My SBA Loan Pro Podcast

Advanced SBA Structuring: A $9M Pari Passu Case Study | Kalen Foster | Ep. 35 | My SBA Loan Pro

Ryan Smith — Fri, 08 May 2026 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode, host Ryan Smith is back in the studio with Kalen Foster to break down a complex pari passu transaction that took over two years to get across the finish line. They pull back the curtain on what happens behind the scenes of complex SBA deals and show how expert-level knowledge of the guidelines can turn a highly challenging file into a successful closing.

This specific deal involved borrowers operating a daycare and a Montessori school who were looking to acquire a new business and real estate while also refinancing existing high-interest debt. Because the transaction exceeded the $5 million SBA aggregate limit, the lending team had to employ advanced structuring to make the numbers work.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Structuring Large Transactions: How the team managed an $8 to $9 million deal using a pari passu structure alongside the SBA loan.
Navigating SBA SOPs: Why deeply understanding the SBA Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) is critical, and why lenders must meticulously interpret the rules to ensure eligibility.
Overcoming Setbacks: How the team navigated changing SBA rules over the two-year timeline, including evolving affiliation rules and guarantee requirements for owners.
Creative Problem Solving: How the team utilized different NAICS codes between the daycare and Montessori businesses to separate lending buckets and maximize funding.

Key Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: The Two-Year Pari Passu Deal
01:31 - Client Background & Deal Needs
02:34 - Deal Complexity & Borrower Sophistication
04:44 - Keeping the Deal Alive Through Setbacks
07:23 - Initial Structuring & Real Estate Hurdles
10:20 - Utilizing NAICS Codes for Separate $5M Limits
12:23 - Navigating SBA Ownership & Guarantee Rules
14:55 - Securing the SBA eTRAN Approval
17:03 - The Importance of Bank & Banker Expertise
20:01 - Winning the Deal with Structure & Servicing
22:36 - Becoming a Student of the SBA SOP
24:55 - Adapting to Changing SBA Rules Over Time

More ThinkSBA Resources

⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Call
https://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviews
https://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questions
https://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcast
http://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel

Zero Down Payment SBA Loan Business Expansion with Kalen Foster | Bonus Episode | My SBA Loan Pro

Ryan Smith — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:41:21 -0700

How do you expand a successful business and buy commercial real estate when the project exceeds the $5 Million SBA loan limit—and you want to do it with 100% financing?

In this clip, Kalen Foster breaks down a real-world scenario of a Southern California family entertainment business looking to duplicate its success in a new location. We dive deep into the SBA rules that make this possible and how to structure a winning deal.

🔑 In this video, you'll learn:
• The 10% Rule: The critical difference between a "Change of Ownership" (which requires a 10% equity injection) and a "Business Expansion" (which can technically be done with 0% down).
• Exceeding the $5M Limit: How to use a pari-passu loan structure to fund projects that go beyond the standard SBA maximum limit.
• What Lenders Look For: Why strong historical cash flow, low debt, and proven operational success are the true keys to securing a zero-equity expansion loan.
• The Vetting Process: How top institutions evaluate high-growth projects to ensure stability and success for both the business and the bank.

If you are a business owner looking to scale, buy commercial real estate, or understand your complex financing options, this breakdown is for you!

If you liked this content, let's connect on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbapro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanpatryck

More ThinkSBA Resources

California State Guarantee Loan Strategies with Juan Carlos | Ep. 34 | My SBA Loan Pro

Ryan Smith — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0700

Unlocking Capital For California Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

In this episode, we sit down with Juan Carlos, President and CEO of California Southern, to explore how the state guarantee program provides alternative financing for small businesses.

After building a robust lending career in Chicago, Juan Carlos moved to San Diego to help business owners secure capital when conventional or SBA routes hit a wall. We dive deep into how this program bridges the gap for entrepreneurs, offering a lifeline to those who don't fit into the
SBA's guidelines.

