WHO WE ARE

Deep knowledge, extensive investment experience, and sector specialization across local markets in the Southeast.

EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration
University of Georgia
Bachelor of Business Administration
The Citadel
Graduate School of Banking
Louisiana State University
GBA Banking Certificate
University of Georgia

ERIC JOHNSON

Chief Executive Officer

Johnson Partners was founded by Eric Johnson, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer.  He manages the company’s strategic direction, guides investment practices, and oversees the day-to-day management operations of the firm, and has over 16 years of commercial real estate experience. He has extensive skills in debt and equity financing in both real estate and industry. Eric has significant experience in negotiating and executing large, complex transactions that have contributed to the successful investment track record and later acquisition of his previous firm, North Avenue Capital, by Veritex Bank. Since his early days in the commercial real estate industry, Eric has focused on end results. He has thrived on pursuing new deals and creating investment opportunities that bring value and exceptional bottom-line performance to investors.

Eric currently serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Partners.  He manages the company’s strategic direction, guides investment practices, oversees the day-to-day management operations of the firm, and has over 16 years of commercial real estate experience. He has extensive skills in debt and equity financing in both real estate and industry. Eric has significant experience in negotiating and executing large, complex transactions that have contributed to the successful investment track record and later acquisition of his previous firm, North Avenue Capital, by Veritex Bank. Since his early days in the commercial real estate industry, Eric has focused on end results. He has thrived on pursuing new deals and creating investment opportunities that bring value and exceptional bottom-line performance to investors.

Eric Johnson is one of the Founders and Chairmen of North Avenue Capital. Prior to the Veritex-NAC acquisition, Eric served as President, where he and his team provided debt-based capital sourcing and knowledge to businesses and individuals seeking to acquire commercial real estate, hard assets, or other businesses. In 2020, Eric originated $100 million in new loans to help North Avenue Capital become the #1 USDA Business and Industry Lender in the United States, with over $131 million in loan production that year.  He specializes in business development, financial analysis, debt financing, and investment opportunities in the Southeastern U.S. He received his undergraduate degree from The Citadel and holds an MBA from the University of Georgia.

Prior to launching NAC, Eric was a commercial banking officer for Guardian Bank, a community bank located in Valdosta, Georgia. From 2010 through 2014, he originated more than $60 million in new loans, allowing the bank to grow from $160 million in assets to more than $240 million in assets under management. He co-founded the strategic partnership with the Valdosta State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) office, allowing Guardian to support 48 different business owners through sponsored training, while also allowing the bank to provide $25 million in new capital to local businesses in the surrounding area since 2011. The partnership has become a statewide initiative with other SBDC offices across the state, using the partnership as a platform to duplicate throughout the state and the country. In 2013, the partnership allowed the VSU SBDC office to become the No. 1 office in the state with $23 million in new loan volume with $16 million or 69% of the loans originated on behalf of Guardian Bank.

Eric specialized in the sourcing of USDA Business & Industry and Small Business Administration loans across the Southeast. He facilitated the first SBA 7(a) and USDA Rural Development B&I loans to be closed and sold in the secondary market on behalf of Guardian Bank. In 2013, Eric was awarded the Small Business Administration’s Financial Services Champion of the Year. The award is presented annually by the U.S. Small Business Administration to one individual in each state who assists small businesses through advocacy efforts to increase the usefulness and availability of accounting or financial services. He also participated as a member of the bank’s Marketing and Information Technology committees.

Prior to working at Guardian, Eric was a Real Estate Portfolio Manager for ING Investment Management in Atlanta, Georgia. He was responsible for the origination and servicing of institutional commercial real estate loans across the U.S. among a department charged with placing more than $1 billion in new loans each year. Eric was one of two individuals selected to help lead the underwriting and due diligence process of a $14 billion portfolio of CMBS loans.

Eric received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The Citadel and later graduated from the University of Georgia with an MBA in Real Estate and Finance. He is a graduate of the Georgia Banking School at the University of Georgia and the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

Active in the community, Eric is a graduate of Leadership Georgia, Leadership Lowndes, and The Georgia Academy for Economic Development. He also served as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Education and Human Services at Valdosta State University, a board member for the Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta, Chairman of the Greater Valdosta United Way, and is a member of the Valdosta North Rotary Club. Eric was elected in 2014 to serve as a Lowndes County Schools Board Member representing District 2 and later served as Chairman of the Board.  He will be finishing up his second and final term in December 2022. He was one of seven board members elected to represent Lowndes County Schools and help develop the vision and goals of the school system while overseeing a $100 million dollar budget. Eric was also selected to serve on the Georgia House of Representatives Study Committee on the Role of Federal Government in Education. In 2014, he was selected as a 40 under 40 honoree for Young Professional of the Year by the Valdosta/Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce and was later chosen as a 40 under 40 honoree by Georgia Trend magazine.

