In this episode of Partnering to Create Wealth, David Marcus speaks with Jacob Gonzalez, co-founder and Head of Debt Capital Markets at Cirrus Capital Partners.

Jacob shares his journey from Cornell to investment banking, private equity, and now building Cirrus Capital alongside his partner, Ryan Ridgeway. Together, they’ve carved out a niche working hands-on with lower-middle-market businesses to find the right lenders, prepare for diligence, and secure tailored credit solutions.

We discuss:

• The evolution of Cirrus Capital and what sets their model apart from traditional brokers and advisors
• Key diligence steps every borrower should prepare for before raising debt
• How lenders evaluate fit beyond price — and what borrowers should be looking for in return
• Trends shaping the debt markets in 2025, including hybrid structures and a resurgence in consumer packaged goods (CPG) lending
• Why lender–borrower relationships thrive on partnership, trust, and long-term alignment

Jacob also shares candid reflections on entrepreneurship, choosing the right business partner, and his vision for Cirrus Capital’s future as a merchant bank.