At Direct Mortgage Loan Company, our team’s experience spans decades across every aspect of the Philadelphia real estate industry. We are small enough to give each client personalized attention and large enough to consistently deliver results. Direct offers more than just financing – we provide insight that helps our clients make sound decisions.
OUR TEAM
Jared E. Pontz, President and Managing Partner
Jared E. Pontz is president and managing partner of Direct Mortgage Loan Company, and its parent company, Elfant Pontz Properties, a property management and development firm. Jared’s combined expertise in all facets of the Philadelphia real estate market informs his unique perspective on commercial lending.
An active investor, Jared has developed and owns a range of mixed-use and multifamily projects, from adaptive reuse to new construction. He was listed as one of the “next wave of developers remaking our neighborhoods” by Philadelphia Magazine in 2017. In 2019 Jared was named as an “Influencer of Finance” by the Philadelphia Inquirer. The awards are presented to “the most influential financial professionals” in the region.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Jared earned his Master’s in Business Administration from Temple University’s Fox School of Business. He joined the company in 2005 after serving in the United States Peace Corps. He has served as the managing partner since 2009 and became president of the company in 2018. He also serves on the board of the Mt. Airy Business Improvement District and previously served on the board of Face to Face Germantown.
Robert J. Elfant, Founding Partner
Robert “Bob” Elfant is a Philadelphia guy through and through. A self-proclaimed “Philly sports nut,” Philadelphia is the heart and soul of Bob’s businesses, investments, and philanthropy. Throughout his career he has immersed himself in the Philadelphia community and has built and expanded real estate, property management, and financial businesses. Bob is an active investor of time, money, and resources in projects, people, and places throughout Philadelphia.
He joined his father’s business after graduating from Wharton and became president in 1977. Together with Jared E Pontz, Bob expanded the “mom and pop” into Elfant Pontz Properties--property management and development of over 600 units and Direct Mortgage Loan Company--a boutique mortgage company specializing in private financing for real estate investors and developers. He also founded Elfant Wissahickon Realtors--the largest independent brokerage in Philadelphia.
Bob continually dives into community projects. He was a founder and director of Valley Green Bank (a successful Mt. Airy startup, now Univest Bank) and served on its board and loan committee. Bob has earned multiple community awards--honorary title of “Mayor of Mount Airy by Mount Airy USA,” the Edgar Baker Award for Community Services from East Mount Airy Neighbors, and the Community College of Philadelphia Northwest Center Award for Leadership.
He believes in the long-term view of investing, finding “win-wins” for businesses and clients, and projects that feed his soul. Some of these passion projects include serving on the advisory board of Face to Face Germantown, presiding as President of the Board of Directors at the Arden Theater Company, and supporting the Schuylkill Center Wildlife Clinic.
Nicole Belz, Financial Controller
Nicole joined our team in May 2017. She is a graduate of Cabrini University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Before joining our team, she worked at a local mortgage company for 12 years doing mortgage accounting. Nicole adds a wealth of knowledge in accounting and management.
Molly Gavin, Loan Operations Manager
Molly has been with Elfant Pontz Properties and Direct Mortgage Loan Company since 2015. She plays a key role in the company, from loan originations to closings as well as marketing and technology. Molly studied journalism at Temple University. She is a licensed real estate agent with a thorough understanding of the local market.
Janeen Drew, Closer and Loan Servicing Supervisor
Janeen started with the company in 2015 and transitioned to a full-time role with Direct in January 2017. Janeen handles most of Direct’s conveyancing and supervises our loan servicing department. Her energy, bright personality, and excellent work ethic is a major asset to Direct and its clients.
Daniel Eng, Loan Specialist
Daniel joined Direct Mortgage Loan Company as a loan specialist in March of 2020. He is a licensed real estate agent with a history of excellent customer service. He studied civil engineering and photography at the Community College of Philadelphia. Dan works directly with our clients to originate new loans and help them manage the draw process.
Gloria Santiago, Loan Servicing Administrator
Gloria joined Direct Mortgage Loan Company in 2021 after working as an office and sales support administrator at a top real estate office for over 15 years. Gloria is excited to share her client services and support experience with our borrowers.
Lindsey Krueger, Loan Specialist
Lindsey joined Direct Mortgage Loan Company in May of 2023 after spending nearly two decades in fine dining and bar and restaurant management in Center City, Philadelphia. He studied International Business Administration at Temple University, and was a 2015 Zagat's 30 Under 30 Award winner, honoring restaurant industry leaders in Philadelphia. Lindsey brings his passion for hospitality, excellence, and attention to detail to our loan origination team.