Lords of Lending

Shane Pierson, Steph Dunn and Brian Congelliere
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Journey through the labyrinth of lending with the dual expertise of Shane, the master of loan architecture, and Stephanie, the vanguard of banking innovation. Together, they demystify the art of business loans, from traditional SBA offerings to avant-garde financial instruments, in episodes rich with actionable intelligence.

  1. 3D AGO

    2026 Look Ahead and Predictions | LoL #18

    In this episode of 'Lords of Lending,' we discuss the economic forecast for small businesses in 2026, emphasizing increased borrowing and reduced equity. We draw parallels to the 2008 financial crisis and express concerns about the rising trends of highly leveraged acquisitions and diminishing equity pools.  The conversation touches on the importance of prudent lending, the potential impact of AI and other market disruptors, and the need for businesses to focus on sustainable cash flow and equity growth. We also predict that business valuations may adjust due to these financial pressures.  Join us for an in-depth analysis and strategic advice for navigating the financial landscape of 2026. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:30 2026 Economic Predictions 01:03 Debt and Equity Concerns 01:53 Lending Practices and Risks 04:19 Market Disruptors and Future Trends 05:38 Sustainable Business Strategies 07:13 The Importance of Equity 10:26 Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Fundamentals 20:05 Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.

    23 min

  2. JAN 28

    2025 Lessons and Reflections | LoL #17

    Welcome back to Lords of Lending! In this episode, we return from our break to review the significant events of 2025 and share what we've learned. We discuss the record-breaking $100 billion in government-guaranteed loans extended to small businesses and analyze the impact of the new administration's transparency and released data.  We delve into the challenges faced by small business owners, including rising interest rates and tighter lending criteria, and provide insights on the entrepreneurial revolution post-COVID. We also explore how AI is transforming the lending landscape, offering both opportunities and pitfalls.  Tune in for a comprehensive recap of 2025 and insightful predictions for 2026. 00:00 Welcome Back to Lords of Lending 00:14 Reflecting on 2025: Wins and Mistakes 01:15 Record Year for SBA Loans 03:19 Challenges and Risks in 2025 11:02 The Entrepreneurial Revolution Post-COVID 14:46 Leveraging AI for Small Business Success 25:00 Summarizing 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026 Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.

    27 min

  3. 10/08/2025

    When a Business Owner Asks You to Dance | LoL #16

    What happens when a business owner drops hints about selling—or outright asks you to “dance”? In this episode, the Lords break down real-world signals, emotional undercurrents, and strategic moves buyers should make when owners start flirting with exit. From awkward coffees to intentional conversations, learn how to recognize the moment and act on it. 📌 Timestamps: [00:01:05] The Dance That Changed Everything - Steph's wake-up call about corporate America [05:36] From Corporate VP to 20+ Acquisitions in 5 Years - Ruth's audacious goal [11:14] The Compassion Strategy - How Ruth negotiates with legacy male sellers in a male-dominated industry [18:42] Starting at $3.35/Hour - Ruth's telemarketing origin story and work ethic foundation [30:41] "Don't Wait" - Ruth's urgent advice to women entrepreneurs (and why she wishes she'd started sooner) [35:15] Betting on Ruth - How Steph fought her credit team to back a "dreamer" who doubled revenues in year one [42:22] Breaking Glass Ceilings - Why women need "fem-tours," not mentors [49:56] The LLC Strategy - Brian breaks down Ruth's legal structure for multiple acquisitions Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.

    57 min

  4. 10/03/2025

    Seller Financing for Business Acquisition | LoL #15

    Seller notes are reshaping how deals get done. In this episode, the Lords of Lending sit down with Abby Shemesh of Seller Edge Capital to explore the evolving world of seller financing, note sales, and how liquidity is changing the psychology of buyers and sellers. If you’re in acquisitions, lending, or advising, this is a masterclass in structuring smarter deals. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Opening: Why seller notes are the overlooked weapon in M&A  04:31 - Abby's origin story: From Bear Stearns to disrupting Main Street finance  10:04 - The liquidity problem: Why 44% of sellers say "no" to seller financing  13:49 - The 3 contract elements that make seller notes buyable  19:05 - Steph's challenge: Why buy mediocre loans from Dubuque, Iowa?  25:15 - The capital market dislocation problem (18% vs 10% returns)  28:05 - The 3-5 year sweet spot for seller note terms  40:22 - How SBA refinancing creates perfect exit timing for note buyers  45:06 - Final roadmap: Closing more deals with seller note strategies Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.

