COMPANY
A boutique capital‑architecture practice led by Zachariah Merck.
ZACH MERCK
FOUNDER — SENIOR CAPITAL ARCHITECT
Zachariah Merck is a capital architect who designs bespoke credit and liquidity structures for founder‑led operators whose needs exceed conventional lending frameworks. His work centers on purpose‑built credit facilities, asset‑backed liquidity design, and multi‑jurisdictional capital architecture, bringing clarity, movement, and emotional stability to complex assets and capital tiers.
Zach’s approach blends two decades of pattern recognition across development, distressed assets, and operational leadership with a modern, founder‑safe advisory model. He is known for stabilizing overwhelmed principals, sequencing high‑stakes conversations for emotional safety, and reframing chaotic financial environments into clear, actionable capital pathways.
Before founding SEP, Zach served as Chief Operating Officer for Integrated Mountain Group, overseeing operations, systems, and property management for more than 2,000 residential units. His earlier work with Castle Hill Partners and Leucadia National focused on capital restructuring, acquisition strategy, and the evaluation of performing and non‑performing assets.
Today, Zach architects custom credit solutions for boutique-hotel and multi‑unit hospitality operators with significant liquidity, helping founders protect their assets, expand their capital perimeter, and move decisively through complex financial environments.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Accounting from Colorado State University.
SIMON KECHLOIAN
PRINCIPAL — INSIGHT ARCHITECT & ASSET STRATEGY
Simon brings decades of experience across commercial real estate, construction, and vineyard operations, shaped by his entrepreneurial background and deep roots in his European and Armenian heritage. His career spans co‑founding construction and real estate firms in the Pacific Northwest, leading significant transactions, and advising on complex development initiatives.
A notable milestone in Simon’s trajectory was the acquisition and management of Napa Valley’s Juliana Vineyard, followed by its successful sale. His work has intersected with major regional projects, including the Lagoon Valley Master Planned Development in Vacaville, multiple Napa Valley wineries and vineyards, and the acquisition of the Napa Valley Wine Train alongside established hospitality and development groups.
Today, Simon contributes specialized insight in real estate development and opportunity evaluation, drawing on his long‑standing experience identifying, shaping, and advancing high‑complexity ventures.
Strategic Insight Network
A private, invitation‑only circle of private wealth‑grade perspectives that discreetly informs SEP’s architectural approach.
