We are a dynamic group of professionals with diverse backgrounds in banking & finance, united by our passion for the whole loan sector. With extensive expertise in loan origination, credit buckets, and a deep understanding of capital markets, our team is committed to delivering exceptional financial solutions and fostering growth in the Memphis community. Together, we strive to provide personalized service, drive meaningful impact, and create lasting relationships with our clients.
Joel Banes the President & CEO of Memphis Capital Group headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Mr. Banes has been with the firm since he founded it in 2006 and has served as its President since its beginning. Mr. Banes built Banes Capital Management, Banes Capital Group, and to complete the company, Joel advised John Hanover in the purchase Hanover Securities, an institutional fixed income broker dealer. Hanover Securities became one of the few SBA Approved Pool Assemblers in the country, expanded its team of strategists, and serves banks, credit unions, municipalities, insurance companies and money managers with its fixed income offerings and expertise.
From each of the pieces the Memphis Capital High Income Fund was established in 2006 which has investments in the government guaranteed portion of SBA loans. With a deep understanding of the SBA profitability model, Mr. Banes realized that high net worth individuals would appreciate having access to this model. Mr. Banes met with many groups that appreciated the opportunity and two-family offices offered seed money to start the Banes Capital Management High Income Fund in 2006.
In January 2023 the companies were re-branded under Memphis Capital and the fund has grown to over $250 million in investments and the related companies have 40+ employees.
Mr. Banes’ career started at Duncan Williams in June 1984 as a registered representative. Starting in sales, took over the trading of government guaranteed loans, followed by running the department, and becoming a long-standing top producer at Duncan Williams.
After 17 years at Duncan Williams, Joel led a start-up SBA (Small Business Administration) pooling and trading operation at First Matrix Investment Services (FMIS). After three years of operations, Matrix Bancorp, the parent company of FMIS, became the number one SBA Pooler assembler in the country.
Mr. Banes and Memphis Capital are members of the Memphis Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Circle. Additionally, he is an active supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Make-A-Wish, and other community charities.
Mr. Banes graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville and attended classes at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Finance.
Kevin is an accomplished professional with an impressive 30-year career predominantly focused on the securities industry. Before joining Memphis Capital, Kevin held key positions at reputable institutions, solidifying his reputation as a trusted industry veteran. Kevin has showcased his commitment to regulatory adherence and risk management in his role at Memphis Capital. His astute understanding of compliance protocols and dedication to maintaining industry standards have been instrumental in ensuring the firm’s operational integrity.
Stephen, a seasoned professional with 24 years of experience in capital markets, brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Throughout his career, he worked with some of the country’s best fixed-income and loan capital markets firms, showcasing his exceptional skills in the field. Recognizing a need and opportunity for focused, analytics-based trading advice among his bank and credit union clients, Stephen founded Resi Consulting, LLC, a firm focused on providing fee-based loan capital markets advice to financial institutions nationwide. Subsequently, he joined forces with his long-time friend and colleague, Joel Banes, to establish the highly successful whole loan trading desk at Memphis Capital. Stephen’s extensive knowledge and diverse background made him an invaluable asset to the Memphis Capital Leadership Team. Outside the office,
Stephen enjoys spending his free time with his wife and two daughters.
Katie joined Memphis Capital in November 2021 as a Client Service Associate. She assists the Financial Strategists in their whole loan due diligence process. She has an impeccable eye for detail and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that any project is completed successfully.
Outside the office, you can find her practicing hot yoga, trying new cuisines around town, or sifting through used books and records.
