Summary
In this live-recorded episode of The Blueprint Tour from the 2024 CREI Summit in Atlanta, hosts Kenneth Shultz and Carter Huddleston sit down with George Otel, a financier and member of the American Association of Finance Brokers who specializes in structuring business and commercial loans. With years of experience helping entrepreneurs secure capital, George is known for breaking down complex financing into actionable strategies—whether it’s SBA loans, acquisition lending, or creative deal structures that unlock growth.
The conversation covers the full spectrum of business finance—from SBA 7(a) and 504 loans to acquisition strategies, seller financing, and the hidden opportunities in the wave of baby boomer–owned businesses coming to market. George explains how he works directly with banks to fast-track approvals, why prepping six months ahead can make or break a deal, and how to leverage investor partnerships without giving up control.
Along the way, the trio explores real-world scenarios—such as buying a gas station, structuring down payments through passive investors, and turning a $ 200,000 investment into a $2 million cash-flowing business. They also unpack the tax advantages of seller financing, the pitfalls of balloon payments, and why the right financial structure can turn a risky move into a generational wealth-building opportunity.
Candid, practical, and packed with insights, this episode is a masterclass on how entrepreneurs can utilize smart financing strategies to buy, build, or scale their businesses.
Keywords
CREI Summit, business finance, George Otel, SBA loans, acquisition lending, seller financing, commercial real estate loans, mergers and acquisitions, business growth, financing strategies, business funding, small business lending, creative deal structures, American Association of Finance Brokers
Takeaways
SBA loans can fund not just startups but acquisitions of established, cash-flowing businesses.
Working directly with bank vice presidents can shorten approval timelines from weeks to days.
Creative deal structures—like investor partnerships or seller financing—can make capital more accessible.
Buying an existing business often creates faster, more reliable returns than starting from scratch.
Seller financing benefits both sides, reducing taxes for sellers and easing capital requirements for buyers.
Preparing early, especially around tax seasons, positions business owners for better loan terms.
Delegating operations through strong managers allows owners to scale rather than get stuck in the weeds.
Sound Bites
“If the deal won’t pass prequalification, I kill it right there—no time wasted.”
“You can use $200K to start from scratch, or you can buy a $2M business already making half a million.”
“Seller financing isn’t just good for the buyer—it’s a tax advantage for the seller too.”
“My job is to structure the deal so everyone wins—the owner, the bank, and the investor.”
“Funding isn’t optional. You need it to start, to stay in business, to grow, or to buy. Always.”
Chapters
Welcome and CREI Summit Intro
Meet George Otel: Business Finance Strategist
From Equipment Loans to Commercial Real Estate
How SBA 7(a) and 504 Loans Really Work
Prepping Six Months Ahead: Why Timing Matters
Real-World Deals: Gas Stations, Truck Terminals, and Dental Practices
Leveraging Passive Investors Without Giving Up Control
Seller Financing and Tax Advantages Explained
Buying vs. Building: Why Acquisitions Make Sense
Delegation, Management, and Scaling Beyond the Owner
The Coming Wave: Baby Boomer Exits and Market Opportunities
Final Thoughts and Where to Find George
Where to Find George Otel
LinkedIn · Twitter · US Business Funding
Where to Find The Blueprint Tour
YouTube · TikTok · TheBPTour.com · Kenneth Shultz (Host) · Carter Huddleston (Host)
