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Masters Hall of Fame to Induct Wing Chun Master Clark Tang

Hollywood, CA (For Release) – Sifu Clark Tang, a Master in Wing Chun Kung Fu and disciple of the late Grandmaster Wong Long Ching, will be inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame at the Annual Banquet sponsored by Monster Energy on Saturday, June 6. The event takes place at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the site of the first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929. The evening will be hosted by Master of Ceremonies and martial arts actor T.J. Storm. Michael Matsuda, the founder and president of the Martial Arts History Museum, will be the keynote speaker. Sifu Tang is the founder of Wing Chun Temple and chief instructor of the Wong Long Wing Chun Association.

“I believe learning martial arts is all about the path to discovering your own TAO, your way.” Sifu Clark Tang

Sifu Tang began his martial arts training informally at age 6, later taking formal training in kickboxing and American Kenpo under Grandmaster Ed Parker’s system. Although he also studied Lama Kenpo Karate with Lua integration, Tai Kwon Do and Tai Chi, he always wanted to learn Wing Chun Kung Fu, inspired by Master Ti Lung and Master Bruce Lee. Finally in 1993 he found a Wing Chung School under Chanh Wah Shun’s lineage and began attending three times each week under his first Wing Chun Sifu, Grandmaster Donald Fling.

Since that early training, Sifu Tang has had the honor to study with several other Wing Chung masters, including Sifu Jerry McKinley, and Sifu Franco Lung. His most important and influential teacher has been Sifu Grandmaster Wong Long Ching, the direct and first generation student of Grandmaster Ip Man. In early 2012, Sifu Tang opened Wing Chun Temple in Signal Hill, CA, to carry on the legacy of Grandmaster Wong Long Ching.

“I am honored to be inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame, and I would like to dedicate this award to my Sifu Grandmaster Wong Long Ching, whom I love and respect dearly,” says Sifu Tang. “I believe learning martial arts is all about the path to discovering your own TAO, your way. I am inspired by Master Bruce Lee’s quote: ‘Using no way as way, having no limitation as limitation.’”

The Masters Hall of Fame was founded in 1999 and is recognized as one of the premier Martial Arts events on the West Coast. The association recognizes exceptional Martial Arts Leaders and Legends through induction into the Masters Hall of Fame. Honorees are chosen for their dedication to the martial arts and their work in the community, as well as their individual successes.

To learn more about Wing Chun Temple, visit http://WingChunTemple.com. For more information on the Masters Hall of Fame, visit the website at http://www.mastershalloffame.org.  For media information contact Kamatoy Media Group at 844­526­2869 (844­KAMATOY) or [email protected].

Taekowndo Master Rafael Alderete to be Inducted Into Masters Hall of Fame at Hollywood Awards Banquet

Hollywood, CA (For Release) – Master Rafael Alderete,  a 5th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo WTF, will be inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame at the 2015 Awards Banquet sponsored by Monster Energy on Saturday, June 6. The event takes place at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the site of the first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929. The event will be hosted by Master of Ceremonies and martial arts actor T.J. Storm. Michael Matsuda, the founder and president of the Martial Arts History Museum, will be the keynote speaker.

“I want to dedicate my life exclusively to the legacy of the martial arts and to helping people through my Christian beliefs.” Master Rafael Alderete

A native of Rosario, Argentina, Master Alderete began his martial arts studies in the 1970s under Professor Jorge Cerezoli in K.A.P.U. (Karate Puma), an Argentinean Martial Art founded by Grand Master and 10th Dan Hugo Alberto Gomez Fernandez. Master Alderete then began studying Taekwondo in military school in Buenos Aires, eventually graduating and joining the Special Forces Cobra Commando unit.

During and after his military career, Master Alderete competed around the world as an amateur fighter, also training and competing in kickboxing. In the 1980s he came to the United States and trained under several Taekwondo masters, including Masters Num Wang Kim, Jun Chong and Kwang Sam Kim.

Today Master Alderete trains in Kapap under Sensei Jacov Bresler and Grand Master Moshee Galisko. Master Alderete also trains in Brazilian Jiujitsu, under 3rd Degree Black Belt Professor Alberto Crane from Gracie Barra in Burbank, CA, and assists Grand Master Martin Ramirez with training and testing at Ramirez Twin Tigers Tae Kwon Do. He is currently working toward advanced certification as an instructor and plans to return to Argentina to open a training studio.

