70 years combined experience in the industry and we’re not stoppin’ anytime soon.
Avec GK, Inc. embodies 15 years of private lending fueled by 50+ years of financial wisdom.
At Avec, we lead with integrity, establishing a foundation built on trust and financial safety practices. With a strong legacy and guided by over 50 years of financial acumen, Avec is more than a private lending organization—it's a force of financial empowerment.
Since our inception in 2008, we have extended a helping hand to our partners, providing over a billion dollars in credit to builders and developers across diverse markets.
Our mission is clear: to evaluate credit opportunities, manage risk precisely, guard capital with unwavering diligence, and deliver returns that consistently exceed market expectations.
WE ARE
RELATIONSHIP
BUILDERS
We pride ourselves on being more than lenders; we are relationship builders. Navigating the economic hills and valleys alongside our borrowers, we are deeply rooted in protecting our clients' assets and safeguarding the future of housing. Over the years, the primary focus of our work has been on entry-level, presold and speculative single-family residential construction projects—providing versatile support for various endeavors.
BUILDER
ADVOCATES
For builders, time is currency, and we understand its value. Avec stands out compared to traditional financing by offering timely, consistent, and trustworthy capital. By design, we can move faster, accelerating the growth of our builders. Our builders' success is our success, creating jobs and generating tangible benefits that ripple through the local community.
CLIENT &
INVESTOR MINDED
Our approach allows our client's capital to be protected by due diligence and perfected the first position lien on all homes we finance, providing a robust return on investment that surpasses market standards. Investing with Avec removes the stress and anxiety associated with stock market volatility, a crucial consideration for all our participants. Choosing Avec means opting for consistent long-term partnerships and secure financial safety.
MEET
OUR
TEAM
Russ
Garrow
FOUNDER, PRESIDENT & CEO
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A visionary entrepreneur and respected businessman, Russ Garrow serves as the Founder, CEO, and President of Avec GK, Inc. With his commitment to excellence, Russ has led Avec since its establishment in January 2015, steering the company to unparalleled success and growth. Before founding Avec, Russ brought seven years of invaluable experience as the President of Garrow Equity LLC from 2008 to 2015.
Russ pursued his Bachelor of Business Administration at Carroll College, further enhancing his understanding of business dynamics and strategy. Russ's journey as a leader began in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a Captain. His eight years of service in the Marine Corps laid the foundation for his disciplined approach and shaped his leadership style in profound ways. Throughout his illustrious career,
Russ has consistently exhibited a passion for leadership, building relationships, and the pursuit of excellence. His diverse experiences, from military service to entrepreneurial ventures, have uniquely positioned him as a respected and influential figure in the business world. As he continues to lead Avec into the future, Russ remains dedicated to driving results, fostering growth, and leaving a lasting impact on his communities.
Greg
Peterson
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
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A results-driven financial professional, Greg Peterson serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Avec GK, Inc. Leveraging two decades of commercial and residential lending experience, Greg is a strategic leader in mortgage underwriting, operations management, and commercial lending. A Linfield University alumnus with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration, Greg's impact at Avec since June 2017 has been instrumental, driving operational success. Greg's background is more than a decade of commercial banking experience with a focus in residential and commercial construction lending, followed by another decade of successful residential mortgage lending. Greg's career showcases a commitment to excellence, strategic thinking, and a diligent pursuit of success in the financial industry. As COO, he continues to shape and drive Avec's growth and success.
Michael
McCann
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
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A disciplined leader and high achieving professional, Michael McCann serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Avec GK, Inc. Michael brings to Avec an exceptional combination of analytical capabilities and business acumen, that prove to be paramount in Avec’s continued success. His wide-ranging skillset was developed through his 6 years of service in the United States Navy as a leading cybersecurity analyst at the National Security Agency, and through his prestigious athletic success such as being drafted and playing professional baseball within the Kansas City Royals organization.
While serving on active duty, Michael graduated at the top of his class in the Master of Science in Finance program at Georgetown University. Prior to his service in the Navy, Michael worked at Ernst and Young as an auditor, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Seattle University.
Michael’s distinguished achievements across a multitude of diverse experiences throughout his career have shaped him to be both a thoughtful leader and principally driven. As CFO, he looks to not only drive the continuing success of Avec, but also to ensure that communities Avec impacts equally prosper.
June
Wheeler
OFFICE MANAGER
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June brings over 20 years of people management excellence and problem-solving expertise to AVEC. With a diverse background across various industries and roles, including administration, management, Human Resources, and bookkeeping, her skill set is comprehensive. Holding a B.S. degree in Business Administration with a major in Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, June combines her business knowledge with diligence to ensure effective and efficient transactions. Explore more about June's experience on her LinkedIn page.
OUR REGION
We’re deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in the Southwest Washington market. Over the last eight years, we've expanded our influence to include nearby Washington State and Oregon areas.
Our primary focus spans Vancouver, Portland, and the Tri-Cities region, allowing us to maintain market expertise, robust partner connections, and strategic reliability in managing funding sources.
As we continue to expand our secondary service market, we eagerly welcome discussions for potential partnerships or lender relationships. Don't hesitate to reach out—we’re here to connect.
Deep Roots in the Pacific Northwest
GROWING
OUR ROOTS
In a bold move towards growth, Avec is exploring new markets such as Utah, Idaho, and Texas.
This strategic expansion isn't just about geography; it's about diversifying our builder network and offering unparalleled services to new states.
“Avec is where roots expand
& opportunities flourish.”