Movers & Shakers: Tom Eggleston, Chad Coester, Eric Orantes, & Paul Avery

November 6, 2025

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

Movers & Shakers: Tom Eggleston, Chad Coester, Eric Orantes, & Paul Avery

Baker Lewis Positions for Growth with Addition of Former Live Oak Bank Executive Tom Eggleston

“Hiring someone with a track record like Tom’s certainly turns heads,” says Baker Lewis CEO Dustin Baker. “But that’s not why I’m excited about him joining Baker Lewis. His ability to get under the hood, understand lenders’ challenges, and deliver real strategic impact is not something you can measure. We’re very fortunate to have him on our team.”

Leading SBA executive search and talent consultancy Baker Lewis has announced the appointment of Tom Eggleston as Director. With more than 20 years of leadership in Human Resources and talent strategy, Eggleston brings unparalleled expertise in executive recruiting, organizational design, and people-centered growth solutions with a deep focus on SBA lending.

In his new role, Eggleston will expand Baker Lewis’s services for existing clients and play a key role in growing the firm’s M&A and Advisory practice—supporting banks seeking to acquire SBA divisions, complete lift-outs, or identify executives capable of standing up robust departments from the ground up.

Prior to joining Baker Lewis, Eggleston held multiple senior leadership roles at the nation’s top SBA lender, including SVP / Head of People and Head of Growth. He has long been recognized as a trusted advisor to executives and business owners, with a proven track record of building leadership pipelines, driving organizational performance, and enhancing employee experience.

Chad Coester Joins Harvest as Vice President, Business Development Officer

Harvest proudly welcomes Chad Coester as their new Vice President, Business Development Officer. Chad Coester is a seasoned financial professional with over 20 years of lending experience, known for his problem-solving approach and commitment to client success. He specializes in building strategic partnerships with Real Estate Agents and Loan Officers nationwide, bringing deep expertise in structuring complex transactions involving multiple parties.

Chad’s goal is to deliver confidence and clarity in every SBA and Commercial Real Estate financing opportunity by offering creative solutions, proactive communication, and a collaborative mindset that ensures all stakeholders’ needs are met efficiently and effectively.

CDC Small Business Finance Appoints Eric Orantes as 7(a) Loan Officer

“Eric brings a well-rounded skill set to our team and to the borrowers he will be serving. He specializes in building strong relationships with his clients and tailoring financial solutions to meet their needs. Eric is passionate about supporting small businesses and empowering owners to reach their goals. I’m looking forward to the lasting impact he will make by helping local entrepreneurs thrive,” states Susan Lamping, Vice President of Sales, Small Business Lending for CDC Small Business Finance.

Eric Orantes has been hired as a Loan Officer for CDC Small Business Finance, part of the Momentus Capital branded family of organizations. Eric will focus on SBA 7(a) Community Advantage loans up to $350,000 and SBA Microloans up to $50,000. While he’s based in Los Angeles and dedicated to supporting his local community, Eric will also serve small businesses nationwide. Eric is a Los Angeles native with more than 13 years of banking and lending experience.

“I’m excited by the opportunity to work with entrepreneurs, including small business owners in my local community. Supporting America’s small businesses strengthens the backbone of our country,” says Eric. “In addition to helping these entrepreneurs obtain financing, I see my role as also educating potential borrowers and hopefully assisting with turning their dreams into an enterprise.”

Firstrust Bank Welcomes Paul Avery as SVP, Director of SBA Lending

Paul Avery joins Firstrust to lead the continued growth of its SBA Lending division both locally and regionally throughout the east coast. Paul brings deep expertise, a strong relationship-first approach, and a proven track record of helping small businesses access the capital needed to fuel growth. Under Paul’s leadership, Firstrust will continue to expand its SBA lending capabilities and help more businesses secure the funding, guidance, and partnership they need to build, grow, and expand with confidence.

Firstrust offers a full range of SBA lending solutions, including business acquisition & expansion, commercial real estate, equipment purchases, debt restructuring, working capital, and more. The SBA team at Firstrust partners with Bill Foxburrow and his team of commercial bankers to help support the Greater Maryland Region.