About Our Founders

Our Founders have come from varied backgrounds and multiple life experiences. They have come together to create an institution that helps small business owners build and grow their businesses. We are dedicated to creating a legacy of assistance that will last for many generations, whenever help is needed.

Carlos Villegas

Chief Executive Officer, M3 Financial Solutions

When I first came to the United States of America as an immigrant, I was very young, around four years old. I quickly began to learn and understand my place in this exceptional country. I had three goals to fulfill. First become a United States citizen, second get educated, and finally contribute to the community that accepted me so openly. I worked my way through El Camino College and then through USC, Lusk Center for Real Estate, and achieved a Ross certificate. In my professional career I employed all my skills to help my community. I have placed more than 1,000 families into their own home. I used programs from FHA, VA, CalFHA, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California, and U.S. Federal programs for low income families and individuals to accomplish home ownership.

I worked with Consumer Credit Counseling to educate the community in financial, credit, and wealth building to make sure that the community that I served was well prepared for the long term. I am currently working on creating affordable housing in my community by developing low cost units and acquiring land and resources for that purpose.

I worked with Consumer Credit Counseling to educate the community in financial, credit, and wealth building to make sure that the community that I served was well prepared for the long term. I am currently working on creating affordable housing in my community by developing low cost units and acquiring land and resources for that purpose.

Charles Barger

Chief Operating Officer, M3 Financial Solutions

I first entered the mortgage lending profession in April 1975 after college, the US Army, and graduate school in business at Cal State Long Beach. After working as a mortgage loan originator and loan sales manager, I started my own mortgage firm, Trent Financial Inc. in 1982. Trent specialized in FHA and VA purchase loans, particularly focusing on first-time homebuyers and low to moderate income home buyers. We were very successful, building our staff up to 30 people. Trent received an award from H.U.D. for our dedication in assisting this class of home buyers and our fair lending practices in lending to traditionally underserved areas of Los Angeles County.

I taught real estate finance classes at Cal State University - Dominguez Hills, El Camino College, Long Beach City College, Cerritos College, and Los Angeles Trade Tech. I donated my salary to a scholarship fund for deserving students. I also developed a series of Department of Real Estate-approved continuing education classes required for licensing renewal and provided these credited classes free to real estate licensees in underserved areas.

In 1999 and 2000, I was proud to serve as the President of the California Association of Mortgage Brokers.

Ray Escano

Chief Financial Officer, M3 Financial Solutions

As an expert in his field, he has been recognized multiple times by top industry organizations.

Realtor of the Year – Hawthorne & Lawndale Board of Realtors for Professional Excellence and demonstrating a track record of excellence in his real estate transactions. Additionally, they recognized him for his Active Community Involvement and continued Leadership and Collaboration with other professionals and Mentoring new agents.

The Raymond T. Ambrey Service Award for Leadership and Mentorship, guiding and inspiriting colleagues, and fostering growth and development. As well as, for his continued Community Engagement through community service and outreach.

YMCA Hawthorne Volunteer Recognition for financial donations and ongoing service to the community.

Hawthorne & Lawndale Board of Realtors: Board of Directors member for 2 years.

Louis Hale Morton

Chief Marketing Officer, M3 Financial Solutions

A creative professional for more than 30 years, Louis has achieved great success in the fields of art and music. Among many creative roles he been, he has been a graphic designer, working with corporate identity for businesses small and large, corporations, political campaigns and creative brands; a creative director, photographer, illustrator, and writer. Louis spent more than 20 years in the marketing industry, helping brands and institutions become widely known institutions. Louis has also been involved in the music industry for more than 20 years as a producer, artist, and performer. As the owner of record label Obsidian Sun Recordings, he releases music that is intended to bring people together in unity. He has performed for audiences around the world using his unique skills as a Poet emcee, a dancer with elite skills, and as a DJ of international renown in the House Music genre. He leapt at the chance to become part of the development of the M3 Financial Solutions mission of providing financial resources to people who need help gaining access to funding and education. He sees brilliant potential in the opportunity and looks forward to increasing awareness of the no-profit enterprise. Here is a short list of accomplishments that paint a vivid picture of his impact and creativity:

Rebranded First City Credit Union Twice: Led two transformative visual identity overhauls, boosting corporate visibility and aligning the brand with shifting market trends.

Drove 40% Engagement Growth: Created and executed targeted marketing campaigns for Select Employer Groups, sharply increasing customer acquisition and retention.

Achieved Global Music Success: Composed and produced 40+ tracks that topped charts across Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific — blending artistry and business savvy.