Jeff Tennyson has over 30 years of experience building high-performing cultures and driving transformational growth in the financial services industry. With a proven track record of guiding six companies through acquisitions by private equity firms and strategic buyers, Jeff leverages his deep expertise in leadership, growth strategy, and M&A transactions to help his clients achieve extraordinary results. Jeff thrives on developing great people and fostering exceptional company cultures.
As a coach, he draws on his extensive executive experience and 6 years as a client of CEO Coaching International utilizing the Make BIG Happen System to help clients accelerate growth.
Professional Highlights:
- As President and CEO of Lima One Capital, Jeff led Lima One’s exponential growth, scaling the company by over 10x in four years.
- Under his leadership, Lima One gained national prominence, earning recognition as one of Inc. Magazine’s America’s Fastest Growing Companies and a Top Workplace.
- In 2021, Jeff successfully led Lima One’s acquisition by MFA Financial (NYSE: MFA), securing vital capital for continued expansion.
- Earlier in his career, as President of Clayton Holdings and a member of Radian’s (NYSE: RDN) executive committee, Jeff spearheaded impactful global mortgage strategies. He also led the creation of one of the nation’s largest non-prime mortgage lenders, scaling it from 40 employees to over 1,200 before selling it twice to major banks.
Jeff is a Certified Public Accountant with a BBA from Harding University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He currently serves as Chairman of the National Private Lenders Association and is an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (Southern 7 Gold).
Jeff and his wife, Kathy, reside in Charlotte, North Carolina, and recently celebrated their 40th anniversary. They have two wonderful adult children and a black lab (Tank) and enjoy traveling together and spending time on North Carolina’s beaches. Additionally, Jeff enjoys playing golf, collecting wine, and adventure travel, always seeking new experiences to share with family and friends.