EXPERTISE

Real Estate Acquisition
Asset Management
Debt Financing
Financial Analysis
Lower Middle Markets

COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP

Board Member
Lowndes County Schools
Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta
Greater Valdosta United Way

Chairman
Lowndes County Schools – District 2
Greater Valdosta United Way

Dean’s Advisory Council
Valdosta State University

EDUCATION

Masters of Business Administration
Texas A&M University
MBA – Finance Certificate
Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Architecture
Texas A&M University
Financial Modeling Certificate
Wall Street Prep

MIKE WILSON

President

Mike Wilson is a seasoned leader with over 16 years of diverse experience in commercial real estate, commercial lending, alternative investments, private equity, capital markets, and military service. He is a results-driven professional drawn to high-performing teams, with expertise in structuring complex transactions and executing strategies in multifaceted operational environments, including crisis management and enterprise-wide organizational change. Servant leadership and empowering others to drive organizational success and growth are among his foremost professional passions.

Previously, Mike served as Chief Financial Officer at a lower middle market focused private equity firm called Harvest Returns, where he oversaw all aspects of underwriting and structuring new investments, as well as capital raising and financial management of the firm’s private credit and equity funds. He implemented firm-wide enhancements to the management, forecasting, and reporting of portfolio investments, while redesigning revenue operations to boost profitability.

Prior to his role in private equity, Mike was Director and Head of Operations at a family office and financial services firm based in Mississippi, overseeing personnel and operations across its wealth and investment management, private equity, and financial consulting divisions. His financial career began as a commercial lender with North Avenue Capital, where he managed the sourcing, structuring, and underwriting oversight of government-guaranteed commercial loans through the USDA’s B&I program.

Before transitioning into financial markets, Mike distinguished himself in the U.S. Army, serving and deploying as an officer with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. His military tenure focused on managing personnel, equipment, and operational planning and execution in diverse, complex environments across multiple countries.

Mike’s professional journey commenced in commercial real estate as a tenant representative broker for Stream Realty, where he spearheaded the development of the firm’s headquarters market in Downtown Dallas, Texas.

EXPERTISE

Acquisitions & Deal Structuring
Private Equity & Alternative Investments
Portfolio Management
Strategic Planning & Execution
Operations Management
Financial Planning & Analysis
Financial Modeling

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Business Administration
University of Georgia

DAVID LAVENDER

Chief Financial Officer

David Lavender is an accomplished finance executive with over 26 years of expertise in commercial lending, credit underwriting, and portfolio management. In his role as Chief Financial Officer at Johnson Partners, LLC, he directs financial strategy, capital planning, and risk management for the firm’s real estate portfolio. Leveraging extensive industry experience, he drives disciplined growth, strengthens financial performance, and supports sustainable long-term value creation.

As Chief Credit Officer at Veritex Community Bank, following its acquisition of North Avenue Capital, provided executive leadership over credit policy, underwriting standards, and portfolio management across nationwide lending programs. Guided the integration process to ensure a seamless transition while maintaining strong credit quality and regulatory compliance.

At North Avenue Capital, served as the founding Chief Credit Officer, leading the build-out of credit teams and processes that supported the firm’s transformation from a regional start-up into the nation’s leading USDA Business & Industry lender. Oversaw the growth of a portfolio exceeding $600 million, specializing in commercial real estate with a focus on hospitality and diverse industry sectors. Structured and closed complex transactions up to $50 million, cultivated public–private partnerships, and expanded lending opportunities in support of job creation and community investment.

Earlier in career, advanced from Credit Analyst to Executive Vice President at Spectrum Financial Network, a consulting firm specializing in government-guaranteed lending through SBA and USDA programs. Advised more than 60 banks on underwriting, portfolio oversight, and strategic use of government-backed programs. Designed credit frameworks and lending strategies that helped client institutions deploy capital effectively while managing program-specific risks.

EXPERTISE

Financial Planning & Analysis
Credit Policy & Underwriting
Portfolio & Risk Management
Capital Strategy & Fundraising
Commercial Real Estate Finance
Regulatory Compliance
Organizational Scaling

WHO WE ARE

Deep knowledge, extensive investment experience, and sector specialization across local markets in the Southeast.

