Writing.
Essays and field notes on SBA lending, credit, business acquisition, and building things that last.
PUBLISHED ELSEWHERE
2026-07 · SCOTSMAN GUIDEThe Hidden Psychology Inside Every Loan RequestWhat the size of the ask reveals about the borrower behind it.2026-06 · LINKEDINThe Data Problem in BankingData or judgment is a false choice. The edge is judgment at speed.2025-11 · LINKEDINWhat Will the SBA Market Look Like in Five Years?A tokenization thesis for the SBA secondary market, risks included.2025-06 · LINKEDINThe Lie We Bought: Why Time Management Isn't Enough in SBA LendingTime gets deals to committee. Attention gets deals to close.2025-06 · SCOTSMAN GUIDEWhat Not to Do When Applying for an SBA LoanFive borrower mistakes that kill deals before underwriting does.2025-01 · SCOTSMAN GUIDEFlex Your Home-Mortgage Muscle Memory on Commercial LoansA playbook for residential originators stepping into SBA 7(a).2024-01 · SCOTSMAN GUIDENavigating the SBA Loan LandscapeHow commercial mortgage brokers build a real SBA origination practice.2023-11 · GRASSHOPPER BANKWhat is an SBA 7(a) Loan & How Does it Help Small BusinessThe 7(a) program explained for owners who have never touched it.2023-08 · LINKEDINThe Relentless Pursuit of Opportunity: A Guide to Always Be FindingThe mindset that separates career BDOs from order-takers.2023-08 · LINKEDINI Smashed My Goals! Ok... Now What?The hedonic treadmill of production goals in SBA business development.2023-07 · LINKEDINHow To Originate SBA Loan LeadsTen lead strategies from a career spanning six banks.2017-04 · LINKEDINHow to Bake an SBA LoanThe whole 7(a) process, told as a bread recipe.2017-03 · LINKEDINUnderstanding SBA UnderwritingThe five pillars: cash flow, management, credit, collateral, character.
ESSAYS
2025-01-04Own a Million-Dollar Business with Just $54,000 and Some HustleThe truth is, sometimes an SBA loan is a downright terrible choice for your business. Not just “meh” or “slightly off,” but truly, fundamentally wrong.2024-12-19When SBA Loans Are the Wrong Choice for Your BusinessThe truth is, sometimes an SBA loan is a downright terrible choice for your business. Not just “meh” or “slightly off,” but truly, fundamentally wrong.2024-04-28Is your business equity partner holding you back?I recently helped close a deal for an e-commerce business owner, ready to expand internationally, faced a similar roadblock. His partner was risk-averse, happy with just the payouts, and holding back the company’s potent2024-04-21“Shut up and I will teach you credit…”This was some of the best advice I have ever received in my career, delivered by a CEO as I began the conversation from a significantly unsupported emotional stance.2024-04-18I absolutely love cookies… like SO muchMy grandma used to bake with me constantly as a child and made my cookies the key to unlock new friendships. But for me there is more to it that I find comparison with in helping formulate an SBA loan.2024-04-17Sometimes the advice we give our kids is the secret sauce everyone needs in their careerNavigating the journey of small business ownership is like having to do something new as a teenager—it takes courage to embrace the discomfort of the unknown.2024-04-16Your experience can make or break your SBA loan. Period.How do your prove it when your resume may not show it? FYI, the ones approving your loan often only see a piece of paper in front of them.