Movers & Shakers: Kristina Rozek, Manish Laroia & Guy Jopling

May 7, 2026

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

Movers & Shakers: Kristina Rozek, Manish Laroia & Guy Jopling

Kristina Rozek Joins Gulf Coast Small Business Lending as SBA Business Development Officer

“Kristina’s experience and background are in complete and ideal alignment with our Gulf Coast Small Business Lending business model. We could not be more thrilled to have Kristina join our BDO team,” says Nimi Natan, President & CEO of Gulf Coast Small Business Lending. “As part of our nationwide originations platform, Kristina will provide financing to small businesses for start-ups, OOCRE purchases, business acquisitions, partner buyouts and more.” Natan further stated that “we have been, and remain, bullish about SBA lending even in these ever-changing times. We continue to grow and look forward to big things from Kristina.”

Gulf Coast Small Business Lending has hired Kristina Rozek as SBA Business Development Officer in Indianapolis, IN. Prior to joining Gulf Coast Small Business Lending, Rozek worked as the in-house closing attorney for several large volume nationwide SBA lenders. During her tenure as closing counsel, Rozek closed well over 1,200 SBA loans of all types, including hospitality, business acquisition, franchise, real estate, and 504 projects while earning a reputation as a deal maker.

Rozek has routinely been recognized for proficiency in finding ways to overcome loan closing complications in ways that satisfy all parties involved. Kristina now brings these dealmaking skills, extensive SBA expertise, and genuine appreciation for entrepreneurship to her role as an SBA Business Development Officer.

Kristina Rozek brings over 20 years of SBA industry experience to her new role at Gulf Coast Small Business Lending. Rozek lends nationwide from her office in Indianapolis and can be reached directly at (317) 739-4065 (office) or KristinaRozek@GulfBank.com.

Manish Laroia Joins ACC Capital as Vice President of Business Development

“We are thrilled to have Manish Laroia join the ACC team,” says Craig Calafati, Executive Vice President and Director of Lending. “He is a professional of the highest caliber, and we consider ourselves lucky to have him at the company. Laroia will help further our nationwide initiative, to become one of the prominent SBA lenders in the United States.”

Laroia, based in Aurora, Illinois, joins ACC Capital with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, focusing on SBA lending portfolios, credit policy, and risk governance – along with three years of Business Development experience at Huntington Bank.

Manish Laroia earned his undergraduate degree in Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry from GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar, India. He then gained his master’s in international business from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia.

Laroia spent most of his business career as a Credit Analyst and Portfolio Manager – gaining a Chartered Financial Analyst designation – before transitioning to Business Development Officer. With this experience, Manish analyze credit for Small & Middle Market companies up to $60MM in revenues across several industries including Manufacturing, Retail, Health Care, Hotels, Technology Companies, Startup Franchises etc.

Guy Jopling Joins Seacoast Bank as VP/SBA and Government Guaranteed Banker

Guy Jopling joins Seacoast Bank with more than 15 years of banking and commercial lending experience, including leadership roles at Renasant Bank, First Federal Bank, Ameris Bank, and Wells Fargo. Most recently, he served as SVP/Senior SBA Banker at Renasant Bank.

In his new role, Jopling will provide customized financing solutions for small businesses utilizing SBA and government guaranteed loan programs throughout Florida.

Jopling has extensive experience in SBA lending, including business acquisitions, franchise financing, owner-occupied commercial real estate, working capital, and refinancing transactions. He is also active in the Gainesville community, previously serving as Chairman of the Board and Chief Volunteer Officer for the North Central Florida YMCA.