The office will be run by Rob Marshall, most recently a vice president with American Property Financing. Over the past 15 years, he has worked for GE Capital, Pinnacle and GMAC Commercial Mortgage. "His expertise and familiarity with the Pacific Northwest markets coupled with our experience and lending sources will enable him to make an immediate impact on the market," predicts Slaugh.

Steelhead describes itself as an efficient means sourcing both debt and equity for commercial real estate transactions. The firm says it has funded transactions through life companies, conduits, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and "out-of-the-box" lenders, and also regularly structures transactions using high-leverage bridge loans, mezzanine debt, construction loans and straight equity. Some of the company's lender relationships include GMAC Commercial Mortgage, American Property Financing, Prudential Financial, GE Capital Lehman Brothers, Morgan Stanley and Heller Financial.

Marshall will be responsible for originating and analyzing commercial loans for all property types as well as overseeing the growth and development of the Seattle office. "Steelhead Capital has been very successful because of its ability to get deals done," says Marshall. "Now more than ever, borrowers need creative solutions to meet their financing needs."