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.

NIK MERRICK

Commercial Loan Manager

Nikolaus embarked on his career in commercial finance in 2016, driven by a commitment to assisting ambitious individuals secure Commercial Capital through innovative strategies, grounded in ethical principles. With a creative mindset, he endeavors to identify and secure financial solutions that enable clients to achieve tactical successes and strategic financial prosperity. Nikolaus has successfully closed over $565 million in commercially financed transactions since entering the industry.

Drawing from a decade of experience as an educator and crisis intervention specialist in public schools, Nikolaus brings strong engagement, communication skills, and the ability to maintain composure, optimism, and assertiveness in challenging situations.

His core mission is to provide clients with unparalleled dedication and service, instilling confidence in their representation and access to Commercial Capital to pursue and realize their goals.

Nikolaus’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish thriving Portland area restaurants, PaaDee and Kinara Thai Bistro, and to work as a general contractor on commercial and residential projects. These ventures imparted invaluable insights into the development and implementation of roles, responsibilities, systems, and processes essential for achieving consistent and prosperous outcomes.

Specializing in transaction classes with loan sizes greater than $5MM, Nikolaus focuses on Assisted Living & Multifamily, Manufacturing, Owner-Occupied/User, Commercial & Industrial projects. He adeptly navigates a range of financing options including Conventional, HUD, Insurance, CMBS, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, SBA, State, and Portfolio Financing, as well as Private Bridge Loans. His expertise spans the Development, Acquisition, and Refinancing of Commercial Assets with a predominant emphasis in the Assisted Living & Multifamily spaces.

A native of SE Portland, Nikolaus holds a BA from the University of Oregon, an MA in Education with Honors (Phi Delta Kappa) from Pepperdine University, and postgraduate endorsements and a license in Public Administration from Portland State University.

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.