Don’t Let Seasonality Win: Working Capital Done Right
Join hosts Mary Carter and Stephen Ross as they sit down with senior loan officer Jordan Cordero from Live Oak Bank for a candid deep dive into contractor financing—what it really takes to fund growth without starving your business of cash.
From SBA 7(a) loans and why they exist, to buying a competitor, purchasing a shop, or rolling real estate into a deal to improve payment terms, Jordan breaks down the moves contractors use to scale—plus the “gotchas” that can derail a close. They unpack the real-world difference between profit and cash flow, when working capital makes sense (and when it doesn’t), and how interest rates, fixed vs. variable options, and prepayment rules show up in your monthly reality.
Whether you’re thinking about acquisition, expansion into a new service line, buying a building, or setting up a succession plan for family or a GM, this episode delivers practical cues to get “bank-ready,” protect your runway, and make financing a growth tool—not a stress multiplier.
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Creators and Guests
Host
Mary Carter
Mary Carter is a seasoned sales and marketing leader with over six years at Trane Technologies, currently serving as Regional Sales Manager. With a strong foundation in RHVAC, consumer finance, and strategic account management, Mary brings valuable insights and real-world experience to every conversation.
Host
Stephen Ross
Stephen Ross is a dynamic sales trainer and leadership coach with over nine years at Sandler Training. A former HVAC business owner, Stephen combines his technical knowledge with proven sales expertise, offering a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the RHVAC industry.
Producer
Jessica Blair
Jessica Blair is a Senior Learning Manager at Trane Technologies' Residential HVAC unit. With 20+ years of experience in learning and development, she designs and markets blended learning programs to enhance customer learning and align with business goals.
Guest
Jordan Cordero
Jordan Cordero is a Loan Officer on the Service Contractors lending team, specializing in HVAC and plumbing businesses. He provides tailored financing solutions for acquisitions, succession planning, and commercial real estate, supporting both new and established owners. With experience in SBA lending since 2016, Jordan brings deep insight into growth-oriented and succession-focused financing strategies.
Editor
Kerianne O'Donnell
Kerianne O'Donnell is the Digital Learning Manager at Trane Technologies and serves as the editor of the HVAC Full Blast podcast. With a background in graphic design and a strong passion for developing digital learning experiences, Kerianne brings her creative expertise to the podcast, delivering engaging and impactful content to listeners.
