Welcome back to The BDO Show—where business plans are rapid, license plates are questionable, and the next generation of BDOs are taking notes (literally).

🎓 What does it take to break into SBA lending and actually thrive? This episode is all about building your name, booking deals, and navigating the steep learning curve—without crashing and burning.

Join Emily Detor, Ryan Kroge, Chris Hackney, and our rising star guest, Cam Nayebi, as they talk through: 🔥 What it's really like to start as a junior BDA and become a successful BDO in just over a year 📈 How to structure your day for maximum deal flow (and minimal chaos) 📬 Why mentors matter more than metrics—and how to find the right ones 💡 Cam's playbook for prospecting, building a tribe, and surviving the first 12 months 💰 Strategies for standing out at your shop—even if you're still learning your lender's credit box

And yes… we talk about the infamous "GAY4SBA" license plate and what not to do at Big Al's pool bar.

This episode is packed with laughs, strategy, and real advice for anyone looking to make their mark in the industry.

👉 Are you a new BDO trying to level up in 2025? Share your biggest wins (or wildest fails) with us in the comments or email [email protected].

📺 Like, subscribe, and hit that bell—because nobody wants to miss Ryan's "water on a duck" wisdom.

🎙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 go to https://rapidbusinessplans.com/art-of-sba

Peak Business Valuations

Peak Business Valuation has put together a free valuation resource for The BDO Show listeners that lists out the rule of thumb formulas for some of the most common industries in SBA lending.

Get your free valuation resource today by going to https://peakbusinessvaluation.com/get-your-free-valuation-resource/

The BDO Show is hitting the road. We will be speaking at the Mid America SBA Lending Conference in Houston on April 15th. Go to https://malc-conference.com for more information. This will be a live show you won't want to miss!