“Today I am fully involved in the martial arts,” says Master Alderete. “I want to dedicate my life exclusively to the legacy of the martial arts and to helping people through my Christian beliefs. I am honored to be a part of the Masters Hall of Fame, and I look forward to being a part of MHOF in Latin America.”

The Masters Hall of Fame was founded in 1999 and is recognized as one of the premier Martial Arts events on the West Coast. The association recognizes exceptional Martial Arts Leaders and Legends through induction into the Masters Hall of Fame. Honorees are chosen for their dedication to the martial arts and their work in the community, as well as their individual successes.

To learn more about Ramirez Twin Tigers Tae Kwon Do, visit http://www.ramireztkd.com/; learn more about Gracie Barra, Burbank at http://gbburbank.com/. For more information on the Masters Hall of Fame, visit the website at http://www.mastershalloffame.org. For media information contact Kamatoy Media Group at 844­526­2869 (844­KAMATOY) or [email protected].

Masters Hall of Fame to Induct Hung Gar Master Peter Chan at Hollywood Event

Hollywood, CA (For Release) – The Masters Hall of Fame will induct Master Peter Chan (See How Chan), a practitioner of Hung Gar, at the 2015 Awards Banquet sponsored by Monster Energy on Saturday, June 6. The event will take place at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the site of the first Academy Awards ceremony. Martial arts actor T.J. Storm will host the evening as Master of Ceremonies, and Martial Arts History Museum President Michael Matsuda will present the keynote address.

"By receiving this award I hope to bring awareness to our bright future, the students of Shaolin Kung Fu Lion Dance Team.” Master Peter Chan

Master Chan began his studies in Hong Jia Quan and lion dancing at the age of 12, and recalls the hours of practice to perfect his art. “If you practice martial arts without total concentration, without making an effort, without correct practice, without attentiveness during practice, the Master can fling you or perhaps scold you,” he says. Master Chan is the third generation in lineage from martial arts master Lam Sai Wing; his direct Sifu is Grandmaster Dr. Chiu Chi Ling.

Along with his wife Amy Chan, Master Chan is the founder of Shaolin Kung Fu Lion Dance Team, based in the Chinatown section of Oakland, CA. Master Chan founded the company, a self­funded nonprofit, to teach traditional Chinese culture and Lion Dance techniques to a new generation for free. The training focuses on the martial spirit of say­wuy and the qualities of politeness (luy), uprightness of mind (yee), honesty (lien) and sense of honor and respect (chih) in order to help students excel in life and become better individuals.

“I am humbled, honored, and at the same time excited to receive this Masters Hall of Fame award,” says Master Chan. “By receiving this award I hope to bring awareness to our bright future, the students of Shaolin Kung Fu Lion Dance Team.”

The Masters Hall of Fame was founded in 1999 and is recognized as one of the premier Martial Arts events on the West Coast. The association recognizes exceptional Martial Arts Leaders and Legends through induction into the Masters Hall of Fame. Honorees are chosen for their dedication to the martial arts and their work in the community, as well as their individual successes.

To learn more about Shaolin Kung Fu Lion Dance Team visit their website at http://shaolinliondance.weebly.com or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shaolinliondance.  For more information on the Masters Hall of Fame, visit the website at http://www.mastershalloffame.org. For media information contact Kamatoy Media Group at 844­526­2869 (844­KAMATOY) or [email protected].

Bond Girl Gloria Hendry to Attend Masters Hall of Fame in Hollywood

Hollywood, CA (For Release) – Actress Gloria Hendry, who played James Bond love interest Rosie Carver opposite Roger Moore in Live and Let Die, will be inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame at the 2015 Awards Banquet sponsored by Monster Energy on Saturday, June 6. The event takes place at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the site of the first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929. The evening will be hosted by Master of Ceremonies and martial arts actor T.J. Storm, with Martial Arts History Museum founder and president Michael Matsuda as keynote speaker.

Gloria Hendry made her mark in a number of action films in the 1970s, including Black Caesar, Black Belt Jones, and Live and Let Die.

 

Ms. Hendry got her start in film in For Love of Ivy with Sidney Poitier after being discovered working at the Playboy Club in New York. She would go on to appear in several action­-centered films, including Black Caesar with Fred Williamson and Black Belt Jones with martial arts legend Jim Kelly. When she took on the role of Rosie Carver in Live and Let Die she became the first African-­American actress to play a character romantically involved with super spy James Bond.

