Chris Hurn - Phoenix Lender Services | LinkedIn (original) (raw)
About
As the Founder/CEO of Fountainhead Commercial Capital and Fountainhead Small Business…
Services
Articles by Chris
Can the SBA make its 7(a) loan program attractive to fintechs?
If a new proposal put forth by the Small Business Administration (SBA) last month gets the green light, fintechs will…
14 Ways To Protect Yourself Before Signing With An Online Business Lender
Business owners seeking convenience and speed or who have struggled to find financing through other methods often turn…
Chris Hurn on Using SBA Loans to Buy an Existing Business
Interested in starting up a small business? If so, you don’t always need to start from the ground up. Instead, you may…
Why Small Business Owners Will Suffer Most At The Hands Of The Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve's aggressive rate hike implementations have made it a precarious time for small business owners to…
15 Practical Steps To Help Your Business Weather An Economic Recession
Many business owners have undergone a variety of challenges during 2020 and 2021, as the Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked…
‘Silver Tsunami’ Means More Business Acquisition Opportunities
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and as CEO of a national nonbank small business lender, I see the…
16 Key Metrics That Can Impact Profitability (And Businesses Often Overlook)
When evaluating the profitability of a business, many leaders look primarily (or only) at the amount of revenue coming…
- Considering Self-Funding Your Startup? 16 Finance Experts Share Essential Considerations
Oct 6, 2022
Considering Self-Funding Your Startup? 16 Finance Experts Share Essential Considerations
Startup companies face a daunting road to reach long-term stability—one that many don’t successfully navigate. Among…
Federal Reserve’s increasing interest rate hikes put Main Street economy ‘dangerously close’ to edge of lending cliff
KEY POINTS Small business owners have not faced lending costs reaching into the double-digit percentages in decades…
Chris Hurn on Using SBA Loans to Buy an Existing Business
Interested in starting up a small business? If so, you don’t always need to start from the ground up. Instead, you may…
Activity
Experience & Education
Phoenix Lender Services
View Chris’s full experience
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Volunteer Experience
Orlando Chapter Board Member
YPO
Jul 2017 - May 2020 2 years 11 months
Orlando Chapter Assistant Learning/Education Chair
YPO
Jul 2018 - Jun 2019 1 year
Orlando Chapter Membership Chair
YPO
Jun 2017 - Jun 2018 1 year 1 month
Orlando Chapter Learning Officer
YPO
Jul 2019 - May 2020 11 months
Publications
Forbes July 15, 2019
Small business owners with great ideas are routinely giving up more than a quarter of their business when they may have been better served with an infusion of growth capital at low rates provided by other sources.
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Business.com August 7, 2018
Part of McDonald's long-term success comes the fact that it owns the land and buildings at most of its locations – and its franchisees pay it rent. Today's entrepreneurs can follow the lead of the golden arches and build wealth by owning their commercial property and becoming a landlord themselves.
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Scotsman Guide Jul 2018
For decades, business owners who wanted to purchase a commercial property picked up the phone and placed a call to their local bank. You might remember when phones had round dials instead of buttons and you had to somewhat carefully place the call.
Times have changed. Rotary and push-button phones have been replaced by digital devices. In today’s want-it-right-now economy, e-mail or a smartphone app may be the preferred way to connect to financing options. Within this new paradigm…
For decades, business owners who wanted to purchase a commercial property picked up the phone and placed a call to their local bank. You might remember when phones had round dials instead of buttons and you had to somewhat carefully place the call.
Times have changed. Rotary and push-button phones have been replaced by digital devices. In today’s want-it-right-now economy, e-mail or a smartphone app may be the preferred way to connect to financing options. Within this new paradigm, commercial real estate lending is rapidly changing and mortgage brokers should be aware of the nonbank lenders that are leading the charge. Increased specialization, the need for speed and a marketplace that wants changes in customer experiences are among the many factors impacting the commercial real estate industry.
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Huffpost December 6, 2017
About 4 years ago, my family and I had an amazing experience which began with exceptional customer service, grew into a viral sensation and concluded (so we thought) with a young boy finally being reunited with his beloved stuffed giraffe. Today, I’m somewhat circumspect to report that the tale of “Joshie” the giraffe has a sequel, as the most famous stuffed animal ever left behind at a hotel was, once again, accidentally left at a hotel. And the Ritz-Carlton blew us away a second time.
