Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Our team has a rich history in real estate investments from every stage of the process: Development, Raising Capital, Project Management, Construction, Negotiations, Deal Validation, Private Lending and more.
With over 15 years of active engagement in real estate investment, Brian Whitten’s journey is nothing short of impressive. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, Brian traveled the world as a fighter pilot. Amidst launching his F/A-18 Super Hornet from aircraft carriers in pursuit of protecting this country’s freedoms, his passionate pursuit of real estate took root. In 2008, he embraced a new title, by becoming a licensed Realtor, and promptly recognized the hidden potential of the housing market while serving his clients.
Brian’s fix-and-flip projects proved so successful that by 2012, he made the decision to step back from active duty and fully dedicate himself to the realm of real estate. His relocation to Austin marked the commencement of a vigorous networking effort, connecting with fellow local investors to provide above-market returns for his investors while flipping properties, providing hard money loans, and partnering with other real estate investors.
Residing in Austin with his wife and two sons, Brian’s household relishes moments by the lake, perfecting the art of BBQ smoking, and supporting his wife’s cherished Longhorn football team. His laser-focused drive ensures triumph not only for his individual aspirations but also for the prosperity of his esteemed investors, aligning perfectly with the motto of Hornet Capital: “Enjoy Success Together”
Dimitri is a native Austinite. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas State for Math and Computer Science and dedicated a decade to working with emerging technology companies in Austin, where he ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing two tech startups. This entrepreneurial journey led him to the real estate sector, where he applied his keen analysis, systems management, and operational expertise by launching his own development firm in 2014.
Over the years, Dimitri’s entrepreneurial spirit guided him through the successful renovation and construction of more than 50 houses. This hands-on experience allowed him to navigate the intricacies of the business while learning invaluable lessons from the challenges he encountered. Dimitri’s decision to join Hornet Capital in 2020 marked a strategic shift from the development realm to the investment side of the real estate industry. This transition enabled him to capitalize on his strengths, perceptive insights, scrutiny, and analytical skills in the domains of operations, deals, and borrower relationships. These qualities were honed through his lived experiences and the lessons learned from overcoming adversity.
Out of the office, Dimitri finds solace and joy in the natural beauty of Texas. He relishes moments of hiking, camping, and swimming alongside his wife and children. In addition to his love for the outdoors, Dimitri shares his artistic talents by performing live music at local venues.
Heading Hornet Capital’s accounting department, Matt oversees the management of our loan portfolio. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Georgia Tech, he brings valuable expertise.
Before joining Hornet Capital, Matt spent 12 years as an entrepreneur, involved in the acquisition and sale of diverse small enterprises. He finds joy in quality time with his children and exploring new destinations when he’s not at the office.
As our Loan Processor at Hornet Capital, Tammy is renowned for her acute attention to detail and proficiency with numbers. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising from the University of Texas in Austin, she brings a unique blend of creativity and analytical skills to her role.
Outside the world of finance, Tammy’s heart is captured by her love for animals, particularly dogs. Through volunteering at animal sanctuaries, she has demonstrated her commitment to giving back to the creatures she holds dear. Her mastery of the piano and flute has graced published albums, a testament to her harmonious blend of talents.
For over 10 years, John has been actively involved in the realm of private lending, gaining invaluable expertise across various facets of the field. Currently, his role entails overseeing Hornet Capital’s borrowers, ensuring their triumph through exceptional construction management and top-notch customer service, all the while safeguarding Hornet’s mission statement “Enjoy Success Together.” John serves as our dependable frontline representative.
Situated in Central Texas, he finds joy in staying physically active, tending to his canine companions, and indulging in all things related to science fiction.
Mary Ashton has been an integral part of the Hornet Capital family since its inception. Over the years, she has taken on various roles within the organization, and today, she focuses on guiding investors through the intricacies of the investment process. Additionally, Mary plays a crucial role in the development of Hornet Capital’s Human Resources department, aligning it with the company’s rapid growth in recent years.
