Crestmark Adds Bassel and Gartz to Commercial Lending Development Team

Crestmark, the commercial finance division of MetaBank, added Craig Bassel and Randy Gartz to the organization. Their roles will be to assist with business growth by providing all commercial lending offerings.

Gartz is based in Texas and will report to Steve Hansen, group sales manager for Crestmark. Gartz has experience growing middle-market banking relationships, most recently serving as senior vice president of corporate banking with BBVA.

Gartz’s previous work experience includes roles with Mutual of Omaha Bank, where he served as executive vice president and corporate and commercial market manager; Whitney Bank, where he was Houston market president; Green Bank, where he was executive vice president and C&I lending manager; and KBK Marquette/Financial, where he was senior vice president and Houston office manager.

“Texas continues to be a leading source of talent for our business development team,” Hansen said. “We’re fortunate to add Randy to the Houston market while our skilled representative Shannon Stetson resumes her role in the Dallas market. This further builds out a remarkably strong customer service and knowledge-based platform. This team continues to generate the inventive solutions that position our clients to successfully meet their goals, even in today’s tough marketplace.”  

Bassel is based in California and will report to James Farrell, group sales manager for Crestmark. Bassel’s commercial finance experience spans more than 35 years, with a predominate focus on providing asset-based lending solutions across multiple verticals.

Bassel most recently served as vice president and business development officer for Wells Fargo Capital Finance’s commercial services group, where he built brand recognition and new business portfolios throughout Northern California. His prior history includes work as a business development representative and regional sales manager for a Southern California-based working capital company. He is a past president and membership chair for the Northern California chapter of the Turnaround Management Association and he remains a board member today.

“Craig’s knowledge of commercial finance and attention to delivering solid lending solutions have been the force behind his consistent role as a top performer,” Farrell said. “We look forward to his directing that expertise and energy to the needs of Crestmark’s diverse client base.”