“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”.

“SBA is the meat and potatoes of America.”

Alexis as been in the SBA lending industry for over 25 years, providing vision, leadership, and management in all aspects of the SBA lending activities to create and deliver meaningful access to capital to small businesses nationally.

“While we know a lot about SBA, the world doesn’t. The best experience I've had is helping business owners and seeing the effect I had on them.”

Elijiah’s commitment and passion to small businesses stems from being born into a family of business owners and having started a few businesses herself.

“SBA has given a lot to me and I want to give a lot back.”

Bethany McClellan and her team have helped countless small business owners achieve their dreams, while developing partnerships with many of the country's top SBA lenders.

“I have been very involved in political, congressional conversations because that will essentially move the needle... ensuring these programs remain viable for our small business owners. “

In her role as CEO, Brooke is committed to economic development through job creation and the success of small businesses. She is intimately involved in working legislatively to promote enhancing SBA programs.

SBA lending and Relationship building… “It’s not just a loan transaction… it’s an actual tie.”

Dave Green has been in the SBA industry for over 35 years as he loves helping the small business owner. He has excelled in establishing and growing SBA programs in Texas and across the nation.

"It takes a village to close an SBA loan. There's not one loan that is like the other."

From the automotive industry to construction loan management to managing SBA departments, Jackie has seen the impact that the SBA program has on the people, the community, and the institutions. She has remained in the administration and operations side of this program for the last 19 years. 

“If you can find something that is work, but provides that level of accomplishment and satisfaction, knowing that you’ve not only done well but some good… that’s a rare thing.”

If you’ve been in the SBA industry long, you know seeing a gentleman in a bow tie is none other than Mr. Tom Wallace. With that bow tie comes years of expertise, wisdom and stories from a man who has a passion for all things SBA. 

“The thing about SBA is that you get access to a community of lenders that really foster growth and development…”

Edith Wiseman is President of FRANdata, a leading franchise market research firm. As a 24 year veteran at FRANdata, franchising is more than a passion for her. The analyzing and understanding of all things franchising and equating insight into results is her calling. 

“What does SBA do? It helps small businesses and impacts families and communities. It’s an amazing thing to be a part of.”

The future is bright for SBA nation with leaders like Marcia at the helm as the Servicing Manager at Midwest One Bank. She is determined, compassionate and hungry for knowledge so she continue to help the “Mom and Pop” shops of America continue to thrive.