Thomas J. Kettleson
There is nothing more rewarding than seemingly insurmountable differences turning into a win-win.
Contact: P /612.604.6630E /[email protected]
Administrative Contact: Melissa Collins P /612.604.6424E /[email protected]
Education
University of St. Thomas School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2006
Saint John’s University, B.A., cum laude, 2003
Bar Admissions
Minnesota, 2006
My Approach
I treat every deal I work on with the utmost importance. I understand how hard it can be for a bank to get a deal in the door. I also know closing on a credit facility can significantly impact the borrower’s ability to grow their business or their portfolio. In structuring, negotiating and documenting credit facilities, no matter the size or complexity of the deal, I view my role to be an ambassador of the bank, to ensure that both the bank and the borrower have good experiences that results in a positive, and long-lasting relationship after the deal closes. This is true even when facing complex circumstances with tight timelines and difficult negotiations.
My goal is to develop close, long-standing relationships with my clients so I can better understand how to make their jobs easier and find efficient, successful, creative ways to put together each deal. I enjoy being able to help guide my clients through complex transactions and finding a way to structure the deal in an efficient manner that works for everyone involved.
From a technical perspective, the language in contracts is of the utmost importance, but I don’t believe over-engineering agreements always leads to a better result. I bring thought and creativity to every deal. I care about every deal, and strive to make it a good experience for the borrower while also protecting the bank.
A Groundbreaking Moment In My Career
I worked at another firm before joining Winthrop, and had developed a good foundation, but I knew I needed more horsepower. I wanted to work with the best lending practice in town, and that’s why I came here – the reputation of the firm was stellar, and the interactions I had with the team here, even on the other side of the table, were all great. Once I came to Winthrop, I knew I had found the right place – the whole team is confident in their abilities, but there are no egos – everyone works together to do what needs to be done to best serve our clients, and that’s the kind of place I wanted to be.
Practice Areas
Practicing Commercial Lending
My Experience
I focus on commercial financing, construction and real estate lending, and secured transactions, and represent financial institutions in all aspects of the lending process, from structuring financing transactions to documenting, negotiating and closing financing transactions. I have extensive experience representing financial institutions with debt workouts, debt restructurings, foreclosures, and collections. I have also represented and advised businesses, developers and institutional clients on a variety of corporate, commercial financing and commercial real estate matters varying in both size and complexity.
Representative Matters
Commercial Real Estate Finance
- Representation of lead financial institution in connection with syndicated construction loan for a mixed use development consisting of luxury apartments, ground level retail, private and public parking garages.
- Representation of financial institution in connection with multiple real estate and construction loans to a company to acquire neighboring property for expansion of company headquarters, involving significant environmental, title and survey issues, environmental grants, railroad easements and the SBA.
- Representation of financial institution in connection with bank qualified tax exempt construction loan for the construction of a senior assisted living facility.
- Representation of financial institution in connection with loan secured by tax increment financing revenues.
- Representation of financial institution in connection with construction loans to developer building retail development projects in Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan.
- Representation of financial institution in connection with construction loans to developer building single tenant retail stores across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida.
- Representation of financial institution in connection with acquisition and construction loans to hotel developer/investor partnership acquiring and remodeling large hotel complexes in Chicago, Illinois and Charleston, South Carolina.
Historic Tax Credit Finance
- Representation of financial institutions in connection with construction and bridge loans for the rehabilitation and repurposing of several historic buildings with historic tax credits.
Affordable Housing Finance
- Representation of financial institution in connection with construction and bridge loans for a mixed use affordable housing development involving 15 public and private sources of debt and equity.
New Markets Tax Credit Finance
- Representation of financial institution in connection with source loan, direct loan and bridge loan for a new markets tax credit mixed use project for a new corporate headquarters, retail space, public parking garage and county office space.
Mergers and Acquisition/Private Equity Finance
- Representation of financial institution in connection with multiple credit facilities for management buyout and operating loans including a SBA 7(a) loan, revolving credit facility, and term loan for manufacturing company.
- Representation of financial institution in connection with term and revolving credit facilities to private equity firm acquiring manufacturers.
- Representation of a financial institution providing a SBA 7(a) loan and revolving line of credit for the acquisition of a manufacturing business with complex structural issues related to potential seller bankruptcy.
Asset Based/C&I Finance
- Representation of a financial institution in connection with asset based credit facility, equipment loans, real estate loan and construction loan for troubled steel fabrication company.
- Representation of financial institution in connection with revolving credit facilities, equipment loans, floor plan line of credit, real estate loans to a commercial truck and trailer distributor.
Other
- Representation of a financial institution in connection with credit facilities to resolve a multi-year high profile bankruptcy case.
- Representation of senior debt class in structured loan fund for equity investments related to the preservation of affordable housing projects.
Awards
Highly Regarded
IFLR1000 United States, 2020
The Best Lawyers in America©
Banking and Finance Law, 2021-2025
Also experienced in
Real Estate Finance
Honors & Awards
Minnesota Super Lawyers®
2024
The Best Lawyers in America©
Banking and Finance Law, 2021-2025
Highly Regarded
IFLR1000 United States, 2020
AV Preeminent®
LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell, Peer review ratings
Minnesota Rising Stars
Super Lawyers®, 2013-2016
Up & Coming Attorney
Minnesota Lawyer, 2010
Associations & Memberships
Rise, Inc.
Board of Directors
Minnesota State Bar Association
Anoka County Bar Association
Winthrop & Weinstine
Board of Directors