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Huffington Post June 30, 2015
One of my favorite quotes comes from Spanish philosopher George Santayana who said: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Believe it or not, we can draw a connection between this 110-year-old quotation and small business lending today.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is allowing history to repeat itself, as it tacitly enables small business lenders to offer government guaranteed 7(a) loans in ever-larger amounts with yet smaller collateral contributions…
One of my favorite quotes comes from Spanish philosopher George Santayana who said: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Believe it or not, we can draw a connection between this 110-year-old quotation and small business lending today.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is allowing history to repeat itself, as it tacitly enables small business lenders to offer government guaranteed 7(a) loans in ever-larger amounts with yet smaller collateral contributions from borrowers. Somewhere Alan Greenspan is muttering "irrational exuberance."...
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the Huffington Post May 4, 2015
If you haven't yet heard about the "Wall of Maturities" in the commercial mortgage market, you will soon. Between now and 2017, more than $300 billion in commercial real estate loans will mature and need to be refinanced. This represents more than 2.5 times the amount that matured from 2012 - 2014. It's significant because while the overall economy has improved, traditional commercial lenders have continued to hold tight reins on lending requirements. These commercial loans coming due were…
If you haven't yet heard about the "Wall of Maturities" in the commercial mortgage market, you will soon. Between now and 2017, more than $300 billion in commercial real estate loans will mature and need to be refinanced. This represents more than 2.5 times the amount that matured from 2012 - 2014. It's significant because while the overall economy has improved, traditional commercial lenders have continued to hold tight reins on lending requirements. These commercial loans coming due were originated before the real estate bust and Great Recession.
For more, click on the link...
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Readwrite April 28, 2014
Whether you're starting up in a relatively new industry or entering a crowded market, competition is a fact of life for business owners.
That said, no matter how good you are at what you do, it doesn't hurt to build more barriers to entry to keep the most threatening competitors at bay—so you focus on dominating your niche.
Twelve YEC founders offer their best strategies for staying one step ahead.
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LinkedIn April 22, 2014
How do you keep your best people off job boards and invested in your company’s future? These 15 entrepreneurs discovered sometimes all it takes to increase productivity and morale is a little outside-of-the-box thinking. Here are the craziest and strangest company culture perks that actually work:
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BusinessNewsDaily April 14, 2014
To demystify the math behind small business loans, Business News Daily spoke with two small business lending experts: Chris Hurn, co-founder and CEO of the small business commercial property financing firm Mercantile Capital Corp., and Ty Kiisel, director of content marketing at Lendio, an online platform that connects small business owners with potential lenders.
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The Huffington Post January 23, 2014
Last July, speculation swirled about who the next SBA Administrator might be. It had been five months since Karen Mills announced that she would step down, and we were all starting to wonder about the future of the post and the agency. I joined the conversation, though not to guess who the nominee might be — instead I put forth a list of qualities the next SBA Administrator should possess and embody. Now that President Obama has nominated Maria Contreras-Sweet, I have a few suggestions for her…
Last July, speculation swirled about who the next SBA Administrator might be. It had been five months since Karen Mills announced that she would step down, and we were all starting to wonder about the future of the post and the agency. I joined the conversation, though not to guess who the nominee might be — instead I put forth a list of qualities the next SBA Administrator should possess and embody. Now that President Obama has nominated Maria Contreras-Sweet, I have a few suggestions for her to consider.
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The Huffington Post August 5, 2013
It's up to the next SBA Administrator to champion America's small businesses, keep the ball rolling, and make good decisions that will improve the SBA and do more to help small business owners succeed, grow, create jobs, and help our economy continue its recovery. Who will be the new face of the SBA?
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The Entrepreneur’s Secret to Creating Wealth: Feature Interview with Chris Hurn
(Inc. Small Giants Community May 2013
ISGC Executive Director Raul Candeloro spent some time interviewing me to learn about how taking real ownership of a business can change a company’s course for the positive.
Tips to Boost Business in 2013
Windsor Buisness Apr 2013
I suggest five ways small business owners can invest in their business regardless of the economic climate.
Scotsman Guide Mar 2013
I wrote an article featured in the March issue of Scotsman Guide's Commercial Edition explaining why NOW is the best time for small business owners (and their advisors) to benefit from the SBA 504 Loan Program.
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The Pennsylvania Gazette Jan 2013
Recognized in The Pennsylvania Gazette for the publication of my first book, The Entrepreneur's Secret to Creating Wealth: How the Smartest Business Owners Build Their Fortunes.
