Jeff Tennyson has over 30 years of experience building high-performing cultures and driving transformational growth in the real estate and financial services industries. 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 accelerate growth.
Professional Highlights:
- As CEO of Lima One Capital, one of the nation’s largest private mortgage lenders to real estate investors, Jeff led Lima’s exponential growth from $200 million to over $2 billion in annual originations, over 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, before leading its successful acquisition by MFA Financial (NYSE: MFA).
- 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 and growth. He also led the creation of one of the nation’s largest non-prime mortgage lenders, scaling it from $100 million to over $15 Billion of annual originations with more than 1,200 employees and 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 a 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.
Featured Podcast:
Listen to CEO Coaching International podcast episodes featuring Jeff Tennyson: