Lords of Lending
Journey through the labyrinth of lending with the dual expertise of Shane, the master of loan architecture, and Stephanie, the vanguard of banking innovation. Together, they demystify the art of business loans, from traditional SBA offerings to avant-garde financial instruments, in episodes rich with actionable intelligence.
Episodes
18 episodes
2026 Look Ahead and Predictions | LoL #18
In this episode of 'Lords of Lending,' we discuss the economic forecast for small businesses in 2026, emphasizing increased borrowing and reduced equity. We draw parallels to the 2008 financial crisis and express concerns about the rising trend...
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Episode 18
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22:39
2025 Lessons and Reflections | LoL #17
Welcome back to Lords of Lending! In this episode, we return from our break to review the significant events of 2025 and share what we've learned. We discuss the record-breaking $100 billion in government-guaranteed loans extended to small busi...
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Episode 17
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26:39
When a Business Owner Asks You to Dance | LoL #16
What happens when a business owner drops hints about selling—or outright asks you to “dance”? In this episode, the Lords break down real-world signals, emotional undercurrents, and strategic moves buyers should make when owners start flirting w...
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Episode 16
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56:46
Seller Financing for Business Acquisition | LoL #15
Seller notes are reshaping how deals get done. In this episode, the Lords of Lending sit down with Abby Shemesh of Seller Edge Capital to explore the evolving world of seller financing, note sales, and how liquidity is changing the psychology o...
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Episode 15
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46:31
Building a Successful Restaurant | LoL #14
What does it take to launch and scale a thriving restaurant business? In this episode, the Lords dig into the real-world challenges, hidden costs, and strategic thinking behind building a successful food and beverage concept. Whether you’re dre...
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Episode 14
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1:15:36
Do Interest Rates Really Matter? | LoL #13
Are high interest rates really stopping you from making your next business move? In this episode, Shane, Stephanie, and Brian unpack the myth of waiting for “cheaper money.” They break down what a 25 basis point rate cut actually means (hint: i...
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Episode 13
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19:26
Reputation with Stuart Faught | LoL #12
What does your reputation say about your business? In this episode, the Lords sit down with review industry expert Stuart Faught to break down what reputation really means in lending, operations, and growth. Whether you’re trying to build trust...
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Episode 12
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50:59
Ask the Experts | LoL #11
What really makes a lender different? Shane, Brian, and Steph go rapid-fire to reveal their biggest lessons, toughest deals, and why client experience wins every time.📌 Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:27 - Welcome to “Ask the Experts”...
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Episode 11
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19:02
Ennobled by Fire | LoL #10
In this raw, unfiltered episode, the Lords of Lending pull back the curtain on the personal experiences that shaped them into the SBA lending experts they are today. From childhood poverty and career failures to finding purpose thr...
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Episode 10
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59:39
Acquisition War Room | LoL #9
In this tactical deep dive, Shane, Stephanie, and Brian sit down with serial acquirer Collin Trimble to dissect what really happens when you scale through acquisition. From chaotic day-one takeovers to post-close surprises, this episode is all ...
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Episode 9
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1:15:37
Insights from the Road | LoL #8
On the road, the Lords break down key takeaways from a week of business broker conferences. From AI innovations to personal follow-up strategies, Shane, Stephanie, and Brian explore how lenders can stand out, deepen relationships, and add long-...
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Episode 8
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27:11
Meet Your Lords | LoL #7
In this episode, Shane Pierson, Stephanie Dunn, and Brian Congelliere share their backstories, career pivots, and what drives them. From courtroom exits to cold calls and The Apprentice, get to know the Lords of Lending on a personal level....
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Episode 7
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1:03:12
Bomb Goes Off on SBA | LoL #6
The SBA just dropped a new SOP—and it’s shaking up how small business loans work. Shane, Stephanie, and Brian break down what’s changing, what’s broken, and how buyers and lenders can adapt. From seller carries to guarantee requirements, this e...
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Episode 6
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49:49
Broke or Billionaire by 2030 | LoL #5
In this episode of Broke or Billionaire by 2030, hosts Shane Pierson, Stephanie Dunn, and Brian Congelliere dive into the mindset, strategies, and financial habits that separate those who struggle from those who thrive. Whether you're ...
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Episode 5
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35:32
Buying and Scaling a Business | LoL #4
In this episode of Lords of Lending, hosts Shane Pierson, Stephanie Dunn, and Brian Congelliere dive into the realities of buying and scaling a business. They discuss how to assess inherited employees, identify underperformers, and max...
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Episode 4
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45:59
You Are Not Urgent Enough | LoL #3
Are you truly urgent about success, or are you just busy? In this episode of Lords of Lending, hosts Shane Pierson, Stephanie Dunn, and Brian Congelliere take a hard look at why urgency—not just activity—is the key to winning in ...
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Episode 3
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47:16