TEAM
Dilip Petigara serves as chief executive officer. He has more than 23 years of experience in both the hospitality and finance industries. Petigara joined Access Point Financial from a real estate and capital advisory service firm which focused on hospitality. Prior to his advisory role, he served as senior vice president of Specialty Finance Group (SFG). His responsibilities included management of loan operations, internal credit approval, closing/funding and asset management with specific focus on support to participations, syndications and reporting to warehouse lenders. Prior to SFG, Petigara served as assistant vice president and senior underwriter at GMAC Commercial Mortgage – Asset Backed Lending Division.
Petigara has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from Temple University, a Juris Doctor degree from Widener University School of Law and a Master of Laws degree in Taxation from the University of Miami – School of Law.
404.850.9622 | dpetigara@accesspointfinancial.com
John Patton is the chief financial officer at Access Point Financial. He has more than 25 years of commercial finance and banking experience. He most recently worked as chief financial officer at Specialty Finance Group, LLC (SFG). Prior to joining SFG, Patton was the corporate controller for U.S. operations with the parent organization GMAC Commercial Mortgage (GMACCM) and Vice President at GMACCM – Asset Backed Lending Division. In addition, he was previously the controller for NationsCredit Commercial Finance and has held various management positions with Bank of America.
Patton holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Delaware and is a certified public accountant.
404-382-9588 | jpatton@accesspointfinancial.com
Jon Hellbusch serves as managing director at Access Point Financial. He has more than 20 years of experience in the financial and capital markets industry. Hellbusch joined Access Point Financial from WestLB AG where he served as executive director, Asset Based Finance. At WestLB, he was responsible for the origination, structuring and management of a multi-billion dollar book of asset-based loans made against portfolios of senior/sub debt secured by trade receivables, hotel commercial real estate, structured settlements, auto loans, equipment leases, film revenues, and future cash flows derived from professional sports franchises. Mr. Hellbusch also managed WestLB’s $200 million credit facility to Specialty Finance Group (SFG) in support of its hotel mortgage loan origination program. Prior to WestLB AG, Hellbusch served as associate director, structured finance ratings at Standard & Poor’s.
Hellbusch holds a Masters of Business Administration from Wake Forest University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from St. Olaf College. He holds the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst.
612-638-2970
| jhellbusch@accesspointfinancial.com
Credentials/past experience:
Michael Lipson serves as Chairman of the Board at Access Point Financial. He has more than 40 years of experience in finance, asset management and banking services. Prior to serving on the Access Point Financial board, he has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as Senior Vice President, Multifamily Asset Management & Operations for Freddie Mac. During his tenure in this position, Lipson led business operations and oversaw asset management and technology teams responsible for day-to-day functions, as well as risk and loss mitigation of the Freddie Mac Multifamily business. Additional responsibilities included overseeing all loan funding and servicing, surveillance, insurance, special servicing and risk governance activities. Other notable roles that Lipson has previously held include serving as President and CEO of Berkadia Commercial Mortgage LLC, Executive Vice President at Capmark Finance, Inc. and as President/Founder at Lexington Mortgage Company.
Lipson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, as well as a Master’s Degree in Real Estate & Urban Development Planning from The American University. He is also recognized as a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).
Credentials/past experience:
I have nearly 15 years’ experience in commercial real estate with a specific focus on hospitality. I joined APF in September 2019 as Managing Director of Business Development. Prior to that, I spent most of my career with the Largo Group of Companies, first as the Director of Marketing and then becoming the Managing Director of their Hospitality Finance Group. In my capacity there, we funded more than $1.2 billion in hotel loans in the United States and Canada. I hold a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Canisius College, as well as a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration, with a Marketing and Management concentration from the State University College at Buffalo.
Outside the office, I can be found:
In the mornings, I’m found at the gym, typically taking a HIIT class, but if I’m training for a specific race, you might find me running around town. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my boys, friends and family. I enjoy going out for dinner but also just relaxing at home.
Matthew Hick is Director of Finance at Access Point Financial (APF). He has more than 20 years of professional experience in the commercial banking and finance field, specializing the past 17 years in the hospitality and restaurant industries. Prior to joining APF, Matthew spent four years with Specialty Finance Group, LLC (SFG) where he was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of loan underwriting, accounting, budgeting, lease portfolio servicing, collections and compliance, interest rate management/hedge agreements and client relations. Prior to SFG, he spent the previous eight years with GE Capital Franchise Finance.
Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the W. P. School of Business at Arizona State University with an emphasis in Accounting. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.
404-382-9590 | mhick@accesspointfinancial.com
Credentials/past experience:
I have over 14 years of experience in hospitality finance and lending. I joined Access Point Financial from Specialty Finance Group (SFG) where I served as Senior and Sub-Debt Underwriter. My responsibilities included underwriting loan proposals, maintaining client relations and monitoring the existing loan portfolio, as well as managing the Loan Operations Department. Prior to SFG, I served as Business Development and Loan Processor for RBC Centura Mortgage. I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Georgia State University.
Outside the office, I can be found:
Spending quality time with family and friends
Credentials/past experience:
I am currently responsible for originating new business under APF’s Bridge, CapEx, and Construction loan programs. Since joining APF, I have worked closing with the marketing and business development team, having been involved in over $250 million of originations.
I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing & Professional Sales from the University of Cincinnati, Carl H. Lindner College of Business.
Outside the office, I can be found:
When out of the office, you can find me enjoying time with family and friends, golfing, and/or watching sports.
Credentials/past experience:
I’m from Newnan, Georgia and attended the University of Kentucky with a major in Integrated Strategic Communication and a minor in Digital Media & Design. Before joining Access Point Financial in 2017, I worked as an Online Marketing Coordinator for a powersports dealership, and also held a graphic design internship at a non-profit Art & Science center.
Outside the office, I can be found:
Outside of the office I enjoy playing music.
Credentials/past experience:
I graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Marketing. After graduating, I started with a media and magazine company doing all things digital marketing, where I worked for three years before joining the APF team.
Outside the office, I can be found:
When not in the office, you can usually find me either somewhere spending too much money on clothes and shoes, taking fitness classes, or at home on my couch.
Credentials/past experience:
I am a banking and credit professional with 27-years of experience located in Atlanta, Georgia. I received both a BSBA in Finance and an MBA from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. After receiving an undergraduate degree in 1992, I received bank training with First Union National Bank in Jacksonville and have since held various management and credit related positions at SunTrust Bank and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Most recently, I was the Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer for MidSouth Bank located in Lafayette, Louisiana where I oversaw all lending and credit operations.
Outside the office, I can be found:
I am an avid sports fan and have recently become active in tennis, so you can find me on the tennis courts or with my 2 daughters.
Credentials/past experience:
I graduated from The University of Georgia with an undergraduate degree in Management Information Systems (Go Dawgs!!!), then received an MBA in Finance from Clark Atlanta University before moving to Detroit, where I got my first job in Commercial Banking. I’ve since worked in various Credit and Underwriting positions for Synovus Financial Corp., Bank of the Ozarks and KeyBank, prior to joining Access Point.
Outside the office, I can be found:
In my leisure time, you can find me at the gym or traveling internationally, getting as many stamps on my passport as possible.
Credentials/past experience:
I graduated from University of New Hampshire with a BS and Emory University with an MBA. Having worked in the hospitality industry since 2006, I have a broad base of experience, including hotel operations and real estate investments and capital markets.
Outside the office, I can be found:
Outside of the office, it is highly possible you can find me on the Beltline enjoying the endless activities it has to offer.
Credentials/past experience:
I graduated from the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University with a concentration on Real Estate Financial Management, Operations Research and Management Science. I obtained two Bachelor’s degrees in Tourism Management from the United Kingdom and China with First Class Honors and a Certificate of Industrial Experience with Distinction. During my time in England, I worked as a full-time employee overseeing the daily operation of the F&B department at DoubleTree by Hilton and acquired extensive experience in many areas of hotel operations.
Outside the office, I can be found:
I can be found either in the dog park letting my dog make new friends or somewhere eating with my friends.
Credentials/past experience:
I graduated from Virginia Tech with a hospitality degree and spent the first four years of my career in hotel appraisals, followed by a year-long stint asset managing five limited-service hotels. Wanting to get back to the real estate/finance side of the business, I joined AP’s underwriting team in late 2019.
