Welcome to The BDO Show! A podcast for passionate BDOs wanting to level up their game with advice and stories from battle-tested BDO’s.

In today's episode, the hosts debate Specialization vs. Generalization.

Specializing in a particular industry can bring significant advantages. However, being too narrowly focused can be risky. As Sterling put it, "I think the only thing that you have to be careful about if you're going to essentially go into one niche is that that niche doesn't dry up." This sentiment underscores the importance of balancing specialization with the ability to pivot and adapt.

Ryan, on the other hand, highlighted his dual expertise as both a generalist and a specialist. "Personally, I like to call myself a generalist, but I do have very industry-specific specialties that any and all brokers within the Midwest kind of bring me—gas station, liquor stores, and grocery stores."

His approach allows him to leverage specialized knowledge while remaining open to various opportunities.

So are you Team Ryan or Team Sterling? Before picking a side, become a specialist in the SBA SOP.

Please e-mail us any questions, or suggestions for future episode topics at TheBDOShow@ArtofSBA.com

This episode is sponsored by: Peak Business Valuations Peak

Business Valuation works with over 80 SBA bank lenders across the country, performing around 1,100 SBA-compliant Business Valuations and 100 Equipment Appraisals a year. Those whom we work with label us as fast, reliable, and insightful.

For more information, visit their website www.peakbizval.com or email Ryan Hutchins at ryan@peakbusinessvaluation.com

CHAPTERS

0:00 | Introduction

2:59 | Specialist vs Generalist in the Financial Industry

8:16 | Navigating Niche Markets and Transaction Types in Lending

15:54 | Navigating Lending Restrictions and Industry-Specific Challenges

24:50 | Finding Your Niche as a New BDO