Events

RCN Capital Turns 15: How We Met Serena DeStefani and Her Take on the Industry

This year, RCN Capital proudly celebrates its 15th anniversary — marking a decade and a half of providing reliable financing solutions for real estate investors nationwide. With a reputation built on transparency, speed, and strong relationships, RCN Capital has become a leading name in private lending, trusted by brokers and borrowers alike for both fix-and-flip and long-term rental projects. During this milestone year, I had the honor of meeting Serena Destefani, one of the talented professionals representing RCN Capital at two major industry events I attended: first at the company’s booth during the NPLA Conference Miami and more recently at the IMN Conference Miami. Serena’s passion for the industry and her approachability makes her a standout ambassador for RCN’s values. Below is an exclusive conversation we had about her role, her insights on the industry, and her thoughts on our project, The Elite Officer. Uriel Fleicher: Serena, it’s great to talk to you again. You’ve been busy representing RCN Capital at both the NPLA and IMN conferences this year. What has stood out to you about participating in these events? Serena DeStefani: Thank you — it’s been wonderful seeing so many familiar and new faces! Both conferences highlight the energy and evolution in private lending. They’re great opportunities for us to listen to what investors and brokers really need, and to demonstrate how RCN Capital can support their goals. We succeed when our customers succeed, and attending these conferences gives us valuable insight into what drives others’ achievements — so we can continue to deliver solutions that truly add value. Plus, they’re a great reminder of how far RCN has come in 15 years!” Uriel: For our readers who might not know you yet, could you tell us a bit about your professional background and what led you to join RCN Capital? Serena: Sure! I’ve always been drawn to sales, finance and relationship-building. My background includes roles in accounting and customer service, and I love the mix of analytical and people-oriented work. At RCN Capital, I get to work with an incredible team and help investors achieve their goals — it’s the perfect fit for me. Uriel: What are some common questions you get when talking to new clients or partners about RCN Capital? Serena: People are always curious about how we balance fast closings with prudent underwriting. They want to know about our track record, what makes us different, and how we handle market changes. It’s rewarding to show them the systems and the team behind our success. I am lucky to work for such an amazing company that offers resources to allow me to serve our customers and provide insights on whatever questions clients have for me. Uriel: I’ve shared with you a bit about The Elite Officer, our initiative to connect high-performing professionals and build a community that fosters growth, collaboration, and continuous learning in the lending industry. What do you think about the project? Serena: I really like it. There’s always a need for platforms that spotlight strong leadership and practical knowledge. A project like The Elite Officer helps raise standards and builds a network where people can share insights and support each other’s growth. That’s invaluable in this business. A loan officer’s success only comes if their borrowers succeed. Highlighting loan officers is a rewarding feeling for us because of our counterparts’ triumphs we helped to get here. Uriel: Finally, what advice would you give to someone who wants to grow their career in private lending? Serena: Focus on building genuine relationships and staying curious. Learn as much as you can about the market, listen to experienced people, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you understand the needs of your clients and partners, the better you’ll succeed in this field. Most importantly, have a strong mind set of wanting it. This conversation with Serena Destefani is a great example of the kind of leadership and passion that has made RCN Capital a trusted name for 15 years — and counting. An Unexpected Connection Halfway through our conversation, we were joined by Pragma’s leadership team — Henry Santos and Skaidre Trakimas — who happened to stop by just as Serena and I were discussing The Elite Officer. What started as a simple interview quickly turned into an impromptu roundtable, presenting both The Elite Officer and RCN Capital’s vision to Pragma. Sometimes the best ideas and connections happen exactly like this: in the middle of a busy conference floor, with the right people, at the right moment. Serena DeStefani Senior Loan Officer at RCN Capital sdestefani@rcncapital.com Serena is a Senior Loan Officer at RCN Capital, based in the Charlotte metro area, where she has been instrumental in originating financing for real estate investors since joining the company in August 2020. With a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Belmont Abbey College and over five years of loan management experience at RCN Capital, Serena leverages her analytical skills and customer-first approach to deliver tailored lending solutions. She is a standout performer among RCN’s top originators, frequently representing the firm at key industry events and actively engaging with brokers and investors to grow business relationships.