Zach Dupree, a veteran commercial lender with expertise in small business acquisitions, shares invaluable insights on navigating the lending landscape. He discusses the 'three legs of the stool'—the business, the operator, and the investors—essential for evaluating acquisition opportunities. Zach highlights the contrast between commercial bankers and equity investors and the importance of trust in negotiations. He provides practical advice for first-time acquirers, emphasizing the nuances of SBA versus conventional loans and the evolution of search funds in recent years.