Our Story

 In 1997, future iBank founder, entrepreneur, and 13 time small business owner Thomas Markel dreamed of creating a website that would not only connect small business owners to influential professionals such as lenders, insurance agents, and investors; but, would take a holistic approach to growing small business. www.iBank.com is the result of that vision.

In July of 2004 iBank v1.0 was released. The website gives small business owners access to everything they need to grow their business.  Need a loan?  We have a network of lenders that offer over 100 different loan programs.  Need a business plan?  Our in house business plan writers are among the best in the business and our rates are as competitive as any in the market.  Bookkeeping?  We have that too.  The list of products and services that iBank offers its' small businesses is endless and that is why since 2004 iBank has grown into America's #1 financial network.

 

Management

Thomas Markel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Tom is the founder and CEO of Virtrue Capital Corporation www.ibank.com: America's largest online small business financing network. Tom is also founder and CEO of Credentrust Software, Inc www.credentrust.com. In 1995, Tom founded the largest mortgage REIT on the American Stock Exchange ("IMH"). The REIT grew to more than $1.7 billion in assets by August 1997. Tom currently serves on the board of directors of Feeding America Food Bank in Orange County and is a member of the Order of Malta and Legatus International.

Ron Hardaway, Chief Operating Officer

Ron has held several senior finance positions in both public and privately held companies. He was formerly Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the US operations of Ingram Micro Inc., the world’s largest distributor of micro computer products.

Ken Phibbs, Chief Technology Officer

A graduate of University of California, Irvine with over 10 years experience in system software management industry, Ken joined iBank in 2008. He has previously worked with major companies executing web technologies both as an employee and as an independent consultant before joining the iBank team.

America Valdez, Director of Human Resources

America joined iBank in 2011 as Senior Operations Manager.  Her responsibilities include recruiting and management of our employees and the relationship operational aspects of our CEOS.  Ms. Valdez was formerly Human Resources Manager at CYDCOR overseeing hundreds of employees.

Nick Way, Director of Client Services

Nick joined iBank in 2011 as a Communication Studies major from Wright State.  Before becoming Director of Client Services, Nick helped grow iBanks lending department by over 100% and has proved to be successful no matter what department he heads up.   

Eric Hannan, Director of Business Development

Eric came to iBank after successfully running his own marketing company: BE Marketing Concepts, which did over $1.2 Million in sales in its first year.  Before that Eric was the #1 sales rep for a Fortune 500 company.  His sales and marketing experience has proved to be invaluable.