The BDO Show

Welcome back to The BDO Show—where new BDOs (and BDAs) are finding their stride and careers are built on reputation! This week, hosts Emily Detor and Ryan Kroge are joined by Dustin Baker and Sarah Sikkema of Shatterbox to unpack the realities of breaking into the SBA industry, the art of sales, and the dark underbelly of loan fraud that's about to shake everything up. If you're a BDO, an aspiring lender, or just can't get enough of industry drama, you won't want to miss this revealing discussion on: The SBA Talent Crisis Solved? Discover how Shatterbox is intentionally cultivating a new generation of bright, "hard-wired" SBA professionals to meet the industry's soaring demand. From Appraiser to BDA (12 Million in First 12 Months!): Hear Sarah Sikkema's inspiring journey, how she cracked the "numbers game" of sales, and why a strong network is your greatest asset. Beyond the Degree: What REALLY Makes a Top BDO? Dustin Baker reveals the "soft skills," personality traits, and "fire in the belly" that outweigh a finance degree in SBA success. Beware the "Rogue BDO": A chilling reminder that cutting corners, turning a blind eye to side deals, or prioritizing accolades over integrity can lead to "Club Fed" (federal prison). SOP Changes: Chaos or Course Correction? The panel discusses why SBA policies change so frequently and how government "knee-jerk reactions" impact the market. Your Reputation is EVERYTHING: Ryan Kroge shares profound advice on protecting your professional (and personal) standing in an industry ripe with pitfalls. Plus, enjoy a round of "Fun Summer Facts" with the hosts — did you get the question right? 👉 Got insights on navigating a new career, or a tip-off about a fraudulent scheme? Tell us how you really feel in the comments or email us at [email protected]. The BDO Retreat is back for its fifth and final year, and this time, we're taking you to Key Largo, Florida, on January 16th and 17th. Join us for a weekend of BDO workshops, exclusive networking, and, as always, a few surprises.  Spots are limited—for more information and to register, go here: https://www.artofsba.com/bdo-retreat 📺 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell—because staying honest and knowledgeable is always in style! 🎙This episode is sponsored by: SBA Protection SBA Protection Quick Close Life Insurance – the fastest, easiest way to secure the insurance protection your borrower needs for their SBA loan. For more information, visit their website https://sbaprotection.com/ or email Adam Bergen at [email protected]    Peak Business Valuation  Peak Business Valuation has put together a free resource just for BDO show listeners, listing out the rule-of-thumb formulas for common industries financed by SBA lenders. Get yours today at peakbusinessvaluation.com/get-your-free-valuation-resource/

Welcome to The BDO Show! A podcast for passionate BDOs wanting to level up their game with advice and stories from battle-tested BDO's. We just wrapped up Season 1 of the BDO show, and what a journey it's been. From the laughs to the lessons, this episode encapsulates a year of shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs, offering a retrospective look at our adventure while setting the stage for future discussions in SBA lending and business development.  🎉 Season 2 🎉 We're calling upon our listeners for input. Your suggestions will shape the upcoming season's episodes. 🎄 As we sign off, we want to give a special shoutout to all of our families and supporters. Your encouragement fuels our passion. We're excited to bring you more BDO magic next season. See you soon!  Link to crossword puzzle:  https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1MXc634hszbzM-YoX2UnXwiKSmk5BE7Fx The first person to email an accurate completed crossword puzzle to [email protected] will win an official BDO Show Nike Zip-up Hoodie. If you have questions or comments, please send them to [email protected]  This episode is sponsored by: Peak Business Valuations Peak Business Valuation works with over 80 SBA bank lenders across the country, performing around 1,100 SBA-compliant Business Valuations and 100 Equipment Appraisals a year. Those whom we work with label us as fast, reliable, and insightful.  For more information, visit their website www.peakbizval.com or email Ryan Hutchins at [email protected] 

