A Coleman Conversation: Tony Vahsholtz
June 3, 2026
Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher
A Coleman Conversation: Tony Vahsholtz
In this week’s episode of A Coleman Conversation, Bob Coleman sits down with Tony Vahsholtz, Senior Vice President and Director of SBA Division at Lexicon Bank, to discuss his 30-year banking career and his leadership in building Lexicon’s SBA lending platform from the ground up. Tony shares why Lexicon Bank made the strategic decision to enter the SBA market, how the bank is balancing national expansion with prudent underwriting standards, and why SBA lending remains one of the most rewarding areas of banking. He also reflects on the evolving SBA landscape, the growing opportunities in business acquisition financing and manufacturing lending, and why adaptability, relationships, and a borrower-first mindset are critical to long-term success in the industry.
Topics Covered:
✓ Why Lexicon Bank entered SBA lending to diversify and strengthen its community banking platform
✓ Building a startup SBA division with disciplined underwriting and borrower-focused loan structuring
✓ Tony’s 30-year banking career and why he believes SBA borrowers are uniquely rewarding clients
✓ The growing demand for business acquisition financing driven by generational ownership transitions
✓ How SBA lending supports manufacturing growth, working capital needs, and long-term job creation
✓ Why adaptability, relationship-building, and attracting young talent are essential for the future of SBA lending