Jennifer has been an integral part of the Memphis Capital team since 2012, specializing in maintaining client relationships for those interested in bidding on Small Business Administration (SBA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans. With her extensive expertise, Jennifer is well-equipped to assist clients in originating, buying, selling, and servicing these types of loans, ensuring a smooth and efficient process. She has a strong track record of facilitating the trade of some of the largest loans in USDA history, making her a valuable resource for clients looking to trade their loans. Having accumulated over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, Jennifer previously worked for another financial firm where she focused on compliance. There, she learned to understand and work with regulators and guide others. As Jennifer progressed in her career, she transitioned to branch management and learned the nuances, needs, and wants of brokers, banks, and credit unions. Motivated by her dedication to providing exceptional service, Jennifer joined Memphis Capital with the drive to serve clients with the utmost professionalism. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jennifer is actively involved in various community organizations. She is a member of the Junior League of Memphis and Junior Auxiliary, which help guide Women and Children in education and leadership development to become the best they can be, and she also sits on the Memphis Botanical Garden’s Board of Directors. Beyond that, she participates in Memphis in May World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest with her team, where they compete in showcasing culinary skills and creating delicious food.
Maddy’s journey with Memphis Capital began during her final year of schooling when she interned with our lender relations department. Impressed by her dedication and aptitude for analysis, we welcomed her as a valuable addition to our whole loan trading team. Maddy’s exceptional skills in macroeconomic and loan-level analysis, coupled with her genuine empathy and desire to understand others, make her incredibly effective in comprehending and meeting the unique needs of various financial institutions. As Vice President of Whole Loan Trading, she is crucial in facilitating whole loan and participation trades by collaborating closely with strategists, traders, and various financial institutions operating in the secondary market. Even while pursuing her education, Maddy showed her commitment to professional growth by actively contributing to the Memphis Capital website, writing insightful economic commentaries, and showcasing her ability to distill complex concepts into accessible and engaging content. Additionally, she served as a research assistant for her university’s economics department, further enriching her knowledge and understanding of the field.
In 2020, Marie joined Memphis Capital as Senior Vice President and Financial Strategist, working closely with banks, credit unions, municipalities, investment advisors, and hedge funds nationwide to facilitate whole loan, loan participation, and securities transactions in the secondary market.
Marie spent most of her career in Memphis, TN with a local regional broker/dealer, beginning in operations and quickly advancing to a government securities trading position. Marie’s back-office knowledge and trading experience landed her an integral role in building the firm’s MBS/TBA forward hedging platform. A successful 15-year run within the hedging group led to her transition into the whole loan market.
During the pandemic, Ben joined Memphis Capital in 2020 as a Strategies Analyst. Through some time on the desk learning loan tapes, he graduated to Financial Strategist, and is now working even closer with his banks and credit unions. Ben grew up in Nashville and recently graduated from Christian Brothers University. Ben was a four-year member of the Buccaneer Men’s Golf Team and served as Treasurer of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Xi-Eta Chapter. He enjoys playing golf, cooking, and almost anything that allows him to appreciate the outdoors.
Casey Goodwin joined the firm in 2018. A Memphis native, Casey’s career began after graduating from Christian Brothers University with his bachelor’s degree in business administration. After years within the industry, he has utilized his knowledge and skillset to help banks and credit unions optimize their portfolio yield with SBA and USDA government-guaranteed loans. When Casey is not spending time with his wife and two dogs, he can be found at the lake, fishing, or playing sports. In addition, he is an active member of the CK2 Foundation.
John Hirt is the Managing Director of strategists at Memphis Capital, where he has successfully tripled the team’s size and gross revenue. He emphasizes product knowledge through daily sales calls, fostering communication between traders and providing market insights. As consultants to C-suite leaders, John, and his Sales Strategists optimize portfolios for banks and credit unions. Known for his focus, energy, and excellence, John sets high standards for himself and his team. Additionally, John contributes to the growth of Memphis Capital as a member of their Leadership Team. With over 25 years of industry experience, John held significant positions at other financial organizations. He has served as Managing Director and National Sales Manager for the Fixed Income Capital Markets group and was part of the senior management committee. During the acquisition of two institutions, John played a role in the transition and integration team. Notably, he was the top producer of that organization in Institutional Fixed Income in 2011 and achieved remarkable success throughout his tenure. Before that, John worked at First Tennessee’s Bond Division and was involved in M&A activities with WSGP and Aurora Capital Partners in Century City, California.
