“The analysis has already influenced how we will spend more time evaluating our business. We’ll spend more time evaluating referral relationships. We’ll pay closer attention to performance trends.”

“The topics also went deeper than what you typically see at entrepreneurial conferences. The conversation became deeply personal. Tears flowed.”

“That’s the real risk — not that AI gives you garbage, but that it gives you garbage wrapped in a bow.”

“He had access to a line of credit, but he wasn’t using it. Instead. he was managing everything with operating cash. In other words, he was torturing himself unnecessarily.”

“So do you pull back, get conservative, and try to protect yourself in case things go bad? Or do you keep going, maybe even lean in, and operate as if things will work out?”

“Imagine that: They couldn’t keep up with a 30-year loan, and now they’re expected to repay everything plus penalties in just three years.”

“Small SBA loans have always been less profitable for banks. A $100,000 loan often requires nearly the same underwriting, compliance work, and servicing as a $1 million loan but generates far less revenue.”