The Forbes Finance Council, an invitation-only community for financial services leaders, accepted John-Paul Smolenski, president and CEO of MMP Capital.

Smolenski was selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience. Criteria for acceptance includes a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors. He will join industry leaders, who are hand-selected to become part of a curated network of successful peers, and get access to a variety of exclusive benefits and resources, including the opportunity to submit thought leadership articles and short tips on industry-related topics for publishing on Forbes.com.

“I am excited and honored to join Forbes Finance Council,” Smolenski said. “I have gained valuable insight from the Forbes Council when starting and growing my business over the years, and I look forward to bringing my expertise in small business financing to such an elite group of professionals. This is a great opportunity to give back to the entrepreneurial spirit that drives business innovation.”

Smolenski started MMP Capital in 2013 from the garage of his Long Island, NY, home. Since then, he has driven the company’s growth to become a top 20 independent finance company in the United States.

Despite all of the headwinds in the macro levels of the economy, MMP Capital grew by nearly 50% in 2022. The company funded nearly $100 million in Q4/22 alone and has set a very strong forecast to fund more than $400 million in healthcare finance in 2023.

“2023 marks the 10^th Anniversary of MMP Capital, and I could not be prouder of how far we have come,” Smolenski said. “By focusing on understanding our customers, fast loan applications and approvals, and a unique hybrid approach to lending, MMP Capital has developed a sterling reputation to gain market share at the expense of our inferior competitors in the aesthetic medical market.”

In 2022, MMP Capital announced a strategic partnership with Deutsche Bank for a $75 million secured warehouse line that has allowed the company to become direct lenders and manage loans in house. The more competitive platform helped augment MMP Capital’s existing financing to provide greater financial flexibility and a distinct competitive advantage.

“The future is bright for MMP Capital as we continue to pursue strategic growth in new key markets, all while heightening our service to unparalleled levels in the industry,” Smolenski said. “As we continue to grow and learn, I look forward to the open dialogue and information exchange that Forbes Finance Council provides to its esteemed members.”