Paulson earns elite status with small business lending

Charlie Paulson knows what it takes to help businesses grow.

“It takes capital,” Paulson said, explaining that is where commercial lenders, such as himself, come in to work with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop financing packages that allow business growth to happen.

Paulson, vice president of commercial lending with Nicolet National Bank in Medford, has 25 years of banking experience, the past 15 of which as a commercial lender.

Just as any other master craftsman, Paulson knows the key to success is knowing what tools are available and how to best use them to achieve the desired goal.

Paulson was recently recognized by Wisconsin Business Development (WBD) for earning elite status for becoming just the 69th lender in Wisconsin in the past 40 years to complete 10 or more loans through the SBA 504 program. The Small Business Administration has multiple loan programs to meet the needs of different businesses, SBA 504 loans provide longterm, fixed rate financing for major fixed assets that promote business growth and job creation.

Paulson has collaborated with WBD 10 times since 2011 to help businesses access the loan program. His efforts have secured over $18,000,000 in total project financing for these local businesses, as well as adding over 220 jobs because of their expansions.

WBD loan officer Kyle Kuntz has partnered with Paulson for several years and is eager to continue collaborating on future SBA 504 projects. 'I truly appreciate the fact that Charlie is always looking out for the best interests of his customers, ensuring they receive the highest quality service and support,” Kuntz said. “His integrity and dedication set a standard that inspires everyone he works with.”

Paulson downplays the achievement of earning elite status and receiving an award to put in his office. He said his sense of satisfaction is when he sees businesses growth and continue in Taylor, Price and Clark Counties in part through his efforts to secure the capital they needed.

He explained that especially in rural communities, securing necessary capital for businesses can be a challenge as banks seek to mitigate risk. Tools like SBA 504 loans help the banks serve their clients while reducing their own risk. However, the tool brings with it additional work on the part of lenders such as Paulson.

“Any time you are working with a government program there is a lot to it. There is a lot of energy that is spent,” Paulson explained. He said there is extra work both on the WBD side and the bank’s side.

The WBD Service Company was created to provide direct services to lenders and external customers with credit underwriting, application processing, and portfolio servicing. Since 1981, WBD has helped fund over 3,500 businesses and created over 76,000 jobs in Wisconsin and Minnesota. WBD is consistently one of the top ten most active, of the nearly 250 similar agencies across the country.

Paulson noted that Medford is unique for its business and industry-focused local economy. This is especially true given that it is in a predominantly rural part of the state. This makes Paulson’s elite status an even bigger achievement compared to more urban areas where commercial expansion is more common.

Paulson explains that he was born and raised here and takes pride in seeing the community grow and seeing businesses go from one generation to another. He also celebrates when there is job growth.

“The more jobs, the better,” Paulson said.

Paulson said he was grateful to Nicolet Bank for allowing him to use the SBA 504 and other products to make the community better.

Paulson has no intention of slowing down after achieving the elite status. He noted that what he hopes to be deals 11 and 12 are currently on his desk being worked on.

According to Paulson, it is all part of helping people and helping the community grow.