At a time when small business owners face conflicting advice, outdated information, and an overwhelming number of options, real support still comes down to one thing: education.
The most effective SBA lenders are not just there to process paperwork; they are also committed to providing personalized support. They guide, teach, and advocate for entrepreneurs who often need more clarity than capital. This shared approach connects Mitchell Jones, Joel Krominga, and Scott Bossom, three standout lenders in the FINSYNC network.
Although they represent different banks, all three prioritize education as their top priority. By doing so, they build trust, close smarter deals, and help businesses grow with greater confidence.
Making Lending Easier to Understand
Mitchell Jones, an SBA lender with UMWSB, focuses on simplifying the lending experience. Early in his career, he used the phrase “Welcome to easy” with clients, reflecting his belief that lending should not feel overwhelming.
SBA lending can be complex, but Mitchell believes the confusion often comes from poor communication. “Many borrowers misunderstand the process,” he says. “They think a personal paycheck equals affordability when it’s really about business revenue.” He emphasizes education from the start by explaining loan structures, limits, and expectations in plain terms.
Mitchell regularly partners with the SBDC to support business owners, utilizing his background as a buyer, seller, and business owner to connect with clients on a personal level. His approach replaces pressure with partnership.
Guiding with Empathy and Perspective
Joel Krominga, also with UMWSB, brings a similar mindset to his work. He describes himself as an empath who tries to see every decision through the eyes of the entrepreneur. Education, to him, is a means to reduce stress and help business owners make informed decisions.
Joel understands that many entrepreneurs are experts in their field but may struggle with financial documentation. “It’s not negligence. Most are just busy running their business,” he explains.
That is why he and his team take a hands-on approach to guiding borrowers through the process, from organizing documents to clarifying the next steps.
He stresses that not all SBA lenders operate with the same values. “One bad experience can damage someone’s perception of the entire SBA program,” Joel says. “It’s our job to help fix that by being clear, responsive, and honest.”
One of Joel’s proudest moments came during the early days of the pandemic when his team worked around the clock to distribute PPP loans. He recalls it as intense but deeply rewarding. “We saw the impact in real-time. That period reminded me why I do this work.”
Counseling Over Selling
Scott Bossom, SBA Program Manager at WaFd Bank, takes a thoughtful, educational approach to lending that centers on bankers building trust. He refers to himself as an “SBA psychologist” because he helps bankers learn how to support clients and sort through the noise to focus on what matters.
“There is a lot of misinformation out there,” Scott says. “Many entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed before they even start.” He believes in training WaFd bankers to help people slow down, clarify their options, and take meaningful action. That clarity builds trust and often helps clients take steps they once thought impossible.
Scott helps WaFd bankers support customers even when they do not qualify for traditional bank SBA financing. Currently, this process involves making calls and referrals across various departments. He looks forward to using tools like FINSYNC’s Funding Navigator to automate this step and connect business owners with the right lending alternatives.
“If a customer walks in and we can’t help directly, I still want them to leave with a solution,” he says. “A system that supports that makes the whole process better for everyone.”
Some of Scott’s most fulfilling experiences have been helping longtime employees purchase the businesses they have worked at for years. Many of these individuals never saw themselves as future owners, especially given the need to come up with sizable down payments. Scott worked closely with them to structure financing creatively and make those deals possible. “Helping people step into ownership and keep those businesses alive — that’s the part I love most,” he says.
A Shared Commitment to Better Lending
Despite working in different places and serving different communities, Mitchell, Joel, and Scott share a belief that sets them apart. They prioritize education over sales and view lending as a form of service.
They take the time to explain the details, guide business owners through uncertainty, and refer them to the right place when needed. This mindset is why FINSYNC chooses to work with lenders like them.
By focusing on education, these lenders are building more than just loan portfolios; they are building trust, strengthening communities, and giving business owners the confidence to move forward.