Anthony Johnson compares commercial lending to a puzzle. Figuring out how all the pieces of the loan can fit together to service the client is rewarding for him.
“You definitely have to be a problem solver,” he says. “But it’s neat to see, for example, a large facility like apartments being built and knowing you helped to finance it.”
Getting into banking was a natural path for Anthony, whose father has also spent his whole career in banking. Anthony is originally from St. Louis and attended Clayton High School. He played lacrosse for the University of Utah before finishing his degree in American history at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Anthony gained knowledge in underwriting tax credit loans and commercial loans at another St. Louis-area bank for eight years. Then, he made the move to INB to become VP, Commercial Lending and LIHTC Division Manager.
What is LIHTC About?
LIHTC stands for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which was designed to create affordable housing by providing a tax incentive to construct or rehabilitate rental housing for low-income households.
Anthony’s knowledge of LIHTC loans runs deep, and he enjoys helping families reach their dream of home ownership through the tax credit.
“It’s housing with dignity, and there’s a big need for that right now; we’ve seen demand steadily increasing over the years,” he shares. “These are really beautiful homes, and it’s such a cool experience getting to see families move into their first home.”
Overall, the foreclosure rates on LIHTC loans are low, Anthony says. The tax credit provides a needed opportunity and “symbiotic relationship between investors, banks and homeowners.”
“Foreclosure rates under 1%, and they’re basically recession-proof. Many times, I’ve seen the tangible need for affordable housing as I attend ribbon cuttings for these new properties,” he says.
Community Rooted
Anthony is also invested in the community through his work as treasurer of the Young Professionals Board of the Gene Slay’s Boys and Girls Club of St. Louis. He helps to organize fundraising events like a wiffleball tournament (he’s proud that his team won one year!) as well as volunteer at the club, engaging with the kids.
“We talk to the kids and play basketball. Some kids don’t have a place to go after school, so at the club, they can go play basketball, do homework, and there’s a kitchen so they can get something to eat,” Anthony says. “I grew up in the south city and live there now, so I like that the Club is located there, providing a safe space for the kids.”
When he’s not giving back or putting together the pieces of a loan, you’ll probably find Anthony outdoors.
“I like to go camping – anywhere local, sometimes Colorado – or shooting. I’ll go fishing or take float trips with friends,” he says.
He also likes sports like hockey or baseball. (He says his lacrosse days are over now that he’s older!) or hanging out with his English bulldog Rupert, who is “basically an 80-pound bowling ball,” he laughs.
Anthony, NMLS# 2114374, is looking forward to being part of INB’s commercial lending team and serving new clients. Please welcome Anthony to INB in Chesterfield, MO.