Sweatpants & Strategy

🚨 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? 😎✨

🚨 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? 😎✨

🚨 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? 😎✨

🚨 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? 😎✨

🥋 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/

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.

🚨 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?😎✨

🎃 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

As we wrap up 2024 with Sweatpants & Strategy, we’re taking a look back at the moments that didn’t make the final cut—but definitely brought plenty of laughs! From behind-the-scenes mishaps to hilarious guest moments, this special blooper reel shows the lighter side of the podcast.✨ What to Expect:-Outtakes and bloopers from our amazing host, Dana HirschkowitzHilarious behind-the-scenes moments with our fun (and always professional!) guests-A celebration of what makes Sweatpants & Strategy different: laughter, authenticity, and real connections in the SBA worldSpecial thanks to MediaXMarketing and producer John for making every episode shine and to Leave It To Bee for bringing my vision to life!💡 Whether you’re an SBA insider or just here for the laughs, this reel captures the spirit of what we’ve built in 2024 and sets the tone for an even better 2025.📺 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more fun, insightful, and impactful episodes!#SweatpantsAndStrategy #SBAPodcast #BlooperReel #BusinessGrowth #SBAFun

Part 2 of our AI in SBA Lending conversation is here, and trust us, it goes places Part 1 only scratched the surface on.Dana, Lyndsey, and Darren join me again for a deeper dive into how AI is showing up behind the scenes: underwriting, closing, hiring, business plans, and even résumés (you’ll hear why Dana’s spending her weekends rewriting them by hand).We talk about what’s changing, what shouldn’t change, and what it really takes to adopt AI without losing the human touch that defines good lending. This isn’t a hype train. It’s a grounded, honest chat between friends who happen to work in SBA lending.🎧 Missed Part 1? Catch it here: https://youtu.be/d33yxZYS4es👀 More conversations like this are coming. Subscribe and stay tuned. The next one might just change how you work.If you want a recruiter who cuts through the noise and gets it right the first time, let’s talk.📞 P: (908) 892-1888📧 E: [email protected]

Part 1 is LIVE: Is AI helping or hurting SBA lending?Welcome back to Sweatpants & Strategy! I’m Dana Hirschkowotz, founder of The Dana Company—your recruiter for elite SBA and banking talent.In this episode (Part 1 of 2), we’re diving into a topic shaking up our industry: AI in SBA lending. From fraud detection to layoffs, we’re asking the big questions.I’m joined by: 💬 Darren Davis – President of Colony Bank 💬 Lindsey Blanks – BDO at Hancock Whitney 💬 Bethany Mclellan – Owner of Rapid Business SolutionsWe get real about:• AI flagging good borrowers (and delaying deals)• Banks letting go of entire teams to "automate"• Why AI still can't write a business plan that works• Tools lenders actually use today (and what’s just hype)🎧 Watch Part 1 now and drop a comment—Is AI a tool or a threat?📌 Part 2 drops soon, where we get deeper into underwriting, automation, and what’s really next.If you want a recruiter who cuts through the noise and gets it right the first time, let’s talk.📞 P: (908) 892-1888📧 E: [email protected]

You’re watching Part 2 of our Sweatpants & Strategy episode titled “Mind the Gap: Women, Capital & the Power Shift in Lending.” If you missed Part 1, head there first for all the bold insights that kicked off this powerful two-part conversation.In Part 2, Dana and Stephanie Dunn get tactical—and visionary—as they explore how the SBA lending world is changing fast. From AI and fintech disruption to talent reshuffles and leadership evolution, this is where the conversation levels up.🔥 Key topics include:How AI and fintech are rewriting the lending playbookWhy downsizing is shaking up hiring—and opening new doorsWhat banks must do to stay relevant to the modern borrowerHow women and seasoned pros can lead the next era of SBA lendingStephanie brings sharp clarity and unapologetic truth to where we’ve been—and where we need to go next.📌 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations with the people shaping the future of lending and leadership.