Jack joined Memphis Capital in July 2021 as an Associate Financial Strategist with a solid finance and investment industry background. His exceptional analytical skills and strategic mindset quickly made him an invaluable asset to the team. After demonstrating his expertise and dedication, Jack was given an opportunity to transition to the Whole Loan Trading team. Recognizing his potential, the company believed that Jack’s skills would be a perfect fit for the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the department. Before Memphis Capital, Jack worked with the CEO of an investment and trading organization. Jack grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. During college, he was a member of Ducks Unlimited, the Club baseball team, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, where he served as President. Jack spends his free time improving his golf game, watching sports, and reading.
Madeleine joined Memphis Capital’s Lender Relations team in September 2022. She was a valuable addition to the team with a strong customer relations background and a commitment to community service. Madeline studied at the University of Memphis, where she obtained her BA in Professional Studies. She has built a diverse work history, shaping her into an exceptional professional. Madeleine was in the automotive industry as a certified salesperson for luxury brands like Acura, Lincoln, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati, focused on customer service and relationship-building skills. Decade-long experience in the service industry as a bartender, allowing her a breadth of people to talk to. Madeleine is an avid sports fan, supporting local teams like the Grizzlies, Memphis Tigers, and the New Orleans Saints. Sports have always been a significant part of her life. She played travel soccer and excelled in long-distance track running during high school. She continues to lead an active lifestyle by participating in weekly recreational co-ed softball games. Madeleine has a deep compassion for animals and has two of her own, Daisy and Eden. As a committed volunteer for Stray Network, she fosters expecting, newborn, and orphaned dogs, providing them with a safe and loving environment. She also enjoys indulging in good food, spending time with friends, and traveling.
Alston joined Memphis Capital in 2022 after years in banking, Finance, and the automobile sales and financing business. His experience with the loan origination process and credit buckets that are part of any financial institution’s secondary market criteria make him a natural fit for the whole loan sector. He is a legacy in the business, which means Alston grew up with conversations about the capital markets served with his Cheerios. With a strong commitment to the Memphis community, Alston graduated from Memphis University School and Ole Miss. He loves old cars for their engineering simplicity and style. He supports charity organizations throughout the Mid-South, while holding music as one of his passions. Alston has been an avid and active musician singing in local choirs and performing live for special events across the country.
Carl Moerbe has extensive financial experience and responsibilities in investments and system
platforms like Bloomberg, Tradeweb, and TH Company. He has provided management and
execution for institutional investors ($200mm to $10Bln+), emphasizing U.S. Investment Grade
Debt, product evaluation, analysis and recommendation, portfolio analytics, simulation modeling
development, account consulting, interest rate risk management, and regulatory compliance.
Carl has a long history with notable financial institutions, having been a star player in many
high-level documentation creations.
He has interacted directly with, executed for, and advised many types of investors, including
money managers, individual/private Investors, depositories, state and local governments,
foreign central banks, foundations and trusts, nonprofits, and insurance companies. Now, he
advises accounts on asset allocation, investment products, and portfolio strategies.
Jacob joined Memphis Capital in April 2022. Originally from Bend, Oregon, he has roots deep in the financial industry. While studying at George Fox University, Jacob double majored in Finance and International Business, the latter of which took him to 13 countries worldwide. Through the program, he learned how nations and cultures conduct their business, giving him a broad set of skills and market knowledge that he still uses to great effect. Throughout his years in the finance industry, Jacob has worked in banking and financial advising and earned his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses. The pandemic market shifts led him to excel at assisting his clients through some of the most stressful situations in the last ten years. Jacob learned how to reassure and alleviate his clients’ stressors with incredible customer service and retirement strategies. In 2021, Jacob moved to Memphis with his wife so that she could pursue a career in the medical field. Jacob enjoys traveling worldwide and plans only to continue his adventures. He also enjoys working on classic cars, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities with his wife during his off time.
