Episodios

  • Crisis PR & Reputation Management for Small Businesses with Dave Oates | Ep. 33 | My SBA Loan Pro
    Mar 27 2026
    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 Playlisthttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1...⁠More ThinkSBA Resources⁠https://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
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    55 m
  • Structured Installment Sales Explained with John Dudek | Ep. 32 | My SBA Loan Pro
    Mar 13 2026
    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.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!If you liked this content, let's connect on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbaproTwitter: https://twitter.com/mysbaproLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanpatryckKey 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 StartedMore Subject Matter Experts Playlisthttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1...⁠More ThinkSBA Resources⁠https://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
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    46 m
  • Buying a Business and Real Estate in the Same Transaction with Ryan Smith | Ep. 31 | My SBA Loan Pro
    Feb 27 2026
    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/mysbaproTwitter: https://twitter.com/mysbaproLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanpatryck Key Chapters:0:00: Introduction1:55 – Should You Buy the Business and Real Estate Together?2:23 – Cash Requirements & Post-Closing Liquidity Explained4:13 – Timing Challenges: Valuation, Appraisal & Environmental Reports5:12 – Financing Together vs Separately (Pros & Cons)8:00 – Loan Mechanics: 7(a) vs 504 vs Conventional11:10 – Why Most Buyers Purchase the Business First12:02 – First Right of Refusal & Locking in the Price15:37 – 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 Playlisthttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1...⁠More ThinkSBA Resources⁠https://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
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    20 m
  • Inside Franchise Ownership: Ops, Relations & Growth | Frank Caperino | Ep. 30 | My SBA Loan Pro
    Feb 13 2026
    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 SigningIf you liked this content, let's connect on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbaproTwitter: https://twitter.com/mysbaproLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanpatryckKey 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 Monopolies37:20 - Current Trends: Service Brands vs. Food Concepts 39:03 - Strategic Negotiation: Buying Territories & Opening Timelines40:34 - Closing Remarks & Contacting Franchise FrankMore Subject Matter Experts Playlisthttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1...⁠More ThinkSBA Resources⁠https://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
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    42 m
  • How to Buy or Sell a Business Today: Broker Insights with Steven Hanson | Ep. 29 | My SBA Loan Pro
    Jan 30 2026
    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/mysbaproTwitter: https://twitter.com/mysbaproLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanpatryckKey Chapters:0:00: Introduction2:41: 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 ThoughtsMore Subject Matter Experts Playlisthttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1...⁠More ThinkSBA Resources⁠https://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
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    1 h y 7 m
  • Franchise Bookkeeping & Ownership Insights with Max Emma | Ep. 28 | My SBA Loan Pro
    Jan 16 2026
    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/mysbaproTwitter: https://twitter.com/mysbaproLinkedIn: 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 Sharing31:51 - 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 ConclusionMore Subject Matter Experts Playlisthttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1...⁠More ThinkSBA Resources⁠https://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
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    50 m
  • 2026 SBA Playbook: Real Estate, Business Acquisition & Franchise Lending | Ep. 27 | My SBA Loan Pro
    Jan 5 2026
    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/mysbaproTwitter: https://twitter.com/mysbaproLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanpatryckKey Chapters:00:00 – 2026 Owner Occupied Real Estate Financing Outlook02:05 – Owner Occupied Real Estate Interest Rates04:03 – Real Estate SBA 7(a), 504 & Conventional Lender Appetite07:30 – SBA 7(a) Variable High Interest Owner Occupied Real Estate Rate Financing11:20 – Current Lender Prepayment Penalty Strategies12:52 – Owner Occupied Real Estate Client Case Studies16:26 – Owner Occupied Real Estate Purchase Timing16:58 – How To Prepare To Buy Owner Occupied Real Estate in 202618:11 – Business Acquisition Outlook And Opportunities20:08 – Weighing Business Acquisition Financing Interest Rates Vs. Certainty To Close 24:25 – Why Key Employees Need To Be Ready When Opportunity Strikes28:10 – 2026 Business Acquisition Financing Outlook30:03 – Current SBA Franchise Financing Landscape30:50 – Franchise Start Up Collateral Vs. Liquidity33:08 – Lendable Real Estate Equity Defined34:21 – Franchise Start Up Lender Appetite36:45 – Is Now The Time To Start a New Franchise Location38:30 – 2026 Franchise Financing OutlookMore Subject Matter Experts Playlisthttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1...⁠More ThinkSBA Resources⁠https://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
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    40 m
  • SBA 504 Real Estate Loan Program Masterclass with Casey Hopkins | Ep. 26 | My SBA Loan Pro Podcast
    Dec 19 2025
    In this episode of the My SBA Loan Pro Podcast, Ryan Smith sits down with Casey Hopkins of Southland CDC for a clear, no-fluff breakdown of the SBA 504 loan program to purchase owner-occupied real estate.This conversation focuses on the core mechanics and decision points business owners need to understand before buying owner-occupied commercial real estate—from eligibility and structure to timing, rates, and prepayment strategy.If you’re considering buying your building, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and make informed decisions.If you liked this content, let's connect on social media:If you liked this content, let's connect on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbaproTwitter: https://twitter.com/mysbaproLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanpatryckKey Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:22 - Casey's Background04:30 - 504 Overview05:52 - Loan Structure08:13 - Property Types10:15 - Eligibility11:21 - Occupancy Rule16:59 - Application Process19:54 - Timing Strategy22:27 - SBA Review29:32 - Screen Outs34:55 - Loan Limits42:47 - Prepayment Rules54:19 - Best TimingMore Subject Matter Experts Playlisthttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1...⁠More ThinkSBA Resources⁠https://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
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    57 m