ARF Financial’s Loan Stars Podcast

ARF Financial

Welcome to Loan Stars, the podcast for aspiring referral partners who want to shine in the world of business lending. Hosted by ARF Financial, each episode unpacks the tools, trends, and tactics you need to succeed in today’s lending landscape. Whether you’re new to referrals or looking to sharpen your edge, Loan Stars offers practical insights, real-world case studies, and interviews with top-performing partners. Tune in and discover how to turn referrals into revenue—and become a true star in the loan game.

Episodes

  1. Jun 22

    Loan Stars Episode 11: AI, Regulation, and Opportunities in Business Financing with Shane Mahabir

    Host Celeste Deal-Maunoir welcomes Shane Mahabir, founder and president of Funder Intel, to discuss the current business financing landscape. Mahabir recounts entering alternative lending in 2014, launching Funder Intel during the 2020 pandemic, and evolving it from company ratings into a community platform offering data, news, resources, and networking events. They describe an industry that is rapidly improving through technology, giving business owners more options and faster funding, while banks remain tight and may partner with or adopt underwriting software. Mahabir notes ongoing lender growth alongside potential consolidation, plus inflation, energy costs, and tariffs shaping cautious cash-flow management. They cover AI-driven underwriting speed, embedded finance awareness, fraud and security risks, and state-by-state commercial finance disclosure laws increasing compliance costs. Mahabir predicts AI agents will increasingly apply for financing within 12–24 months.

    47 min

  2. Jun 3

    Loan Stars Episode 10: Building a Robust Business Pipeline with Select Capital's Steve Champlin

    Host Celeste Deal-Manouir (Chief Sales Officer at ARF Financial) interviews Steve Champlin of Select Capital about building a robust referral-partner pipeline in private commercial credit. Champlin, a former manufacturing owner-operator for 27 years who sold his last company in 2022, founded Select Capital in 2023 after seeing a Midwest gap for private commercial credit. He says bank, CPA, and attorney referrals—especially banks—outperform expensive online marketing because bankers provide credibility and a “captive audience.” He defines his pipeline as tracking referral relationships and multiple potential transactions per client, advising consultants to offer a broad lender “Rolodex” (unsecured revolving lines, small-balance CRE, ABL, bridge, SBA, equipment finance, factoring, specialty finance) and to avoid bad lenders charging upfront due diligence fees. He recommends clarifying positioning, leveraging LinkedIn, meeting bankers regularly (coffee/lunch), using newsletters to stay top of mind, asking for internal bank introductions, and being patient with long trust cycles; he notes banks are conservative, understaffed, and increasingly concerned about unpaid-down principals.

    50 min

  3. May 4

    Loan Stars Episode 9: ARF 25th Anniversary with Steve Glenn

    Celeste Deal-Maunoir hosts the Loan Stars Podcast to mark ARF Financial’s 25th anniversary with CEO and co-founder Steve Glenn. Glenn recounts how the company began in 2000–2001 after a restaurant marketing business revealed clients’ need for cash flow, leading ARF to become a California licensed lender and later a nationwide lender via a bank model. He describes early milestones and evolution from “Advanced Restaurant Finance” to ARF Financial, expansion beyond restaurants, and innovations including early line-of-credit checkbooks, ROI-based selling, and later a true revolving line of credit. Key challenges included 9/11, the 2008–2009 recession, and COVID-19, during which ARF cut low credits, extended terms, launched a broker program (2018), continued funding, and introduced payment relief and a 13-week interest-only product. Glenn highlights the partnership with co-founder Les Haskew and outlines future growth through new business categories, products, and broker training.

