Épisodes

  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • 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 et 7 min
  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • Real Estate Working Capital And Exit Strategies with Roy Chiovari | Ep. 25 | My SBA Loan Pro Podcast
    Dec 5 2025
    In this episode, Roy Chiovari shares how he’s helping redefine what it means to be a banker in today’s world — moving beyond transactions to the art of personalized private banking at Citizens Private Bank.Drawing on his early credit training and experience at Wells Fargo, Roy explains how that foundation shaped his holistic approach to serving clients. His team functions as a single, lifelong point of contact for business owners and real estate investors—simplifying everything from day-to-day banking to long-term financial strategy.For busy entrepreneurs, Roy’s mission is clear: eliminate banking “brain damage” through responsive, remote-friendly, full-service support. He also highlights why deposits—not just loans—reveal the depth of a client relationship, and how referrals from satisfied clients have become the cornerstone of his thriving practice.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 - Introduction0:42 - Chicago Roots1:53 - Credit Training5:48 - From Transactional to Relational7:16 - What is Private Banking?9:18 - Holistic Client Care12:47 - Avoiding Banking Brain Damage17:50 - The Power of Deposits19:42 - Exiting a Business20:30 - Owner-Occupied Real EstateMore 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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    38 min
  • How Small Business Acquisitions Really Work with Melissa Bustarde | Ep. 24 | My SBA Loan Pro Podcast
    Nov 21 2025
    Ryan Smith, SBA loan expert, is joined by Melissa Bustarde, an M&A attorney and Managing Partner at Branthman, Mayfield, Bustarde, Ryckanthal LLP (BMBR LLP). Melissa specializes in representing both buyers and sellers in lower-middle-market transactions—deals of $10 million or less in enterprise value—and has advised numerous acquisition entrepreneurs who used SBA financing to close their transactions.In this episode, Melissa shares her remarkable career journey, detailing her path from law clerk to firm owner, and provides crucial legal guidance for entrepreneurs and small business owners.Key topics covered include:Why niche M&A expertise is essential, and why hiring a non-specialized attorney is a mistake.The critical importance of the Letter of Intent (LOI) and why signing it without counsel can increase costs and risks.The three core areas of a purchase agreement that protect buyers: R&Ws, Indemnification, and payment structure.How Melissa’s holistic experience representing both sides allows her to negotiate better deals for her clients.The risk of over-complication from larger law firms and how to streamline the process.The difference between Asset vs. Stock/MIPA Purchases, and how to mitigate downside risk.Insights into her transition to General Counsel for clients post-acquisition, covering everything from entity formation to contract review.The future of the legal industry and how AI is currently impacting drafting and litigation.If you are buying or selling a business, this deep dive into M&A legal strategy is essential viewing! Key Chapters:0:00 - Introduction0:47 - Attorney Background1:30 - Clerk to Partner3:00 - Recessions' Impact4:26 - M&A Focus5:43 - Tailored Fees8:31 - Legal Audit11:29 - Geographic Limits13:50 - Letter of Intent16:58 - Buyer Protections20:30 - Case Study23:44 - R&W Importance28:50 - Asset vs Stock37:37 - General Counsel42:26 - AI Impact44:48 - AI LitigationMore 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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    45 min