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My SBA Loan Pro Podcast

My SBA Loan Pro Podcast

By: Ryan Smith
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 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!Ryan Smith Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • How to Buy or Sell a Business Today: Broker Insights with Steven Hanson | Ep. 29 | My SBA Loan Pro

    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.Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbaproTwitter: https://twitter.com/mysbaproLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanpatryckIf you liked this content, let's connect on social media:Key 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 hr and 7 mins
  • Franchise Bookkeeping & Ownership Insights with Max Emma | Ep. 28 | My SBA Loan Pro

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

    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 mins
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