Sweatpants & Strategy

Dana Hirschkowitz
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Welcome to the Sweatpants & Strategy: SBA Success Stories Podcast, where we dive into the world of SBA lending, business growth, and personal success stories – all in a relaxed, down-to-earth twist! Please note, the content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your business or financial needs. This podcast is inspired by and dedicated to my father, Norman Hirschkowitz, whose encouragement, and belief in taking risks led me to where I am today. His lessons continue to guide me, and I’m proud to honor his memory with each episode.

  1. Apr 10

    Episode 24: Leadership, Culture, and the Working Mom Reality

    🚨 LEADERSHIP ALERT. 🚨 If you think HR is just about black-and-white policies and sitting on the sidelines, this episode is your wake-up call. We’re diving back into the "structured chaos" of SBA with the woman who is redefining executive leadership in the people space. In Part 2 of this deep dive, Dana continues her conversation with Brittany Lyons, Chief People Officer at Port 51. Brittany breaks down why culture is the ultimate deal-breaker, how to lead with a "newborn mental load," and why top-tier producers are ditching big-name banks for environments that actually trust them to do their jobs. 🎙️ Featuring the powerhouse human who lived to tell the tale: ⭐ Brittany Lyons – Chief People Officer, Port 51 🏢 (The "Cool HR" leader who prioritizes business impact over policy enforcement) 📊 Inside this chaos capsule: ✔️ The "Vibe" Over the Resume – Why Brittany is "not a resume person" and how she spots a culture-fit rockstar in 45 seconds. ✔️ Why Producers Leave – Real talk on why BDOs aren't just chasing money; they’re fleeing "friction" and inconsistent management decisions. ✔️ The Human Side of Underwriting – Why Port 51 refuses to use AI for pre-screens and why a human eye on a "bad credit score" can save a deal. ✔️ Working Mom Reality – A raw look at the "mental load," being intentional with your time (5 PM to 7 PM is sacred!), and giving yourself grace when things aren't perfect. ✔️ Scaling with Discipline – What defines a great SBA leader in 2026: balancing rapid growth with the long-term health of the organization. This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a survival guide for working parents and a manifesto for leaders who want to build a sustainable, high-impact organization where everyone is "rowing in the same direction". 🥂 Ending the series with a "zinger": You can do both (career and family), you just can't do everything perfectly all the time. 👉 YOUR TURN 🔮 — Are you measuring your team by their "activity" or their "impact" this year? 😎✨

  2. Apr 8

    Episode 23: Structured Chaos, The "Cool HR" Guide to SBA Talent and Leadership

    🚨 HR ALERT. HR ALERT. 🚨 Think SBA talent is the same as traditional banking? Think again. It’s not just about credit scores—it’s about surviving the "structured chaos." In this episode of Sweatpants & Strategy, Dana sits down with the woman who is redefining what it means to be a Chief People Officer: Brittany Lyons of Port 51. Brittany isn't your typical "policy enforcer" hiding behind a handbook; she’s in the weeds with the revenue producers, the COO, and the Chief Credit Officer, proving that to drive a company, you have to deeply understand the business impact of every hire. 🎙️ Featuring the legendary human who lived to tell the tale: ⭐ Brittany Lyons – Chief People Officer, Port 51 🏢 (The "Innovative Strategist" who blows the traditional HR mold apart) 📊 Inside this chaos capsule: ✔️ SBA vs. Traditional Banking – Why being good at credit in a big bank doesn't automatically mean success in the "structured chaos" of SBA. ✔️ The 3 Traits of a Rockstar Hire – What Port 51 looks for: Culture fit/Integrity, respect for the process, and an intuitive "hungry" mindset (no "individual contributors" allowed). ✔️ The Shift from "Brand Name" to "Experience" – How hiring trends have moved from chasing titles and big banks to prioritizing flexibility and transparent compensation. ✔️ The 45-Second Interview – Brittany’s candid take on worst interviews, tech-challenged candidates, and why "talking like a friend" is the ultimate green flag. ✔️ The "Confidential One-on-One" Strategy – How Port 51 uses 3-times-a-year pulse checks to align leadership behavior with what employees are actually experiencing. This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a masterclass in how to sniff out talent, drive revenue through people, and operate in the gray area to land the plane correctly. 🥂 Ending the episode with real talk on leadership trust and why HR should never just sit on the sidelines. 👉 YOUR TURN 🔮 — are you looking for a brand name on your resume, or are you ready to hire for the "structured chaos" of 2026? 😎✨

