Ben Newman is the Senior Commercial Real Estate Loan Officer at Orange County’s Credit Union. Having started his banking and finance career while still attending university and quickly becoming a licensed loan officer in 2004, Ben soon learned that he had the aptitude and passion to navigate the unique Southern California commercial real estate market. Fast forward two decades and Ben has completed over $1 billion in loan transactions, refined his keen insight into the nuances of commercial loan timing and structure, and become a trusted professional known to maximize client savings, convenience, and, ultimately, client satisfaction.

His clientele ranges from high-net-worth individuals and influential property owners/developers, to family teams and first-time investors. Arranging multifamily, industrial, retail, office, and self-storage loans, among others, has given Ben the perspective and experience to bring those he serves significant savings and investment profitability. Having experienced Ben’s signature service and personal touch, his clients return time and time again, with many having expanded their portfolios to include additional revenue sources such as construction financing, bridge loans, and permanent loans.

Ben is proud to be an Anteater, having attended his hometown University of California Irvine on an academic scholarship and graduating in 2007 with his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology, Law, and Society. When he is not delivering excellent service and value to his Credit Union clients, you can find Ben fishing with his son, watching an action film with his wife, or regularly volunteering at any number of financial literacy events for at-risk youth.

Michael Reed is the Commercial Real Estate Loan Officer at Orange County’s Federal Credit Union. Michael is a highly accomplished commercial real estate lending professional with more than 35 years of experience providing capital to investors, developers, and owner-operators across diverse property types and markets. During his career, Michael has been involved in billions of dollars in loan production, including construction, bridge, and permanent financing transactions throughout Southern California and across the United States.

Michael has built his reputation on combining disciplined underwriting with a real-world understanding of how transactions are executed. He has successfully led complex deal structures, navigated multiple market cycles, and developed long-term client and broker relationships that generate repeat business and strong portfolio performance. Known for accessibility, straight talk, and certainty of execution, Michael is a trusted partner from application through closing.

At Orange County’s Federal Credit Union, Michael is focused on growing the commercial real estate platform, delivering customized financing solutions, and expanding strategic relationships within the communities the credit union serves.

Michael earned his degree from University of Southern California, where he competed as a dual-sport athlete in football and baseball. The lessons of preparation, teamwork, leadership, and accountability developed through athletics remain central to his professional approach.

Beyond banking, Michael is passionate about mentoring young athletes, supporting their development both on and off the field and helping guide the next generation toward success in sports, education, and life. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf with his wife, valuing the balance of family, competition, and time outdoors.