My SBA Loan Pro Podcast

Ryan Smith

Applying for an SBA loan can be stressful , grueling and confusing — does this sound familiar? Don’t worry, SBA Pro and Host of the My SBA Loan Pro podcast Ryan Smith, reveals valuable insights and best practices regarding the SBA loan program and application process. Don’t take another step on your SBA journey until your equipped to make sound and informed decisions at every turn. Start listening today!

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    New SBA Loan Rules Just Changed! Rob Kale Explains What Buyers Must Know

    New SBA Loan Rules Just Changed! What Business Buyers and Sellers Need to Know Are you planning to buy or sell a business using an SBA loan? In this episode of My SBA Loan Pro, Rob Kale discusses important changes to SBA lending rules effective October 1 and explains what business buyers, sellers, and owners need to understand before moving forward with a business acquisition. We explore how the updated SBA loan requirements may affect business acquisitions, ownership changes, seller transitions, and the loan approval process. We also discuss quality of earnings (QofE), financial due diligence, investor distributions, debt, and how buyers and sellers can better prepare for an SBA-financed transaction. In this video, you'll learn about:- New SBA loan rules and their potential impact on business acquisitions- What business buyers and sellers should know before applying for an SBA loan- Ownership changes and seller transition considerations- Why financial documentation and quality of earnings matter- Common due diligence challenges in business acquisitions- How buyers and sellers can prepare for the SBA lending process- The role of AI in business acquisition research and due diligence Whether you're a first-time business buyer, an entrepreneur, a business owner planning to sell, or a professional working in business acquisitions, this discussion can help you understand the issues to consider before pursuing SBA financing. Watch until the end for insights that may help you prepare for your next business acquisition. Subscribe to My SBA Loan Pro** for more discussions about SBA loans, business financing, buying a business, and business acquisition strategies. More ThinkSBA Resources ⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Callhttps://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviewshttps://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questionshttps://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcasthttp://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel

  2. Sep 4

    From W-2 Employee to Business Owner: How She 10X’d Her Insurance Agency | Stephanie Petrickova

    From W-2 Employee to Business Owner: How She 10X’d Her Insurance Agency What does it really take to leave a W-2 job, start your own business, and build a company that grows beyond you? In this episode of the My SBA Loan Pro Podcast, Ryan Smith sits down with Stephanie Petrickova, Principal and Founder of SSA Insurance, for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, commercial real estate, and the mindset required to take the leap from employee to business owner. Stephanie shares the story of how she went from working at a financial planning firm to launching her own benefits agency—and how she eventually grew the business by more than 10X. We also dive into one of the biggest decisions she made as a business owner: buying a commercial building instead of leasing one. ▶️In this episode, we discuss: • How Stephanie transitioned from a W-2 employee to business owner• The risks and fears involved in starting a business• How she prepared for six months before making the leap• Building and growing an insurance and employee benefits agency• How her business grew more than 10X• Leadership, confidence, and overcoming self-doubt• Why getting outside your comfort zone matters in business• How to build a strong company culture• Managing time as a growing business owner• Delegation and hiring an executive assistant• Building a community of fellow business owners• Why Stephanie chose to buy commercial real estate instead of leasing• How owning a commercial building changed her company culture• Using commercial real estate as part of your business strategy• Community events, networking, and business development• Moving from working “in” the business to working “on” the business• Advice for W-2 employees who want to become entrepreneurs If you liked this content, let's connect on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbaproTwitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro More ThinkSBA Resources ⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Callhttps://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviewshttps://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questionshttps://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcasthttp://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel

  3. Sep 4

    Your 401(k) Can Do More: How to Invest Beyond the Stock Market | Brian Davis

    What if your 401(k) or IRA could do more than invest in traditional stocks and mutual funds? In this episode, we sit down with Brian Davis, founder of Independent IRA, to explore the world of **self-directed IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, real estate investing, private companies, alternative investments, and retirement wealth building**. ▶️Timestamp:➡️00:00 The Retirement Mindset Shift➡️02:27 Meet Brian Davis➡️02:47 From Mortgage Lending to Independent IRA➡️05:40 What Is a Self-Directed IRA?➡️08:39 Can You Move Your 401(k)?➡️10:54 How Alternative Investments Work➡️11:15 Trust Deed Investing Explained➡️13:14 Where Investors Are Putting Money Today➡️15:48 Biggest Investment Wins & Losses➡️18:33 Tax Benefits of Self-Directed IRAs➡️20:28 Crypto, Private Equity & Precious Metals➡️21:42 The Risks of Alternative Investing➡️25:57 Solo 401(k) Explained➡️27:43 Why Solo 401(k)s Have More Flexibility➡️30:29 Borrowing From Your Own 401(k)➡️33:24 What Happens to Old 401(k)s?➡️36:05 Who Should Consider a Self-Directed IRA?➡️39:03 The Future of Real Estate Investing➡️43:16 Final Advice for Business Owners➡️45:09 Outro Brian explains how investors can potentially use retirement accounts to access alternative assets such as: • Real estate• Private equity and private companies• Trust deeds and real estate notes• Cryptocurrency• Private funds• Precious metals• Alternative investments We also discuss the difference between traditional retirement accounts and self-directed accounts, when old 401(k)s can be rolled into an IRA, Solo 401(k) options for self-employed business owners, and the risks that come with alternative investing. Most importantly, this conversation is about understanding your options and knowing what you're investing in—not simply chasing the next big opportunity. 🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Smith If you liked this content, let's connect on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbaproTwitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro More ThinkSBA Resources ⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Callhttps://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviewshttps://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questionshttps://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcasthttp://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel

