Prior to becoming President of First Equity Realty Corporation, Don, Jr. was president of its residential lending subsidiary, Towne Mortgage Company, which was sold in 2014. Don started his career as a CPA at Coopers & Lybrand where he supervised audits of mortgage lenders, community banks and real estate development companies.

Don received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from Villanova University, completed the National Association of Realtors’ Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) coursework and is a graduate of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) School of Mortgage Banking. He holds the MBA Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP) and Master Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designations. He is also a real estate broker in the State of Michigan.

Former chairman of the State of Michigan Mortgage Industry Advisory Board, President/Director of Community Home Lenders Association (CHLA), member of the Mortgage Association of America’s Residential Board of Governors, Freddie Mac Independent Mortgage Banker Advisory Board and MBA Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Founding member of America’s Mortgage Cooperative (AMC), the Community Mortgage Banking Project (CMBP), and the Community Home Lenders Association (CHLA), organizations committed to advancing issues for local and regional mortgage bankers. Member of the legal committee of the Michigan Mortgage Lenders Association.

January Zalewski serves as Office Manager at First Equity Realty Corporation, bringing more than 25 years of experience in real estate and property management throughout the Detroit Metropolitan area. With a background spanning both residential and commercial properties, January plays a key role in overseeing daily operations, supporting portfolio growth, and ensuring assets are managed efficiently and responsibly. She is known for her hands-on approach and deep understanding of the local market, which enables her to proactively address challenges and identify opportunities that enhance long-term property value.

Licensed as a Realtor in the State of Michigan since 2017, January has extensive expertise in asset optimization, regulatory compliance, and tenant relations. She works closely with ownership, tenants, and service partners to maintain high standards of performance while fostering positive, professional relationships. Her attention to detail and commitment to best practices help ensure properties operate smoothly and in alignment with both company and regulatory expectations.

January’s longevity in the industry, combined with her practical leadership style and dedication to service, make her a trusted resource for clients, tenants, and colleagues alike. She takes pride in contributing to the strength and growth of the firm’s portfolio while supporting an exceptional experience for all stakeholders.

With a strong track record of guiding initiatives from concept to launch, Elizabeth helps organizations build sustainable programs, secure funding, and effectively reach diverse audiences. Her goal is to support mission-driven efforts with clear strategy, impactful communication, and measurable results.

Elizabeth Calcaterra holds advanced degrees in community leadership and organizational leadership and has spent her career integrating trauma-informed care at both direct service and systemic levels. Between program development and implementation, building sustainable development plans, leading community partnerships, and crafting data-informed impact stories, Elizabeth specializes in blending lived experience with strategic and empathetic communication. Her background includes nonprofit operations, establishing innovative programs rooted in continuous quality improvement (CQI), and securing diverse funding through compelling storytelling that combines data, personal narratives, and community calls to action. Elizabeth thrives in overcoming challenges of limited resources and financial constraints to design highly innovative and uplifting comprehensive services.