Lee joined our team in September 2020, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for Finance. Lee’s dedication and strong analytical skills quickly earned him recognition within the industry. He is a financial strategist focused on banks and credit unions.
Beyond his professional achievements, Lee is deeply committed to positively impacting his community. His passion for community service is evident through his involvement on the boards of local organizations, such as the Memphis Jewish Community Center and the Tennessee Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
Denise joined our team in 2008. Over the years, she has shown dedication and passion for our company, serving as the CEO’s Assistant and Office Manager before coming into her role as the Human Resources Director. A native Memphian, Denise was educated and conditioned for the Financial Industry from a young age while attending the University of Memphis and studying Business Management. In her early career years, she served as the Branch Manager Assistant, Operations Manager, and Support Staff Supervisor for two notable financial agencies. During this time, Denise received hands-on Human Resources training in New York. She then attended the Ritz Carlton School of Excellence in Atlanta to become certified and implemented a new operating system for a branch of 80 employees. Denise resides in Florida and enjoys co-owning a small craft beer garden with her husband. She enjoys visits from family, friends, and coworkers. In her free time, Denise has served on the National Beach Campaign Clean up and raised capital for Alaqua Animal Refuge and the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society. However, she remains dedicated to her Memphis roots with her love for music, sports, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Growing up, Denise’s passion for cheer led her to be on the Pom Squad at the University of Memphis and as a Memphis Showboats Cheerleader.
Mario joined our team in 2020 from the Insurance industry. Having additional experience in the service industry, Mario brings his quick wit and sense of humor to his book of business. Mario was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, and moved to America when he was three. He grew up in Leominster, MA, and moved to Memphis in 2004 to attend the University of Memphis. Mario proudly became an American Citizen in 2007 and is a fluent bilingual speaker. When Mario is not in the office, you can find him playing competitive ping pong with his wife or watching his son learn to walk. His wife and son are his passion and motivation. Finally, he is a dynamic athlete: in basketball, golf, soccer, and any backyard games. One of Mario’s most significant athletic accomplishments was completing the St. Jude Marathon in 2022.
Unwilling to retire, Jack joined Memphis Capital in 2020 as Senior Vice President and Financial Strategist. He is a native New Yorker who began his career with a small regional firm on Wall Street, trading municipal securities. With a physical move South and a transition from Wall Street to the regional broker/dealer community in Memphis, TN, Jack transformed his book of business to encompass all fixed-income securities. Jack’s targeted focus has been on mortgage-backed securities (RMBS, CMBS, ABS private placements, and whole loan transactions).
Tarasha earned her BS in Accounting from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN, which catalyzed numerous opportunities that awaited her. She has over 25 years of experience spanning public accounting, asset management, and small business accounting and taxation before joining the Memphis Capital team in late 2021 as our Director of Accounting. Since then, she has shown her dedication and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that our financial records and numbers are accurately managed and providing essential insights for informed decision-making. She has been married to her husband, Keith, for over twenty-seven years, and they are parents of three, with three grandchildren. Since the pandemic lockdowns and the closure of their favorite places, Tarasha took the initiative to start a family Bible Study night where their family can come together to read, discuss, and learn about the messages of the Bible and how they can apply those lessons to their daily lives. As Finance revolves around her life, Tarasha teaches all she’s learned through financial literacy and personal finance classes in her spare time at her church and the wider Memphis community. Tarasha also avidly supports Tennessee sports teams like her hometown Memphis Tigers, the Grizzlies, and the Titans.
