LEARN MORE ABOUT US
At Northwest Equity Lending, we are committed to helping you secure the financing you need. Whether you’re looking for a Construction Loan to build your project, Development Loan to get ready for construction, or a Bridge Loan to take your project to the next level our lending solutions are tailored to meet your specific needs with flexibility and security.
In today’s economic climate of high interest rates and limited bank lending, private lending provides you with significant advantages. Our expertise in this area allows us to offer competitive rates and personalized service, helping you secure the financing you need, even when traditional banks are not an option.
As a proud subsidiary of Romano Capital, we leverage our comprehensive market insights to support your construction goals and deliver exceptional results. Join us and experience the benefits of working with a trusted partner in private lending, dedicated to making your construction project a success.
> Meet the team
KESS ROMANO
President & CEO, Principal
Kess Romano is the President, CEO and Principal of Romano Capital. As the founder, Kess creates investment funds focused on the development, construction, acquisition, sale, rental, and lending of real estate projects, offering investors secure, high yield returns. Romano Capital’s clients trust the firm for high-quality investments and long-term wealth building.
Kess began his career as a Loan Officer at Crown Home Mortgage after earning an Economics degree from George Fox University in 2000. He later gained experience with new construction loans at Star Mountain Mortgage. In 2003, Kess founded Romano Financial with his father, Jerry Romano, and in 2008, he established Capital Preservation Management, a Registered Investment Advisory Firm in Washington state.
Romano Capital and its affiliated companies have deep roots in the Pacific Northwest, where Kess and his team have managed 20 private real estate offerings since 2003. Kess takes a hands-on approach, overseeing all aspects of development and maintaining strong local relationships
STEPHANIE KOCH
VP of Lending
Stephanie joined Romano Capital in the spring of 2021 when the company acquired a loan portfolio that formed the basis of the Capital Preservation 200 fund. With over 30 years of experience in commercial lending, she previously worked as a commercial real estate lender for a regional bank and served as a Special Asset Manager from 2007 to 2012. She later transitioned to private equity, where she has been managing credit for funds ever since.
At Romano Capital, Stephanie has become an indispensable member of the lending division. She is responsible for underwriting, servicing, and regulatory compliance for the lending funds. As a key member of the credit committee, she plays a significant role in all decision-making processes. Stephanie is an expert in strategic and creative cash flow management and collateral analysis, ensuring optimal fund performance and risk mitigation.
Stephanie earned her degree from Central Washington University and graduated from the Northwest Intermediate Commercial Lending and Pacific Coast Banking School. During her banking career, she served on various non-profit boards and is currently a Board Member for Ginn Gives.
KORBAN ROMANO
EVP, Principal
After exploring several entrepreneurial ventures, Korban moved to Argentina to work on humanitarian projects. Upon returning to Washington, he developed a strong interest in real estate investment and began collaborating with his brother Kess.
Korban joined Romano Capital in 2011 and has been instrumental in the company’s growth and the expansion of its core business lines. Initially serving as the internal accountant, he managed reporting and compliance for over 30 LLCs. His expertise in private money lending helped scale the Capital Preservation mortgage fund to its current cap of $20 million.
Korban now leads the strategic initiatives for accounting, finance, and cash management operations. He ensures the company’s financial practices and reporting procedures adhere to industry best practices and regulatory standards.
KAYLEE GOULD
Loan Administrator
Kaylee joined Romano Capital in March 2022, bringing a solid foundation in business and finance. She holds an associate’s degree from Portland Community College and is currently a senior at Oregon State University, pursuing a degree in Business Administration. This role is a crucial step in her long-term aspirations to build positive relationships with customers and help them achieve their financial goals.
In her position, Kaylee supports the VP of Lending by managing the day-to-day administration of the loan portfolio. She handles processing new loans, payments, payoffs, and extensions with meticulous attention to detail. Her deep understanding of the loan system ensures that NW Equity Lending delivers exceptional customer service, making the loan process as smooth and efficient as possible for clients.
Kaylee’s commitment to excellence and her expertise in loan administration are key factors in maintaining NW Equity Lending’s high standards in client service. Her contributions not only support the company’s operational needs but also enhance the overall experience for borrowers, ensuring they receive timely and accurate information and assistance throughout their loan journey.