About BEL AIR LENDING

At BEL AIR LENDING, we empower investors with secure, high-yield opportunities backed by real estate. Our team of experienced professionals has over 20 years of experience in the investment fund industry, and we specialize in residential real estate. We are committed to providing our clients with the best investment options while minimizing risk.

Welcome to smart investing.

Meet Our Team

We at BEL AIR LENDING are dedicated to giving you the best experience possible,

whether borrowing money or lending money.

We are safe, we are easy, and we are smart.

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

John Ford

John is a highly accomplished real estate entrepreneur, having facilitated over 360 loans exceeding $61 million for fellow real estate investors since January 2018. His extensive portfolio includes rehabilitating over 50 homes, constructing over 60 new residences, holding an unrestricted North Carolina General Contractor license for both residential and commercial projects, and is a member of the American Association of Private Lenders.

Chief Financial Officer

Jeanne Ford

Jeanne oversees financial administration for both Ford Associates NC and Carolina Residential Solutions, and she serves as the property manager for the Ford portfolio of long-term and short-term rentals.

Underwriter & Marketing

Samantha Sykes

Samantha pursued her studies in Business and Marketing at Meredith College (Class of 2020). She has since applied her passion for marketing and connecting with people in her role as an Underwriter at Bel Air Lending, as well as managing the company's social media and marketing efforts.

Site-Visits & Due Diligence

Jeff Hughes

Jeff has been in the construction industry since 1976. His background started in industrial construction and he has a strong residential construction history. He passed the North Carolina General Contractors test in 1985 and became a licensed general contractor. He has been involved in numerous new builds, and hundreds of rehab projects over the years, commercial and residential. Jeff now consults privately and also serves as Construction Manager for Ford Associates NC and Bel Air Lending.

Paralegal

Dawn Greene

Dawn served as a Certified Paralegal and Office Manager at Raymond A. Bretzmann, Attorney at Law, in High Point for an impressive 38-year tenure, concluding her tenure upon Mr. Bretzmann's retirement. Since, she has put her legal skills to good use at Bel Air Lending, where she joined their team in January of 2022.

Attorney & Trust Administrator

Steve Lowry

Steve Lowry is an experienced attorney who founded The Law Offices of Lowry & Associates in 2003, specializing in commercial and residential real estate, estate planning, asset protection, and business and tax planning. He holds a law degree from Duke University and an undergraduate degree from Lipscomb University. Steve is licensed to practice law in Ohio and North Carolina, and he is a member of several prominent bar associations. Steve has been working alongside Bel Air Lending for 5 1/2 years.

Team Mascot

Goldie

Goldie, our one and a half year-old furball from Raleigh, is a true sensation. This remarkable pup has a heart as big as his love for sticks, rabbits, squirrels, and ice cream. Known locally as "The Stick Whisperer," Goldie's fetching skills are legendary. He's also the neighborhood's go-to bunny tracker and has a penchant for ice cream treats. Goldie's crowning achievement? Passing his Good Neighbor puppy training course with flying colors. He's not just a dog; he's a beloved Bel Air Lending icon!