ERIC JOHNSON

Chief Executive Officer

Johnson Partners was founded by Eric Johnson, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer.  He manages the company’s strategic direction, guides investment practices, and oversees the day-to-day management operations of the firm, and has over 16 years of commercial real estate experience. He has extensive skills in debt and equity financing in both real estate and industry. Eric has significant experience in negotiating and executing large, complex transactions that have contributed to the successful investment track record and later acquisition of his previous firm, North Avenue Capital, by Veritex Bank. Since his early days in the commercial real estate industry, Eric has focused on end results. He has thrived on pursuing new deals and creating investment opportunities that bring value and exceptional bottom-line performance to investors.

Eric currently serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Partners.  He manages the company’s strategic direction, guides investment practices, oversees the day-to-day management operations of the firm, and has over 16 years of commercial real estate experience. He has extensive skills in debt and equity financing in both real estate and industry. Eric has significant experience in negotiating and executing large, complex transactions that have contributed to the successful investment track record and later acquisition of his previous firm, North Avenue Capital, by Veritex Bank. Since his early days in the commercial real estate industry, Eric has focused on end results. He has thrived on pursuing new deals and creating investment opportunities that bring value and exceptional bottom-line performance to investors.

Eric Johnson is one of the Founders and Chairmen of North Avenue Capital. Prior to the Veritex-NAC acquisition, Eric served as President, where he and his team provided debt-based capital sourcing and knowledge to businesses and individuals seeking to acquire commercial real estate, hard assets, or other businesses. In 2020, Eric originated $100 million in new loans to help North Avenue Capital become the #1 USDA Business and Industry Lender in the United States, with over $131 million in loan production that year.  He specializes in business development, financial analysis, debt financing, and investment opportunities in the Southeastern U.S. He received his undergraduate degree from The Citadel and holds an MBA from the University of Georgia.

Prior to launching NAC, Eric was a commercial banking officer for Guardian Bank, a community bank located in Valdosta, Georgia. From 2010 through 2014, he originated more than $60 million in new loans, allowing the bank to grow from $160 million in assets to more than $240 million in assets under management. He co-founded the strategic partnership with the Valdosta State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) office, allowing Guardian to support 48 different business owners through sponsored training, while also allowing the bank to provide $25 million in new capital to local businesses in the surrounding area since 2011. The partnership has become a statewide initiative with other SBDC offices across the state, using the partnership as a platform to duplicate throughout the state and the country. In 2013, the partnership allowed the VSU SBDC office to become the No. 1 office in the state with $23 million in new loan volume with $16 million or 69% of the loans originated on behalf of Guardian Bank.

Eric specialized in the sourcing of USDA Business & Industry and Small Business Administration loans across the Southeast. He facilitated the first SBA 7(a) and USDA Rural Development B&I loans to be closed and sold in the secondary market on behalf of Guardian Bank. In 2013, Eric was awarded the Small Business Administration’s Financial Services Champion of the Year. The award is presented annually by the U.S. Small Business Administration to one individual in each state who assists small businesses through advocacy efforts to increase the usefulness and availability of accounting or financial services. He also participated as a member of the bank’s Marketing and Information Technology committees.

Prior to working at Guardian, Eric was a Real Estate Portfolio Manager for ING Investment Management in Atlanta, Georgia. He was responsible for the origination and servicing of institutional commercial real estate loans across the U.S. among a department charged with placing more than $1 billion in new loans each year. Eric was one of two individuals selected to help lead the underwriting and due diligence process of a $14 billion portfolio of CMBS loans.

Eric received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The Citadel and later graduated from the University of Georgia with an MBA in Real Estate and Finance. He is a graduate of the Georgia Banking School at the University of Georgia and the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

Active in the community, Eric is a graduate of Leadership Georgia, Leadership Lowndes, and The Georgia Academy for Economic Development. He also served as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Education and Human Services at Valdosta State University, a board member for the Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta, Chairman of the Greater Valdosta United Way, and is a member of the Valdosta North Rotary Club. Eric was elected in 2014 to serve as a Lowndes County Schools Board Member representing District 2 and later served as Chairman of the Board.  He will be finishing up his second and final term in December 2022. He was one of seven board members elected to represent Lowndes County Schools and help develop the vision and goals of the school system while overseeing a $100 million dollar budget. Eric also was selected to serve on the Georgia House of Representatives Study Committee on the Role of Federal Government in Education. In 2014, he was selected as a 40 under 40 honoree for Young Professional of the Year by the Valdosta/Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce and was later chosen as a 40 under 40 honoree by Georgia Trend magazine.