    49 min

  4. Apr 21

    Loan Stars Episode 8: Unlocking Asset-Based Lending with Tammy Kemp

    On the Loan Stars Podcast, host Celeste Deal-Maunoir (Chief Sales Officer at ARF Financial) interviews Tammy Kemp, President of Carrington Capital, about identifying asset-based lending (ABL) and invoice factoring opportunities earlier in the sales process and when they fit better than traditional cashflow loans or merchant cash advances. Kemp explains that many small and mid-sized businesses are declined by banks or qualify for less than they need, while ABL leverages underutilized tangible assets such as accounts receivable, inventory, and sometimes equipment. She highlights strong fits including manufacturing, staffing, transportation, service businesses, and oil and gas services, especially during growth, volatility, or ownership transitions. Carrington focuses on realizable collateral value, offers typical advance rates of ~85% on receivables (up to ~90%+ in factoring), and can work alongside banks via carve-outs; brokers should provide the business “story” and key collateral details and enable early borrower conversations.

    37 min

  5. 11/26/2025

    Loan Stars Episode 7: Mastering Equipment Financing with Sandra VanBuren

    In this episode of the Loan Stars Podcast, host Celeste Deal-Maunoir discusses business financing with Sandra Van uren, CEO and Co-founder of Food Service Solutions. Sandra explains the importance of equipment financing in the food service industry, emphasizing its rapid and streamlined process which helps startups and expanding businesses manage cash flow effectively. She addresses common mistakes restaurant owners make, such as using all liquid capital upfront and the benefits of discussing financing options early. Sandra outlines different types of financing structures including lease-to-own, fair market value contracts, equipment finance agreements, and loans, and explains the importance of choosing the right option based on the business's growth trajectory and financial goals. The discussion also covers the evolving landscape of equipment financing post-pandemic, the impact of economic factors, and the role of technology in modern restaurant operations. Sandra advises business owners to explore all financing options, consult experts, and ensure they understand all terms to make informed decisions. The episode aims to equip restaurant operators and loan brokers with the knowledge to navigate financing challenges and leverage opportunities for growth.

    35 min

  6. 10/23/2025

    Loan Stars Episode 6: Thriving in Economic Uncertainty: Insights from Joe Camberato

    In this episode of the Loan Stars Podcast, Celeste Deal-Maunoir, Chief Sales Officer at ARF Financial, discusses strategies for thriving during financial hardship with Joe Camberato, CEO and founder of National Business Capital. They explore the current economic climate, the impact of high-interest rates on small businesses, regulatory changes affecting the finance industry, and the role of AI in lending. Joe emphasizes the importance of focusing on growth opportunities during challenging times and advises loan brokers to establish trust with clients by acting as advisors rather than salespeople. He also highlights the potential of non-bank lending and the need for businesses to adapt and leverage new opportunities for growth.

    36 min

  7. 08/21/2025

    Loan Stars Episode 5: Breaking Down Texas's New Business Finance Laws with Kate Fisher

    In this episode of the Loan Stars Podcast, hosted by Celeste Deal Maunoir, the Chief Sales Officer at ARF Financial, and co-hosted by Bob Lapidus, ARF’s Senior Vice President General Counsel, the focus is on Texas House Bill 700. Signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in June, this bill introduces significant regulatory shifts in commercial sales-based financing transactions, commonly known as Merchant Cash Advances (MCA). This makes Texas the 11th state to adopt a commercial finance disclosure law. The podcast discusses the unique aspects of the Texas bill, such as prohibiting most ACH debits, banning confessions of judgment, and necessitating a validly perfected security interest in a recipient's deposit account for auto-debit mechanisms. The guest speaker, Kate Fisher from Hudson Cook, LLP, provides her expertise on the challenges and implications for both financing providers and businesses in Texas. The discussion also touches on broader regulatory trends and their potential impact on the availability of capital for small businesses and the practices of commercial loan brokers.

    31 min

  8. 06/12/2025

    Loan Stars Episode 4: Navigating SBA Policy Changes with Terry Luker

    Join host Celeste Deal-Maunoir on the Loan Stars Podcast, brought to you by ARF Financial, as she discusses the recent SBA refinancing policy changes with Terry Luker, CEO of Alternative Capital Solutions. This episode delves into the implications of prohibiting SBA loans to refinance merchant cash advances or factoring debt, the challenges this presents for loan brokers, and strategies to adapt. Gain insights on how to help clients navigate these changes, the importance of deal structure, and the educational resources available for brokers through Terry's academy. Don't miss this informative conversation aimed at empowering lending professionals.

