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My SBA Loan Pro

My SBA Loan Pro

SBA Loan Podcast For Business Owners and Entreprenuers

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My SBA Loan Pro Podcast

The My SBA Loan Pro Podcast is hosted by SBA Loan Pro, Ryan Smith. In each episode Ryan provides valuable information and best practices regarding the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan program in a clear, concise manner so you can learn everything you need to know without the fluff.

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From W-2 Employee to Business Owner: How She 10X’d Her Insurance Agency | Stephanie Petrickova
byRyan Smith

From W-2 Employee to Business Owner: How She 10X’d Her Insurance Agency

What does it really take to leave a W-2 job, start your own business, and build a company that grows beyond you?

In this episode of the My SBA Loan Pro Podcast, Ryan Smith sits down with Stephanie Petrickova, Principal and Founder of SSA Insurance, for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, commercial real estate, and the mindset required to take the leap from employee to business owner.

Stephanie shares the story of how she went from working at a financial planning firm to launching her own benefits agency—and how she eventually grew the business by more than 10X.

We also dive into one of the biggest decisions she made as a business owner: buying a commercial building instead of leasing one.

▶️In this episode, we discuss:

• How Stephanie transitioned from a W-2 employee to business owner
• The risks and fears involved in starting a business
• How she prepared for six months before making the leap
• Building and growing an insurance and employee benefits agency
• How her business grew more than 10X
• Leadership, confidence, and overcoming self-doubt
• Why getting outside your comfort zone matters in business
• How to build a strong company culture
• Managing time as a growing business owner
• Delegation and hiring an executive assistant
• Building a community of fellow business owners
• Why Stephanie chose to buy commercial real estate instead of leasing
• How owning a commercial building changed her company culture
• Using commercial real estate as part of your business strategy
• Community events, networking, and business development
• Moving from working “in” the business to working “on” the business
• Advice for W-2 employees who want to become entrepreneurs

If you liked this content, let’s connect on social media:

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro

More ThinkSBA Resources

⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba – Schedule Call
https://g.page/thinksba – Google Business Page & Reviews
https://thinksba.com/faq – Frequently Asked Questions
https://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ – My SBA Loan Pro Podcast
http://youtube.com/@thinksba – YouTube Channel

From W-2 Employee to Business Owner: How She 10X’d Her Insurance Agency | Stephanie Petrickova
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From W-2 Employee to Business Owner: How She 10X’d Her Insurance Agency | Stephanie Petrickova
From W-2 Employee to Business Owner: How She 10X’d Her Insurance Agency | Stephanie Petrickova
September 4, 2026
Ryan Smith
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Your 401(k) Can Do More: How to Invest Beyond the Stock Market | Brian Davis
Your 401(k) Can Do More: How to Invest Beyond the Stock Market | Brian Davis
September 4, 2026
Ryan Smith
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Commercial Real Estate Mistakes That Can Cost You Millions | Real Estate Attorney Explains
Commercial Real Estate Mistakes That Can Cost You Millions | Real Estate Attorney Explains
August 14, 2026
Ryan Smith
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Your Broker May Be Lying: How Investors Lose Millions Without Knowing | Mark Brewer
Your Broker May Be Lying: How Investors Lose Millions Without Knowing | Mark Brewer
July 31, 2026
Ryan Smith
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Thinking About Investing in Mexico? Watch This First | Juan Felipe Sanchez
Thinking About Investing in Mexico? Watch This First | Juan Felipe Sanchez
July 30, 2026
Ryan Smith
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How I Bought a Profitable Business After 20 Years in Banking | My SBA Loan
How I Bought a Profitable Business After 20 Years in Banking | My SBA Loan
July 24, 2026
Ryan Smith
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Melissa Goldstein Tucci: Why 99% of People Never Stand Out
Melissa Goldstein Tucci: Why 99% of People Never Stand Out
July 23, 2026
Ryan Smith
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How Business Owners Protect Wealth, Avoid Probate & Reduce Estate Taxes
How Business Owners Protect Wealth, Avoid Probate & Reduce Estate Taxes
May 29, 2026
Ryan Smith
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Advanced SBA Structuring: A $9M Pari Passu Case Study | Kalen Foster | Ep. 35 | My SBA Loan Pro
Advanced SBA Structuring: A $9M Pari Passu Case Study | Kalen Foster | Ep. 35 | My SBA Loan Pro
May 8, 2026
Ryan Smith
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Zero Down Payment SBA Loan Business Expansion with Kalen Foster | Bonus Episode | My SBA Loan Pro
Zero Down Payment SBA Loan Business Expansion with Kalen Foster | Bonus Episode | My SBA Loan Pro
April 17, 2026
Ryan Smith
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