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Encouraging Entrepreneurship in America
The National Federation of Independent Business Magazine Dec 2012
I was interviewed in the December 2012/January 2013 issue of NFIB's My Business Magazine about my new book, The Entrepreneur's Secret to Creating Wealth, and the proceeds of two or more book sales benefiting the entrepreneurship educations efforts of NFIB's Young Entrepreneur Foundation.
Huffington Post Blog November 2, 2012
On Oct. 1st, I released my first book, The Entrepreneur's Secret to Creating Wealth. It was a long four years in the making, but don't worry, I'm not going to try to summarize it here. Instead, I want to share some insights about writing and marketing a book in the year 2012.
The modern publishing industry is a bit broken. If you're considering writing a book for the first time, expect to do most of the heavy lifting to market it.
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Kudos!
YPO-WPO Today October 30, 2012
I was recognized in the Fall 2012 issue of the YPO-WPO Today for my testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on March 29, 2012. To view my testimony, please visit http://www.504Experts.com/news/mercantile-news/hurn-senate-video.
The Magazine of Loyola University Chicago Oct 2012
I was recognized in the Summer 2012 issue of the The Magazine of Loyola University Chicago for my testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on March 29, 2012.
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Advantage Publishing October 1, 2012
An often overlooked secret to creating wealth as a business owner has little to do with actually running the business. Marketing, customer service, quality products, and more are required to make a business successful...but when it comes to creating real and lasting wealth, decisions regarding this key "secret" will have the greatest impact. As both a small business lender and a small business owner, I have a bird's eye view of how businesses create wealth, as well as an in-the-trenches…
An often overlooked secret to creating wealth as a business owner has little to do with actually running the business. Marketing, customer service, quality products, and more are required to make a business successful...but when it comes to creating real and lasting wealth, decisions regarding this key "secret" will have the greatest impact. As both a small business lender and a small business owner, I have a bird's eye view of how businesses create wealth, as well as an in-the-trenches perspective on the tough decisions that must be made if a business is to go from good to great.
In The Entrepreneur's Secret to Creating Wealth, I explain the myriad of factors and variables involved in this significant wealth-creation strategy. Plenty of books describe how entrepreneurs can create more ideas or have happier employees. But no other business book outlines in such detail -- or with such authority -- how to actually develop the wealth behind the business.
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Huffington Post Blog August 15, 2012
Next month two budget-neutral economic recovery programs for small businesses will expire unless Congress ends its election-year deadlock and extends them. I ask for your support of this petition to get Congress to extend the SBA 504 FMLP & Refi Programs for at least one more year. You can sign the petition here: http://www.change.org/petitions/help-small-businesses-and-save-the-sba-504-fmlp-refi-programs
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Huffington Post Blog June 13, 2012
Franchising, as a business model, is good for the current lean economic environment, and it's great for job creation.
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Climbing to the Top: Barbershop is Tops
YPO/WPO Today April 2, 2012
Blurb about Kennedy's All-American Barber Club being named "Best Barbershop" in Orlando for the third straight year.
Florida MD April 29, 2011
Several changes were made to U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs with the passage of the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010. I describe the most-significant changes made and explain how these changes present a huge opportunity for physicians who own their commercial property.
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Florida MD April 29, 2011
There are still numerous myths floating around that do a disservice to the SBA. This article is my attempt to dispel some of the fallacies and restore some credibility to a rejuvenated and more efficient agency.
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Honors & Awards
Inc. Fastest Growing Business #271
Inc.
Aug 2022
Fountainhead placed #271 with a 2,006% 3-Year Growth, 5th fastest growing firm in metro Orlando and #32 in the Southeast Region
#13 Best Companies To Work For In Florida in Small Companies Category
Florida Trend
Jul 2022
ACG Orlando SMART Awards Winner
Association for Corporate Growth Orlando
May 2022
Orlando Inno Fire Award Winner
Orlando Inno
May 2022
Finalist: EY Entrepreneur of the Year
Ernst & Young LLP
Apr 2022
CEO of the Year
Orlando Business Journal (OBJ)
May 2021
NADCO Banker Of The Year
NADCO
May 2021
2019 Best SBA Lender
Lendver
May 2019
Fountainhead Commercial Capital was named 2019 Best SBA Lender by Lendver.com. Fountainhead was rewarded for funding almost $23 billion of commercial real estate and SBA loans. Our founder, Chris Hurn, is also one of the industry’s biggest advocates for small businesses and SBA 504 financing. Fountainhead has a proprietary software, Pronto, enables 2-hour loan approvals for eligible transactions; significantly expediting the SBA loan process. The level of experience and professionalism…
Fountainhead Commercial Capital was named 2019 Best SBA Lender by Lendver.com. Fountainhead was rewarded for funding almost $23 billion of commercial real estate and SBA loans. Our founder, Chris Hurn, is also one of the industry’s biggest advocates for small businesses and SBA 504 financing. Fountainhead has a proprietary software, Pronto, enables 2-hour loan approvals for eligible transactions; significantly expediting the SBA loan process. The level of experience and professionalism possessed by Fountainhead is essential when you are seeking a long-term partner to help you obtain affordable capital, grow your business and create wealth.
