Who we are

Built on relationships. Driven by results.

Since 1998, Woodward Birmingham Financial Group has been a trusted advisor for complex commercial real estate financing across Michigan and the Midwest, led by a founder with four decades in the business.

Founded
1998
Office
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Closed volume
$2.7B+
Active in
16 states

Our story

A practice built over four decades.

Woodward Birmingham Financial Group was founded in 1998 through the merger of Birmingham Financial and Woodward Financial, bringing together two established practices with deep roots in Michigan’s commercial real estate market.

Through every market cycle, we have remained focused on the same core mission: solving difficult capital challenges and delivering certainty of execution for clients navigating complex transactions in commercial real estate finance.

Today, the firm has closed over $2.7 billion in transaction volume across numerous financing assignments, with active relationships spanning 16 states.

  1. 1985

    Len J. Dillon III begins his career in real estate.

  2. 1998

    Birmingham Financial and Woodward Financial merge to form Woodward Birmingham Financial Group.

  3. 2021

    Magritte Bankes-McEntee joins the firm, becoming Chief Credit Analyst in 2022.

  4. Today

    More than $2.7 billion closed, with active relationships spanning 16 states.

How we work

Our approach

  1. 01

    Certainty of execution

    We structure transactions that close, identifying and solving problems before they become deal-killers.

  2. 02

    Institutional access

    Decades of relationship-building have produced a lending network of exceptional depth, connecting clients to capital across every tier of the market.

  3. 03

    Strategic guidance

    Full lifecycle counsel, from acquisition through refinancing and disposition.

  4. 04

    Complex transactions

    Historic redevelopment, tax-exempt bonds, distressed restructuring: complexity is where we add the most value.

Our leadership

The people behind the practice.

Len J. Dillon III

Founder & Principal

Len J. Dillon III

Len began his career in real estate in 1985 and has spent more than four decades building one of Michigan’s most respected mortgage banking practices. In 1998, he founded Woodward Birmingham Financial Group through the merger of Birmingham Financial and Woodward Financial, combining deep lender relationships with a proven ability to close complex transactions that others could not.

With more than $2.7 billion in closed transaction volume and financing experience across 16 states, Len brings exceptional knowledge, discipline, and creativity to every deal. His work spans transactions ranging from $1 million to more than $200 million, providing clients with seasoned guidance, strong capital relationships, and a results-driven approach to commercial real estate finance.

Magritte Bankes-McEntee

Chief Credit Analyst & Operations Manager

Magritte Bankes-McEntee

Magritte joined Woodward Birmingham Financial Group in 2021 and was promoted to Chief Credit Analyst in 2022. She serves as the analytical and operational backbone of the firm, managing underwriting, coordinating due diligence, and ensuring every transaction is executed with precision.

Magritte holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Albion College.

Recognized & affiliated

Our professional network

  • Commercial Finance Broker Network
  • Urban Land Institute
  • Mortgage Bankers Association
  • Michigan Real Estate Answer ForumEst. 1937

  • J.P. Morgan ChaseCircle of Excellence
    Keynote Speaker

Work with us

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