Inspired by her movie roles, Ms. Hendry went on to study several martial arts. She learned American Kenpo from 9th Degree Black Belt Robert Wall, and Hapkido and Jiu Jitsu from Maha Guru Cliff Stewart. Ms. Hendry also studied Shorin­Ju Kenpo, Shorin­Ryu, Jiu Jitsu and Tang Soo Do with Senior Grandmaster Jerry Smith.

When Jim Kelly passed away in 2013, Ms. Hendry was invited to a memorial organized by Masters Hall of Fame alumni Eric “Lionman” O’Neil where she shared her thoughts about working with the great martial artist and actor. In an interview, she recalled Kelly’s support not only on the set but beyond as she continued to work in action films and television series. Ms. Hendry was nominated to the Masters Hall of Fame by actor and martial artist Robert Parham for her contributions to the martial arts in film and television.

The Masters Hall of Fame was founded in 1999 and is recognized as one of the premier Martial Arts events on the West Coast. The association recognizes exceptional Martial Arts Leaders and Legends through induction into the Masters Hall of Fame. Honorees are chosen for their dedication to the martial arts and their work in the community, as well as their individual successes.

For more information on the Masters Hall of Fame, visit the website at http://www.mastershalloffame.org. For media information contact Kamatoy Media Group at 844­526­2869 (844­KAMATOY) or [email protected].

Master Sueyoshi Akeshi to Demonstrate at the Masters Hall of Fame Awards Banquet

Hollywood, CA (For Release) – Master Sueyoshi Akeshi, a Shugendo Buddhist monk fromTokyo, Japan, will demonstrate his unique sword technique at the 2015 Masters Hall of Fame Awards Banquet sponsored by Monster Energy on Saturday, June 6, at the famed Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. The event will feature the induction of more than 50 new members into the Masters Hall of Fame, an organization which recognizes excellence in the martial arts. Film star T.J. Storm will act as Master of Ceremonies, and Michael Matsuda, President of the Martial Arts History Museum, will be the keynote speaker.

Past inductees into the Masters Hall of Fame include Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Cynthia “Lady Dragon” Rothrock, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, and Professor Bob White.

Master Akeshi has been training in the martial arts since his teen years and has taught all over the world. He has been featured in books, DVDs and magazines in Canada, Europe and Brazil, where he has schools under his tutelage. Master Akeshi has taught many notables and celebrities, including Van Halen’s David Lee Roth. He has become well known for his unique sword style, which includes many exceptional quick­draw techniques. This will be Master Akeshi’s first time demonstrating in the United States.

Over the years, the Masters Hall of Fame has held its award ceremonies in conjunction with events such as the Disney Martial Arts Festival® and, in 2014, the Long Beach International Karate Championships. Also in 2014 the organization held its first event east of the Rocky Mountains, the Dallas, Texas, Masters Hall of Fame. The 2015 venue honors the legacy of martial arts in films, as the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel was the site of the first Academy Awards presentation. The 2015 Awards Banquet will also honor martial artists from Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Switzerland and Japan.

The Masters Hall of Fame was founded in 1999 and is recognized as one of the premier Martial Arts events on the West Coast. The association recognizes exceptional Martial Arts Leaders and Legends through induction into the Masters Hall of Fame. Past inductees include Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Cynthia “Lady Dragon” Rothrock, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, and Professor Bob White. Honorees are chosen for their dedication to the martial arts and work in the community, as well as their individual successes.

For more information on the Masters Hall of Fame, visit the website at www.mastershalloffame.org. For media information contact Kamatoy Media Group at 844­526­2869 (844­KAMATOY) or [email protected].

Tai Shing Grandmaster Michael Matsuda to Speak at Masters Hall of Fame Banquet

Hollywood, CA (For Release) – Tai Shing (Monkey Kung Fu) Grandmaster Michael Matsuda, the founder and President of the Martial Arts History Museum, will be the keynote speaker at the 2015 Masters Hall of Fame Awards Banquet sponsored by Monster Energy on Saturday, June 6, at Hollywood’s famed Roosevelt Hotel. The event recognizes excellence in the martial arts and will be hosted by Master of Ceremonies and martial arts film star T.J. Storm. More than 50 new members will be inducted for their contributions to the martial arts, their work in the community and their personal successes.

As grandmaster in Monkey Kung Fu, Matsuda is the sixth generation successor and only the second non­Chinese to master the art.

