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Meet your Northwest Bankers in Seattle

Speak with a local banker who lives right in your home state and has experience in your industry. Work with a team that genuinely values your business contribution to the local economy and wants to help you grow.

Gary Strand

President, Washington Division

Commercial & Industrial, Professional Services, Specialized Escrow, Opportunity Zone Funds

David Bruder

SVP, SBA Relationship Manager

Commercial, Entrepreneur/Small Business, Dental/Medical, Commercial Real Estate

Rudy Castillo

SVP, Commercial Relationship Manager

Commercial & Industrial, Real Estate, Manufacturers, Food Distribution, Non-Profit

Matthew Dupps

AVP, Customer Service Manager

1031 Exchange, Cash Management Solutions, Entrepreneur/Small Business, Individuals, Nonprofit, Property Management

AJ Gordon

VP, Commercial Relationship Manager

Commercial & Industrial, Real Estate, Manufacturers, Food Distribution, Non-Profit

Chelsea Schmitt

AVP, Treasury Management Officer

Cash Management Solutions, Specialized Deposit Escrow Accounts

Laitim Wong

VP, Relationship Manager

Cash Management Solutions, Mergers & Acquisitions, Property Management, Specialized Escrow Accounts, Fiduciary, Receiverships

Gwen Schaeffer

SVP, SBA Relationship Manager

Acquisition and Development, Commercial, Commercial Real Estate, Entrepreneur/Small Business, SBA/USDA Lending

Experience

AJ Gordon brings nearly two decades of expertise in finance, commercial banking, credit, and investment real estate, specializing in acquisition and development, M&A, capital structuring, and complex commercial lending. He has extensive experience working with middle-market businesses, real-estate sponsors, and private companies to structure financing for growth, recapitalizations, acquisitions, and large-scale development projects. AJ is skilled in analyzing cash flow, collateral, and capital expenditure strategies to help clients optimize leverage, enhance financial performance, and achieve long-term investment objectives.

Education

AJ completed his business and finance education at The University of Phoenix and Pacific Lutheran University, gaining the analytical and strategic skills that guide his work in commercial lending and investment real estate.

Industry Knowledge

Industry expertise includes acquisition and development financing, capital expenditure planning, investment real estate strategy, and mergers and acquisitions for middle-market companies. This background encompasses deep knowledge of commercial credit policy, deal structuring, underwriting, and risk assessment across industrial, hospitality, construction, distribution, and real estate-backed sectors. Work regularly involves partnering with owners, developers, and investors to evaluate opportunities, model financial scenarios, and design capital solutions that support growth and long-term value creation.

Community

Actively involved in the local business and civic community through board participation, volunteer work, and support of regional economic development initiatives. Engagement includes working with organizations that promote small-business growth, mentorship, and community service, with a focus on contributing expertise and experience to drive meaningful local impact.

Downtime

A South Sound native with a passion for the outdoors, AJ spends his downtime golfing, boating, traveling, mountaineering, and riding motorcycles.