The most alternative financing resources available

Bridge Business Credit was originally established as Great Lakes Business Credit in 2002. It became Bridge Business Credit in January 2023. The change reflects Bridge’s vision to expands its service area and assist businesses throughout the Eastern United States. Bridge’s dedicated team of experienced financial professionals serves companies with potential that are unable to obtain bank financing.

By working to understand our clients’ business, Bridge structures flexible financing with asset-based lines of credit. Constructing financial packages that meet the immediate needs of that business, Bridge helps companies regain financial stability so they can return to conventional financing as soon as possible.

We have already provided more than $500 million in asset-based lending solutions, helping companies grow.

Bridge offers one of the widest and most accessible arrays of alternative finance resources in the industry. We have already provided more than $500 million in asset-based lending solutions, helping companies grow.

Meet Our Team

Rhett B. Rowe

Chief Executive Officer

Rhett Rowe, a highly respected leader with more than 30 years in finance, has always been an innovator and has a proven track record of energizing sales operations, building successful sales and credit teams, managing key accounts, and optimizing people and processes. He has previously served as the CRO and COO at GMA Fund, an international family office, and held earlier C-level positions at Capital for Merchants of North American Bancard, KeyBank, First National Bank of Colorado, PMFCU, Arvest Bank, Comerica Bank, and others. Rowe is active in the Association for Corporate Growth, Turnaround Management Association, Secured Finance Network, and Risk Management Association. Entering commercial banking after earning his degree in economics at the University of Michigan, Rowe soon after completed his MBA in finance at the University of Detroit.

James Campbell

Chief OPERATING Officer

James Campbell has over 25 years in commercial lending both as an Asset Based Lender and a Commercial Banker. He began his career at NBD Bank and held commercial lending positions at Comerica, GMAC Commercial Finance, JPMorgan Chase, Level One Bank, and others. His experience includes middle-market and small business lending, credit & underwriting, portfolio management, operations management, field exam, commercial loan legal documentation, loan workout, and risk management. He is an attorney and has been a member of the Michigan Bar since 2011. He has held key management roles in setting up operations, establishing procedures & policy, and training employees for two commercial finance companies and a bank ABL department. James was a contributing member of the leadership team that started Great Lakes Business Credit.

Grace Pawlenko

Managing Director, Portfolio

Managing Director, Portfolio

Steve Sleder

Managing Director, Portfolio

Managing Director,
Portfolio

Rich Booms

Managing Director, Underwriting

Managing Director,
Portfolio

Thomas Fisher

CPA, Controller

Greg Nelson

Regional Managing Director

Jeff Stirling

Regional Managing Director

Suzanne Robinson

Regional Managing Director

Regional Managing
Director

Terry Bowersox

Senior Business Development Officer

Senior Business
Development Officer

Robert Gard

Managing Director, Field Exam

Managing Director,
Field Exam

Bryce Guitar

Director, Field Exam

Miguel Ochoa

Director, Field Exam

Allie Corp

Director, Underwriting

Dana Wheaton

Director, Collateral Monitoring

Director, Collateral
Monitoring

Maryam Soliman

Director, Collateral Monitoring

Director, Collateral
Monitoring

Lidia Saulitis

Director, Administration

Director,
Administration

Elric Molina

Collateral Analyst

Mitchell Homant

Field Examiner

Justin Bass

INTERN

What Our Clients
Say About Us

“Great Lakes Business Credit came onboard during a difficult transition period and provided Rite Track the flexible financing needed to grow our business and support our global customer base. They took the time to understand our business and tailored a plan to meet our needs. The people at GLBC have been great to work with and we value the business relationship that has been developed!”

— Tim Hayden, CEO, Rite Track
“GLBC has really shown an amazing position in the world of financing. In today’s world, the traditional banking group has not been there to meet the needs of the future; especially during the global issues posed by COVID-19. Our company is in a super-fast time of growth and GLBC has been there with us in every step at the pace we need to seize the future. Much thanks to the whole GLBC Team.”

— Ray Weidenfeller, CEO, Sunhill Global
“The Great Lakes team is about professionalism, efficiency, and results. They have a keen eye on supporting our development and success.”

— Paul Z., President, Health Care Company
“GLBC has provided the necessary flexibility in our lending needs over the last two years to allow us to keep growing.”
— President, Ohio-based Point of
Purchase Display Company
“GLBC has helped Ravenna Pattern & Mfg. substantially. In a world where things change by the second, Great Lakes Business Credit has been consistent and there for us.”

— Joshua T. Emery, President, Ravenna Pattern & Mfg.
“The GLBC Team has been a breath of fresh air in a tough time for business. Their staff and response to any and all needs has been on point during our time with them. It is a relationship we honor having partnered with.”

— R. May, President, RGM Tooling Consultants
“We found in GLBC a dedicated, honest, candid banking partner that upholds the ‘partner’ in our relationship. If the GLBC team says they can put a deal together, they walk their talk and get it done, which is a welcome confidence in the banking space.”

— Bruce Dieterle – CEO & President, Michigan Wheel
“We had a 14-day timeline to get our financing done to meet our needs and Great Lake Business Credit got it done!”
— Janet Courtney, CEO, Lighthouse Therapy
Online Therapy Services
“We were looking for a partner to take over the revolver at one of our portfolio companies and also provide more flexibility for the business. GLBC was very accommodating and attentive. They delivered on what they committed to and have provided the business the additional liquidity and flexibility that they needed. We are very pleased that we chose GLBC to partner with us on this opportunity and remain grateful for their participation and excellent service.”

— Managing Director, SE Michigan Private Equity Firm
“Great Lakes Business Credit has provided financing solutions for our business in a manner designed around our company strengths. Due to the nature of our business, we regularly experience seasonal and market trading cycles. The GLBC staff has been responsive to our specific financing needs. This relationship has provided us the opportunity to meet our business goals.”

— Patrick S., CFO, marine cargo handling company
“We are thrilled! The GLBC team demonstrated their efficiency and flexibility by quickly and professionally offering a solution to the unique financing problem we were facing. Within a very short timeframe, GLBC learned our business, its immediate needs, and offered a timely and customized solution with a level of service comparable to a private wealth management platform. I would recommend GLBC to be professional and timely.”
— Jerome Harvey, CEO and owner, Great Lakes
Waterjet & Laser, Albion, Mich.
“The team we work with provides excellent instruction and quick follow through on cash flow issues. Our payables are up to date less than three months after transitioning from traditional banking. We are meeting our goals, getting assistance at every turn.”
— Dave O’Keefe, President, Midwest Tool & Die, Inc., Rockford, Mich.
View All Testimonials

In the Media

Jan 30, 2023

Great Lakes Business Credit is now Bridge Business Credit

Great Lakes Business Credit, one of the nation’s fastest-growing alternative commercial finance companies, has announced a rebranding, with the new name of Bridge Business Credit. Under its new name…

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Resources

Alternative Finance Solutions from Bridge Business Credit

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Bridge Business Credit
Overview

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