John A. Berndt

EXPERIENCE

Mediation – Mediated through the local community dispute resolution program established by the State Court Administrative Office. Mediated a variety of disputes in the district courts and private settings, assisted in training attorneys in mediation, evaluated mediators for quality control and continued education in the field through seminars and workshops. Currently on the Oakland County’s Circuit Court list of approved mediators. Recommended and participated in mediation sessions as a representative of disputing parties beginning in the early 1990’s as an alternative to costly litigation currently ongoing at the organizations. From this experience and previous experience in workouts the Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution Degree was pursued. For reference contact Bonnie Hanes, Executive Director of the Oakland Mediation Center at (248) 338-4280.

Workouts/Modifications – Negotiated loan modifications for commercial real estate loans in default, appraised property securing the debt, analyzed borrower’s overall financial position and prepared all documentation to support recommended action. Experience began in mid 80’s working for Traveler’s Insurance in Texas during poor economic conditions, overbuilding and the savings and loan debacle. Experience continued at Alexander Hamilton Life as a result of the portfolio conditions with properties located throughout the United States. Pursued position at MBL Life Assurance, successor to Mutual Benefit Life, an insurance company that became insolvent partly due to their distressed real estate portfolio. Position’s sole responsibility was workouts/modifications of all loans in the existing portfolio to prepare them for bulk sale. After completion of job and rehire by Alexander Hamilton duties consisted solely of handling distressed situations involving debt and equity interests. At Franklin Properties a vast majority of responsibility involved the resolution of ongoing conflicts between tenants and subcontractors.

Asset Management/Property Management - Responsibilities included all aspects of asset management on wholly owned real estate, commercial mortgage loan portfolios and real estate limited partnership interests. Negotiated all third party contracts associated with operating commercial real estate including, but not limited to, purchase and sale agreements, lease origination and renewals, management contracts, brokerage agreements and all other necessary contracts associated with the operations. Representing organizations in limited partnerships specific responsibilities included resolving conflicts with general partners and operating in the general partner capacity. Within the loan portfolios specific duties included negotiation of loan originations and modifications, appraising property securing the loans, foreclosing and assuring proper transfer to the asset management division. All tasks required extensive financial analysis and written documentation for internal and external use. Specific areas of concentration included those that required the resolution of a current or ongoing conflict.

Lending - As lender representative, originated and negotiated permanent loans for commercial real estate properties. At certain organizations, additional responsibilities included underwriting, appraising and credit analysis. As a loan broker primary responsibilities were those of an intermediary between lender and borrower providing alternative scenarios to overcome obstacles during negotiations. At all organizations loan modifications and workouts were performed as a result of the condition of the portfolios assigned.

EDUCATION

Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution, 2000 Master of Science in Finance, 1997, Cum Laude

Wayne State University, Detroit, MI Walsh College, Troy, MI

Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting, 1983 Appraisal Institute, Seven MAI courses

University of Michigan, Flint, MI Chicago, IL

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS POSITIONS/ORGANIZATIONS

Table Games Dealer, Various Casinos in Detroit, MI, Las Vega, NV, Biloxi, MS 2001- Present

Volunteer Mediator, Oakland Mediation Center, Northern Community Mediation 1999- 2007

Midwest Regional Loan Officer, Midland Mortgage Investment Corp., W. Bloomfield, MI 2000-2001

Lending function with emphasis on marketing.

Full Time Student, Wayne State University. Completed Master’s Degree. 1999

Chief Operating Officer, Franklin Properties, Pontiac, MI 1997 - 99

Asset Management. Directed company and trained family members to run company before

leaving to pursue degree at Wayne State. Continued on a consulting basis through 1999.

Assist. VP/Portfolio Man., Alexander Hamilton Life, Farmington Hills, MI (Re-hired) 1995 - 97

Asset Management. Local office closed upon completion of assignments.

Investment Officer, MBL Life Assurance (formerly Mutual Benefit Life), Farmington Hills, MI 1993 - 95

Responsible for Loan Modifications/Workouts. Position was temporary while the State of

New Jersey liquidated the insolvent life insurance company.

Assist. VP/Portfolio Man., Alexander Hamilton Life, Farmington Hills, MI 1991 - 93

Asset Management.

Mortgage Broker/Consultant, Self-employed, Farmington Hills, MI 1989 - 91

Finance Coordinator, Solomon Properties, Inc., Farmington Hills, MI 1988 - 89

Asset Management and lending functions. Position eliminated as a result of financial

difficulties experienced by the developer/owner.

Investment Supervisor, Traveler’s Insurance Company, Dallas, TX and Southfield, MI 1984 - 88

Asset management and lending. Local office closed as a result of company downsizing

and cutbacks in the real estate investment division.

Accountant, Hall Real Estate Group (Major Apartment Syndicator), Dallas, TX 1983 - 84

SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS

· Directed Franklin to most profitable year of operation by re-negotiating contracts, curing contract defaults and making personnel changes. Trained family members to run business.

· Operated and sold $60 million of real estate recognizing significant capital gains and operating revenue through strategies developed and submitted to senior management for approval Alexander Hamilton.

· Received an additional $10,000 bonus as a result of performance achieved with distressed portfolio.

· Increased portfolio returns through partnership restructuring and improved operating procedures. Co-authored the Policies and Procedures Manual for the department.

· Settled various disputes and litigation with borrowers, partners and municipalities through alternative dispute resolution methods eliminating costly legal fees. Certain disputes had been ongoing for several years and had been handled by various portfolio managers. Performed such duties at various organizations.

· Completed assigned tasks in one-third of the time projected by insurance analysts to cure situation (MBL).

· Identified defaults and recommended alternatives prior to the occurrence producing significant savings.

· Consistently met production goals (1987 - 1988) established by senior management. Accomplished by 15% of production personnel at Traveler’s.

· As part of a three-person team, underwrote $1 Billion of commercial real estate loans and equity investments in the southwest and mountain region in a one-year period. Chosen by senior management to prepare analysis for SEC inquiry at Traveler’s.

· Received “Very Special Volunteer” award for work in the crisis intervention field, 1994, 1995, 1996.

· Qualified for and completed the 1993 Boston Marathon.

PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS/CONTINUING EDUCATION

Real Property Administrator (RPA) from BOMA - 1988

Professional Certification in Management, Walsh College - 1996

Crisis Counselor at Common Ground, 1992 - 1998

OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES

Home remodeling, and outdoor activities.

REFERENCES

Available upon request.