This episode, titled “Mind the Gap: Women, Capital & the Power Shift in Lending,” is so powerful, we had to break it into Part 1 and Part 2.In Part 1, Dana sits down with Stephanie Dunn, Chief Revenue Officer at Phoenix Lender Solutions, for a candid conversation about the real forces shaping access to capital today. From the removal of DEI mandates to the rise of women in lending, Stephanie brings 25 years of insight with zero fluff.🔥 Key topics include:What the removal of DEI language means (and doesn’t mean)Why mandates aren't the engine behind momentumHow women borrowers are reshaping the lending landscapeA powerful perspective on merit-based access and equity📌 Watch Part 2 to hear how AI, fintech, and leadership are transforming the future of SBA lending.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to keep up with more unfiltered conversations from Sweatpants & Strategy.

Operational Déjà Vu: Why The New SOPs Feel So FamiliarFeeling confused (again) by the SBA’s latest SOP changes? You're not alone. In this episode, we unpack the so-called "simplification" efforts—and why they feel more like a flashback than a fresh start.From shifting requirements to mixed messages, we're breaking down: ✔️ What’s actually changing ❌ What’s just being recycled 💬 And what it all means for lenders, bankers, and small business advocates who have to make sense of it in real time.No fluff. No jargon. Just straight talk, a little sarcasm, and a lot of clarity.🎧 Guests: Kevin Rafferty – SBA Director at Paradise Bank. Kevin brings unmatched insight into the economics of SBA lending, the changing SOP landscape, and how banks are adapting to regulatory shifts. Smart, pragmatic, and deeply experienced, Kevin keeps it real about the risks and realities of small business lending.Michael Johnston – SBA Director at Bankwell. Known for his clear-eyed, no-fluff approach, Michael sheds light on how technology, credit culture, and talent pipelines are transforming the lending space. He speaks candidly about what lenders need to succeed in today’s tighter, more accountable environment.🎧 Listen now and let us know in the comments: Are these changes helping or just making things harder?

In this episode of Sweatpants & Strategy, host Dana Hirschkowitz chats with Anthony Pauldin, Head of the Credit Group at First Bank of the Lake, about leading a top-ranked SBA lending team and managing over $650 million in loans.What You’ll Learn:🔹 Leadership at Scale – How Anthony leads a 25+ person team with trust, collaboration, and zero micromanagement.🔹 Faster SBA Loans – How First Bank of the Lake streamlines sub-$500K loans with 3-5 day approvals.🔹 Career Growth in SBA Lending – Anthony’s journey from credit analyst to executive and advice for rising leaders.🔹 Managing High-Stakes Loan Approvals – Navigating complex SBA deals, risk management, and staying ahead of industry changes.🔹 Teamwork in Lending – How BDOs, underwriters, and closers work together for seamless approvals.If you're in finance, SBA lending, or leadership, this episode is packed with practical strategies from an industry leader.Watch now and subscribe for more expert insights!

🎧 About This SWEATPANTS & STRATEGY - Special ReportThis episode takes a bold deep dive into the latest SBA SOP revisions and the DOGE's increased scrutiny of SBA lending practices. It cuts through the noise and gets real about what lenders, credit officers, and business plan expert consultants need to know now.Featuring insider insights, real-world context, and practical takeaways from three powerhouse industry voices.Featured Guests:Lyndsey Blanks – Business Banker, Hancock Whitneyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsey-blanks-6046b574/Bethany McCllelan – Founder, Rapid Business Planshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-mcclellan-rapid/Michael Bland – EVP, Chief Credit Officer, Phoenix Lender Serviceshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bland-sba/

Breaking Barriers in SBA Lending: Meet the Unstoppable Kay AndersonIn this powerhouse episode of Sweatpants & Strategy, host Dana sits down with Kay Anderson—an industry leader who has broken barriers and paved the way for other women in SBA lending and finance.From becoming the first female CPA at Ernst & Young to playing a key leadership role at Live Oak Bank, the nation’s #1 SBA lender, Kay’s journey is filled with resilience, bold decisions, and invaluable insights.What You’ll Learn:🔹 How Kay landed her first job in finance and why it had nothing to do with perfect grades🔹 The outdated workplace policies she faced, from strict dress codes to travel restrictions🔹 How she built a successful career in a male-dominated industry🔹 The key mindset shift that helped her seize opportunities and thrive🔹 Why Live Oak Bank’s customer-first approach is changing the SBA lending landscape🔹 Advice for women in finance who want to step up, lead, and make an impactThis episode is a must-listen for professionals in finance, SBA lending, and business leadership, as well as anyone who enjoys stories of resilience and success.Tune in now for powerful insights and career-changing advice.Subscribe for more expert conversations on SBA lending, career growth, and business success.

