Leadership Team
Benjamin Larisch, CEO and President
Ben has over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and talent-driven leadership. His entrepreneurial approach has driven the success of both startups and established companies, enhancing business growth, financial performance, and organizational culture. As CEO and President at Paramount, Ben leverages his expertise to optimize operations and drive the company’s continued success. Previously, as CEO and Co-Founder of Avid Acceptance, he expanded the company’s loan portfolio to record levels, achieved AAA-rated securitizations, and led a steady 20% portfolio growth YOY. Throughout his career, Ben has successfully led large-scale operational transformations, launched high-growth lending platforms, and built cross-functional teams that consistently exceeded performance targets. He has overseen multistate servicing operations, implemented enterprise-wide systems, and driven profitability through process improvement, risk management, and disciplined execution.
Ben’s leadership philosophy is grounded in accountability, integrity, and a deep commitment to fostering strong teams and lasting partnerships. His expertise spans financial services, operational transformation, and customer-centric innovation, positioning him to drive long-term value for Paramount’s clients, employees, and stakeholders.
John Ryner, VP Compliance
Prior to joining Paramount, John supplied companies offering consumer financial services executive-level compliance and QC management for more than 10 years following 5 years in origination and underwriting. Collectively John has more than 15 years of experience in consumer financial products in retail, third-party, and correspondent capacities. John built and administered four CMS programs for various institutions prior to joining Paramount. Today, John handles the development, administration, and oversight of the compliance functions of Paramount.
Brian Montross, Corporate Controller
With over fifteen years of progressive experience in finance, Brian has held key positions, including Assistant Controller at Hartford Funds and Senior Accounting Manager at Aberdeen Standard Investments. In these roles, he honed his expertise in accounting, financial reporting, and analysis, contributing to strategic initiatives and driving financial integrity. Brian is dedicated to delivering accurate financial insights that support informed decision-making at Paramount. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from the State University of New York at New Paltz.
Tim Gillis, Vice President of Sales
Tim brings more than 30 years of experience across loan servicing, capital markets, origination, and financial services. He is responsible for leading the firm’s sales strategy, driving client growth, and structuring complex partnerships with lenders, asset owners, investors, and financial institutions. Throughout his career, Tim has held senior leadership roles focused on revenue generation and business development. He has a proven track record of building executive-level relationships, developing high-performing sales organizations, and forging long-term partnerships that support sustained growth and client success.
Tim holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Nebraska.
Micah Monroe, Vice President of Operation
With over 10 years of operational leadership experience in finance and healthcare, Micah specializes in building high-performing teams in tightly regulated industries. Prior to Paramount, Micah worked at OneMain Financial, where he developed operational frameworks and consumer finance products designed to improve borrower outcomes. Today, Micah now leads the operations at Paramount, driving efficiency, compliance, and performance across the organization.