Most business owners only call the bank when they’re in trouble. Cash is tight, deals are falling apart, stress is mounting.

By then? It’s too late.

The banks shut the doors and wave at you from behind the glass. That’s the obvious mistake.

The less obvious one? Not realizing the best time to secure financing is when you don’t need it. That’s when banks give you more, on better terms, and when private lenders are willing to play ball.

That’s the theme of my conversation with George Otel, founder of U.S. Business Funding. He’s closed 400+ deals, from SBA loans to $50M commercial bridge financings.

He’s also been on the other side as a business owner who knows what it’s like to hit a wall when funding isn’t lined up.

And right now, while capital feels scarce and multifamily investors are calling this a “3-year recession,” George sees massive opportunity, especially with the $10 trillion baby boomer business sell-off already underway.

Things You’ll Learn In This Episode

-Banks love you more when you don’t need them.
You’ll get offered more money than you asked for when you’re strong, but the second you look distressed, the same lender disappears. Why is that the exact opposite of how entrepreneurs think about financing?

-Bridge loans are just the beginning.
Fast capital is a band-aid, not a solution. The winners use bridge money only as a setup for long-term refinancing. How do you structure that from day one so you don’t get stuck?

--------------------------------------------------------------------Buying beats building in this market.
You’ll struggle to get a dime for a startup, but banks line up for businesses with systems and cash flow. With trillions in businesses set to change hands, is acquisition the smarter path for the next generation?

Guest Bio

George Otel is a business mentor, investor, entrepreneur, and financing expert. He specializes in start-up and business finance options, helping them attract the right capital for their business. George’s goal is to educate entrepreneurs, small business owners, franchise owners, business consultants, and professionals on how to obtain capital in today's lending environment and avoid declines. Over the years, George and his partners have helped direct thousands of entrepreneurs and businesses in the US in obtaining access to hundreds of millions of dollars so they could start, grow, and expand their businesses. To learn more, visit http://usbusinessfunding.net/, send George a DM on LinkedIn, or send a text to 414-475-7757.

About Your Host

From pro-snowboarder to money mogul, Chris Naugle has dedicated his life to being America’s #1 Money Mentor with a core belief that success is built not by the resources you have, but by how resourceful you can be. Chris has built and owned 19 companies, with his businesses being featured in Forbes, ABC, House Hunters, and his very own HGTV pilot in 2018. He is currently the founder of The Money School™, and Money Mentor for The Money Multiplier.

His success also includes managing tens of millions of dollars in assets in the financial services and advisory industry and in real estate transactions. As an innovator and visionary in wealth-building and real estate, he empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and real estate investors with the knowledge of how money works.

Chris is also a nationally recognized speaker, author, and podcast host. He has spoken to and taught over ten thousand Americans, delivering the financial knowledge that fuels lasting freedom.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

Most real estate investors are running the same race: chasing the hottest markets, competing for the same deals, and trying to outbid one another. The problem? That crowded approach often blinds you to the opportunities hiding in plain sight.

The truth is, success in investing isn’t about following the crowd or chasing trends; it’s about looking where others aren’t, leading with strategy, and building relationships that open doors no one else can see.

That’s what sets Aleea Stanton apart. She didn’t start investing just to rack up properties. She began with a deeper purpose: to give back to her grandparents, who shaped her life.

That generosity sparked a ripple effect, creating community connections and investment opportunities most investors overlook.

In this episode, real estate investor and attorney Aleea C. Stanton joins me to share her journey from practicing law to building a thriving investing career.

We talk about what ignited her passion for real estate, how she finds deals differently than most, and the mindset shift that’s allowed her to succeed where others stall out.

Things You’ll Learn In This Episode

-Finding the fuel for your fire

Identifying your true source of motivation is what drives consistency and purpose in your daily life. What is the one thing that fuels your fire and pushes you to keep going, even on tough days?

-Creating a repeatable system that works

Mastering the process of flipping houses creates a repeatable system that can be applied to future real estate deals. How can refining one successful process make every future flip more efficient and profitable?

-Building a firm foundation

Trust is the foundation of lasting success in real estate partnerships. How do you actively build and maintain trust with the people you work with in real estate?

Guest Bio

Aleea C. Stanton is a seasoned attorney and real estate investor based in New York. She serves as Counsel in the Disputes & Investigations practice at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, specializing in white-collar defense, securities enforcement, and government investigations. Her expertise encompasses matters related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), securities enforcement, and corporate compliance, with a focus on industries such as technology, oil and gas, aerospace, and defense

Aleea earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Howard University School of Law, where she was a semifinalist in the John J. Gibbons Moot Court Competition.

In addition to her legal career, Aleea is actively involved in real estate investing.

Aleea's unique combination of legal expertise and real estate investment experience positions her as a valuable resource for individuals navigating the complexities of real estate transactions and legal considerations in the industry.

Follow Aleea on Instagram @leescheri

About Your Host

From pro-snowboarder to money mogul, Chris Naugle has dedicated his life to being America’s #1 Money Mentor. With a core belief that success is built not by the resources you have, but by how resourceful you can be. Chris has built and owned 19 companies, with his businesses being featured in Forbes, ABC, House Hunters, and his very own HGTV pilot in 2018. He is currently founder of The Money School™, and Money Mentor for The Money Multiplier.

His success also includes managing tens of millions of dollars in assets in the financial services and advisory industry and in real estate transactions. As an innovator and visionary in wealth-building and real estate, he empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and real estate investors with the knowledge of how money works.

Chris is also a nationally recognized speaker, author, and podcast host. He has spoken to and taught over ten thousand Americans delivering the financial knowledge that fuels lasting freedom.

Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!