In this episode of Paper Trail, part of our Know Your Speaker series, Chris Seveney sits down with Michael Fordham—founder and president of Silverstream Funding and former Wall Street attorney turned boutique private lender.
Michael shares his journey from managing billion-dollar bond deals at JP Morgan to gut-renovating a Harlem brownstone and launching his own lending firm. They talk about the real risk (and reward) in private lending, why humility is the secret ingredient most investors miss, and how his legal background shapes his disciplined, hands-on approach.
This conversation is packed with takeaways on due diligence, lending philosophy, and how to build lasting Relationships in the note space. Michael will also be taking the stage this fall at the Paper Trail Note Conference, and gives a preview of what he hopes attendees walk away with.
🎟 Join us September 18–20 in Chandler, AZ. Register now at papertrailconference.com (http://papertrailconference.com)
Chris Seveney, CEO & Co-founder of 7e Investments, brings over 25 years of real estate know-how. His journey with 7e started in 2016 when he jumped into acquiring and trading mortgage notes. Chris has built a portfolio of 500+ notes, totaling over $25 million, spanning different states. Before diving into mortgage notes, he had a standout career, managing a multimillion-dollar asset portfolio and overseeing property projects worth $150 million. Throughout his 25-year journey, Chris handled $750 million in new construction projects.
At 7e, Chris is a beacon of real estate excellence, known for his commitment to honesty and professionalism. His passion and determination make him a trusted leader, earning respect from partners and colleagues. Since the beginning of his career, Chris aimed to set industry standards and foster innovation. His leadership led to multiple award-winning teams, recognized for outstanding contributions to the field. Outside work, Chris, a father and avid Boston sports fan, adds a personal touch to his journey.