📌 Key Takeaways from this Episode

The Power of the CA Guarantee Program: Learn how this state-funded program acts as a safety net for local lenders, guaranteeing up to 80% of a loan with a maximum exposure cap of $5 million to help business owners get approved.
SBA Ineligible? No Problem: Discover how businesses that are typically deemed ineligible by the SBA—such as certain pure real estate investments or specific industries—can successfully utilize this alternative funding route.
Highly Flexible Terms: Unlike the SBA's strict, top-down structure, the state guarantee program allows individual lenders the freedom to negotiate and set their own interest rates, terms, and covenants.
The "Five-Legged Stool" of Lending: Juan Carlos breaks down the traditional "5 Cs of Credit," explaining how strong performance in one area can mitigate weaknesses in another, such as a shortfall in collateral.
Term Out Options: If a borrower's needs change, the program allows for flexible adjustments, including converting a line of credit into a fully amortized term loan of up to five years.
Creative Deal Structuring: Hear real-world examples of how lenders can use this program for business acquisitions, real estate purchases, equipment purchases, tenant improvements, and working capital.

Key Chapters:

00:00 - Podcast Introduction
07:41 - Bridging the Gap: SBA Ineligible Businesses
12:41 - Program Eligibility & Prohibited Industries
17:36 - Underwriting Guidelines & Flexible Interest Rates
22:29 - Funding Sources: State Trust vs. Taxpayer Dollars
25:21 - Loan Limits, Guarantee Maximums, and Terms
30:00 - Term Out Options & Flexible Renewals
40:52 - Heavy Users: CDFIs vs. Community Banks
49:00 - Collateral Requirements & 504 Look-Alikes
54:31 - Funding Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) & Refinancing SBA Loans

More ThinkSBA Resources

Crisis PR & Reputation Management for Small Businesses with Dave Oates | Ep. 33 | My SBA Loan Pro

Ryan Smith — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0700

What happens when a disgruntled employee or angry customer attacks your small business online? Protect your company's reputation with expert crisis management strategies from Dave Oates, founder of PR Security Service.

In this episode of the My SBA Loan Pro podcast, host Ryan Smith and Dave Oates break down exactly how business owners should handle negative online backlash, viral social media complaints, and internal company crises. Drawing from his 30 years of experience as a US Navy Public Affairs Officer and corporate marketing executive, Dave shares actionable steps to bulletproof your brand.

Key Topics Covered:

The Real Source of Business Crises: Why over 50% of PR disasters stem from disconnected or wrongfully terminated employees posting on platforms like Yelp, Glassdoor, and TikTok.
The 60-Minute Response Rule: Why you must issue a statement combining empathy and clear action within the first hour to maintain public grace.
Reputation Monitoring: How to use free tools like Google Alerts to track what people are saying about your management team and brand.
Digital Footprint Defense: The importance of building a robust internet presence so negative comments don't dominate your search results or generative AI summaries.
Crisis Preparation: Why drafting communication templates for likely scenarios (like network outages or product issues) minimizes financial disruption.

Whether you're an everyday Main Street business owner, an exhausted landlord, or an M&A advisor looking to bring maximum value to your clients, this episode is packed with actionable insights to keep more money in your pocket and out of Uncle Sam's.

Subscribe to My SBA Loan Pro for more expert interviews on deal structuring, wealth preservation, and business acquisition strategies!

Key Chapters:

00:00 - Podcast Introduction
03:00 - Military Background and Finding Public Affairs
07:23 - Transitioning to Tech PR and the Private Sector
12:26 - The Promotional Marketing Era
14:37 - Surviving Industry Shifts and Pivoting to Crisis PR
20:19 - Financing the Pivot and Learning from Bad Leadership
25:16 - Real-World Cases: High-Profile Scandals and COVID-19
31:25 - The Most Common Sources of Business Crises
35:52 - Who Calls for Crisis PR and Initial Strategies
39:48 - Inside the Situation Room: The First 60 Minutes

More Subject Matter Experts Playlist

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1...

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Structured Installment Sales Explained with John Dudek | Ep. 32 | My SBA Loan Pro

Ryan Smith — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0700

Are you preparing to sell a highly appreciated business, investment property, or even your primary residence, but dreading the massive tax bill that comes with it?

In this episode of the My SBA Loan Pro Podcast, host Ryan Smith sits down with financial strategist John Dudeck to unpack a powerful, underutilized tax-mitigation tool: Structured Installment Sales.

Instead of taking a massive tax hit in a single year, John explains how sellers can leverage this strategy to safely defer capital gains, wipe out certain investment taxes, and create a predictable, guaranteed income stream for retirement.

