COMPANY
A boutique capital‑architecture practice led by Zachariah Merck.
ZACH MERCK
FOUNDER & CAPITAL ARCHITECT
Zach architects bespoke credit and liquidity structures for clients whose needs exceed conventional lending frameworks. His work centers on purpose‑built credit facilities, asset‑backed liquidity design, and multi‑generational capital alignment—bringing clarity and movement to complex assets and capital tiers.
With more than two decades of experience across residential and commercial development, Zach’s background spans acquisition underwriting, due diligence, sponsor evaluation, and the restructuring of distressed or non‑performing assets. His pattern recognition is shaped by long‑standing work with development sponsors, family offices, private clients, and institutional stakeholders navigating high‑complexity environments.
Prior to 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. Earlier roles with Castle Hill Partners and Leucadia National focused on capital restructuring and the acquisition of performing and non‑performing assets.
Zach holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Accounting from Colorado State University.
BERAH MCSWAIN
INSTITUTIONAL CAPITAL INSIGHT
Berah contributes specialized insight across capital strategy and institutional real estate, drawing on more than two decades of experience in acquisitions, underwriting, and market evaluation. His background spans development, private equity, and institutional transactions across multiple asset classes.
Before collaborating with SEP, Berah founded and led a boutique real estate private equity firm serving professional athletes, where he sourced and underwrote a proprietary pipeline exceeding $1 billion. His earlier experience includes institutional acquisitions and portfolio valuation with Arthur Andersen’s Real Estate Group, as well as CMBS underwriting with Wells Fargo’s Capital Markets division.
Berah holds an MBA from the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Hayward.
DAVID KIM
STRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT & EQUITY FUNDS
David contributes specialized insight across institutional capital, hospitality, and foreign investment strategy. As President of Genesis Commercial Capital, he brings more than 15 years of experience working with institutional partners and family offices across hospitality, multi-family, and mixed‑use assets.
His background includes leading and managing institutional underwriting, evaluating complex capital structures, and navigating foreign investment channels with a focus on Korean institutional equity. David’s experience spans more than $1.8 billion in assets across development, acquisition, and operational strategies.
David holds a Juris Doctorate from Loyola University Law School, as well as a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Neuroanatomy from Queen’s University.
SIMON KECHLOIAN
STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT INSIGHT
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.