🚀 SBA LOANS & BUSINESS PLANS: What You NEED to Know!If you're applying for an SBA loan, your business plan isn't just a formality—it can make or break your approval! Yet, 40% of small business owners don’t have one. In this episode of Sweatpants & Strategy, we’re pulling back the curtain on what banks and lenders are REALLY looking for in an SBA-ready business plan.📌 What You’ll Learn:🔹 Why SBA lenders require a business plan (and what happens if yours isn’t up to par)🔹 The #1 mistake entrepreneurs make when writing their own business plans🔹 How a bad business plan can delay—or kill—your loan application🔹 The real difference between financing a business acquisition vs. a startup🔹 What lenders want to see in your financial projections🎙 Meet the Experts:✨ Bethany McClellan – Founder of Rapid Business Plans, the go-to expert for SBA-ready business plans that get results—FAST.✨ Lyndsey Blanks – Business Banker at Hancock Whitney, who sees firsthand how business plans impact loan approvals.💰 Want to secure SBA funding faster? Avoid these pitfalls and learn how to create a bank-approved business plan that sets you up for success.🔔 WATCH NOW & Subscribe for more insights on SBA loans, business growth, and expert strategies!

🚀 What makes a top-tier Business Development Officer (BDO)? Find out in this first episode of 2025!Host Dana Hirschkowitz is joined by an expert panel of SBA professionals to break down the Top 3 Characteristics of a Successful BDO—and so much more. From communication skills to industry knowledge and the mindset it takes to thrive, this episode is packed with insights for anyone in SBA lending, business development, or financial services.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:✅ The essential traits that define top-performing BDOs✅ How listening, humility, and persistence impact success✅ The role of teamwork and relationship-building in SBA lending✅ Lessons learned from decades of experience in business development💡 Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started in SBA lending, this episode will give you actionable takeaways to sharpen your skills and elevate your career.📺 Watch now and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!#SBA #BusinessDevelopment #SBALending #SweatpantsAndStrategy #FinanceCareers

As 2024 comes to a close, join us for a special year-end episode of Sweatpants & Strategy! Host Dana Hirschkowitz brings together a dynamic panel of four guests for a lively and insightful discussion reflecting on the SBA industry’s biggest moments of the year and what’s ahead for 2025.🎙️ What to Expect:-A recap of key trends and changes in SBA lending throughout 2024-Candid discussions on the highs, lows, and lessons learned-Predictions for upcoming SBA industry developments in 2025-Personal and professional resolutions from our guestsThis episode is packed with thought-provoking insights and engaging conversations, offering inspiration and guidance for SBA professionals, small business owners, and industry enthusiasts alike.🎄 Let’s close out 2024 with gratitude, reflection, and excitement for what’s to come in 2025!📺 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Sweatpants & Strategy!Our Guests: Bethany McClellan, Owner, Rapid Business PlansLyndsey Blanks, Business Banker, Hancock WhitneyPatrick Mizzell, President, SBA Division, United Community BankRob Hughes, CGGL Division President, SBA Works#SBA2024 #SBAPodcast #SweatpantsAndStrategy #BusinessGrowth #NewYear2025 #FinanceInsights #sbalending #podcast #sbaloans #businessgrowth #financialleadership #sba #sba2025

Get ready for the most fun-filled and competitive episode of Sweatpants & Strategy yet! In this special holiday edition, our three guests—decked out in their ugly sweaters—go head-to-head in SBA Swepardy, a Jeopardy-style trivia game packed with SBA knowledge, industry insights, and plenty of laughs.🎄 What to Expect:Hilarious answers and friendly rivalry-Real SBA topics and expert knowledge shared in a fun, approachable way-A battle for the coveted Sweatpants & Strategy Championship Trophy!-Join host Dana Hirschkowitz as she leads this festive and engaging showdown, proving that SBA can be both educational and entertaining. Whether you’re a seasoned SBA pro or just curious about the industry, this episode is packed with value and holiday cheer.Our Guests (aka Contestants!):Lyndsey Blanks, Business Banker, Hancock WhitneyMichael Bland, CCO, Community West Bank & TrustDarren Davis, President-SBSL, Colony Bank👉 Tune in now and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!#SBALending #FinanceTrivia #BusinessGrowth #WomenInFinance #SweatpantsAndStrategy

