“ Our story is a typical one, 2 guys who started a company on a shoe string and like the dog who catches the car needed help to make our dream of entrepreneurship a reality.  We took on a partner with adequate financial backing which in turn cost us 50% ownership in our firm.  We were off and running but the cost of capital was pretty high.
 
"After a few years and 2 partners later with the help of SLBDF we were able to finally buy out our financial partner while simultaneously continuing our impressive revenue growth rate through SLBDF’s innovative and timely financing programs.
 
My partner and I now own 100% of our company have more than doubled revenue since SLBDF's involvement in our growth plans and have tripled profits due to the scale and scope SLBDF was able to help us achieve in appropriately levering our opportunities with directed financial resources.
 
For small companies seeking to grow and need a non-traditional lending relationship SLBDF provides a viable option with creativity to meet the needs of the entrepreneur.”

Craig Dickens, General Partner

“ As our business continued to grow, so did the need to invest in evolving our technology infrastructure and data processing capabilities. Being a privately held company, with no outside investors and a desire to maintain the status quo on that front, we were looking for an innovative way to fund our technology development initiatives.
 
We were referred to the SLBDF by our CFO and our banker. After meeting with our contact team and gaining the requisite insights into SLBDF’s flexible and timely financing options we were able to close on our loan within 30 days.
 
The SLBDF provided us with the financing that we needed to build out our infrastructure and insure our continued growth and success.
 
For privately held entrepreneurial organizations seeking an infusion of funds to help achieve their business goals SLBDF represents a viable alternative to your equity and or debt options.”

Cliff Campeau, President

"The SLBDF helped make my dreams come true.  I had worked long and hard my whole life preparing to eventually become a business owner.  My career was industry specific and my education included an engineering degree coupled with an MBA.  In 2004, I was presented the opportunity to buy JMC Manufacturing, but it was going to take over $1,300,000 dollars to make it happen. My goal was to own 100% of the company. A tall task for someone with a net worth of about $150,000.

SLBDF participated in the purchase with a $200,000 unsecured loan.  The SLBDF was upfront, professional, and quick to move on the aproval process.  Most importantly, they were a believer in me and my abilities.  Furthermore, they were extremely fair and honorable. As the deal progressed, many changes were made all the way up to the final day of closing.  Rick Palank was at the closing and I pointed out to Rick some key changes to the final deal which in effect, lowered the risk to the SLBDF.  Rick agreed and changed my success fee on the spot, giving me a potential savings of $40,000 over the life of the loan.  That was unbelievable and a true testament to SLBDF's integrity!

While the SLBDF was expensive compared to traditional asset-backed loans, it was very cheap as compared to unsecured loans or equity deals.  It was my goal to pay off the loan ASAP, as it was the most expensive in my portfolio of loans.  I am proud to say that it was paid off in 2 years, as a more traditional financing became available.

The SLBDF helped make my dream come true and helped the St. Louis Business environment.  My company has doubled in sales resulting in 20 additional jobs, including six higher level managerial positions.

My hat's off to Rick and his team at the SLBDF.  Their goal of helping the St. Louis Business environment through non-traditional lending was a complete success in my case."

Jeffrey Jappa, President/CEO

"The SLBDF investment was critical to the leveraged buyout in 1999, as EOI's financial performance at that time precluded bank-only financing.  Withouth the SLBDF investment the buyout wimply would not have taken place."

Stacy Hastie, President