    47 min

  5. 09/10/2025

    Building a Successful Restaurant | LoL #14

    What does it take to launch and scale a thriving restaurant business? In this episode, the Lords dig into the real-world challenges, hidden costs, and strategic thinking behind building a successful food and beverage concept. Whether you’re dreaming of opening your first café or scaling your third location, this conversation covers what it really takes—from startup costs and SBA funding to operations, brand building, and long-term growth. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Restaurant business isn’t for the faint of heart   01:15 – Shane’s restaurant background and hard lessons   04:22 – Startup costs: what most people underestimate   07:35 – SBA loan structure for food and beverage concepts   10:42 – Brand, vibe, and concept: the recipe for traction   14:05 – Lease terms, equipment, and location considerations   17:12 – Hiring and staffing in a high-turnover industry   20:40 – The systems behind successful operations   24:30 – Passion vs. profit: which comes first?   28:02 – Real challenges: debt, seasonality, and cash flow   31:44 – Advice to new operators looking to launch   35:10 – Wrapping up: where great restaurant owners focus Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.

    1h 16m

  6. 09/03/2025

    Do Interest Rates Really Matter? | LoL #13

    Are high interest rates really stopping you from making your next business move? In this episode, Shane, Stephanie, and Brian unpack the myth of waiting for “cheaper money.” They break down what a 25 basis point rate cut actually means (hint: it’s probably less than you think), and why real entrepreneurs don’t let headlines dictate action. If you're considering an SBA loan or looking to grow your business in today’s market, this conversation is your wake-up call. Don’t wait—optimize your structure and move now. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Why interest rates shouldn’t define your strategy 01:00 - Know your balance sheet like a lender 02:00 - Should I wait for cheaper money? 03:00 - Interest rate-proof businesses and operating experience 04:30 - The problem with startup loans 06:00 - External factors vs. internal discipline 07:00 - How much does a 25 basis point rate cut *really* save? 08:30 - Why variable-rate SBA loans are future-proof 10:00 - Who *shouldn’t* be borrowing right now? 11:00 - Chase growth, not hype 12:00 - The real cost of waiting to make a move 14:00 - Are we overpaying for everything? 15:00 - Why delay is the invisible killer of businesses 16:00 - “Fail fast”: Testing decisions in real time 17:00 - Don’t let $150 stop you—make the sale instead 18:00 - Closing thoughts: Be ready, not reactive Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.

    19 min

  7. 08/22/2025

    Reputation with Stuart Faught | LoL #12

    What does your reputation say about your business? In this episode, the Lords sit down with review industry expert Stuart Faught to break down what reputation really means in lending, operations, and growth. Whether you’re trying to build trust with sellers, brokers, lenders—or your own team—this is the real talk behind what shapes credibility and how to own your story. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: Why Reputation Is the Real Currency 02:10 - Meet Stuart Faught: Online Reputation Pros 05:45 - Why Reputation Matters in Lending and M&A 09:30 - The Review Gap: Real Experience vs. Online Perception 13:05 - Using Reputation to Build Leverage in Deals 17:20 - Common Mistakes Business Owners Make with Reviews 22:40 - Tactical Tools for Reputation Management 27:15 - Reputation Timing: When to Ask for Reviews 32:00 - Reputation as an Ongoing Strategy, Not a Fix 35:45 - Final Takeaways from Stuart and the Lords 39:10 - Closing Thoughts and What’s Next Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.

    51 min

  8. 08/14/2025

    Ask the Experts | LoL #11

    What really makes a lender different? Shane, Brian, and Steph go rapid-fire to reveal their biggest lessons, toughest deals, and why client experience wins every time. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:27 - Welcome to “Ask the Experts” with Stephanie, Shane & Brian   01:14 - What Sets Us Apart from Other Lenders   03:13 - The Human Side of Lending: Why People Matter Most   05:25 - Defining a Great Client Experience   08:14 - Tackling Tough Deals: Affiliates, Complexity & Strategy   12:53 - Creating the “Perfect Package” for SBA Loans   13:36 - Signature Moves: What Clients Remember   16:01 - Favorite Parts of the Job (And Why We Stay)   18:19 - The Bigger Picture: Helping Families & Legacies   Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.

    19 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Journey through the labyrinth of lending with the dual expertise of Shane, the master of loan architecture, and Stephanie, the vanguard of banking innovation. Together, they demystify the art of business loans, from traditional SBA offerings to avant-garde financial instruments, in episodes rich with actionable intelligence.

Information

  • Creator
    Shane Pierson, Steph Dunn and Brian Congelliere
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lords of Lending
  • Show Website
    Lords of Lending