06/08/2026
Given how much division there is in the country right now, I hesitated to post this at all. But a recent experience pushed me to share a few thoughts.
I'd been in conversations with a seasoned finance professional who wanted to align with our SBA loan origination and processing platform. On paper, it made a lot of sense—he works closely with the small business community and could have been a strong source of new referrals.
Early on, though, he brought his politics into the discussion. He's very MAGA-aligned and outspoken about it—stolen elections, Jan 6 opinions, sharp language for anyone on the left, and a belief that the President is playing a level of strategic "chess" most people can't grasp.
Let me be clear about where I stand: I'm careful about sharing my own political views, but I'd describe myself as a moderate who leans toward the old-fashioned right. I don't agree with the current President's motives or actions, or with the division his messaging has fueled—and that's me putting it as diplomatically as I can. These days I steer clear of political conversations altogether, because they so rarely end well.
In the end, I decided to pass on the partnership. There were a few reasons, but the main one was a clear lack of self-awareness on his part. As the owner of this company, I work hard to maintain boundaries. The last thing I want is a partner or representative who doesn't appreciate that the freedom to make our own political choices is exactly what this country was built on—that's democracy.
Politics has become a third rail in America, something to be respected and navigated with care. I never want to give any small business owner a reason to think twice about working with my firm.
