michael knapp + associates

Michael Knapp

NMLS ID #110919

Loan Advisor

Company NMLS ID #1850

Licensed in Oregon and Washington

Those who know Michael Knapp describe him as creative, energetic, honest, and authentic…

Raised and educated in Oregon, Michael obtained his bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University. He entered the finance business in 1996 and quickly became a top producing broker. He is a member of:

• The dynamic, global network called Entrepreneurs’ Organization.
• Regional 80/20 Club of Mortgage Professionals.
• Supports The National Board of Mortgage Brokers
• Serves on the Board of Directors for Bridge Meadows, an organization based in Portland, Oregon focused on developing and sustaining intergenerational neighborhoods for adoptive families of foster children.
• Co-creator for the World Salmon Council

Michael’s philosophy on life is to engage on all levels.  In addition to community involvement, Michael is an advocate for personal education, development, and balance for himself and employees. When not hard at work, you’ll find him sampling the culinary creations throughout his beloved city of Portland or “chasing Steelhead” on one of his favorite Pacific Northwest waterways.

John Peterson

Director – Commercial Real Estate Capital

John has over 25 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry and has specialized in the financing of commercial real estate investment properties over the past 20 years.  John’s background in both banking and brokerage make him uniquely qualified to assist clients with an array of financing requirements, from straightforward refinance needs to the most complex financial arrangement of almost any commercial real estate investment property.

John’s focus is on debt and equity capital arrangement of a broad range of property types. His emphasis is finding acquisition, construction and permanent financing solutions for the professional CRE developer and investor specializing in a short-list of the following CRE asset classes:

• Apartments/Multi-Family
• Senior Housing
• Office
• Retail
• Industrial
• Mixed-Use
• Hotel/Hospitality
• Self Storage

People that know John would describe him as results-driven, having completed in excess of $500 million in commercial real estate financing, while always being especially sensitive to the needs of the client.  John’s low-key, calm disposition with a disciplined, analytical approach provides clients with the reassurance that he has their best interest in mind.

John lives in Happy Valley, Oregon with his wonderful wife Jennifer and two beautiful daughters, Addie and Emily.  John grew up in Pendleton, Oregon and enjoys the opportunity to regularly visit Eastern Oregon along with the chance to routinely see friends and family each year at the world-famous Pendleton Round-Up.  John’s past times include skiing, traveling and spending time with friends and family.  John serves on the advisory board of the Oregon Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and enjoys opportunities to regularly participate in various community-oriented non-profit activities.

Current and past organization memberships include:  CAB (Greater Portland/Vancouver Commercial Association of Brokers); OAR (Oregon Association of Realtors); NAR (National Association of Realtors); NAIOP (National Association of Industrial and Office Properties); BOMA (Portland Association of Building Owners & Managers); and ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers).

John attended Portland State University and holds a B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance.  John holds an Oregon Real Estate Broker license and has completed myriad other commercial real estate courses – short-list that includes: the Appraisal Institute; American College of Commerce; CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) Institute; and the Real Estate School of Oregon.

NIK MERRICK

Commercial Loan Manager

Nik Merrick came to the world of commercial finance because of his desire to collaborate with successful individuals, utilizing an ethical compass, to find creative and reliable financial solutions where clients achieve long-term financial wellness and prosperity.

Nik’s core mission is to provide the utmost level of dedication and service to his clients and inspire them with confidence and access to capital to pursue and achieve their greatest ambitions.

Dedicated to advocating for the next generation, Nik has over a decade and a half of experience in public schools as an educator and consultant, specializing in crisis management.

With a passion for entrepreneurial endeavors, Nik founded Portland area restaurants that continue to thrive and has worked as a restaurant startup consultant.  Additionally, Nik has multiple years working as a general contractor for both commercial and residential projects.

Because of his diverse background, Nik has experienced the importance of access to capital in the process of acquiring and maintaining assets and expanding real estate portfolios.

Nik specializes in the following transaction classes (construction/acquisition/refinance):

• Bridge Loans
• Industrial
• Flex Office/Warehouse
• Multi-Family
• Office
• Retail
• Mixed-Use
• Hospitality/Resort/Golf Course
• RV/Boat Storage Facilities

A proud native Portlander, Nik was born and raised in SE Portland. He graduated from the University of Oregon with a BA in History. He then attended Pepperdine University, earning an MA in Education with Honors. In addition, he’s earned several post-graduate licenses and endorsements from Pepperdine University and Portland State University.

Nik lives in the Woodstock neighborhood in SE Portland. He has been married for 16 years to his wonderful wife Saangpon, and is a father to their three-year-old son Quintin. He’s passionate about investing quality time with family as a father and husband.  He loves to travel Asia, Europe, and North America. Nik finds balance in life by immersing himself in the natural world, health/fitness, reading, meditation, and gardening.

Aubré Dickson

Business Development Officer

Aubré Dickson is a first-generation Portlander who is a graduate of Benson High School and Portland State University with a B.S. in Management & Finance and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.  Aubré has spent the past 16 years in commercial real estate with an emphasis in affordable multifamily housing and mixed-use development finance.  He has experience in financial services and investment management, as well as banking, lending, and equity capital.  Aubré has underwritten large, complex public-private transactions and has provided predevelopment, acquisition, bridge, construction, and permanent financing for projects throughout the Northwest and Mountain States.

Aubré is very passionate about serving underrepresented communities and has dedicated his time outside of work in making a difference through mentorship of middle and high school students, coaching, and serving on a number of nonprofit and public boards, including past chairperson of Oregon’s Housing Stability Council, a Governor-appointed board that  provides leadership in, and review and set policy for, the development and financing of affordable housing throughout the state of Oregon.

Aubré is married with 3 sons. He enjoys relaxing with the family, going to the gym, and reading.

Tara Carlisle

NMLS# 293980

Office Manager

Licensed in OR

Since 1995, Tara has been providing exemplary service within the finance world. She entered the mortgage industry in 2001 and has been an essential part of the River Capital team since its inception.

Aside from making mortgage dreams come true, Tara leads a rich and active life, fully embracing all the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Spending most Saturdays enjoying year around hiking adventures with her two black labs Cooper and Riley. As well as touring and tasting her way through wine country.