  3. Apr 8

    Episode 22: Scaling a 24-Hour Empire w/ the RIGHT Lender | Signed, Funded & Loved: Pt. 3

    🚨 VALENTINE’S FINALE. 🚨 The third and final part of our SBA Love Story series has landed. Forget roses and chocolates—we’re talking about the real romance: Trust, Timing, and Collaboration. In this episode of Sweatpants & Strategy, Dana sits down with one of her favorite "former candidates turned superstar lenders," Kahla Miscavige from FirstTrust. Kahla brought along her favorite borrower, Andrew Ruba, the founder of Ironworks Fitness in Philadelphia. Together, they break down the relationship milestones of an SBA loan: from the "First Date" intro call to the "Outcome" of a thriving, scaled business. 🎙️ Featuring the legendary humans who lived to tell the tale: ⭐ Kahla Miscavige – FirstTrust 🏦 (the straight-shooter who tells it like it is) ⭐ Andrew Ruba – Ironworks Fitness 🏋️‍♂️ (the strength-training visionary scaling his empire across Philly) 📊 Inside this chaos capsule: ✔️ The "First Date" Vibes – Why Andrew interviewed 5–10 banks before finding a partner who actually understood the "minimalistic" 24-hour gym model. ✔️ Risk vs. Reward – Kahla’s "No-BS" approach to a startup gym with no historical financials and the risk of being in a brand-new condo building. ✔️ Scaling to Three Locations – Moving from a leasehold build-out to owning real estate and closing the deal just in time for a Christmas miracle. ✔️ The "Why" Factor – Why Kahla relates to a 24-hour model as a busy mom and why "listening" is the secret to building borrower trust. ✔️ The Survival Story – How Ironworks scraped by during an 8-month COVID shutdown and came out stronger on the other side. This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a masterclass in financial literacy, due diligence, and the power of a lender who has your back from the startup phase to the grand opening. Think of it as: “we did the jumping jacks, we crunched the numbers, and yes, we’re still open for the night owls.” 🥂 Ending the series with honesty, efficiency, and just enough heavy lifting to keep your 2026 expansion moving. 🏋️‍♂️ Learn more about Iron Works Fitness | https://www.ironworks.fitness/ 👉 YOUR TURN 🔮 — are you ready to stop "jumping through hoops" with the wrong lenders and find someone who sees your vision from the first floor up? 😎✨