Key Takeaways in This Episode:

The Double Whammy: Why traditional cash-out exits destroy your hard-earned equity through maximum Federal, State, and Net Investment taxes.
Traditional vs. Structured: Learn how structured installment sales completely remove the buyer from the repayment equation, replacing them with a secure, A+ rated insurance annuity.
The "Playing Field": A breakdown of the 4 key players needed to execute this strategy safely and legally.
The Primary Residence Loophole: Why structured installment sales are a game-changer for homeowners downsizing or moving out of state (especially since 1031 Exchanges don't apply to primary residences!).
Timelines & Underwriting: Exactly what to expect, the documents required, and how to successfully prepare your business or property for this type of sale.

Subscribe to My SBA Loan Pro for more expert interviews on deal structuring, wealth preservation, and business acquisition strategies!

If you liked this content, let's connect on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbapro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanpatryck

Key Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
02:36 - John Dudeck's Background in Settlement Planning
05:47 - Traditional vs. Structured Installment Sales Explained
09:51 - The Playing Field: The 4 Key Players in a Sale
13:25 - How the Structured Annuity Contract Works
16:18 - The Massive Capital Gains Tax Burden of Selling
20:45 - The Role of the Insurance Carrier and Assignment Company
24:14 - What Buyers Need to Know & Do
26:17 - Risks and Flexibility of the Payment Schedule
29:08 - Underwriting, Timeline, and Required Documentation
33:26 - 1031 Exchanges vs. Structured Installment Sales
34:27 - Proving Legitimacy & Overcoming Client Hesitancy
36:46 - Educating Trusted Advisors (CPAs, Brokers, Attorneys)
40:18 - The Primary Residence Loophole & Ideal Use Cases
42:44 - Final Recap & How to Get Started

More Subject Matter Experts Playlist

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1...

⁠More ThinkSBA Resources

Buying a Business and Real Estate in the Same Transaction with Ryan Smith | Ep. 31 | My SBA Loan Pro

Ryan Smith — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0800

Are you looking to acquire a business and its underlying real estate? In this video, Ryan is joined by his daughter, Austyn, who takes over the interviewer seat to ask the tough questions about commercial acquisitions. We dive deep into the specific strategies, requirements, and loan mechanics you need to know to successfully close on both a business and its property.

We cover everything from post-close liquidity requirements and SBA loan structures (like the 7a and 504 programs) to the crucial clauses you need in your purchase agreement—like the First Right of Refusal. Plus, I share real-world case studies showing how my clients saved up to $120,000 a year by structuring their real estate purchases the right way!

In this video, you will learn:

The essential cash and liquidity requirements for dual acquisitions.
How underwriting timelines and property appraisals affect your closing.
The exact pros and cons of buying real estate upfront vs. buying it 2-3 years later.
How to structure SBA 7a and 504 loans to get the best interest rates and cash flow.

If you found this video helpful, please hit the Like button and Subscribe for more insights on business acquisitions, SBA loans, and real estate financing!

If you liked this content, let's connect on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbapro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanpatryck

Key Chapters:

0:00: Introduction
1:55 – Should You Buy the Business and Real Estate Together?
2:23 – Cash Requirements & Post-Closing Liquidity Explained
4:13 – Timing Challenges: Valuation, Appraisal & Environmental Reports
5:12 – Financing Together vs Separately (Pros & Cons)
8:00 – Loan Mechanics: 7(a) vs 504 vs Conventional
11:10 – Why Most Buyers Purchase the Business First
12:02 – First Right of Refusal & Locking in the Price
15:37 – Real Case Study: 25-Year Fixed Refinance at 6.2%
18:00 – Scaling with SBA 504 After Maxing Out 7(a)

More Subject Matter Experts Playlist

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1...

⁠More ThinkSBA Resources

Inside Franchise Ownership: Ops, Relations & Growth | Frank Caperino | Ep. 30 | My SBA Loan Pro

Ryan Smith — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 03:35:00 -0800

You don’t know what you don’t know—and that is exactly why you listen to podcasts. In this episode of My SBA Loan Pro, host Ryan Smith sits down with Frank Caperino (aka "Franchise Frank") to reveal the industry secrets that only an experienced franchisee would know from decades of real-world experience.

