SharkPreneur Episode 1214: How Cardiff Became America's Favorite Small Business Lender with Dean Lyulkin
Learn how Cardiff has become America's favorite small business lender by leveraging technology to deliver quick approvals and funding for entrepreneurs in need.
In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Dean Lyulkin, Co-CEO of Cardiff, who shares the journey of Cardiff from its humble beginnings to becoming one of America’s most prominent small business lenders. He discusses the challenges and opportunities small business owners face when securing financing and how Cardiff’s use of technology and digital marketing has enabled them to offer quick, easy access to capital. Dean also explains how Cardiff differentiates itself by providing both working capital and equipment financing solutions tailored to the unique needs of small businesses.
Key Takeaways:
→ The main mistake small business owners make is relying on outdated advice and not understanding that banks no longer serve their needs.
→ Small businesses should be cautious of unsolicited offers via text messages, as they are often red flags indicating a scam.
→ Despite the challenges posed by the 2008 financial crisis, Cardiff found success by focusing on small business needs and staying agile.
→ Small businesses often turn to banks for financing, but the banking industry’s exit from small business lending created a void that Cardiff has filled.
→ Cardiff’s goal is to provide funding decisions within minutes and deliver the money the same day to help small businesses solve immediate problems.
Dean Lyulkin is the Co-CEO of Cardiff and a recognized leader in alternative finance and investment strategy, known for delivering rapid, reliable capital to small businesses
underserved by traditional banks. With a background in lending strategy, nearly a decade of experience at Fisher Investments, and a sharp understanding of macroeconomic forces, Dean plays a central role in shaping Cardiff’s growth, innovation, and human-first approach
to funding.
He is a trusted voice on the impact of economic policy, interest rates, and financial markets on small businesses, and investing, frequently offering commentary and insights. Dean is also the creator of The Dean’s List, a registered investment advisor, educational platform, and community that aims to bring transparency, clarity, and community to the investing world empowering high net worth individuals to make confident, informed investment decisions by cutting through industry complexity and elevating the next generation of investors. By combining operational expertise with a personal commitment to equity and access, Dean has helped lead Cardiff deploy over $10 billion in funding, empowering thousands of business owners across industries like healthcare, construction, logistics, and retail.
Connect With Dean:
Website: https://www.thedeanslist.co/https://www.thedeanslist.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jointhedeanslist/
X: https://twitter.com/DeanLyulkin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-lyulkin-167b41
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deanlyulkin
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