  4. Apr 8

    Episode 21: From Bad Dates to the Big Leagues | Signed, Funded & Loved: Part 2

    🚨 SBA VALENTINE’S ALERT🚨 The second episode of our "February Love Stories" has arrived, and it’s a grand slam. If you’ve ever felt like the banking world was just one big series of "bad dates" and "ghosting," this one is for you. Dana sits down with her partner-in-crime Lyndsey Blanks from Hancock Whitney and the powerhouse moms behind Triple Threat Athletics: Ashlee Loewen and Christine Michel. This isn't just a business deal; it’s a survival story about what happens when three moms with full-time careers decide to stop driving four hours for sports training and build their own field of dreams instead. 🎙️ Featuring the legendary humans who lived to tell the tale: ⭐ Lyndsey Blanks – Hancock Whitney 🏦 (the "Prince Charming" of lenders who gave a verbal approval in under an hour) ⭐ Ashlee & Christine – Triple Threat Athletics 🥎 (the "Cool Moms" who kissed 7–17 "banker frogs" before finding the one) 📊 Inside this chaos capsule: ✔️ The Bad Dates – Real talk on the "denial, hatred, and anger" of being rejected by 7+ banks despite having a board of retired MLB players. ✔️ The Pivot – How they used "nos" to build a bulletproof business plan with the SBDC. ✔️ "I Feel Like I'm Being Pranked" – The moment Lyndsey said "Yes" when everyone else said "Pipe Dream". ✔️ Moms in the Trenches – Balancing batting practice, 6:30 PM loan calls at the ballfields, and closing a leasehold improvement loan in under 70 days. ✔️ The Red Flags – Ashlee’s warning about "sneaky lenders" trying to sell 20% interest rate products to desperate entrepreneurs. This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a celebration of grit, friendship, and the "magical" moment when the right bank finally believes in your vision. Think of it as: "we survived the trauma, we got the funding, and yes, we’re still the coolest moms in the dugout." 🥂 Cheers to grand openings, retired MLB pizzazz, and just enough wine to survive the SBA process. 👉 YOUR TURN 🔮 — are you ready to stop "speed dating" the wrong banks and find the lender who actually wants to show up to your grand opening? 😎✨

  5. Apr 8

    Episode 20: Signed, Funded & Loved: Part 1 | Marissa & Angela

    🥋 HI-YAH! 🥋 The SBA Love Story has landed. Brace yourselves. Yes. THAT episode. The one where we prove that SBA isn't just a mountain of paperwork—it’s a 21-year career of passion, grit, and finding your "person" in the industry. We’re talking about chemistry that survives construction nightmares and "seven-year-itch" timelines. 🎙️ Featuring the legendary humans who lived to tell the tale: ⭐ Marissa Ames – SBA Expert at 44 Business Capital 🏦 (the grinder with the "grit" to get it done) ⭐ Angela Cao – Co-Founder of Koma 🥋 (the commercial banking pro who chose SBA to scale her empire) 📊 Inside this chaos capsule: ✔️ The "First Date" – How a random broker intro turned into an 11-year financial marriage ✔️ Ground-Up Construction Realities – Surviving 90-day permit delays and "excitable children" analogies ✔️ The 10% Injection Strategy – Why startups and scaling businesses should stop being "strapped for cash" ✔️ The "One-Night Stand" vs. Relationship Lending – Why holding the borrower's hand makes you extraordinary, not slow This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a masterclass in building the "Apple Store of Martial Arts" and why your BDO should be your partner for life. Think of it as: “we built it, we grew it, and yes, we’re still doing Happy Hour over Zoom.” 🥂 Celebrating growth, resilience, and just enough discipline to keep your 2026 expansion on track. 👉 YOUR TURN 🔮 — are you manifesting a "one-night stand" volume goal or are you looking for a "lifetime relationship" in your SBA network this year? 😎✨ 🌐For more information on KoMa (Ko Martial Arts), visit: https://www.thekoma.com/ 🌐Connect with Marissa | https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-ames-80930820/

  6. Apr 7

    Episode 19: Egos vs. Efficiency: Rebranding the Modern SBA Lender w/ Ray Drew

    The SBA world is changing fast, and if you’re still sticking to the "Money Store" playbook from 1995, you’re already behind. In this episode of Sweatpants & Strategy, Dana sits down with the man who needs no introduction: Ray Drew, SBA Managing Director at Reliant and the voice behind The Art of SBA Lending. Ray isn’t just another producer—he’s a pioneer who saw the "thought leadership" writing on the wall back in 2015 when the rest of the industry still thought LinkedIn was just a digital resume. We’re stripping away the corporate stiffness to talk about the real "chaos" in the market: from the "minor inconvenience" of government shutdowns to the massive M&A shifts where big banks are gobbling up boutiques for deposits and leaving talented lenders in the lurch. Inside this episode: 🤖 AI vs. Humans: Why closers are the "pilots" of the industry and the one role AI can't replace. 📈 The BDO Blueprint: How Ray scaled to $25M+ using content strategy and LinkedIn. 🔪 The "Whack" List: Why non-producing sales managers are at risk and the shift toward "Player-Coaches". 🏦 M&A Madness: An insider look at big bank acquisitions and the talent displacement happening right now. 💡 SEO for AI: Why you need to be on Reddit and ChatGPT to find the next generation of borrowers. Stop being a "used car salesman" and start building a brand that drives real business! It’s time to stop thinking in the box. Whether you’re a hunter, a grinder, or just trying to figure out if your bank’s new AI system is about to create a portfolio disaster, this episode is your insider’s guide to surviving the evolution of SBA.

