ANDREW JONES
St. Louis
Summary
Accomplished financial leader with a proven track record at Farafalla Financial, LLC, delivering over $500M in commercial financing. Expert in transaction structuring and relationship management, adept at building networks and solving complex financial challenges. Successfully closed a $30M line of credit, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving and strategic skills.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Principal
Farafalla Financial, LLC
St. Louis
01.2020 - Current
- Originated and closed $500M+ in commercial financing, including $35M in the past 12 months
- Secured $30M cash-backed line of credit for distressed private university, facilitating operational stability
- Executed $35M ground-up hotel construction loan, achieving closure in 90 days to meet project timeline
- Built and scaled a hybrid lending and brokerage platform delivering comprehensive capital solutions
- Structured transactions across SBA, CRE, multifamily, construction, mezzanine, and preferred equity
- Established and nurtured relationships with 40–50 lending partners to enhance financing options
Owner
Midwest Firewood Brokerage
01.2020 - Current
- Founded and operate regional brokerage serving Midwest clients
- Provide white-glove firewood delivery service Originated and developed commercial lending relationships across middle-market clients
- Managed daily operations of firewood brokerage to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Oversaw inventory management for diverse firewood products and supplies.
- Coordinated logistics for efficient delivery routes and customer satisfaction.
Development Officer & Commercial Lender
Simmons Bank
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Originated and developed commercial lending relationships, enhancing access to capital for middle-market clients
- Structured and underwrote loans across CRE and business lending segments
- Expanded pipeline through strategic business development and referral partnerships, increasing lending opportunities
- Managed client relationships, driving portfolio growth through tailored financial solutions
Commercial Lender / Business Development Officer
Saint Louis Bank
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Built and maintained strong borrower and referral partner relationships, fostering trust and facilitating future business
- Sourced and originated commercial lending opportunities, enhancing deal flow through strategic outreach
- Developed consistent pipeline of qualified lending opportunities, ensuring steady revenue generation
- Underwrote and structured loans across commercial real estate and operating businesses
Commercial Loan Officer
Fortune Bank
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Originated and processed commercial loan applications to meet client needs
- Developed client relationships and guided borrowers through lending process for successful loan closures
- Assessed borrower financials, credit, and collateral to determine loan feasibility
- Managed loan files and maintained portfolio quality
Education
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture Business (Animal Science)
Southeast Missouri State University
Skills
- Commercial lending
- Transaction structuring
- Risk assessment
- Financial analysis
- Network development
- Problem solving and goal setting
- Time management and attention to detail
Personal Information
Title: Entrepreneur / Founder / Commercial Loan Expert
Entrepreneurial Experience
Founded and operate regional commerical loan consulting firm across United States
Owner, Midwest Firewood Brokerage
Timeline
Development Officer & Commercial Lender
Simmons Bank
01.2021 - 01.2023
Founder & Principal
Farafalla Financial, LLC
01.2020 - Current
Owner
Midwest Firewood Brokerage
01.2020 - Current
Commercial Lender / Business Development Officer
Saint Louis Bank
01.2019 - 01.2021
Commercial Loan Officer
Fortune Bank
01.2015 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture Business (Animal Science)
Southeast Missouri State University