Outside of her professional commitments, Mary is an accomplished performer, lending her vocal talents to classical ensembles in Central Texas. She cherishes moments spent with her family at their residence in Bastrop, TX during her leisure time.
Coming from a background in accounting, law, and information technology, Rick excels at ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations, preparing financial statements, reconciling accounts, and maintaining financial data to ensure operational excellence. His dedication to precision, and his ability to communicate complex financial information make him an excellent fit.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, and writing computer programs to streamline information technology processes.
Nancy joined Hornet in 2023, bringing her expertise in graphic design to enhance our marketing efforts. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creativity, Nancy quickly adapted to the company’s culture and operations.
Her versatility and dedication have made her an valuable member now of our loan processing team, where she consistently contributes to our success with her innovative ideas and efficient work ethic.
Holly joined Hornet Capital in 2020 as a virtual assistant and quickly became an indispensable team member, contributing across multiple departments including Loans and Servicing. With an AS in Accounting and a BA in Business (summa cum laude), she brings over two decades of diverse professional and volunteer experience that highlight her adaptability, organization, and commitment to excellence.
Outside of work, Holly enjoys traveling with her retired Marine husband, reading, and exploring the outdoors through running and hiking. Holly’s dedication to service also shines through her extensive volunteer work, from disaster relief efforts across several states to supporting military families overseas, earning her the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award.
Esther is a seasoned product and marketing designer with over eight years of experience in creating intuitive and impactful user experiences and visual identity. Holding a BFA in Media Arts & Animation from the Art Institute of Atlanta and certifications in UX Design and Responsive Website Code, Esther excels in leading design projects from concept to implementation. With proficiency in tools such as Figma, Framer, and Adobe Creative Suite, she has successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in agile environments.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs, drawing, hiking, and trying new and spicy foods.
Christian brings nearly 10 years of operational and management experience with IBM and American Airlines. In his various roles, he was critical to the success of the American Airlines/US Airways merger and crew contractual implementations. Local to Austin, he was raised in Dallas and spent time in Chicago to begin his career. He graduated with Dean’s List honors from Duke University, where he also received his Master’s in Management from the Fuqua School of Business. At Duke he was a member of the soccer team. He attributes much of his professional success to the learning curve and dedication needed to be a Division 1 athlete for the Blue Devils.
Apart from work, Christian is dedicated to supporting his wife’s beloved Longhorn football and Duke basketball. He stays active with their vizsla, Leo, and enjoys time on their boat on Lake Travis.
Dianne is a detail-oriented and proactive accountant with seven years of experience in financial management, reporting, and compliance. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy, providing a strong foundation in Business and Accounting. She specializes in financial statement preparation, account reconciliation, and efficient management of payables and receivables. Dedicated to continuous professional development, she actively seeks opportunities to enhance her skills and stay updated with industry best practices.
Beyond of her work, she enjoys listening to music while attending her household task and values quality time with her family.
Senior operations and financial executive with a passion for winning and delivering results. A passionate servant leader that loves to build teams and unleash people’s true potential. Skilled at building strategic plans to meet business objectives while recognizing the importance of solid execution. Proven record of leading cross-functional teams in revenue expansion and cost containment strategies with a focus on value creation through process improvement to achieve growth and profitability.
Jason served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer at Vital Farms, Inc., an ethical food producer with a primary focus on eggs and butter, from October 2014 to December 2024. During this time Jason helped scale a $600 million dollar business. Jason led the public offering of Vital Farms’ stock in 2020 with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley as the companies lead underwriters. Prior to joining Vital Farms, Jason held a variety of executive management roles at Michael Angelo’s Gourmet Foods, Inc., a producer of premium, authentic frozen Italian entrees, including chief financial officer and chief operating officer, from August 2000 to May 2014. Mr. Dale received his B.S.B. in Accounting from the University of Phoenix.