In addition to being the founder of the Martial Arts History Museum, Matsuda is the founder and former publisher of Martial Art Magazine, a contributor to Black Belt and Inside Kung Fu magazines, and the author of several books. He has been practicing the martial arts for over four decades and has studied judo, jiujitsu, karate and jeet kune do, along with forms of kung fu. As grandmaster in Monkey Kung Fu, Matsuda is the sixth generation successor and only the second non­Chinese to master the art.

In addition to his work in the martial arts, Matsuda is active in the community, taking full advantage of his background and degrees in business, journalism and art design. He has been involved in organizing programs for Save the Children Foundation, the Tsunami Relief Fund and numerous blood drives.

Over the years, the Masters Hall of Fame has held its award ceremonies in conjunction with events such as the Disney Martial Arts Festival® and, in 2014, the Long Beach International Karate Championships. Also in 2014 the organization held its first event east of the Rocky Mountains, the Dallas, Texas, Masters Hall of Fame. The 2015 venue honors the legacy of martial arts in films, as the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel was the site of the first Academy Awards presentation. The 2015 Awards Banquet will also honor martial artists from Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Switzerland and Japan.

The Masters Hall of Fame was founded in 1999 and is recognized as one of the premier Martial Arts events on the West Coast. The association recognizes exceptional Martial Arts Leaders and Legends through induction into the Masters Hall of Fame. Past inductees include Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Cynthia “Lady Dragon” Rothrock, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, and Professor Bob White. Honorees are chosen for their dedication to the martial arts and work in the community, as well as their individual successes.

For more information on the Masters Hall of Fame, visit the website at www.mastershalloffame.org. For media information contact Kamatoy Media Group at 844­526­2869 (844­KAMATOY) or [email protected].

Martial Arts Film Star T.J. Storm to MC Masters Hall of Fame Awards Banquet

Hollywood, CA (For Immediate Release) – World-­class martial artist and film star T.J. Storm will host the 2015 Masters Hall of Fame Awards Banquet sponsored by Monster Energy on  Saturday, June 6, at famed the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The Masters Hall of Fame recognizes excellence in martial arts, honoring practitioners for their efforts in their fields as well as their work in the community. As Master of Ceremonies Storm will preside over the induction of more than 50 new honorees and will introduce keynote speaker Michael Matsuda, the President of the Martial Arts History Museum.

Past inductees into the Masters Hall of Fame include Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Cynthia  “Lady Dragon” Rothrock, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, and Professor Bob White.

Trained in a variety of styles from youth, Storm holds black belts in Arashi­Ryu Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Ninjitsu, Jujitsu and Northern Shaolin Kung Fu. He also studied dance as a youth, and went on to win dance competitions in both hip­hop and break­dancing. His varied background, and training at the Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Acting Academy, helped him develop the confidence to break into acting. He has performed alongside such luminaries as Jet Li and Sir Ben Kingsley, and will appear with Don “The Dragon” Wilson and Cynthia “Lady Dragon” Rothrock in the new film The Martial Arts Kid. In addition to film and television roles, Storm has become well known for his work in video gaming as both a motion capture and voice actor.

Over the years, the Masters Hall of Fame has held its award ceremonies in conjunction with events such as the Disney Martial Arts Festival® and, in 2014, the Long Beach International Karate Championships. Also in 2014 the organization held its first event east of the Rocky Mountains, the Dallas, Texas, Masters Hall of Fame. The 2015 venue honors the legacy of martial arts in films, as the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel was the site of the first Academy Awards presentation. The 2015 Awards Banquet will also honor martial artists from Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Switzerland and Japan.

The Masters Hall of Fame was founded in 1999 and is recognized as one of the premier Martial Arts events on the West Coast. The association recognizes exceptional Martial Arts Leaders and Legends through induction into the Masters Hall of Fame. Past inductees include Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Cynthia “Lady Dragon” Rothrock, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, and Professor Bob White. Honorees are chosen for their dedication to the martial arts and work in the community, as well as their individual successes.

For more information on the Masters Hall of Fame, visit the website at www.mastershalloffame.org. For media information contact Kamatoy Media Group at 844­526­2869 (844­KAMATOY) or [email protected].