From his early days as an engineer to owning multiple Cold Stone Creamery locations, Frank shares the hard truths about what really happens after you sign the franchise agreement. He pulls back the curtain on the hidden dynamics between franchisors and franchisees that you won't find in a brochure.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The "Operator Mindset": Why internal systems and "Management By Walking Around" (MBWA) are the lifeblood of a successful franchise.
Franchise Red Flags: How to navigate the "dance" between franchisor goals and franchisee profitability.
The Reality of "No Money Down": Frank debunks common myths from "gurus" and explains why 10-year IOU deals rarely work in the real world.
Scaling with SBA Loans: How Frank used SBA financing to ladder up from one location to a multi-unit empire.
Knowing When to Sell: Why seeing the "top" of the market is the most valuable skill an entrepreneur can have.

Connect with Franchise Frank: 🌐 FranchiseFrank.com
📖 Book: Buying a Franchise: 24 Items to Be Wary of Before Signing

If you liked this content, let's connect on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbapro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanpatryck

Key Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
02:54 - Guest Intro: Frank Caperino’s Transition from Engineering to Franchising
09:07 - Operational Excellence: Internal Systems & "Management By Walking Around"
13:32 - Financing Growth: Strategy for SBA Loans & Small Banks
14:22 - Exit Strategy: Recognizing Market Peaks & When to Sell
17:54 - The Franchisee-Franchisor Conflict: Encroachment, FDDs, & Territory Rights
22:16 - Franchise Advisory Councils: Protecting the Brand & Owner Interests
27:32 - Hidden Costs: Understanding Vendor Rebates & Supply Chain Monopolies
37:20 - Current Trends: Service Brands vs. Food Concepts
39:03 - Strategic Negotiation: Buying Territories & Opening Timelines
40:34 - Closing Remarks & Contacting Franchise Frank

More Subject Matter Experts Playlist

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1...

⁠More ThinkSBA Resources

How to Buy or Sell a Business Today: Broker Insights with Steven Hanson | Ep. 29 | My SBA Loan Pro

Ryan Smith — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Steven Hanson from Transworld Business Advisors, the largest business brokerage firm in the country. With a unique background ranging from geology to serving as the VP of a major medical device company, Steven shares his expert insights on how to successfully navigate the world of buying and selling businesses.

Steven and Ryan discuss the current state of the market, noting that while the "Silver Tsunami" of retiring Baby Boomers is bringing more businesses for sale, there are still far more buyers than sellers. Steven warns against expensive seminars that promise you can buy a business with "no money down," explaining why sellers won't accept notes that don't pay out for a decade.

In this episode, you will learn:

Start Small: Why buying a "boring" business or a small pizza parlor is often the best way to get your entrepreneurial start.
Buyer Credibility: Why you need a resume, a bio, and proof of funds to get a seat at the table with a broker.
Valuation Reality: How brokers determine the true value of a business versus what a seller "needs" to retire.
The 2026 Market: Why Steven is bullish on the market for 2026 and expects strong activity from Main Street to the lower middle market.
Corporate to Entrepreneur: How Steven transitioned from the corporate world to owning his own brokerage office in San Diego.

Whether you are a first-time buyer looking to leave your corporate job or a seasoned entrepreneur looking for your next acquisition, this episode is packed with practical advice on closing the deal.

If you liked this content, let's connect on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbapro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanpatryck

Key Chapters:

0:00: Introduction
2:41: Meet Steven Hansen & Transworld Business Advisors
4:24: From Geologist to Medical Device Executive
8:17: Learning M&A and Building Sales Teams in Corporate America
12:08: Transitioning Executive Skills to Business Brokerage
15:14: "Bob's Auto Shop": Is the Owner the Face of the Business?
17:54: Valuation Reality: The "Need" vs. The Market Value
22:09: Managing Unrealistic Seller Expectations
24:15: Market Dynamics: Supply, Demand, and the "Silver Tsunami"
29:26: How Buyers Can Build Credibility with Brokers
33:10: Private Equity Algorithms vs. Individual Buyers
36:40: Vetting Buyers: Proof of Funds & The "Johnny" Horror Story
41:54: The "No Money Down" Seminar Myth
45:02: SBA Lending Realities: Are You Ready to Drive?
47:58: The Dangers of Proprietary Searches (Cold Calling Sellers)
50:35: Why Professional Intermediaries Protect the Deal
55:27: 2026 Market Outlook & Closing Thoughts

More Subject Matter Experts Playlist

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1...

⁠More ThinkSBA Resources

Franchise Bookkeeping & Ownership Insights with Max Emma | Ep. 28 | My SBA Loan Pro

Ryan Smith — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 14:44:43 -0800

From learning English by calling credit card companies to building a nationwide bookkeeping franchise, Max Emma’s story is the definition of the American Dream. In this episode, Max shares how he bounced back from a devastating bankruptcy during the 2008 recession to launch and scale BooXkeeping.

