If you’re building, buying, or scaling a small business, this episode is a must-watch. In this conversation, I sit down with Andrew Simon—one of the most respected SBA lenders in the game. Andrew breaks down how SBA loans really work, the strategies smart entrepreneurs use to leverage funding, and how he evaluates businesses beyond just the numbers. We also dive into Andrew’s wild journey from selling garbage trucks and Michelin tires to owning businesses and becoming a national leader in small business lending. 🔔 Subscribe for more real business conversations: [Your Channel Link] 🎧 Full podcast on Spotify & Apple: [Podcast Link]

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro: Meet Andrew Simon

01:30 - Why most entrepreneurs fear debt

03:48 - What SBA loans are really for

06:10 - Types of businesses Andrew funds

08:22 - Case study: The countertop fabricator

12:40 - What makes a good loan candidate?

15:01 - How Andrew evaluates risk creatively

18:55 - Andrew’s backstory: Selling garbage trucks

22:40 - Lessons from early sales roles

26:00 - How he got into SBA lending

30:10 - FedEx contractors & SBA funding

34:28 - Understanding projections vs history

38:10 - Andrew’s advice for first-time borrowers

41:22 - Common mistakes small businesses make

44:05 - The power of knowing your metrics 47:00 - Final thoughts & where to reach Andrew