BANKING & FINANCE
{ SBA LENDERS }
PAMELA CONBOY
DAVID MATTHEWS
Lead regional president Wells Fargo Arizona wellsfargo.com Conboy is the lead region president for Wells Fargo in Arizona, Nevada and Utah. She has been with Wells Fargo for 37 years and oversees 496 community banking stores and 6,191 team members. She serves on the boards of Valley of the Sun United Way, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Teach for America. Professional accomplishment: “Rising to the level of senior executive in an industry once dominated by males is a source of pride for me. I am blessed to be able to continue doing what I love best every day — helping people succeed financially and achieve their goals.” Superpower: “The power to feed and shelter everyone on the planet. I would love to live in a world where no child had to go to bed hungry, had a safe and happy home to grow and thrive, and an education to support their full potential.”
RICHARD LEHMANN
Founder and chairman The Biltmore Bank of Arizona, a division of Grandpoint Bank biltmorebankaz.com After being associated with large national and international banks since 1969, Lehman and other banking leaders founded the Biltmore Bank of Arizona in 2003 with a singular mission: to work with Arizona businesses face-to-face, ensuring we’re an integral part of each client’s growth – and the growth of Arizona’s economy. Business advice: “First of all, one needs to understand that running a business requires hard work and sacrifice. Leadership skills, willingness to listen, understanding the importance of team building, hiring outstanding people and the ability to communicate a compelling vision are all critical success factors.”
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Regional president Meadows Bank meadowsbank.bank
TERESA MANDELIN
Meadows Bank itself is a small-business success story, which sets the tone of every deal that Matthews makes with his clients. Established in Las Vegas in 2008, Meadows grew quickly from $34 million in loans in 2008 to $466 million in 2015, with a lending capacity of $15 million per borrower. This is significant compared to other community banks, whose ceiling on loans is typically $3 million to $5 million per borrower. Matthews says Meadows is the largest (Small Business Administration section) 504 lender in the U.S. and one the largest for (section) 7A loans. Trend to watch: “Cyber security is one of our biggest investments and with new systems, we can really provide security for our clients’ financial transactions.”
President and CEO Southwestern Business Financing Corporation swbfc.com Mandelin has more than 30 years of banking experience, having specialized in SBA lending since 1992. Previously SBFC’s SVP of commercial loans, she has enriched the organization’s sales team and established instrumental client relationships. She is a recipient of the esteemed Financial Services Champion award from the SBA. Superpower: “I would want to control time. I need about 10 more hours in a day and by slowing time, while still working at my speed, I could contribute more to my business, community and family. If that is not a superpower, I would like to fly so that I could be a great volleyball player.” Dream dinner: “I would invite Walt Disney. Mr. Disney overcame adversity, bankruptcy, technological and financial issues several times to create what is now an entire industry.”
SCOTT SPILLMAN
Arizona bank president BNC National Bank Spillman specializes in SBA lending, commerical loans and small business banking. In 2015, Spillman helped BNC earn Preferred Lender Provider (PLP) status from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The PLP designation represents the SBA’s highest level of accreditation, which enables BNC to fast track and simplify the SBA loan application process. Approval, closing and servicing are expedited due to the SBA’s delegation of authority to BNC, which can directly underwrite and approve loans instead of waiting for SBA endorsement. Professional accomplishment: “Our organization has extensive experience and a proven history with the SBA in processing loans for qualifying small businesses. Our commitment to the SBA program is evident in both our success record and comprehensive training of employees.”