quality.
In all my dealings with Don he always displayed a high level of integrity and was very professional both with employees and clients.”
JOANNE TABOR VP OF CITY NATIONAL BANK
“When I think back on all the real estate deals we closed during our tenure at Imperial Bank - one really stands out. The deal involved a small strip center in Torrance which required us to prepare numerous documents for Borrower to sign. We anticipated many questions, discussions, and possibly even further negotiation. Much to our surprise, the client walked in, greeted everyone in the room and asked you one question. Were the documents drawn in accordance with your discussions with him. When you confirmed they were drawn consistent with your discussions, the client sat down and began to sign the pile of papers before him on the conference room table. This is a testimony of your integrity and trustworthiness. And, as a fellow colleague it gave me great confidence to know our clients trusted our Chief Credit Officer.
You were always prepared and organized every time we met with clients. You may not have always known what the client wanted to discuss but you often anticipated their next move or question. That’s not something you learn in a textbook. That comes with years of experience. It was a pleasure working with you, Don. I wish you all the best and would gladly recommend you to any future employer.”
NORVAL BRUCE FORMER PRESIDENT AND VICE CHAIRMAN IMPERIAL CAPITAL BANK/ITLA CAPITAL
“We first met in the early 90’s at the De Bell golf course in Burbank. As we would meet to play golf on Saturday mornings, we became more acquainted, we discovered some common history and background. I was recently employed as Chief Credit Officer at Imperial Thrift and Loan Association after nearly 2 years as Chief Credit Officer at Nevada National Bank in Las Vegas and Reno and approximately 23 years in California Banking with Security Pacific Bank.
You were an executive with Imperial Bank in Real Estate Lending, as I remember, specializing in Tract & Construction loans. I also believe that you were experienced with 1031 Exchange transactions. We also discovered that Imperial Bank had started a Thrift & Loan under name of Southern Pacific Thrift & Loan and purchased a small loan portfolio from Imperial Thrift.
After a couple of years, you left Imperial Bank and we continued to play golf on Saturdays. You later approached me with Randy Evers about establishing a construction division. We were still making primarily small loans on commercial and multifamily properties and I didn’t feel we were ready to move that far. I did offer a position as a commissioned loan officer.
You were very successful with ITLA. You became a consistent top loan officer. As ITLA became larger and converted to a California Industrial Bank, then going public and converting to a California State Bank, you continued to be a successful loan officer. Our loans grew larger and we also started to make construction loans and larger commercial RE loans, you continued to be successful. You renewed old relationships with home builders and established new ones. You also developed relationships with commercial and industrial owners.
Everyone continued successfully until the Real Estate recession that grew in 2007 and 2008. Imperial Capital stopped growing; I retired 12/31/2008, and the Bank was taken over by the FDIC in 2009 after other California failures including WAMU and Downey Savings. While stockholder and bondholders lost value, no deposit holders lost money. The FDIC did not pursue any officer or director after the takeover.
I have lived in Laguna Beach now for over 20 years and you continue in LaCresenta. I understand that neither of us plays much golf anymore, but we remain friends. I understand that you are involved in creating a vehicle to assist Developers and Builders. I am certain you will be successful.”
JAMES BARNETT PRIOR CHIEF CREDIT OFFICER OF IMPERIAL CAPITAL BANK AND CURRENTY VP OF BANNER BANK
“Don Hinton and I worked together in construction lending and commercial real estate finance starting in the late 1990s. The bank we were at back then had several lenders, but Don's knowledge of real estate and his expertise in structuring construction and CRE loans made his deals move quickly through the bank's approval processes. He took care of his clients, originated good loans for the bank and is a great golf partner!”
DAVID BURT MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BASIS INVESTMENT GROUP
“I worked with Don Hinton at Imperial Capital Bank for several years. I found him to be very knowledgeable in the field of Commercial Real Estate Finance, especially related to Bridge and Construction Financing. There were several instances where Don and I worked together on larger deals. He was able to get to the essence of a deal quickly and had the experience to structure complex transactions. He is knowledgeable, thorough, and highly ethical. I always enjoyed working with Don and I believe that he is well suited to be successful as a Commercial Real Estate Loan Broker.
I look forward to working and funding some of Don’s deals in the future.”
CHARLENE NICHOLS PRESIDENT OF LANI
“I had the pleasure of working with Don Hinton at Imperial Bank from 1988-1992. Don Hinton served as Senior Vice President, Senior Credit Officer and Manager of the Real Estate Division for Imperial Bank. As a VP of Loan Administration, I assisted Don in closing commercial real estate transactions.
Don Hinton is a master at his job. He ensured our division made sound credit decisions, and he motivated the real estate division staff to be the best that they could be. I especially enjoyed working alongside Don to close the largest commercial real estate loan transaction at the Bank, which included multiple properties as collateral. This complex transaction required a team of real estate experts, including Imperial Bank's legal counsel, to handle the closing.
This transaction was full of great memories. Our team, led by Don, flew to San Francisco for an early afternoon meeting with the Borrower and their legal counsel. I remember arriving at the airport, waiting for our transportation to take us to the meeting. A limousine pulled up next to us at the airport, and I thought wow, what a great way for us to get to the meeting. What a surprise to see Lou Gossett step out. Realizing this was not our ride, we proceeded on, excited to close this transaction.
Upon arriving at our meeting, we exchanged all the niceties of meeting with the Borrower and their legal counsel. We discussed the terms of the transactions, reviewed the loan documents, everything that is normally done at a loan closing. Except this loan closing was not normal. From early afternoon until wee hours in the morning (2:30 am to be exact), we endured all the emotions expected from this size of transaction, including loud screaming and threats to walk out between legal counsel, whining on behalf of the Borrower, attempts at re-negotiating the terms of the loan, etc. Because of Don's leadership strengths and his respected character, he was able to rein in legal counsel, explain the reasons for the Bank's credit decisions, and left all parties with a feeling of satisfaction, accomplishment, and gratitude.
After catching a couple of hours of shut eye, we all arrived at the title company bright and early the next morning, meticulously laid out the loan documents for signature, and coordinated with the title company for recordings. The transaction successfully closed that day. I thoroughly enjoyed working on this transaction with Don and recommend him for all your real estate needs.”
KARA HANDY PRESIDENT OF THE HANDY GROUP. DILBECK REAL ESTATE
“Don Hinton led a series of classes that I have attended which focused on the breaking down the various niches of Commercial Real Estate Finance. Don had an outline, ready to present with examples of scenarios seen through the spectacles of a financier and pulled from his personal experiences. The detail and intricacies could only be spoken from a lender who is accountable for the dollars advanced to borrows. If you are thinking of buying, selling and/or developing Commercial Real Estate property or vacant land, I encourage you to consider adding Commercial Real Estate Finance Consultant DON HINTON to your team. Don is a Trusted Advisor with over 27 years of "hands-on" Commercial Real Estate experience, he is the "real deal" having financed well in excess of $1.5 Billion Dollars in Commercial Loans. I have worked with Don directly, and his professionalism and expertise and love for the Commercial World is extremely transparent. I highly recommend giving Don a call to provide you with expert analysis and to recommend loan placement for any size and type of commercial property or future real estate developments.”
TSIPPY WILSON DILBECK REAL ESTATE
“I have known Don Hinton for many years. I first met him when I sold a $10.1MM shopping center to one of my clients. My client needed a loan for an intense and complicated deal, and Don came to the rescue. Don was very professional, knowledgeable, prompt, and all around a pleasure to work with. Don made sure the deal went through smoothly and without any hiccups. To work with Don, is to have a very positive experience.
Thank you, Don, for all your help!”