“My Purpose, My Passion”

Sherry Martin's journey in small business lending, driven by her personal connection to entrepreneurship and the impact of small businesses on communities, has become her purpose and passion, fueling her joy in helping entrepreneurs start, grow, and secure their dreams of building thriving businesses and strengthening their communities.

“This is what I was destined to do…”

From initially pursuing a career in medicine to finding his passion in law, Mitchell C. Fogel embarked on an exciting journey that led him to establish his own law firm specializing in SBA loan closings. As he immersed himself in the industry, built relationships, and became an expert in the field, he experienced the joy of helping countless entrepreneurs and small businesses realize their dreams while building his own successful venture.

“SBA gets in your blood… it’s true!”

Over the course of 30 years, Chris has gained extensive experience in the SBA industry, working for the US Small Business Administration, banks, and non-bank lenders, and even utilizing an SBA loan for his own small business. He has found great fulfillment in bringing together teams to make a difference in an often-misunderstood industry, changing the perception of SBA lending and witnessing the transformative impact it has on borrowers' lives.

“It’s so much fun because any deal that you do is never the same as the next one.”

Kale Gaston's passion for small business and SBA lending programs was sparked by his upbringing in a family-owned small business and witnessing its positive impact on the community. He enjoys SBA lending because of the variety that comes with every loan, every business and every person that he has the privilege to work with. It’s what keeps SBA lending fun!

“It’s the only area of the law that I found where everyone can be a winner.”

Ethan Smith found SBA lending accidentally after feeling unfulfilled with litigation. When he started transactional work with SBA lenders 23 years ago, he became passionate about the field, realizing the positive impact his work had on businesses and communities. 

“We love helping grow our country and the small businesses that are the backbone.”

Melissa Hopton and McKenna Weiks come from a long line of entrepreneurs. This dynamic mother/daughter duo set out to make a difference in the SBA industry and beyond through building long-lasting relationships and exceeding the expectations of their clients.

“… that ‘Thank You’ really helped us realize we helped that person achieve their dream by being a small business owner.”

Adam Bergen began his insurance career in 2012 following his career in the NFL. Adam has taken his tenacity on the football field and translated it into his career in insurance where he works around the clock to make sure his clients insurance requirements are handled with speed and accuracy.

“Better access to capital … is what drives me in this industry”

J M “Chuck” Evans from iBusiness Funding shares his background and story in SBA lending and how his numerous years of experience serving SBA lenders has helped shaped the industry.

“The most rewarding part of this work is seeing peoples’ dreams come true.”

As a seasoned veteran in SBA lending, Liudmila’s journey has been about turning countless small business owners dreams into realities. Born in Cuba and driven by a passion for helping others, especially underserved communities, she has witnessed the power of small businesses.

“It gave me the opportunity to express my entrepreneurial spirit, while helping others express theirs.”

In 1999, George Andreaus found his true calling in SBA lending, where he could combine his passion for finance and real estate to help small businesses fulfill their dreams, making it the most fulfilling and rewarding career choice he has made.

“There’s so many different ways that you can grow your career by understanding SBA…”

A decade-long journey in SBA lending transformed Theresa Tschumperlin from an underwriter to a catalyst for small businesses and financial institutions, driven by connections with small business borrowers. Now, she is passionate about guiding credit unions into the SBA world, unveiling vast potential to empower members' dreams and fortify financial institutions.

“Soak up as much information… knowledge is power.”

In 2015, Lizzie Slaton landed a servicing officer role at a community bank, initially clueless about SBA. Despite the challenges, she seized the opportunity, learned from experienced mentors and transitioned into management. Lizzie presently serves as the SBA Credit Manager at Dogwood State Bank.

“Small businesses need a voice. They need somebody to listen for them. They need somebody to work for them.”

Have you heard of the Lighthouse Rule? Watch this week’s guest, Darren Mize, share his story and what continues to motivate him to “Keep Small Business Moving”.

Alexis Hamilton is a leader in the SBA industry and a firm believer that “SBA is the meat and potatoes of America”.