Coleman Movers & Shakers – Charlie Bell Retires After Decades in the SBA Industry

October 6, 2022

Delaney Sexton
Contributing Editor

Coleman Movers & Shakers – Charlie Bell Retires After Decades in the SBA Industry

“I’ve known Charlie for 10 years or so and worked with him directly for the last five. Like many of you, I consider Charlie a friend above all, but also a very capable operator and mentor. I can go on and on about everything he has done here at Gulf Coast Small Business Lending, but most importantly he is appreciated for his cool and calm demeanor and handling the multiple fire drills we go through in this crazy business. For now, I’ll just acknowledge that Charlie will be missed, and I ask that you join me in congratulating him on a well-deserved retirement.,” states Nimi Natan, Division President and CEO of Gulf Coast Small Business Lending.

Gulf Coast Small Business Lending, A Division of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company announced the retirement of Charles P. “Charlie” Bell following decades of service to the SBA industry. Although Charlie retires from the position of COO of Gulf Coast Small Business Lending (a position he has held since 2017), Charlie’s years of devoted leadership have impacted many and he will be missed by all. Dating back to 1974, Charlie has held many key industry positions over the years, including:

• CEO of American Business Lending (June 2006-December 2017)
• COO and CFO of The Loan Depot Lending Company, Inc. (April 2005-June 2006)
• President and CEO of Alliance Franchise Finance, LLC (November 2003-October 2004)
• President and COO of AMRESCO f/k/a Independence Funding, Inc. (August 1993-June 2002)
• Chairman of the Board and CEO of Southwestern Comcorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (August 1990-August 1993)
• President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Independence Mortgage, Inc. (October 1982-August 1993)
• President and CEO of Red Bird Bank of Dallas (August 1974-October 1982)

In addition, Charlie served on the SBA Region VI Advisory Council (1987-1991) and was awarded the SBA Financial Services Advocate of the Year in 1986 (for the Dallas District and the State of Texas) and in 1989 (for the Dallas District).

Looking back over his career, Bell says “SBA lending has been my life’s work – I’ve focused solely on SBA since 1983 after making my first SBA loan in 1978. Any success I experienced was made possible by the hundreds of great employees I had the pleasure of working alongside over the years. In particular, I’ve been fortunate to be supported for 47 years by the unflappable and skilled Darlene Reagan. I can’t ride off into the sunset without thanking her, specifically. I will miss everyone, and I will miss the work, but its time hand over the reins and focus on new, more personal, adventures.”