Events

Brick City Capital Shines in Atlantic City: An Exclusive Conversation with KJ Mahan

At this year’s NPLA Conference, hosted at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, few booths drew as much attention as Brick City Capital. Their space was packed throughout the event, staffed by notable leaders including KJ Mahan (Chief Revenue Officer), Sean Shanahan (President), alongside Vice Presidents Rocco Mandarino and Matt Neptun, as well as Loan Officers Josh Botti, Connor Depace, and Tyler Ross. Their dynamic presence conveyed Brick City Capital’s reputation as a leading force in DSCR lending. I also had the pleasure of speaking with Eric Panecki, founder of Brick City Capital, whose warmth, sharp insight, and genuine interest in innovation made a lasting impression. Eric’s leadership continues to set the tone for a company that blends strategic thinking with a human touch. Founded in Newark, New Jersey, and now operating nationwide, Brick City Capital has quickly grown into a major player in the private lending market, financing over $800 million in DSCR loans and maintaining a remarkable 77% client retention rate. The company’s focus on speed, flexibility, and clear communication has made it a preferred lender for real estate investors across the country. An Exclusive Conversation with KJ Mahan Uriel Fleicher:KJ, thanks for stepping in today. It’s great to hear your perspective. How would you describe Brick City Capital’s impact at NPLA this year? KJ Mahan: Thanks, Uriel. The energy was incredible. We didn’t just show up—we showed up with intention. We engaged with brokers, discussed live deals, and shared real solutions. We didn’t just promote Brick City—we demonstrated what it means to execute with speed and integrity. Our booth reflected the culture we’ve built: high performance, strong relationships, and a ton of heart. Uriel: What do you believe separates Brick City from other DSCR lenders? KJ: Speed and creativity are key, but what truly sets us apart is how we show up for our brokers and borrowers. We treat each deal like it matters—because it does. We’re not just moving capital—we’re helping people build wealth, stabilize portfolios, and grow long-term relationships. That broker-first mindset is what fuels everything we do. Uriel: You’ve mentored and led hundreds of professionals throughout your career. How do you see that role in your day-to-day work? KJ: It’s something I take seriously, but also very humbly. I don’t think you can lift someone up for them—but you can hold the ladder steady. You can point out where the rungs are broken so they don’t slip. Everyone climbs their own ladder in their own way—I’m just honored when I get to be part of that process. Whether it’s a new Loan Officer finding their rhythm or a seasoned broker refining their edge, if I can help someone rise with more confidence, that’s a win. Uriel: That’s powerful. Can you share a recent deal that reflects Brick City’s capacity to deliver? KJ: Sure—one that comes to mind is a $5.2M DSCR loan we closed on a luxury SFR asset in South Florida. It was complex in structure, but we moved quickly, structured creatively, and delivered where others had stalled. That deal showcased not only our super-jumbo capability but also our ability to move with agility and precision. Uriel: What do the next 12 to 24 months look like for Brick City? KJ:We’re expanding rapidly—but doing so with purpose. More states, more brokers, more volume. But always with the same foundation: relationships, responsiveness, and results. We’re not trying to be the biggest—we’re trying to be the best partner in the space. That’s what drives us. Uriel: One last question: how would you sum up your NPLA experience this year in one sentence? KJ: We didn’t just connect—we contributed. And that’s the part that matters most. With a strong presence, a motivated leadership team, and a product offering that aligns with the evolving needs of real estate investors, Brick City Capital is clearly positioned for continued success. Their momentum at NPLA was not just a reflection of past achievements—it was a preview of what’s to come. Without a doubt, they are set to deliver outstanding results in the months and years ahead. KJ Mahan Chief Revenue Officer of Leverage Companies, the parent organization of Brick City Capital, Leverage Homes, Deals & Dollars, Leverage Capital, Leverage Holdings, and Leverage Cares. A business developer, entrepreneurial leader, and mentor, KJ has led and coached hundreds of professionals into top-performing roles across real estate and lending. At Brick City Capital, he drives national revenue growth through strategic partnerships, broker-first execution, and creative lending structures. Under his leadership, the company originates over $600 million annually in DSCR financing and has risen to become one of the top 10 private lenders in the U.S., according to Scotsman Guide. With a bold approach to leadership and a deep commitment to impact, KJ is helping reshape how lending teams perform and how lives are changed through execution.