EXPERTISE

Real Estate Acquisition
Asset Management
Debt Financing
Financial Analysis
Lower Middle Markets

EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration
University of Georgia
Bachelor of Business Administration
The Citadel
Graduate School of Banking
Louisiana State University
GBA Banking Certificate
University of Georgia

COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP

Board Member
Lowndes County Schools
Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta
Greater Valdosta United Way
Chairman
Lowndes County Schools – District 2
Greater Valdosta United Way
Dean’s Advisory Council
Valdosta State University

MIKE WILSON

President

Mike Wilson is a seasoned leader with over 16 years of diverse experience in commercial real estate, commercial lending, alternative investments, private equity, capital markets, and military service. He is a results-driven professional drawn to high-performing teams, with expertise in structuring complex transactions and executing strategies in multifaceted operational environments, including crisis management and enterprise-wide organizational change. Servant leadership and empowering others to drive organizational success and growth are among his foremost professional passions.

Previously, Mike served as Chief Financial Officer at a lower middle market focused private equity firm called Harvest Returns, where he oversaw all aspects of underwriting and structuring new investments, as well as capital raising and financial management of the firm’s private credit and equity funds. He implemented firm-wide enhancements to the management, forecasting, and reporting of portfolio investments, while redesigning revenue operations to boost profitability.

Prior to his role in private equity, Mike was Director and Head of Operations at a family office and financial services firm based in Mississippi, overseeing personnel and operations across its wealth and investment management, private equity, and financial consulting divisions. His financial career began as a commercial lender with North Avenue Capital, where he managed the sourcing, structuring, and underwriting oversight of government-guaranteed commercial loans through the USDA’s B&I program.

Before transitioning into financial markets, Mike distinguished himself in the U.S. Army, serving and deploying as an officer with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. His military tenure focused on managing personnel, equipment, and operational planning and execution in diverse, complex environments across multiple countries.

Mike’s professional journey commenced in commercial real estate as a tenant representative broker for Stream Realty, where he spearheaded the development of the firm’s headquarters market in Downtown Dallas, Texas.

EXPERTISE

Acquisitions & Deal Structuring
Private Equity & Alternative Investments
Portfolio Management
Strategic Planning & Execution
Operations Management
Financial Planning & Analysis
Financial Modeling

EDUCATION

Masters of Business Administration
Texas A&M University
MBA – Finance Certificate
Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Architecture
Texas A&M University
Financial Modeling Certificate
Wall Street Prep

DAVID LAVENDER

Chief Financial Officer

David R. Lavender is a results-driven finance executive with a 26-year track record of strategy and growth across commercial lending, credit underwriting, and portfolio management. As CFO of Johnson Partners, LLC, he leads financial planning, capital strategy, and risk oversight for the company’s real estate holdings, applying deep industry knowledge to support disciplined expansion and long-term value creation.

As Chief Credit Officer at Veritex Community Bank, following its acquisition of North Avenue Capital, provided executive leadership over credit policy, underwriting standards, and portfolio management across nationwide lending programs. Guided the integration process to ensure a seamless transition while maintaining strong credit quality and regulatory compliance.

At North Avenue Capital, served as the founding Chief Credit Officer, leading the build-out of credit teams and processes that supported the firm’s transformation from a regional start-up into the nation’s leading USDA Business & Industry lender. Oversaw the growth of a portfolio exceeding $600 million, specializing in commercial real estate with a focus on hospitality and diverse industry sectors. Structured and closed complex transactions up to $50 million, cultivated public–private partnerships, and expanded lending opportunities in support of job creation and community investment.

Earlier in career, advanced from Credit Analyst to Executive Vice President at Spectrum Financial Network, a consulting firm specializing in government-guaranteed lending through SBA and USDA programs. Advised more than 60 banks on underwriting, portfolio oversight, and strategic use of government-backed programs. Designed credit frameworks and lending strategies that helped client institutions deploy capital effectively while managing program-specific risks.

EXPERTISE

Financial planning & analysis
Credit policy & underwriting
Portfolio management &  risk control
Capital strategy & fundraising
Commercial real estate finance (hospitality emphasis)
Regulatory compliance & stakeholder relations
Team leadership & organizational scaling

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Business Administration
University of Georgia

PILLARS OF SUCCESS

We provide an unmatched level of service focused on JP’s pillars of success – accountability, transparency, and dedication to our investors.

PILLARS OF SUCCESS

We provide an unmatched level of service focused on JP’s pillars of success – accountability, transparency, and dedication to our investors.

ACCOUNTABLE

We are accountable and accessible in order to provide an unmatched level of commitment and dedication.  We provide continual support and create a partnership that gets the deal done.

TRANSPARENT

We are honest, straightforward, and transparent with all of our clients.  Our focus is to create a partnership that creates trust that builds long-lasting business relationships.

DEDICATED

We are your dedicated partner that works tirelessly to ensure that the service we deliver exceeds all expectations because providing excellence is the foundation of everything we do.