A Coleman Conversation: The Schwandt Family (Stephanie, Ali, & Phillip)
October 22, 2025
Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher, Coleman Report
A Coleman Conversation: The Schwandt Family (Stephanie, Ali, & Phillip)
In this week’s episode of A Coleman Conversation, Bob Coleman hosts a special SBA family session with Stephanie Schwandt, Senior BDO at Milestone Bank, joined by her children — Ali Schwandt, Business Development Officer at Colony Bank, and Phillip Schwandt, Underwriter at Milestone Bank. Together, they share their multigenerational journey in SBA lending, offering an inspiring look at passion, legacy, and the evolving world of small business finance.
Stephanie reflects on her nearly 40-year career helping entrepreneurs access capital, while Ali and Phillip describe how her dedication influenced their own paths into SBA banking. The Schwandt family discusses how collaboration, mentorship, and resilience continue to shape the future of the SBA industry — and why supporting small business owners remains deeply meaningful work.
Topics Covered
✓ A family legacy in SBA lending and how Stephanie inspired her children to follow her into the small business financing world
✓ Stephanie’s journey from a high school dream of helping small business owners to a four-decade career as an SBA BDO
✓ Ali’s transition from sports administration to banking and her work building Colony Bank’s small balance loan program
✓ Phillip’s analytical mindset and his view of underwriting as solving a puzzle of numbers, SOPs, and borrower stories
✓ How the family has adapted through changing economies, new SOPs, and shifting government priorities
✓ The Schwandts’ advice for young professionals entering SBA lending and why there’s a spot for everyone in the industry