OUR TEAM
Bill Hartley, Principal
Bill is a Principal of SME Advisors. Bill has been active in helping businesses raise capital for over 20 years with over a billion dollars funded to companies in the manufacturing, service, entertainment and hospitality industries across 20 states. Bill's experience before starting SME Advisors includes positions with closely held consulting firms, publicly traded finance companies, and a portfolio company of a large NYSE private equity company. Born in Yakama, Washington, Bill currently resides in Dallas, Texas. Bill received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from Dallas Baptist University where he attended on a full academic/baseball scholarship.
Maria Balcazar, Senior Associate
Maria is a senior associate of SME Advisors. Maria is a bilingual (Spanish) commercial real estate lending professional with over 21 years of experience. Maria has extensive experience in closing Small Business Administration 7(a), 504, Conventional, Real Estate Investment, and USDA loan products. Maria’s prior experience also includes loan processing, funding, audit, and post closing servicing. She is a married mother of two, active in her church community and enjoys gardening and a good movie.
Drew Louis, Partner
Drew is a Partner of SME Advisors. Drew is a dealmaker, corporate attorney and finance professional with almost 15 years experience helping companies successfully raise capital. Drew has led, advised and closed numerous financing transactions totaling in excess of five billion dollars, across multiple industry sectors and geographic locations, with notable professional experience in Israel, Europe, Africa, South America and Asia. Prior to joining SME, Drew held positions with a private equity and commercial lending firm, multiple public companies and a top 50 global law firm. Drew received his undergraduate degree in accounting from Baylor University and a juris doctorate from William and Mary. Drew is licensed to practice law in Texas and Virginia and has also passed the CPA exam.
Melissa Reynolds, Associate
Melissa is an associate of SME Advisors. Melissa joined SME in 2011. With almost 10 years of experience in debt transactions, Melissa specializes in underwriting, administration and loan packaging. Melissa married her high school sweetheart and together they have a dog, Pilot, and a cat, Jynx. When she isn’t working, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and practicing yoga.