Outside the office, I can be found:
With friends, traveling, or at soccer
Credentials/past experience:
I have an undergraduate degree from Georgia Tech in Building Construction and an MBA from The University of Georgia with concentrations in Real Estate and Corporate Finance. I worked as Asset management for a privately held commercial real estate ownership firm. I have been involved in many diversified roles in commercial real estate finance and various project management roles, including hotel construction.
Outside the office, I can be found:
Traveling, biking and working on home improvement projects.
Credentials/past experience:
I majored in Finance, Real Estate, and Risk Management at Ole Miss. Associate Director, Asset Management – Trimont ; Transaction Manager – CBRE ; Commercial Evaluator – Valuation Management Group
Outside the office, I can be found:
With family and friends, at a sports game, or doing something outdoors.
Credentials/past experience:
I graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in Finance and an MBA. I have 15 years in Commercial Real Estate Finance prior to joining the APF team.
Outside the office, I can be found:
With family and friends, and likely at either a University of Georgia Football or Braves Baseball Game.
Credentials/past experience:
I have been employed with Access Point Financial since 2013. I have about 20 years’ experience in corporate hotel finance and hotel operations. Previously, I worked for the worldwide corporate headquarters of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in FP&A for 9 years. Prior to that, I had hotel operations experience with Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton and Microtel brands.
Outside the office, I can be found:
When I’m not at the office, I can be found at home with my two young daughters that are my pride and joy. Also, I’m an avid golfer and fan of the PGA Tour. I enjoy traveling with my wife and daughters. Going on cruises is one of our favorite ways to travel.
Credentials/past experience:
Prior to joining APF and with over 12 years’ experience, I served in various roles within the Global Real Estate Services Division of RR Donnelley (formally OfficeTiger/GMACCM MortgageRamp) and as an Asset Manager with Situs. I hold a Master of Business Administration (Specializing in Operations Management) from American Intercontinental University.
Outside the office, I can be found:
Exploring different culinary options within metro Atlanta and other cities. I enjoy trying new foods from different cultural and ethical backgrounds (#ILovetoEat)
Credentials/past experience:
Previously, I worked for Quadrant Real Estate Advisors, an advisor to a life insurance company regarding their commercial real estate debt investments. I served as a member of the underwriting group with Quadrant for three years before joining Access Point. Prior to working for Quadrant, I worked in marketing and project management.
Outside the office, I can be found:
At Home
Credentials/past experience:
After 2 years at the U.S. Air Force Academy, I transferred to Emory University, where I obtained a B.B.A. in Finance. I graduated from Mercer University Law School. After working two years for a Federal District Court Judge, I joined a law firm, where I practiced law for 5 years in a variety of corporate and transactional areas. I then served as GC for Silverton Bank (5 years), State Bank & Trust (3.5 years) and Coastal States Bank (4 years).
Outside the office, I can be found:
Outside – hunting, fishing, golfing, flying (pilot) or playing tennis
Credentials/past experience:
I graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate and minor in Speech Communications. Before joining the APF team, I worked one year with Prudential Relocation as a Relocation Specialist and 19 years with Trimont Real Estate Advisors as the Director of Asset Servicing.
Outside the office, I can be found:
When away from the office, I enjoy attending sporting events, live music, and spending time with family and friends.
Credentials/past experience:
I am a senior vice president of operations at Access Point Financial (APF). I have over 20 years of experience closing and funding equipment finance, new construction, acquisition, renovation, and other commercial real estate loans. In June 1999, I joined GMAC Commercial Mortgage (GMACCM) Asset Backed Lending Division and later joined Specialty Finance Group, LLC (SFG) in June 2005, after the acquisition of the Asset Backed Lending Group. I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration. I am also a certified paralegal.
Outside the office, I can be found:
When outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking at Stone Mountain, traveling/ taking Cruises, watching movies, listening to music, and going to concerts.
Credentials/past experience:
I am a certified paralegal with over 20 years of closing experience in the acquisition, financing, and sale of commercial property.
Outside the office, I can be found:
Anywhere with my husband and daughter, enjoying the outdoors and spending time together. We are the three musketeers; we like to laugh (with and at each other), eat, and ride roller coasters when there’s time.
Credentials/past experience:
I am a certified paralegal. I have been working in the commercial real estate arena for 6 years.
Outside the office, I can be found:
When I’m not in the office, I am at the park with my dog, Darla or at the gym.