Welcome to The BDO Show! A podcast for passionate BDOs wanting to level up their game with advice and stories from battle-tested BDO's. Unlock the secrets of term sheets with our panel of top Business Development Officers—Sterling Birdsong, Chris Hackney, and Ryan Kroge—guided by Emily Detor. We dissect the crucial elements that make these documents the foundation of financial agreements, ensuring you leave with a blueprint to navigate these essential yet complex agreements. Covering everything from loan specifics to the semi-binding dance of commitment, our conversation promises to arm you with the confidence to craft term sheets that reflect not just an offer but a solid strategy. Ever wondered how the pros handle the cutthroat competition in SBA lending? Our guests spill the beans on the art of quick turnarounds, the finesse of engagement that keeps clients hooked, and why you should never play the rate adjustment game. As we dissect local market rivalries and the chess-like moves needed to win deals, you'll discover each lender's unique proposition and why it's crucial to your business's success. Drawing from the trenches of financial battlegrounds, this episode is your playbook to outmaneuver the competition with grace and expertise. Closing the loop, we illuminate the intricate dance of transparency in deal structuring, where clarity reigns supreme. Heart-to-heart discussions on potential deal renovations, managing client expectations, and the paramount rule of honoring term sheet commitments underscore our ethos. Through anecdotes of pre-flighting deals and steering clear of surprises, this episode isn't just about the dos and don'ts—it's about nurturing trust and integrity in the world of finance. So tune in, and let's elevate your term sheet game together. Please e-mail us any questions, or suggestions for future episode topics at [email protected] This episode is sponsored by: Rapid Business Plans Rapid Business Plans is the go-to provider of business plans and feasibility studies for government guaranteed small business lenders. For more information, or to set up a Get Acquainted call, email Bethany McClellan at [email protected] or visit https://rapidbusinessplans.com/     The views and opinions expressed in this program are our own and/or those of our guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of our employers.  

Navigate the intricate dance of selecting the best third-party vendors for SBA lending in our latest BDO Show episode. We've brought together the power players to walk us through the minefield of collaborating with attorneys, appraisers, environmental specialists, and life insurance providers. They share insights on how these key partnerships can be the difference between a deal soaring or sinking, and why it's often the local familiarity that wins over broad national strokes, especially when it comes to understanding the subtleties of regional markets. This episode isn't just about whom you choose, but how you work with them. The team also pulls back the curtain on the environmental due diligence scene in Michigan, underscoring the immense value of local firms well-versed in state regulations. It's a masterclass in why direct vendor communication and industry-specific savvy are essential for timely and accurate appraisals and assessments. But what about the relationships behind these transactions? We recount personal tales of lightning-fast responses from vendors whose hustle has cemented their place in our trusted network. From securing last-minute life insurance policies to salvaging deals on the brink, it's clear that the human element can't be ignored. We chat about the art of crafting these vital connections, the kind that not only get you through one deal but pave the way for countless more. If you're looking to sharpen your vendor selection skills and build a portfolio of go-to professionals, this episode is your toolkit. Please e-mail us any questions, or suggestions for future episode topics at [email protected] This episode is sponsored by: SBA Protection Quick Close Life Insurance – the fastest, easiest way to secure the insurance protection your borrower needs for their SBA loan. For more information, visit their website www.sbaprotection.com or email Adam Bergen at [email protected]     The views and opinions expressed in this program are our own and/or those of our guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of our employers.  

Picture this: you're at a friend's farewell bash and, amidst the bittersweet goodbyes, you stumble into a conversation that spirals into a promising business partnership. That's the unpredictable thrill of deal sourcing in the SBA lending world, and it's just a taste of what we cover in our latest episode. Join us for a rollercoaster ride through the high-stakes and serendipity of business development, where personal connections aren't just a strategy—they're the central narrative. We reminisce about the good, the bad, and the downright weird stories from our journey, including our take on the increased visibility of the SBA post-PPP loans and the curious case of being mistaken for scammers on social media. Ever won a catering raffle only to land a hefty deal for food trucks? Our candid conversations reveal the art of prospecting in places you'd least expect, and the power of an 'attitude of abundance.' We share our best networking sagas, illustrating the importance of articulating your role and value to those you meet. As we recount instances of both serendipitous wins and deals snatched away, you'll gain insights into the competitive yet personal nature of our industry and why sometimes, the most memorable deals come from the most casual of chats. Rounding out our chat, we delve into the delicate dance of maintaining professionalism in a field where your reputation can be your greatest asset. We share cautionary tales and victories alike, discussing the intricate balance of managing relationships with friends and family in the finance world. For those eyeing the Business Development Officer role, we offer sage advice and underscore the importance of continuous learning and training. So, whether you're a seasoned lender or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of SBA deal-making, this episode is packed with laughter, lessons, and maybe even a little inspiration to network at your next social gathering.  Please e-mail us any questions, or suggestions for future episode topics at [email protected] This episode is sponsored by: SBA Protection Quick Close Life Insurance – the fastest, easiest way to secure the insurance protection your borrower needs for their SBA loan. For more information, visit their website www.sbaprotection.com or email Adam Bergen at [email protected]     The views and opinions expressed in this program are our own and/or those of our guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of our employers.