In this episode of The Flywheel Effect, host Brent Sonnek-Schmelz sits down with Matthias Smith, president at Pioneer Capital Advisory. Together, they explore how recent changes in Small Business Administration (SBA) lending are shaping the landscape for business acquisitions, especially for integrators and owners in the luxury home services industry.

Matthias explains the latest SBA rule updates, including stricter guidelines for seller involvement and down payments. He talks through why these changes aim to support healthier deals and stronger operators, reducing the risk of defaults. Matthias also outlines how SBA loans work, what makes them different from conventional loans, and why the right preparation—from business plans to understanding deal structure—matters more than ever.

Brent and Matthias discuss the effects of economic uncertainty, the rise in acquisition activity, and the importance of having experienced advisors during the process. The episode closes with practical advice for buyers and sellers looking to navigate today’s market with confidence.