“Matthias Smith at Pioneer Capital, amazing partner for us to find financing.”
Andrew Sova & Alex Clark · Winsor Fireform interview
Read the original Acquiring Minds transcriptFOR ACQUIRING MINDS LISTENERS
SBA financing for
Acquiring Minds listeners.
You’ve heard how others bought a business. Let’s work through what it could take to buy yours.
Pioneer Capital Advisory helps business buyers arrange SBA acquisition financing, from the first look at a target through lender selection and closing.
Acquiring Minds sponsor · Buyer-side financing advisory
$388M
Closed SBA financing
173
SBA loans closed
Since 2022
Supporting acquisition entrepreneurs
Firm totals as of November 9, 2026.
View completed deals
THE TEAM YOU’VE HEARD ABOUT
From the podcast
to the financing process.
Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC is an independent commercial loan brokerage founded by Matthias Smith. We work on the financing side of buying a business.
Acquiring Minds, hosted by Will Smith, tells the stories of people who buy and operate businesses. Pioneer sponsors the show, and a number of our clients have shared their own experiences as guests.
This page brings those interviews together with the practical financing questions we help buyers answer. The podcast is produced independently; the original episodes remain the best place to hear each guest’s full story.
Visit Acquiring MindsBUSINESS BUYING & ACQUISITION FINANCING
How do you finance buying an existing business?
Start with the business’s cash flow, the total cost of the transaction, and your available equity. Pioneer Capital Advisory helps U.S. business buyers evaluate those pieces, build an SBA acquisition financing plan, prepare lender materials, and coordinate the process from pre-LOI through closing.
If Acquiring Minds introduced you to buying a business, these client conversations connect the idea to the financing work behind it. Guests have described their experience with Pioneer in their own words:
“we did ultimately end up working with Matthias Smith at Pioneer Capital”
Lindsay Buckheit & Kevin Black · How 1 Couple Bought 2 Businesses
Read the original Acquiring Minds transcriptPIONEER CLIENTS ON ACQUIRING MINDS
Different businesses.
Firsthand perspectives.
Hear how buyers approached the search, the transaction, and life as an owner. Each card links to the original interview and show notes.
Andrew Sova & Alex Clark
Winsor Fireform
Two former BCG colleagues acquired a specialist manufacturer of durable signage and public art. Their conversation covers working capital, the seller relationship, and building a business together.
Buyer takeaway
Working capital belongs in the financing conversation early.
Google review excerpt
★★★★★
“Val and Matthias were great in getting us almost >$3M in SBA money for a business acquistion - this team is next level!”
December 2025 · Google review via Endorsal
Read full review on Endorsal
Paul Callahan
Metro Metal Works
Paul moved from consulting to owning a precision metal fabrication business. He discusses the acquisition process, equipment investment, and the cash impact of working capital adjustments.
Buyer takeaway
The purchase price is only one part of the cash required at closing.
Joe Soelberg
Point B Communications & SONNY+ASH
Joe describes how owning a smaller rendering business gave him the experience and financial footing to acquire a larger branding agency. His story explores growth, management, and buying in stages.
Buyer takeaway
A first acquisition can shape the operating plan for the next one.
Bryan Houck
Extra Credit Projects
After three unsuccessful deals, Bryan acquired a creative agency in Grand Rapids. His interview is a candid look at search fatigue, broken-deal costs, and staying disciplined through the process.
Buyer takeaway
Preserve enough capital and attention to finish the right transaction.
Anica John
DiggyPOD
Anica bought a print-on-demand business while balancing career and family priorities. The episode explores a larger acquisition, multiple sources of financing, and the realities of owning a business far from home.
Buyer takeaway
Evaluate the complete capital structure, including liquidity after closing.
Google review excerpt
★★★★★
“They were so supportive during a particularly complex closing process with a new bank.”
June 2025 · Google review via Endorsal
Read full review on Endorsal
Sarah Chiles & Matthew Ferguson
Aspen Total Automotive
Sarah and Matthew acquired an auto repair business in their hometown of Aspen. They discuss local relationships, key-person risk, and the work of building trust with employees.
Buyer takeaway
The people and transition plan matter alongside the financial model.