Masters Hall of Fame Set to Celebrate Excellence in Martial Arts – Hollywood Style

Hollywood, CA (For Release) – The Masters Hall of Fame, a leading organization dedicated to recognizing excellence in martial arts, will celebrate its 2015 Awards Banquet sponsored by Monster Energy in Hollywood style on Saturday, June 6, at the famed Roosevelt Hotel. More than 50 new members will be inducted at the event, which will feature martial arts films star and Master of Ceremonies T.J. Storm. The keynote speaker will be Michael Matsuda, the President of the Martial Arts History Museum.

"This is an exciting time for the Masters Hall of Fame. I am proud to be involved with such an outstanding organization.” Daniel Hect, Chairman of the Masters Hall of Fame.

The rolls of the Masters Hall of Fame read like a who’s who of the great martial arts masters. Film stars such as Grandmaster Don “The Dragon” Wilson, “Lady Dragon” Sifu Cynthia Rothrock, and Sensei Carl Van Meter have been inducted for their contributions to the martial arts. Other past inductees include Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, Lisa “The Black Widow” King and Professor Bob White. Many of these great artists will walk the red carpet at the 2015 event.

Over the years, the Masters Hall of Fame has held its award ceremonies in conjunction with events such as the Disney Martial Arts Festival® and, in 2014, the Long Beach International Karate Championships. Also in 2014 the organization held its first event east of the Rocky Mountains, the Fort Worth, Texas, Masters Hall of Fame. In recognition of its international reach, the 2015 Awards Banquet will honor martial artists from Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Switzerland and Japan.

Daniel Hect, Chairmen of the Masters Hall of Fame, is excited about the organization’s efforts in 2015. “We are excited to hold the Masters Hall of Fame Awards Banquet at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the site of the very first Academy Awards,” said Hect. “This is an exciting time for the Masters Hall of Fame. I am proud to be involved with such an outstanding organization.”

The Masters Hall of Fame was founded in 1999 and is recognized as one of the premier Martial Arts events on the West Coast. The association recognizes exceptional Martial Arts Leaders and Legends through induction into the Masters Hall of Fame. Honorees are chosen for their dedication to the martial arts and work in the community, as well as their individual successes.

For more information on the Masters Hall of Fame, visit the website at Mastershalloffame.org.  For media information contact Kamatoy Media Group at 844­KAMATOY 844­526­2869 or [email protected].

Sensei William Christopher Ford “Lifetime Achievement Award” Masters Hall of Fame Video Released

Congratulations to Sensei William Christopher Ford on his induction into Masters Hall of Fame. This video has some nice touches to it thanks to Sensei Fords friends and associates who were kind enough to send testimonials his way.  

Torrance, Calif. - William Christopher Ford, head instructor at The Kaizen Dojo in Torrance, Calif., was inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame at the Thirteenth Annual Awards Banquet at the Orange County Hilton in Costa Mesa on Saturday, August 11, 2012. Sensei Ford received a “Lifetime Achievement Award” in recognition of his nearly 40 years in martial arts as a student, teacher and actor. He is a 5th dan in Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate (Kobayashi Ryu).

Sensei Ford, whose mother was born in Japan, began his instructions in 1974 under the late Sensei Richard Rabago and Sensei Rabago’s mentor Hanshi Tadashi Yamashita. Both Sensei Rabago and Hanshi Yamashita were known for their martial arts training and for their film work, and Sensei Ford has followed in their footsteps. In 1989 he appeared with Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita in Karate Kid III, where he played the part of Dennis, one of the Cobra Kai “bad boys.” 

“You embody the very best about what it means to be a martial artist, with your commitment to teaching and to the arts.”

-Sean Kanan, Actor, Karate Kid III

“I’m here because of Sensei (Richard) Rabago  and I’m

Sensei William Christopher Ford

accepting the award, really, on his behalf and dedicating the acceptance of it to him,” Sensei Ford explained in an interview at the Masters Hall of Fame. “I have some great families and kids that I get to work with. It’s my great pleasure and honor to get to teach these kids.” With nearly four decades of martial arts experience and a number of years working in film, Sensei Ford has worked with many leaders in both fields. Several of them took time to congratulate Sensei Ford on his Lifetime Achievement Award.

“You embody the very best about what it means to be a martial artist, with your commitment to teaching and to the arts,” said actor Sean Kanan, who appeared with Sensei Ford in Karate Kid III. “Remember, Cobra Kai never dies.”

 

“Kindness and strength of character are two of the greatest testaments that any person can have to the quality of their instructors,” said stunt and fight coordinator David Morizot, who has worked on such shows as NBC’s hit series Chuck. “Your martial arts ethics bring honor both to your teachers and to your system.”

