Coleman Movers & Shakers – Joseph Amato, First Home Bank Lending Team, and Jaron Larson

January 20, 2022

Delaney Sexton
Contributing Editor

Coleman Movers & Shakers – Joseph Amato, First Home Bank Lending Team, and Jaron Larson

Fountainhead Appoints New Senior Vice President, Joseph Amato

“Joe’s strong work ethic and extensive knowledge base will be an invaluable asset to Fountainhead as we build on our past success as the largest nonbank SBA lender in the Southeast and execute our nationwide growth strategy,” says Fountainhead CEO and Founder Chris Hurn.

Most recently, Amato served four years as district director for the SBA’s Nevada District Office where he oversaw the delivery of SBA services throughout Nevada. A former executive, business leader and lending industry consultant with over 30 years of experience in small business development and commercial lending, Amato has always advocated for business ownership and entrepreneurship. His vast experience in corporate restructuring, business finance and project management providing budget, accounting, forensic audit, data and financial management services for a broad range of reputable companies, academic institutions and various government agencies is only a portion of his business background.

“I’m eager to leverage my experience with the SBA and beyond to help Fountainhead drive financing opportunities and support to millions of small businesses across America,” says Amato. Amato was recognized as SBA Financial Services Advocate of the Year for his outstanding work assisting small businesses.

First Home Bank Welcomes New Additions to their SBA Lending Team

“Under Christian’s leadership, I am confident that our nationwide SBA team is well positioned to continue its rapid expansion and deliver on our ambitious production goals for 2022 and beyond,” says Tom Zernick, President of CreditBench. “Christian, Brian and Brandon are a proven team of experts, and each brings an extensive background in SBA lending to their new position within First Home Bank’s CreditBench division. I look forward to seeing them drive results and greatly increase our overall impact on small businesses nationwide.”

Christian Bowles is joining First Home Bank as SBA National Sales Manager. Brian McClendon and Brandon Prather are both joining as Vice President, SBA Lending Officers.

Jaron Larson is Promoted to Vice President Commercial Lender of North Shore Bank

“Jaron has built solid relationships with our clients, and he will continue to grow and strengthen those relationships in his enhanced role,” says Brian Murphy, Chief Lending Officer for North Shore Bank.

Jaron Larson has been on the commercial lending team since he joined North Shore Bank in 2019. He will continue to work with North Shore Bank’s business banking clients to provide commercial financing, while helping them experience growth by tailoring financial products to ensure their goals are accomplished. Jaron holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He also graduated from the Minnesota Bankers Association Commercial Lending School and is a graduate of Leadership Duluth.