Get ready for an unforgettable episode of Sweatpants & Strategy! In Episode 4, we’re calling it The Royal Rumble as two men and two women from the SBA world step into the ring—metaphorically, of course—for a lively discussion about gender dynamics, collaboration, and mentorship in the industry.Host Dana Hirschkowitz dons her referee shirt to guide this energetic conversation, packed with insights, humor, and actionable advice for anyone navigating the SBA and finance sectors.📌 What to expect:-How gender roles have evolved in SBA and finance-The role of mentorship in driving inclusion-Breaking stereotypes and building bridges🎧 Whether you’re a seasoned SBA professional or new to the industry, this episode offers fresh perspectives and valuable takeaways.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our upcoming episodes!#SweatpantsAndStrategy #SBAPodcast #FinanceLeadership #Mentorship #GenderDynamics #sba #womeninfinance Our Guests:Stephanie Dunn, Chief SBA Revenue Officer, Community West Bank & TrustKathryn Walker, SBA Director, First United BankKevin Rafferty, EVP & SBA Director, Paradise BankThomas Hofstetter, Esq., Partner, Schenck, Price, Smith & King LLP

In this episode of Sweatpants & Strategy, we explore the evolving landscape of SBA lending through the eyes of two generations. Join host Dana Hirschkowitz as she sits down with Stephanie Schwandt, a 35-year veteran of the SBA industry, and her daughter Alexandria “Ali” Schwandt, a rising star in SBA lending.Together, they discuss:✅ How SBA lending has transformed over the decades.✅ The challenges women face in a male-dominated industry.✅ The balance between tradition and innovation in modern lending practices.✅ From paper-based applications to digital solutions, and from limited representation to growing diversity, this conversation bridges the past and the future of SBA lending.Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the SBA world, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!RESOURCES & CONNECTIONSAli Schwandt: [email protected] Schwandt: [email protected]

Welcome to Episode 2 of Sweatpants & Strategy!This week, we’re tackling the SBA loan process from two unique perspectives—small business owner and lender. Our guests bring their expertise, struggles, and solutions to the table for an honest, practical discussion that every small business owner and finance professional needs to hear.🎙️ Sam Pennington, owner of Indigo Collective, shares her experience as a business owner navigating the hurdles of securing an SBA loan. From unexpected challenges to valuable lessons learned, her story offers insights into the realities many entrepreneurs face when pursuing funding.🎙️ Lyndsey Blanks of Hancock Whitney provides expert guidance on what lenders look for and how to position yourself for SBA loan success. She also breaks down common pitfalls and shares tips to build a strong lender-borrower relationship.In this episode, we cover:✅ The common struggles small business owners face when applying for SBA loans✅ What lenders want to see and how to prepare your application✅ Practical advice to avoid roadblocks and increase your chances of success✅ How collaboration between borrowers and lenders can lead to better outcomesWhether you’re a small business owner seeking funding or a finance professional looking to support your clients, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the SBA loan process with confidence.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!RESOURCES & CONNECTIONSLyndsey Blanks: [email protected] Pennington: [email protected]

In this premiere episode, we sit down with Stephanie Dunn—a trailblazer in SBA lending with over 25 years of experience and a track record of launching several successful SBA shops. Stephanie opens up about her journey, the challenges and triumphs she’s encountered as a woman in finance, and the strategies she’s used to build thriving, close-knit teams.In this episode, you’ll discover:🔸Stephanie’s path to success and the highs and lows of SBA lending🔸The unique challenges faced by women in the industry and how to overcome them🔸How to build a team culture that feels like family🔸Practical advice for small businesses navigating the SBA loan processSweatpants & Strategy is all about real, down-to-earth conversations on SBA lending, business growth, and personal success. We’re bringing you insights and inspiration without the “suits-only” atmosphere—just real stories, real struggles, and real success.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more episodes featuring inspiring guests, insightful stories, and actionable guidance for small business success!