Episode #393

Practice financing decoded: what owners need to know now about how banks think about deals

May 21, 2026

Thinking about buying or expanding a practice, but nervous about debt, banks, or making an expensive mistake?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Mike Smith of Bank of America to demystify the lending process for optometrists. We break down what banks actually look for in a borrower, how student loans and cash reserves really factor in, why tax returns matter more than stories, and the common traps buyers and sellers fall into when financing a deal. If utilizing OPM, other peoples’ money like a bank’s, is on your radar (now or in the future), this conversation can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.  

Resources:

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