Credentials/past experience:
I graduated from the Emory University Goizueta Business School with a degree in Finance. After graduation, I worked for a financial consulting firm where I worked on projects centered around litigation in different areas of the financial markets such as asset management, trading, derivatives and real estate. I am a CFA charter holder.
Outside the office, I can be found:
I’m either on the golf or tennis court, or watching football on the couch.
Credentials/past experience:
I offer over 25 years of hotel finance, development, investment, consulting, and operations experience. Prior to joining Access Point Financial, I was Managing Director at Davis Hotel Capital, where I served clients seeking creative hotel capital and real estate investment advisory services. Before Davis, I served in senior leadership positions at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Capmark Finance (formerly GMAC Commercial Mortgage), Hunter Hotel Advisors, Marriott International, and Prime Hospitality Corp.
I am a graduate of the University of Denver and a designated member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI). I have been a speaker at numerous industry conferences and served as adjunct professor at NYU’s School of Continuing Education, Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Travel Administration. I also served as a faculty member and regular participant in Michigan State’s Hospitality Business Real Estate Investment and Development Program (HOBRID) as well as a member of their Hospitality Business Real Estate & Development Advisory Council.
Outside the office, I can be found:
I reside in northern Virginia with my wife, Susan who is an accomplished chef and kindergarten teacher. As a result, I am in a constant battle to manage my waistline and I am often subject to a “time-out.” If I’m not working on a hotel deal, I can either be found with friends on the golf course fruitlessly chasing around a little white ball or watching one of my favorite NY-based sports teams. Of all my accomplishments, I am most proud of my son, who resides in Denver and shares my passion for hotel investment.
Credentials/past experience:
I have worked in the financial services industry with a variety of commercial loan types for the past 10 years, since graduating with a Finance degree from the University of Connecticut. In November 2018, I became a Georgia licensed insurance agent.
Outside the office, I can be found:
When not at the office, I can most likely be found in the gym, on the tennis court, or in another city.
Credentials/past experience:
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of California, Berkeley; an MBA from Georgia State University; and I am a Certified Public Accountant.
I have worked in public accounting as an auditor for Arthur Young in Walnut Creek, CA out of college (3 years), then worked for the Chronicle Publishing Company in San Francisco, CA in accounting and finance (5 years), then worked for ERE Yarmouth/Lend Lease Real Estate Investments/Capmark/GMAC Commercial Mortgage in mortgage accounting and reporting (10 years). I also worked for Triad Advisors and Generation Mortgage in accounting and finance (total of about 5 years), then Access Point Financial in accounting and finance (going on 7 years).
Outside the office, I can be found:
You can find me either at home relaxing, trying out any and all new movies or restaurants, or on the tennis court.
Credentials/past experience:
I have nearly 20 years of Finance and Accounting experience, working for such companies as Disney, Siemens and ABM. I have an MBA from Rollins College and an Accounting degree from University of Central Florida.
Outside the office, I can be found:
Spending time with my family, BBQing and playing guitar
Credentials/past experience:
I have 5 years of experience in Finance and Hospitality. I graduated from Cornell University with a Master of Management and a minor in Real Estate.
Outside the office, I can be found:
At home
Credentials/past experience:
I graduated from Albany State University with a business administration degree, accounting minor. I worked in commercial property accounting for years, handling receivables, payables and monthly closings as an accountant.
Outside the office, I can be found:
In my spare time, I attend family/friend get-togethers. My family is big, so there is something going on all the time. But mostly I am on the couch in front of the television.
Credentials/past experience:
I have been with Access Point Financial, Inc. since February 2014. My studies include real estate, business administration, human resources and operations management. Prior to APF, I worked in sales and marketing at Clorox, McKesson Provider Technologies and Nortel Networks.
Outside the office, I can be found:
Outside of the office, I am involved in various charitable organizations and I enjoy family, great conversations, and the outdoors.
Credentials/past experience:
I have been with Access Point Financial for 4 years. I have extensive knowledge in construction labor, with more than 20 years of experience. I support several areas within APF, such as assisting the closing department with document scanning and notarizing, managing mail operations and shipping detail. Prior to APF, I worked at a local private school doing various maintenance work and projects.
Outside the office, I can be found:
When not at work, you can find me with my family or taking in a great action movie. Sports is a favorite pastime, especially soccer with my church group.