ARF Financial’s Loan Stars Podcast

Welcome to Loan Stars, the podcast for aspiring referral partners who want to shine in the world of business lending. Hosted by ARF Financial, each episode unpacks the tools, trends, and tactics you need to succeed in today’s lending landscape. Whether you’re new to referrals or looking to sharpen your edge, Loan Stars offers practical insights, real-world case studies, and interviews with top-performing partners. Tune in and discover how to turn referrals into revenue—and become a true star in the loan game.

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
  • iHeartRadio
  • PlayerFM
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Episodes

Wednesday Nov 26, 2025

In this episode of the Loan Stars Podcast, host Celeste Deal-Maunoir discusses business financing with Sandra Van uren, CEO and Co-founder of Food Service Solutions. Sandra explains the importance of equipment financing in the food service industry, emphasizing its rapid and streamlined process which helps startups and expanding businesses manage cash flow effectively. She addresses common mistakes restaurant owners make, such as using all liquid capital upfront and the benefits of discussing financing options early. Sandra outlines different types of financing structures including lease-to-own, fair market value contracts, equipment finance agreements, and loans, and explains the importance of choosing the right option based on the business's growth trajectory and financial goals. The discussion also covers the evolving landscape of equipment financing post-pandemic, the impact of economic factors, and the role of technology in modern restaurant operations. Sandra advises business owners to explore all financing options, consult experts, and ensure they understand all terms to make informed decisions. The episode aims to equip restaurant operators and loan brokers with the knowledge to navigate financing challenges and leverage opportunities for growth.

Thursday Oct 23, 2025

In this episode of the Loan Stars Podcast, Celeste Deal-Maunoir, Chief Sales Officer at ARF Financial, discusses strategies for thriving during financial hardship with Joe Camberato, CEO and founder of National Business Capital. They explore the current economic climate, the impact of high-interest rates on small businesses, regulatory changes affecting the finance industry, and the role of AI in lending. Joe emphasizes the importance of focusing on growth opportunities during challenging times and advises loan brokers to establish trust with clients by acting as advisors rather than salespeople. He also highlights the potential of non-bank lending and the need for businesses to adapt and leverage new opportunities for growth.

Wednesday Aug 20, 2025

In this episode of the Loan Stars Podcast, hosted by Celeste Deal Maunoir, the Chief Sales Officer at ARF Financial, and co-hosted by Bob Lapidus, ARF’s Senior Vice President General Counsel, the focus is on Texas House Bill 700. Signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in June, this bill introduces significant regulatory shifts in commercial sales-based financing transactions, commonly known as Merchant Cash Advances (MCA). This makes Texas the 11th state to adopt a commercial finance disclosure law. The podcast discusses the unique aspects of the Texas bill, such as prohibiting most ACH debits, banning confessions of judgment, and necessitating a validly perfected security interest in a recipient's deposit account for auto-debit mechanisms. The guest speaker, Kate Fisher from Hudson Cook, LLP, provides her expertise on the challenges and implications for both financing providers and businesses in Texas. The discussion also touches on broader regulatory trends and their potential impact on the availability of capital for small businesses and the practices of commercial loan brokers.

Thursday Jun 12, 2025

Join host Celeste Deal-Maunoir on the Loan Stars Podcast, brought to you by ARF Financial, as she discusses the recent SBA refinancing policy changes with Terry Luker, CEO of Alternative Capital Solutions. This episode delves into the implications of prohibiting SBA loans to refinance merchant cash advances or factoring debt, the challenges this presents for loan brokers, and strategies to adapt. Gain insights on how to help clients navigate these changes, the importance of deal structure, and the educational resources available for brokers through Terry's academy. Don't miss this informative conversation aimed at empowering lending professionals.

Monday Mar 31, 2025

In this episode of the Loan Stars Podcast, presented by a ARF Financial, Celeste Deal-Maunoir continues her insightful conversation with Oz Kanar, the founder of Business Lending Blueprint. This second part of the interview delves deeper into marketing strategies for new lending brokers, especially those with tight budgets. Oz emphasizes the importance of mastering one marketing channel before diversifying and offers expert advice on targeting specific industries. He introduces essential AI tools, which can revolutionize lead generation and content creation. Oz also discusses the evolution of marketing from traditional methods to the modern AI landscape and highlights the significance of maintaining personal connections despite technological advancements. For anyone looking to thrive in the business financing space, Oz's insights are invaluable. This episode is a must-listen for current and aspiring loan brokers aiming to elevate their business game.

Monday Mar 03, 2025

In the first part of this two part episode of The Loan Stars Podcast, hosted by Celeste Deal-Maunoir from ARF Financial, guest speaker Oz Konar, founder of Business Lending Blueprint, shares invaluable insights for new loan brokers. Konar discusses his journey from college to establishing a successful training program that has transformed individuals into profitable business loan brokers. The conversation covers essential strategies for building a pipeline, common rookie mistakes, the importance of urgency and trust-building, and effective networking techniques. The episode also emphasizes the significance of taking action and offers practical advice for newcomers to thrive in the business financing space.

Wednesday Feb 05, 2025

The Loan Stars podcast, hosted by Celeste Deal-Maunoir and Noel Joseph from ARF Financial, features an insightful conversation with Jared Weitz, CEO of United Capital Source. This episode delves into Jared's journey of founding UCS in 2011 and growing it to facilitate over a billion dollars in funding for small and mid-sized businesses. Jared discusses the importance of offering multiple funding options, solid relationships, and having a robust lead generation process. He also shares advice for newer agents, the value of strategic partnerships, and lessons learned from early challenges and successes. Jared emphasizes integrity, company culture, and mission as keys to building a sustainable business.
 

Wednesday Dec 11, 2024

In the first episode of 'Loan Stars,' host Celeste Deal Maunoir, Chief Sales Officer at ARF Financial, discusses the benefits and opportunities of affiliate partnerships with ARF Financial. Celeste is joined by lending experts Vincent Lam, Keith Kohler, and Mike Spitalney, who share their experiences and success stories in securing financing for small businesses through ARF. They highlight ARF's role in providing flexible, longer-term financing options, particularly for industries like restaurants, and bridging gaps where traditional methods fall short. The discussion covers ARF's efficient loan processes, the importance of personalized customer service, and details about the Loan Star Affiliate Program which offers significant commissions and bonuses. The episode encourages listeners to reach out and explore partnership opportunities with ARF Financial.

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