About Us
Laurel Capital Corporation (Laurel Capital) was founded in 1981 by William Zopf, Jr. and Jeffrey Zopf. In 2000, Laurel Capital merged with Capital Resource Group (CRG), led by Gary Hitechew, bringing together two firms with deep experience in the equipment leasing marketplace. Both organizations were well established through vendor programs and private-label programs with financial institutions. CRG was also a recognized leader in providing tax-exempt debt financing for governmental entities and nonprofit organizations. In 2005, Laurel Capital completed construction of its current headquarters in Wexford, Pennsylvania, 15 miles north of downtown Pittsburgh.
Originally focused on equipment leasing, Laurel Capital has expanded its capabilities to meet the evolving financing needs of its clients. Today, we provide a broad range of secured debt products to privately held businesses, municipal entities, 501(c)(3) organizations, and commercial real estate investors.
We never treat financing as a commodity. Every transaction is shaped by the relationship we build with that client. Our leadership understands firsthand the challenges of running a business. We know that success is rarely linear, and organizations can face unexpected hurdles. Unlike larger institutions, we are not constrained by bureaucracy. We can react quickly and we stay the course with our clients, even during periods of adversity.
Laurel Capital delivers exceptional service, accessibility, and expertise at every stage of the financing process. Our administrative and support teams are career professionals and subject matter experts, supported by proprietary systems that ensure that Laurel Capital maintains accurate and readily accessible information about every client and every financing. Our lenders are empowered to make high-level decisions quickly and without layers of approval, giving clients direct access to experienced professionals who can move transactions forward efficiently. By taking the time to understand each client’s business and objectives, we deliver thoughtful, creative financing solutions that support long-term growth and success.
Leadership
Bill founded Laurel Capital in 1981 with a vision of building a commercial finance company grounded in discipline, flexibility, and long-term relationships. Prior to launching the company, he served as Vice President of Pittsburgh National Leasing Company, a subsidiary of PNC Financial Services, where he developed a strong foundation in credit and structured finance.
Since inception, Bill has played a central role in shaping Laurel Capital’s culture and approach—overseeing administrative, accounting, marketing functions, and developing bank relationships while maintaining a hands-on role in credit review and underwriting. His leadership has helped establish a consistent, thoughtful lending philosophy that continues to guide the company today.
Bill earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Duquesne University, graduating summa cum laude, where he was a member of the basketball team and a Rhodes Scholarship nominee. He later received his M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh. Bill also played professional basketball and was a member of the Milwaukee Bucks 1971 NBA Championship team.
Gary has spent his career building and expanding specialized lending platforms, with a particular focus on tax-exempt finance. As co-founder and President of Capital Resource Group (CRG), he led the development of the company’s tax-exempt lending operations and private label programs, positioning CRG as a recognized leader in the space.
Following the merger of CRG and Laurel Capital in 2000, Gary was instrumental in integrating and growing the combined platform. His work has enabled Laurel Capital to establish one of the region’s largest tax-exempt debt portfolios, providing municipalities, nonprofit entities, and other mission-driven organizations with tailored financing solutions.
Gary holds a B.S. in Finance from Pennsylvania State University and an M.B.A. from Duquesne University.
Billy is a Principal at Laurel Capital and has been with the company since 2006. He is involved in various aspects of the firm, including business development, credit underwriting, development of banking relationships, and assisting in all aspects of the company’s operations. He also specializes in lending to closely held businesses and tax-exempt entities, with a focus on portfolio management and maintaining long-term client relationships.
Billy works closely with borrowers to monitor performance, navigate changing business conditions, and ensure financing structures remain aligned with each client’s needs over time. His experience across Laurel Capital’s portfolio provides a practical, relationship-driven perspective to credit and risk management.
Billy earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Washington & Jefferson College, where he was a member of the basketball team.
Andrew is a Principal at Laurel Capital, where he is actively involved in all aspects of the firm’s lending operations—from originating new client relationships to managing the portfolio and leading credit underwriting. He works closely with business owners, nonprofit organizations, and real estate investors to structure practical, flexible financing solutions aligned with their long-term goals.
Before joining Laurel Capital in 2015, Andrew gained experience in investment management and financial markets at AQR Capital Management and UBS. His background brings a broader perspective on capital markets to Laurel Capital’s relationship-driven approach to lending.
Andrew earned a B.S. in Finance from Fordham University. Prior to attending Fordham, he served in the United States Air Force as a jet mechanic.