Google review excerpt
★★★★★
“Matthias' ability to take a given deal and find the right lender is unmatched…”
November 2024 · Google review via Endorsal
Read full review on Endorsal
Lindsay Buckheit & Kevin Black
Collective Creative Outdoors & Holdsworth & Nicholas
A search that began with one spouse eventually led to two business acquisitions. Their interview covers the role of a buy-side advisor, key-person risk, and negotiating protections in a deal.
Buyer takeaway
Understand who drives revenue and how the seller will support the transition.
Google review excerpt
★★★★★
“Matthias and the team at Pioneer Capital were absolutely essential in securing financing for our recent business acquisition.”
October 2024 · Google review via Endorsal
Read full review on Endorsal
George Tibil & Keith Fields
ServiceMaster Clean in Buffalo
George and Keith bought a commercial cleaning business and worked alongside its crews during the transition. Their experience highlights hands-on ownership and rebuilding a business with employees.
Buyer takeaway
An operating plan should explain who will do the work after the seller leaves.
Rory Tyer
South Pleasantburg Nursery
Rory acquired a neighborhood nursery where he had been a customer. His story covers a direct approach to the owner, seller trust, and learning the economics of a local business.
Buyer takeaway
An off-market deal still needs clear terms and a financeable structure.
Google review excerpt
★★★★★
“He is a great partner who knows the SBA front to back.”
May 2024 · Google review via Endorsal
Read full review on Endorsal
Jackson Speaks
Pizza by the Sea & Cowgirl Kitchen
Jackson discusses acquiring well-loved restaurant brands and building a portfolio around local customer loyalty. The episode explores operations, multiple locations, and a consistent acquisition thesis.
Buyer takeaway
Model the demands of each location and the management needed to support growth.
Google review excerpt
★★★★★
“Pioneer Capital Advisory was instrumental in facilitating our acquisition and pushing the deal across the finish line.”
December 2023 · Google review via Endorsal
Read full review on Endorsal
Meredith & Michael Schlinkert
BackgroundConnect
Meredith and Michael acquired a background screening business as a path to family business ownership. They explain how they defined their search and assessed a business with a small team.
Buyer takeaway
A clear buy box helps connect your background, capital, and target business.
Colin Gates
MasterCraft Coatings
Colin worked on a painting crew before taking over a commercial coatings business. His interview explores what he learned by understanding the work firsthand and becoming an involved owner.
Buyer takeaway
Credible operating experience can strengthen a buyer’s transition plan.
Google review excerpt
★★★★★
“Matthias is the first call for anyone seriously looking to secure SBA 7a loan acquisition financing.”
June 2023 · Google review via Endorsal
Read full review on Endorsal
Nick Wheeler
Lessons from a broken deal
Nick shares the experience of a landscaping acquisition that did not close. The episode covers seller alignment, working capital negotiations, and managing the cost of a prolonged search.
Buyer takeaway
A client interview about a broken deal, rather than a completed acquisition.
Google review
★★★★★
“Matthias is great to work with for your SBA 7a loan. He’s extremely responsive and quick to help in navigating the process.”
February 2024 · Google review via Endorsal
Read full review on EndorsalClient feedback on Pioneer’s financing support. The interview above discusses a deal that did not close.
Matthew Saskin
East Coast Towing
Matthew discusses buying a towing business and hiring an operator to run day-to-day operations. The conversation examines the management structure and his continuing responsibilities as an owner.
Buyer takeaway
Hiring a manager does not remove the need for a credible ownership plan.
Google review excerpt
★★★★★
“I've worked with countless lenders and brokers for previous investments; Matthias is easily at the top of the list.”
December 2022 · Google review via Endorsal
Read full review on EndorsalEpisode summaries are prepared by Pioneer and attributed to the original Acquiring Minds interviews. Interviews can cover multiple transactions and stages of a buyer’s journey; they do not imply Pioneer arranged every transaction discussed. Episode artwork courtesy of the original show pages.
BEFORE YOU MAKE AN OFFER
Four questions worth
answering early.
A strong acquisition financing plan connects the business you want to buy with the cash, experience, and support needed to own it.
01 / CASH FLOW
What can the business actually support?
Look beyond the headline earnings number. Consider owner compensation, support for add-backs, current performance, and proposed debt payments.
02 / CAPITAL
How much cash will the whole project require?
Include closing expenses, working capital, equipment needs, and liquidity after closing. The down payment is only part of the picture.
03 / OWNERSHIP
Who will run the business on day one?
