A Coleman Conversation: Rose Fletcher

October 7, 2026

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

A Coleman Conversation: Rose Fletcher

In this week’s episode of A Coleman Conversation, Bob Coleman sits down with Rose Fletcher of Coastal States Bank to reflect on her more than three decades in SBA lending and the relationships, hard work and calculated risks that shaped her career. Rose shares how she entered SBA lending in the early 1990s with no prior SBA experience, learned the business through hands-on training and eventually helped build and lead major SBA lending operations. Rose also discusses why she chose Coastal States Bank, where SBA lending is a core product, and how the bank combines nationwide lending capabilities with a community-bank approach to credit decisions. She reflects on the importance of surrounding yourself with talented people, mentoring the next generation of lenders and maintaining the passion required to build a successful career in SBA lending.

Watch episode here

Read transcript here (Coleman Premium Members only)

Topics Covered:
✓ Rose’s journey from equipment leasing in Los Angeles to more than 30 years in SBA lending
✓ Breaking into SBA lending with no prior SBA experience and learning the SOP from the ground up
✓ Building her credit expertise through community banks, large institutions and hands-on loan committee experience
✓ Helping build a major SBA lending operation that grew to more than $500 million annually in 7(a) production
✓ Why great teams, strong relationships and experienced colleagues have been central to her success
✓ Rose’s move to Coastal States Bank and its commitment to SBA and USDA lending
✓ Career advice for the next generation: work hard, learn from people who know more than you and don’t be afraid to take a risk on yourself