  4. Aug 14

    Commercial Real Estate Mistakes That Can Cost You Millions | Real Estate Attorney Explains

    Commercial real estate attorney Kevin Simonsen explains the legal mistakes that can cost business owners and real estate investors hundreds of thousands of dollars, or even millions. In this episode of the My SBA Loan Pro Podcast, Ryan sits down with Kevin Simson to discuss the legal side of commercial real estate, including commercial leases, purchase agreements, negotiations, due diligence, and common mistakes business owners and real estate investors should avoid. Kevin brings nearly two decades of experience in sophisticated commercial real estate transactions, including leases, acquisitions, development, construction, and financing. In This Episode: • Why commercial real estate is different from residential real estate• Why you should involve a real estate attorney before signing an LOI• What a retrade is and how it can affect a deal• Commercial lease negotiation strategies• Common commercial real estate contract mistakes• Why due diligence matters before buying a commercial property• How unclear lease terms can create massive unexpected costs• The difference between a commercial real estate broker and attorney• How one property owner faced foreclosure after years of unpaid property taxes• Why liability protection and proper entity structure matter• What buyers and tenants should negotiate in commercial real estate deals• Insights into the San Diego life science and biotech real estate market If you're a business owner, commercial property investor, landlord, tenant, or entrepreneur considering a commercial real estate transaction, this episode will help you understand the risks before you sign. 🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Smith If you liked this content, let's connect on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbaproTwitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro More ThinkSBA Resources ⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Callhttps://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviewshttps://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questionshttps://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcasthttp://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel

  5. Jul 31

    Your Broker May Be Lying: How Investors Lose Millions Without Knowing | Mark Brewer

    Can you really trust your financial advisor? For more than 35 years, investor rights attorney Mark Brewer has helped people recover millions lost to broker misconduct, investment fraud, financial elder abuse, unsuitable investments, and retirement account mismanagement. In this conversation with United Stage, Mark explains how investors unknowingly lose their retirement savings, why reading your account statements matters, how brokers earn hidden commissions, and what warning signs every investor should know before trusting a financial advisor. You'll also learn: • How investment fraud really happens• Why some brokers prioritize commissions over clients• The difference between brokers and fiduciary advisors• How retirees become targets of financial abuse• The dangers of excessive trading (churning)• Why unsuitable investments destroy retirement accounts• AI scams and crypto investment fraud• How to protect yourself and your family from financial exploitation Whether you're investing for retirement, helping aging parents manage their finances, or simply trying to make smarter financial decisions, this conversation offers practical advice that could help you avoid costly mistakes. 🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Smith👨‍⚖️ Featuring Investor Rights Attorney Mark Brewer If you liked this content, let's connect on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbaproTwitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro More ThinkSBA Resources ⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Callhttps://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviewshttps://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questionshttps://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcasthttp://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel

  6. Jul 24

    How I Bought a Profitable Business After 20 Years in Banking | My SBA Loan

    After nearly 20 years in banking and financing hundreds of business acquisitions, I finally became the buyer. In this episode of My SBA Loan Pro Podcast, I share the complete story of buying my first business—a profitable trampoline park—and the lessons I learned before, during, and after the acquisition. ▶️We discuss: ➡️Why I chose to buy an existing business instead of starting one➡️How I evaluated cash flow and risk before making an offer➡️What I discovered during due diligence➡️The financing structure and negotiations behind the deal➡️The biggest surprises after taking ownership➡️Why cleaning up the business didn't automatically increase profits➡️Cash flow, taxes, and wealth-building strategies every buyer should understand➡️My advice for first-time business buyers and entrepreneurs➡️Why I'm already searching for my next acquisition Whether you're considering buying a business, exploring SBA financing, or interested in Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA), this episode offers practical insights from someone who has been on both sides of the table—as a banker and now as a business owner. If you're serious about business acquisitions, SBA loans, and building long-term wealth through entrepreneurship, make sure to subscribe for more episodes. 🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Smith More ThinkSBA Resources ⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Callhttps://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviewshttps://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questionshttps://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcasthttp://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel

