Coleman Movers & Shakers — Greg Gala, J.C. de Ona, and Tony Holtzman
January 23, 2020
By Caity Witucki
Contributing Editor, Coleman Movers & Shakers
Coleman Movers & Shakers — Greg Gala, J.C. de Ona, and Tony Holtzman
First Internet Bank Adds Greg Gala to SBA Team
Gaurang “Greg” Gala has joined First Internet Bank’s SBA Lending team as Vice President, Senior Business Development Officer.
Gala’s expertise is in commercial real estate, debt restructuring, change of ownership, and franchise financing. His ability to manage and evaluate transactions while overseeing the loan process from start to finish will benefit referral clients, including commercial brokers, bankers and business owners.
Gala has previous experience not only as a lender but also as an entrepreneur, building and running a small business. He is an alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“It can be challenging for small business owners to secure the financing they need to succeed,” says Gala. “With our SBA Preferred Lender status and commitment to responding to our clients’ objectives, First Internet Bank can offer SBA loan programs with a faster, more streamlined loan approval process. I look forward to being part of a dedicated and talented team, focused on helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses.”
J.C. de Ona Promoted to South Florida Division President at Centennial Bank
Centennial Bank’s Miami-Dade County Market President, J.C. de Ona has been promoted to Southeast Florida Division President.
De Ona has more than 21years’ experience in banking. He was most
recently recognized last year by the South Florida Business & Wealth for its‘Up and Comer’ award. De Ona graduated from Florida International
University (FIU), receiving a bachelor’s degree in finance.
De Ona currently resides in Coconut Grove, FL with wife, Melissa and their two children. He is an active member of the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, Cause for a Cure, and Baptist Foundation.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, Centennial Bank is a top-ranked SBA lender, having provided $325,000 in SBA loans in FY 2018.
Merchants Bank in Indiana Hires Tony Holtzman
Sherwin Patidar has joined Merchants Bank along Jeff Scott and Tony Holtzman. Patidar will serve as the company’s new VP, Senior Business Development Officer in charge of SBA Lending for the Chicago region.
“I am excited to share that I have recently joined Merchants Bank of Indiana,” says Patidar. “We look forward to providing SBA loan solutions to small businesses nationwide. We are an entrepreneurial bank working with entrepreneurial companies.”
Patidar brings more than 15 years of experience specializing in the SBA sector. In his new role, his responsibilities include generating new commercial SBA 7(a), SBA 504 and USDA loans in accordance with bank guidelines, developing and implementing a business plan and marketing strategy to aid in identifying areas of opportunity for new business penetration, and more.
Upcoming SBA Lending Professional Industry Events
2020 America West Roadshow: Stop #1, February 6-7, Denver, CO
Southeastern Small Business Lenders Conference, March 18-20, Asheville NC
MALC 2020, April 20-22, League City, TX
America East Small Business Lenders Conference, August 12-14, Baltimore, MD
Music City Lenders Conference, August 19-21 (Tentative), Nashville, TN
FLAGGL Small Business Lenders Conference, September 16-18, Orlando, FL
6th Annual NACLB Conference and Expo, October 13-15, Las Vegas, NV.