Donna joined the Memphis Capital team in 2016. She has over 32 years of experience in office administration, management, and accounting. She began in our Settlements department, where she learned the ins and outs of working with SBA, USDA, and FSA loans in the secondary market. After providing needed support in the Lender Relations department, she is now an Accounting Specialist and the Assistant to the Director of Accounting. With an eye for detail, Donna is dedicated to ensuring all aspects of accounting are done accurately and timely. Donna is a Memphis native and has been married to her husband, Michael, for 27 years. Since both of her children are graduates of the University of Memphis, she is a big fan of our Memphis Tigers. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends at her summer home on the Tennessee River in Savannah, TN.
Steven Shelton joined Memphis Capital with experience both in management and sales. He specializes in assisting institutional clients in managing balance sheet needs by purchasing and selling whole loans and government-guaranteed loans and pools. He works tirelessly to be the knowledge base for many of our team members and is always learning more about the changing markets.
Steven has been married to his wife Mallory for 10 years. They have two beautiful children, Kinsley and Caden, with whom Steven enjoys coaching and attending sporting events. He is a member of Hope Presbyterian Church, where he participates in various community outreach programs.
Scott joined Memphis Capital in March of 2023, bringing over 25 years of industry experience as an Institutional Fixed Income Salesperson and Trader. Scott started his career at American National Bank in the bond department. Through subsequent acquisitions, he was part of the formation of SunTrust Capital Markets and participated in monthly strategy meetings for the bank’s portfolio. After, Scott moved to the Institutional Fixed Income group for a notable organization in the business. He was one of only two invited to join the establishment’s Institutional Fixed Income Division from the AmSouth Capital Markets merger. He spent 10 years as a Fixed Income Sales professional and enjoyed working with the bank’s largest customers. Scott has numerous client relationships spanning Tier-1 money managers, insurance companies, depository institutions, trust departments, municipalities, and corporations. In 2013, he launched the Institutional Fixed Income business for a regional brokerage firm, where he stayed until joining the team at Memphis Capital. He is Executive Advisor for FoxMark International, a transcontinental business incubator based in Tokyo, where he was born and raised. Scott used to serve on the Widow’s Harvest Ministries board. He also co-founded LAUNCH Chattanooga, a non-profit organization delivering entrepreneurship training to adults and high schools in underserved communities.
Jim Tait is a revered figure in the Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) world, having dedicated his career to trading since 1981. With an impressive 27-year tenure as an MBS Trader and Managing Director, Jim’s expertise and experience are unparalleled in the industry. Renowned for his keen eye for opportunity, Jim’s daily Cherry Picks highlights the best of the bonds, and his colorful financial commentary serves as a refreshing perspective that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee. Recognized as a subject matter expert on MBS, he generously shares his wealth of knowledge and insights with a dedicated following of 2,000 LinkedIn followers. While MBS remains Jim’s primary focus and expertise, he also navigates the world of whole loans, demonstrating his versatility and comprehensive understanding of the financial market.
John joined Memphis Capital with an increasingly notable 30-year career with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in Washington, D.C. His service includes over ten years as Division Chief of the Secondary Market for the 7(a) and 504 programs. His policy experience in lending and investor programs includes program delivery of the sale and securitization of government-guaranteed securities, negotiating terms for secured credit facilities, and investment oversight of the SBA Master Reserve Fund. His tenure at the SBA includes working as a Financial Analyst for a venture capital unit within the SBA Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program. Before the SBA, John worked at a distinguished financial firm in Chicago, Illinois.
Sam joined Memphis Capital in 2021 as a Financial Strategist. His role includes working with banks and credit unions to help optimize their performances and diversify their loan & securities portfolios.
Before Memphis Capital, Sam worked in sales and support roles, generating supply chain efficiencies for US domestic transportation and logistics customers. He also introduced, trained, and supported customers with industry-specific software applications. Sam succeeded in building a reputation for thorough product knowledge and exceptional customer communication. Sam greatly appreciates all things outdoors, spending his time hunting/fishing, camping, and snowboarding.