  7. Jul 23

    Melissa Goldstein Tucci: Why 99% of People Never Stand Out

    99% of people make this one mistake—and it quietly holds them back from success. In this podcast episode, we explore why most people struggle to stand out, the mindset shifts that separate successful individuals from everyone else, and the common mistakes that limit career and business growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, professional, or someone looking to improve your career, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately. ✅In this episode, you'll learn: ➡️Why most people fail to stand out➡️The biggest career and business mistakes➡️How successful people think differently➡️Practical strategies for long-term success➡️Actionable advice you can use today ▶️Timestamps: 00:00 Why You Can't Be Good at Everything 00:20 Find Your Unique Strength 00:52 Meet Melissa – Real Estate Success Story 01:31 Learning Sales Through Cold Calling 03:11 How She Got Into Real Estate 03:35 The Cold Call That Changed Her Life 04:58 The Power of Work Ethic 06:31 Building a Top Real Estate Career 07:09 Finding a Profitable Niche 08:26 Adapting to Market Changes 09:52 Becoming the Official Padres Real Estate Agent 12:15 Giving Back to the Community 15:12 Awards & National Recognition 18:11 Why Real Estate Is More Than a Career 19:54 How She Serves Busy Business Owners 23:44 Why You Must Stand Out 24:11 Is Now the Right Time to Buy a Home? 26:10 Smart Home Buying Strategy 29:34 Advice for Entrepreneurs 30:15 Find What Makes You Different 33:20 Success Comes From Hard Work 34:06 Why Professionalism Still Matters 36:04 Will AI Replace Real Estate Agents? 37:46 Final Thoughts More ThinkSBA Resources ⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Callhttps://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviewshttps://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questionshttps://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcasthttp://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel

  8. May 29

    How Business Owners Protect Wealth, Avoid Probate & Reduce Estate Taxes

    Are you a business owner, entrepreneur, or high-net-worth family looking to protect your assets and avoid probate? In this episode of the My SBA Loan Pro Podcast, estate planning attorney Rodney Hatley breaks down everything you need to know about living trusts, irrevocable trusts, asset protection strategies, probate, estate taxes, healthcare directives, and wealth preservation. Learn how successful business owners structure their companies and trusts to safeguard wealth, minimize taxes, and create long-term financial security for their families. Rod also shares practical strategies for protecting inherited assets from lawsuits, creditors, and divorce settlements. ▶️In This Episode:➡️Living Trust vs Irrevocable Trust explained➡️How to avoid probate court➡️Asset protection strategies for entrepreneurs➡️LLCs, S Corporations & business structuring➡️Estate tax planning for wealthy families➡️Protecting family wealth across generations➡️Healthcare directives & powers of attorney➡️How adult children can help aging parents plan their estate➡️Why funding your trust is critical➡️Trust planning mistakes business owners make Whether you're a startup founder, real estate investor, small business owner, or simply planning for your family’s future, this episode delivers valuable estate planning insights every American family should understand. Key Chapters:  00:00 – Intro & Why Estate Planning Matters 01:08 – Rod Hatley’s Background & Navy JAG Experience 04:52 – How Probate Works & Why It Can Take Years 08:12 – Living Trusts Explained for Business Owners 10:28 – Revocable vs Irrevocable Trusts 14:35 – How Wealthy Families Use Trusts to Protect Assets 18:22 – Can You Put Your Home in an Irrevocable Trust? 23:40 – How Business Owners Protect Their Companies & Wealth 27:05 – Asset Protection Strategies for Entrepreneurs 30:15 – Protecting Family Wealth From Lawsuits & Divorce 34:42 – Estate Planning for Children & Future Generations 39:18 – Healthcare Directives & Power of Attorney Explained 45:10 – Why Funding Your Trust Is Critical 49:20 – LLCs, S Corporations & Avoiding Probate 53:08 – Best States for Asset Protection (Wyoming & Nevada) 57:12 – Estate Taxes & High-Net-Worth Planning 01:01:35 – How to Talk to Aging Parents About Estate Planning 01:07:02 – Preventing Family Conflict & Inheritance Disputes 01:11:44 – Final Estate Planning Advice for Families & Business Owners More ThinkSBA Resources ⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Callhttps://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviewshttps://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questionshttps://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcasthttp://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Applying for an SBA loan can be stressful , grueling and confusing — does this sound familiar? Don’t worry, SBA Pro and Host of the My SBA Loan Pro podcast Ryan Smith, reveals valuable insights and best practices regarding the SBA loan program and application process. Don’t take another step on your SBA journey until your equipped to make sound and informed decisions at every turn. Start listening today!

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