Meet the team
Bill Phelan
Chairman & CEO
Barry Ripes
President
John Dale
SVP – Credit Admin & Operations
KK Phelan
Founding Associate
PrivateCap’s leadership brings over 60 years in Equipment Finance credit assessment.
Bill Phelan | Chairman & CEO
Bill’s roots in the information business go back to when he co-founded PayNet in 2000 with the belief that when commercial lenders are assured of risks, they’re more likely to make credit available, unlocking opportunity for small businesses. PayNet, an industry-standard for EF credit assessment, was later acquired by Equifax. Bill led Equifax Commercial Information until 2024. Additionally, Bill has served on several boards including ELFA, Canadian Finance and Lease Association, Innovative Lenders Platform Association and the Federal Reserve Bank’s Advisory Council on Agriculture, Small Business and Labor. He is currently a member of the Small Business Council at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Outside of work, Bill is an avid runner, swimmer and cycler and also performs for charitable causes and fun with his band, Artificially Hip. They have raised money for charity events such as Band Together to help raise money for The Blessed Sacrament Youth Center in the North Lawndale community in Chicago.
Barry Ripes | President
Barry got his start in the pits at the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). Over the course of his career, he has acted as a catalyst for the transformation of the capital markets. At both PayNet and later Equifax, Barry was responsible for 20%+ growth while partnering with lenders to help them manage underwriting and portfolio risk more efficiently, while accelerating growth. Prior to joining PayNet, Barry spent 19 years in financial services, including as President and Founder of Struan Partners, LLC, a futures broker group in US Treasuries at the CBOT. Barry has served on a number of boards and committees including the ELFA and CBOT’s 30-year Treasury Bond Pit Committee.
Barry is an enthusiast wakeboarder, paddle boarder, cross trainer, and White Sox fan. Philanthropic involvement included Northern Illinois Food Bank and the BOLD (Black Organization for Leveraging Diversities) network.
John Dale | SVP – Credit Admin & Operations
John brings a unique mix of credit, process, and data expertise to PrivateCap.
As a Managing Director at GE Capital, John led over 150 mid-market underwritings, representing over $5 billion of loan volume. As a result, John was promoted to an executive role focused on operational and regulatory excellence across all commercial lending. Joining Capital One via the acquisition of his GE Capital group, John maintained his focus on commercial lending operational and regulatory excellence.
Most recently, John led Equifax Commercial's Customer Success organization which included Presales, Analytics, and Account Management teams. His teams built and delivered custom, data-centered risk solutions to Equifax's largest customers.
John enjoys playing and collecting electric guitars, sharing the stage with Bill in Artificially Hip. Other passions include international travel with his family and Ohio State football.
KK Phelan | Founding Associate
KK leads the development of financial analysis frameworks, risk management processes, and operational infrastructure that is critical to PrivateCap’s success. She started her career in Private Banking at CIBC Bank underwriting marketable secured loans. Then, she underwent the CIBC Commercial Banking Training Program and underwrote custom credits for high net worth individuals. KK founded a Credit Training Program to serve the Private Banking team, with the goal of upskilling Private Banking Associates and accelerating their development into autonomous Private Bankers. Now, she is a Professional MBA student at the University of Miami Herbert Business School. Beyond academics, she is a member of the MBA Mentorship Program, Finance Clubs, and Women’s Association of Venture and Equity Southwest Florida Chapter.
Aside from business, KK stays active and embraces the outdoors. Sports are a central part of her life—she’s skillful on the tennis court, enjoys a round of golf, plays soccer, skis, and practices yoga regularly. Beyond sports, KK is passionate about giving back through mentorship. She enjoys guiding young women as they navigate their career paths, drawing on her own experiences to help them grow with confidence and purpose.