Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in finance but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael Duhamel, Chief Credit Officer of Small Business Capital, located in Reno, NV, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I provide commercial financing for small business owners and will soon offer residential mortgage lending as well. I also offer to consult on commercial financing and credit as well as assist with commercial loan modifications and workouts. My customers are small to medium size business owners who need financing for capital equipment or commercial real estate or to acquire or start up a business.

Tell us about yourself

I have been in the commercial financing space for 33 years. Mostly in large institutions, including Santander Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, Bank of the West, and Sanwa Bank. Most recently, I was head of Small Business Credit for Santander Bank until January of 2021, when I started Small Business Capital. I am motivated each day by the needs of my clients who are striving to grow and nurture their dreams of small business ownership. Small Businesses are the lifeblood of the US Economy, and these business owners are very talented at what they do and are looking for subject matter expertise when it comes to their credit and financing projects.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is creating value and earning the trust of the clients I work with every day. Seeing their businesses flourish and getting repeat business and referrals from them tells me that is happening and keeps me motivated as well.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things is staying motivated when you are having a challenging day. This is when having a well-laid-out vision/plan pays off. You must also be a salesperson at all times, and this requires a positive attitude, self-motivation, and constant improvement.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Utilize LinkedIn as it is the Gold Mine of business success today.
  2. Create a plan and know that it will have to change and evolve.
  3. Read the Book " The Future of Sales" by John Asher

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am really focused on automation and free tools, as well as leveraging the power of my business partners.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://mdduhamel.wixsite.com/smallbusinesscapital
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldavidduhamel/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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