Our team
Devin Gambino
Lendefied Founder and president
Devin Gambino is the founder and CEO of Lendefied, a pioneering company whose two-arm business model is revolutionizing the intersection of Customer service, financial technology and SaaS. Devin’s journey began at Friedman Roth Realty on Park Avenue in NYC, where he witnessed firsthand the diverse needs of small business owners. He saw that these entrepreneurs required comprehensive support in financing, ensuring they secured the best purchase price on inventory, and choosing the most suitable types of financing. He also observed that the owners of commercial real estate buildings, which cost multi-millions of dollars, always had a team of C-Suite professionals—a CFO, a CSO, etc. In contrast, small to midsize business owners had to wear many hats, acting as their own CFOs and CMOs while also being the chef or restaurant manager. The only people who won in this scenario were those with enough wealth to hire experts in areas where they lacked expertise. These CFOs advised them to buy real estate, do 1031 exchanges to save on capital gains taxes, use section 179 to get all the depreciation in the first year of an asset purchase, and more.
This disparity sparked the idea for Lendefied, like many business ventures though Devin needed more experience, before starting his own company.To really understand the world of business bankings and the accounting side of being a small business owner.
Determined to fill this gap, Devin transitioned from commercial real estate to the banking sector. Over a decade, he successfully funded over 1,000 individual businesses, injecting more than $100,000,000 into the US economy. He accomplished this by providing business lending programs that were not tied to real estate, offering business owners the cash needed for hiring, inventory purchases, and more.
Despite these successes, Devin identified a critical flaw in the corporate lending environment: a profit-first mentality that often neglected the ongoing needs of clients. Creating a very transactional experience. One of the largest business lending marketplace institutions where he was working, Discouraged agents from maintaining long-term relationships with clients, focusing instead on acquiring new business. This approach left many business owners without the continuous support they needed to thrive.
Determined to create a solution, Devin founded Lendefied. His vision was to build a business that not only funded small businesses but also provided sustained support long after the loan closed. Lendefied became a business lending marketplace that pairs funding with fractional executive services (CFO’s, CEO’s, CMO’s), offering three months of complimentary executive support with every funded loan.
In Devin’s words, “I saw a need for a company that would stay with business owners long after the business was funded, providing the continuous support they deserve. Lendefied’s employee owned business model means whoever you talk to is going to treat you like a business should treat a customer, because Lendefied is their business too.”
Through Lendefied, Devin Gambino is dedicated to helping business owners succeed, providing them with the comprehensive resources and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of running a business. His innovative approach ensures that people come before profits, fostering long-term growth and success for entrepreneurs across the country.
When Devin’s not at the office he enjoys coaching his son Angelo’s ice hockey team and spending time teaching his 3 year old daughter Gianna to figure skate.
Shawn Horning
Lendefied Co-founder and President
Shawn Horning is the co-founder and President of Lendefied, a company established with a singular goal: to help business owners focus on running their businesses rather than getting bogged down in the operational details. After six years in the business finance space, Shawn successfully assisted over 600 businesses in growing and thriving by providing them with access to capital. His passion for business also led him to try his hand at retail, where he founded a company selling mobility scooters to the elderly and disabled. The business was not able to scale at the pace he needed it to and so the LLC closed. Like many business owners Shawn found successful results in some areas but not all.
Reflecting on the closure, Shawn realized that with better marketing strategies and stronger business credit to finance the growth, he might not have needed to close.
This insight came at a perfect time, aligning with Devin’s idea of a business lending marketplace with only fractional CFOs. Shawn and Devin quickly developed the concept to be more, and Lendefied was born—a company where money, marketing, and financial management work side by side, in lockstep.
In Shawn’s words, “I only wish a company like this was available for me when I owned my small retail business. I am blessed to be able to be that wish for business owners across the country.”
Shawn’s journey, marked by a successful track record in business finance and personal entrepreneurial experience, has shaped his commitment to helping business owners achieve their full potential. Through Lendefied, he continues to empower entrepreneurs, providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed.
When Shawn’s not at the office he enjoys playing golf with his Fiance, Hiking trails in the Catskills and playing with his dog Marvin.
James Grau
Lendefied Chief Strategy Officer
James is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the business lending space. His ability to communicate effectively with underwriters and make every business and its owners look as attractive on paper as possible before going to market with their applications sets him apart in the industry. James is renowned for thinking outside the box and providing solutions for any problem that arises.
“Having witnessed firsthand the impact of responsible financial management on businesses of all sizes, I am committed to providing tailored solutions that empower entrepreneurs to achieve their goals while staying true to their values. Whether it’s securing funding for expansion, optimizing cash flow, or navigating financial hurdles, I am dedicated to being a trusted partner every step of the way.”
With a deep-rooted passion for fostering responsible and sustainable growth, James has dedicated his career to supporting entrepreneurs and business owners in navigating the complexities of financial management. His unwavering commitment to excellence and his strategic approach to problem-solving have made him a valuable asset to any team and a trusted advisor to countless businesses.
Brianna Belajonas
Lendefied Chief Partner Relationship Officer
Outside of her professional life, Brianna enjoys spending time with her dog Benelli and her fiancé Matt, whether they’re walking the beaches or exploring hiking trails. Her enthusiasm and dedication extend beyond her career, making her a well-rounded and dynamic individual.
Alexis Benincaso
Lendefied Director Of Banking Relationships
As the Director of Banking Relations for Lendefied, Alexis brings over 13 years of experience in the financial services sector and additional insights as a small business owner. Alexis has cultivated a deep commitment to prioritizing client relationships and achieving sales excellence. During their tenure as a senior sales representative, Alexis consistently ranked among the top performers in sales and customer service.
Before joining Lendefied, Alexis spent 10 years at Bloomberg, where they honed their skills in sales and account management. Specializing in delivering tailored solutions to a diverse client base, including banks and high-level executives, Alexis significantly contributed to revenue growth and client satisfaction by navigating complex client relationships and delivering strategic value.
In addition to corporate experience, Alexis has worked for several small businesses, including founding and operating their own. These roles have equipped Alexis with a comprehensive understanding of business operations, client needs, and the entrepreneurial spirit required to drive success. Now at Lendefied, Alexis is part of a team that has identified and capitalized on an untapped market opportunity in client-focused lending.