    26 min

  9. 03/31/2025

    Loan Stars Ep 3 pt. 2: Smart Marketing with Oz Konar

    In this episode of the Loan Stars Podcast, presented by a ARF Financial, Celeste Deal-Maunoir continues her insightful conversation with Oz Kanar, the founder of Business Lending Blueprint. This second part of the interview delves deeper into marketing strategies for new lending brokers, especially those with tight budgets. Oz emphasizes the importance of mastering one marketing channel before diversifying and offers expert advice on targeting specific industries. He introduces essential AI tools, which can revolutionize lead generation and content creation. Oz also discusses the evolution of marketing from traditional methods to the modern AI landscape and highlights the significance of maintaining personal connections despite technological advancements. For anyone looking to thrive in the business financing space, Oz's insights are invaluable. This episode is a must-listen for current and aspiring loan brokers aiming to elevate their business game.

    31 min

  10. 03/03/2025

    Loan Stars Episode 3 Part 1: Smart Marketing with Oz Konar

    In the first part of this two part episode of The Loan Stars Podcast, hosted by Celeste Deal-Maunoir from ARF Financial, guest speaker Oz Konar, founder of Business Lending Blueprint, shares invaluable insights for new loan brokers. Konar discusses his journey from college to establishing a successful training program that has transformed individuals into profitable business loan brokers. The conversation covers essential strategies for building a pipeline, common rookie mistakes, the importance of urgency and trust-building, and effective networking techniques. The episode also emphasizes the significance of taking action and offers practical advice for newcomers to thrive in the business financing space.

    45 min

  11. 02/05/2025

    Loan Stars Episode 2: Know Your Lender. Know Your Customer – A Conversation with Jared Weitz

    The Loan Stars podcast, hosted by Celeste Deal-Maunoir and Noel Joseph from ARF Financial, features an insightful conversation with Jared Weitz, CEO of United Capital Source. This episode delves into Jared's journey of founding UCS in 2011 and growing it to facilitate over a billion dollars in funding for small and mid-sized businesses. Jared discusses the importance of offering multiple funding options, solid relationships, and having a robust lead generation process. He also shares advice for newer agents, the value of strategic partnerships, and lessons learned from early challenges and successes. Jared emphasizes integrity, company culture, and mission as keys to building a sustainable business.

    14 min
  12. The Affiliate Advantage: Partnering with ARF Financial for Success

    12/12/2024

    The Affiliate Advantage: Partnering with ARF Financial for Success

    In the first episode of 'Loan Stars,' host Celeste Deal Maunoir, Chief Sales Officer at ARF Financial, discusses the benefits and opportunities of affiliate partnerships with ARF Financial. Celeste is joined by lending experts Vincent Lam, Keith Kohler, and Mike Spitalney, who share their experiences and success stories in securing financing for small businesses through ARF. They highlight ARF's role in providing flexible, longer-term financing options, particularly for industries like restaurants, and bridging gaps where traditional methods fall short. The discussion covers ARF's efficient loan processes, the importance of personalized customer service, and details about the Loan Star Affiliate Program which offers significant commissions and bonuses. The episode encourages listeners to reach out and explore partnership opportunities with ARF Financial.

    19 min
  • 12 Episodes

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About

Welcome to Loan Stars, the podcast for aspiring referral partners who want to shine in the world of business lending. Hosted by ARF Financial, each episode unpacks the tools, trends, and tactics you need to succeed in today’s lending landscape. Whether you’re new to referrals or looking to sharpen your edge, Loan Stars offers practical insights, real-world case studies, and interviews with top-performing partners. Tune in and discover how to turn referrals into revenue—and become a true star in the loan game.

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