CEO of the Year
Orlando Business Journal
May 2019
Fountainhead Commercial Capital’s CEO and founder Chris Hurn was recently named CEO of the Year by Orlando Business Journal. Chris, a dynamic CEO, has built his second successful small business finance company in his 20-year career. He was awarded this honor by OBJ for being a huge supporter of Orlando, entrepreneurs and young people who want to enter the business world. He is truly giving back to the Orlando community.
Finalist: 2018 Florida Companies to Watch
GrowFL
Sep 2018
Fountainhead Commercial Capital was among the first round of 2018 “Florida Companies to Watch” finalists recently announced by GrowFL. The awards event - now in its eighth year - honors 50 select second-stage companies from throughout the state for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida. Chosen from a candidate pool of 134 growing second-stage businesses, the finalists collectively represented…
Fountainhead Commercial Capital was among the first round of 2018 “Florida Companies to Watch” finalists recently announced by GrowFL. The awards event - now in its eighth year - honors 50 select second-stage companies from throughout the state for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida. Chosen from a candidate pool of 134 growing second-stage businesses, the finalists collectively represented $518 million in annual revenue and employed 2,743 full-time equivalent employees in 2017. Fountainhead specializes in U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) “504” loans as well as low loan-to-value commercial real estate loans for entrepreneurs.
Top Small Business Influencer of 2018
FitSmallBusiness.com
Sep 2018
Fountainhead Commercial Capital’s CEO and founder Chris Hurn was recently named one of the Top Small Business Influencers of 2018 by FitSmallBusiness.com. The website selected small business influencers with outstanding credentials, expertise, and skills pertaining to entrepreneurial success, as well as an impressive quantity of social media followers. Fountainhead specializes in SBA “504” loans as well as low loan-to-value commercial real estate loans for entrepreneurs.
Real Estate Influencer
American City Business Journals
Jun 2018
Fountainhead Commercial Capital’s CEO and founder Chris Hurn was recently named by American City Business Journals as one of the nation’s most influential leaders in commercial real estate. Executives name to the list represent both large, nationally recognized firms and smaller, family owned businesses. Some are long-tenured executives while others have found success relatively early in their careers. Hurn has been recognized for his contributions to small business commercial lending by many…
Fountainhead Commercial Capital’s CEO and founder Chris Hurn was recently named by American City Business Journals as one of the nation’s most influential leaders in commercial real estate. Executives name to the list represent both large, nationally recognized firms and smaller, family owned businesses. Some are long-tenured executives while others have found success relatively early in their careers. Hurn has been recognized for his contributions to small business commercial lending by many organizations including the U.S. Small Business Administration. Fountainhead specializes in SBA “504” loans as well as low loan-to-value commercial real estate loans for entrepreneurs.
SBA 504 Lender of the Year
Coleman Report
Nov 2017
Fountainhead Commercial Capital’s CEO and founder Chris Hurn was recently named an SBA 504 Lender of the Year by the Coleman Report, a leading provider of information to small business bankers. Fountainhead, a non-bank lender founded in 2015, offers SBA 504 and conventional commercial real estate loans to small businesses nationwide. The company’s executive team, led by Hurn, have funded more than $26 billion in commercial loans during the past 25 years.
Organizations
Forbes
Finance Council Member
Jun 2019 - Present
Business Force
Board Member
Apr 2019 - Present
NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businesses)
Florida Leadership Council Member
Sep 2008 - Present
YPO (Young Presidents Organization)
Board Member; Membership Chair; and Learning Officer
Aug 2007 - Present
NAPL (National Association of Premier Lenders)
Board member
Sep 2008 - Aug 2013
Recommendations received
LinkedIn User
“Chris is a Top Notch Entrepreneur, Risk Taker and Innovator I Highly Recommend Chris in any business endeavor. Pete Lillo/ PetethePrinter Dan Kennedy's Business Partner Since 1974”
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