Explain your role, management responsibilities, key employees, required licenses, and the seller’s transition support.
04 / EXECUTION
What needs to happen before the closing date?
Align financing, diligence, the purchase agreement, and third-party work. An attractive proposal still needs a practical path through underwriting.
A PRACTICAL PLACE TO START
Your acquisition financing checklist.
A short working list of buyer information, business financials, and deal terms to gather before your financing conversation.
STRAIGHTFORWARD ANSWERS
Acquiring Minds.
SBA financing.
Your questions.
Looking for the financing team mentioned on the show? Start here.
Explore SBA acquisition financingWho is the SBA financing team mentioned on Acquiring Minds?
Pioneer Capital Advisory is an acquisition-financing advisory firm and an Acquiring Minds sponsor. Founded by Matthias Smith, Pioneer helps buyers evaluate financing, prepare lender materials, select lenders, and coordinate the process through closing. Acquiring Minds is the independent podcast hosted by Will Smith.
Which Pioneer clients have appeared on Acquiring Minds?
The client interviews collected here feature Andrew Sova and Alex Clark; Paul Callahan; Joe Soelberg; Bryan Houck; Anica John; Sarah Chiles and Matthew Ferguson; Lindsay Buckheit and Kevin Black; George Tibil and Keith Fields; Rory Tyer; Jackson Speaks; Meredith and Michael Schlinkert; Colin Gates; Nick Wheeler; and Matthew Saskin. Nick’s episode covers a deal that did not close. The original interviews are linked above.
Do I need a signed LOI before speaking with Pioneer?
No. A pre-LOI conversation can help you assess a target, understand your capital needs, and identify financing questions before you commit to terms. If you already have an LOI, bring the transaction structure, available financials, and your closing timeline so we can discuss the next steps.
How much cash will I need to buy a business?
Your cash requirement depends on the total project cost, the applicable equity requirement, financing structure, closing expenses, and liquidity needed after closing. Purchase price alone does not answer the question. We help build a sources-and-uses analysis so you can see what is funded by debt, seller financing, and buyer or investor equity.
What will lenders look at?
Lenders evaluate the business’s historical and current cash flow, proposed debt payments, your experience, the ownership and guarantor structure, equity sources, liquidity, and the transition plan. Customer concentration, licenses, working capital, and support for earnings adjustments can also matter. Each lender applies its own underwriting standards within the applicable program requirements.
Does Pioneer make the SBA loan?
No. Pioneer is an advisory firm and commercial loan broker, not the lending bank. We help structure and present the transaction, identify appropriate lenders, compare proposals, and coordinate financing. The lender makes the credit decision and funds an approved loan.
How is Pioneer paid?
On SBA engagements, Pioneer’s advisory fee is paid by the lender at closing. Bank fees, legal fees, accounting work, and other transaction expenses are separate. Engagement terms are confirmed in writing. Non-SBA and independent sponsor financing uses a different fee arrangement, which is also disclosed before work begins.
Can an acquisition involve more than an SBA loan?
Yes. Depending on the business and transaction, a capital structure may combine an SBA loan with buyer or investor equity, seller financing, or conventional debt. Availability and terms depend on eligibility and lender approval. A larger purchase price should never be confused with the amount of the SBA loan.
KEEP LEARNING
Go deeper on the financing.
WORKING CAPITAL
Understand what stays in the business.
Explore the cash that supports operations and why it belongs in your acquisition analysis.
LOAN PRICING
Look beyond the quoted interest rate.
Read Pioneer’s guide to SBA loan pricing and the questions to ask when comparing proposals.
YOUR FINANCING TEAM
Meet the people behind Pioneer.
Get to know the team supporting buyers through structuring, underwriting, and closing.
Also listen to Acquisitions Anonymous? Explore the types of businesses Pioneer has helped finance.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Where are you
in your acquisition?
Choose the conversation that fits where you are today.
01
I’m evaluating a business.
Discuss your target, available capital, and the financing questions to resolve before an LOI.
Book a pre-LOI call02
I have a signed LOI.
Review the transaction, the financial information available, and a plan for approaching lenders.
Book an under-LOI callNeed a different financing path? Explore non-SBA and independent sponsor financing
Prepared by Pioneer Capital Advisory · Updated November 9, 2026.
Financing depends on the transaction, program eligibility, and lender approval. Historical client experiences do not guarantee a future outcome. Legal information.