“Kaizen is a Japanese word that means ‘continual improvement,’” Sensei Ford explained, “and that’s the foundation of our philosophy.” Kaizen Dojo teaches the traditional martial art of Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate in a new and progressive way, through the introduction of arts such as Western boxing and jiu-jitsu. In addition to teaching at Kaizen Dojo, Sensei Ford also performs at Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park, Calif., in the role of “Cut-Throat Jack” the Red Pirate. In the choreographed fights in the show the actors perform many martial arts-influenced moves. For more information about Kaizen Dojo, visit their website at http://www.kaizen-dojo.com/. The Masters Hall of Fame was founded in 1999 and is recognized as one of the premier Martial Arts events on the West Coast. The association recognizes exceptional Martial Arts Leaders and Legends through induction into the Masters Hall of Fame. This year's event featured keynote speaker Kenpo Legend Bob White and Alumni Don “The Dragon” Wilson. This year's event was sponsored in part by Rising Sun Productions, Don “The Dragon” Wilson’s TraditionZ. For more information visit http://MastersHallofFame.org. For press information about the Masters Hall of Fame or William Christopher Ford , please contact Kamatoy Media Group at 619-573-9456.

Craig G. Francis Talks SBA on The Big Biz Show

Craig G. Francis joined us on The Big Biz Show further proving his unique expertise on SBA Loan.  I think one the most immpressive things about Craig is that he ccan talk about getting deals funded in the real world. If you deal only with the BANK you pretty much have only one side and one example of the deal.

San Diego, CA - (Press Release) SBA loan expert Craig G. Francis appears on The Big Biz Show with Bob “Sully” Sullivan to discuss the SBA, loans and the economy. Francis, who has over thirty year of experience in the loan industry, has brokered over 2500 business loans for over $1 billion in funding. He will be joining The Big Biz Show on a regular basis to share his knowledge and understanding of how the business owners and entrepreneurs can take advantage of SBA-guaranteed loans.

“It’s like two people getting married. I’m the matchmaker” 0Craig G. Francis on brokering SBA loans

There are many misconceptions about how SBA loans work, and Francis has the experience and knowledge of the process to help dispel them. Asked what the two biggest myths about SBA loans are, Francis explained that people believe that the federal government makes loans and that the paperwork is burdensome. Both of which could not be farther from the truth.

As Francis explains on The Big Biz Show, the SBA “has never really changed in any major fashion in the last 50 years. What they want to do is get the banks to provide loans to small businesses - that’s their charter.” The SBA does this by providing a guarantee of a portion of loans made by member banks through the process, rather than actually lending money.

As to the myth of heavy paperwork, Francis discounts this completely: “Your SBA loan package can be done with less paperwork to get an answer than a residential loan. And I’ve seen some residential loans.”

The importance of the SBA is this relationship it helps to develop between businesses and banks. “It is a synergistic thing.” Francis explains. “It brings banks, it brings the business owners and it brings the SBA backing the whole thing; and it’s worked well for 50+ years.”

The difficulties arise in knowing how to match the right small business or start-up with the right bank in a way that meets the heavy criteria placed on lenders by federal regulators. As Francis points out, many of the biggest companies today, including FedEx and Nike, started out with SBA funding. “It’s emblematic of what SBA can do at the right time and right place,” he says.

After more than 30 years in lending, Francis knows how to make that relationship work. “It’s a secret,” he says, “but it’s not a big secret. I just happened to have figured out a few ways to massage things to get them to happen.”

“It’s like two people getting married,” Francis says of the process. “I’m the matchmaker.”

In order to help business owners and the general public to better understand the role of the SBA, Francis will be appearing on The Big Biz Show on a regular basis to explain such elements as who would need an SBA loan, the process of applying and how to decide if an SBA loan is the right fit. Viewers and listeners will be able to send in questions about SBA loans, the loan process and what it takes to start a business.

Craig G. Francis is the owner of Francis Financial and The SBA Loan Store. He has been a top producer of SBA Loans since 1981, and has worked with Dun & Bradstreet and Bank of Commerce. Craig Francis has the expertise to steer clients through the often confusing rules and regulations associated with SBA Loans, having helped over 2,500 businesses acquire over a billion dollars in loans. He can be contacted through CraigGFrancis.com, SBALoanStore.com, on LinkedIn, or at 888-666-9722.

The Big Biz Show i