We dive deep into the world of franchising, discussing what aspiring business owners should look for in a franchisor and the unique "3-6-9-12" training model that sets his company apart. Max also reveals his insights on the hottest franchise industries right now—including health, pet care, and handyman services—and offers wisdom on why you should never be afraid to open new doors.

In this episode, we cover:

Max’s journey from the Soviet Union to US entrepreneurship.
Overcoming failure and the mindset needed to rebound.
The "X-Factor" of BooXkeeping and their franchisee support system.
Which franchise industries are oversaturated and which are growing.
The impact of AI on the future of the workforce.

If you liked this content, let's connect on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbapro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanpatryck

Key Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction and Host Welcome
1:08 - From the Soviet Union to Corporate America
2:44 - An Ingenious Way to Learn English
4:04 - Surviving Bankruptcy and Starting "Bookkeeping"
6:28 - Qualifications and the Role of Operations vs. Sales
7:49 - Creating Culture: The "Cool Bean Counters"
9:02 - The X-Factor and Trademarking the Name
10:39 - How AI and Cloud Tech Are Changing the Industry
14:30 - National Growth and Protected Territories
18:13 - The 3-6-9-12 Franchisee Training Model
24:32 - Realistic ROI and the "Cash Cow" Myth
26:23 - Max's Consulting Business and Commission Sharing
31:51 - Market Trends: Fitness Consolidation and Senior Care Saturation
34:54 - Future-Proofing: Kids Brands and Handyman Services
35:53 - The Imminent Impact of Automation on Jobs
38:20 - The Opportunity Cost of Doing Your Own Books
40:43 - The Importance of Being Coachable
42:51 - Traits of High-Performing Franchisees
45:20 - Words of Wisdom: Open Every Door
48:42 - Contact Information and Conclusion

More Subject Matter Experts Playlist

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1...

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2026 SBA Playbook: Real Estate, Business Acquisition & Franchise Lending | Ep. 27 | My SBA Loan Pro

Ryan Smith — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:11:03 -0800

In this episode of My SBA Loan Pro Podcast, the host sits down with Ryan Smith, founder of ThinkSBA, to discuss the current and future landscape of SBA lending, real estate financing, and business acquisition funding.

Ryan shares what he’s seeing across SBA 7(a), SBA 504, national banks, community lenders, and SBA-only lenders — including where interest rates are headed, when it makes sense to buy versus wait, and why certainty to close often matters more than chasing the lowest rate.

The conversation also dives into business acquisition trends driven by the “silver tsunami,” increasing private equity competition, franchise startup financing, collateral requirements, and what serious buyers should be doing now to prepare for 2026.

Whether you’re a business owner, acquisition entrepreneur, or franchise buyer, this episode offers practical, real-world insight into navigating today’s lending environment and positioning yourself for long-term success.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbapro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanpatryck

Key Chapters:

00:00 – 2026 Owner Occupied Real Estate Financing Outlook
02:05 – Owner Occupied Real Estate Interest Rates
04:03 – Real Estate SBA 7(a), 504 & Conventional Lender Appetite
07:30 – SBA 7(a) Variable High Interest Owner Occupied Real Estate Rate Financing
11:20 – Current Lender Prepayment Penalty Strategies
12:52 – Owner Occupied Real Estate Client Case Studies
16:26 – Owner Occupied Real Estate Purchase Timing
16:58 – How To Prepare To Buy Owner Occupied Real Estate in 2026
18:11 – Business Acquisition Outlook And Opportunities
20:08 – Weighing Business Acquisition Financing Interest Rates Vs. Certainty To Close
24:25 – Why Key Employees Need To Be Ready When Opportunity Strikes
28:10 – 2026 Business Acquisition Financing Outlook
30:03 – Current SBA Franchise Financing Landscape
30:50 – Franchise Start Up Collateral Vs. Liquidity
33:08 – Lendable Real Estate Equity Defined
34:21 – Franchise Start Up Lender Appetite
36:45 – Is Now The Time To Start a New Franchise Location
38:30 – 2026 Franchise Financing Outlook

More Subject Matter Experts Playlist

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1...

⁠More ThinkSBA Resources