  7. Apr 7

    Episode 18: 2025 Wrap-Up on AI, Labor Shifts, & High-Stakes Lending

    🚨 ALERT. ALERT. 🚨 The SBA Year-End Wrap-Up has landed. Brace yourselves. Yes. THAT year. The one with wins, losses, plot twists, and at least three “wait… what?” moments. The one that aged us, surprised us, and occasionally made us question reality. We survived. Somehow. And now we’re talking about it. 🎙️ Featuring the legendary humans who lived to tell the tale: ⭐ Mitch Fogel – Partner, Fogel Law Group ⚖️ (the legal wizard) ⭐ Lance Sexton – Phoenix Lender Services 🏦 (the money maestro) ⭐ Ken Rosenthal – 17-year friendship, undefeated, still zero introduction needed 👏 📊 Inside this chaos capsule: ✔️ SBA moments that made us scream internally ✔️ Wins that deserve a parade 🥳 ✔️ Challenges that aged us like fine wine… or maybe milk 🥛 ✔️ Real talk from legal, lending, and servicing (the good, the bad, the “are you kidding me?”) This isn’t a podcast. It’s a survival debrief, a therapy session, and a celebration all rolled into one. Think of it as: “we survived, we learned stuff, and yes, we still have energy to complain.” 🥂 Ending the year with gratitude, humor, and just enough chaos to keep 2026 on its toes. 👉 YOUR TURN 🔮 — what insane, amazing, or slightly terrifying things are you manifesting in SBA for 2026?😎✨

  8. Apr 7

    Episode 17: Halloween Swepardy 🎃👻

    🎃 HALLOWEEN SWEPARDY SPECIAL! 👻 Welcome back to Swepardy — this time, we’re taking over the stage Halloween-style! 🕸️ Join your host (and ringmaster!) Dana Hirschkowitz as she wrangles our contestants through a frightfully fun round of SBA-themed Jeopardy: 🏆 Michael Bland — the reigning champion 💀 Lindsey Blanks — our fierce former champion 🦈 Kevin Rafferty — the brave newbie entering the ring! From “Franchise of Fright” to “AI in the Aisle of Terror” and “The Future is Frightening (and Funded)”, the competition is hilarious, chaotic, and full of unexpected twists — including animal buzzers, spooky SBA trivia, and one glow-in-the-dark surprise you won’t believe actually got funded. 💡 Will the defending champ keep his crown? Or will a newcomer rise from the grave to steal the win? Grab your pumpkin spice latte, turn up the volume, and play along to see who becomes the Jeopardy Champion of the SBA underworld! 🎬 Subscribe for more episodes of Sweatpants and Strategy — where small business meets big laughs. #SweatPretty #HalloweenJeopardy #SBA #SmallBusiness #JeopardyChallenge #HalloweenSpecial #BusinessHumor #DianaHershkovitz

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About

Welcome to the Sweatpants & Strategy: SBA Success Stories Podcast, where we dive into the world of SBA lending, business growth, and personal success stories – all in a relaxed, down-to-earth twist! Please note, the content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your business or financial needs. This podcast is inspired by and dedicated to my father, Norman Hirschkowitz, whose encouragement, and belief in taking risks led me to where I am today. His lessons continue to guide me, and I’m proud to honor his memory with each episode.

Information

  • Creator
    Dana Hirschkowitz
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dana Hirschkowitz
  • Show Website
    Sweatpants & Strategy