In the world of entrepreneurship, money often determines momentum. Yet for too many small business owners, the road to funding becomes a financial trap. In this episode of The Mindset Blueprint Podcast, Don Bethea sits down with Jason Zinger, founder of Pacific Business Funding, to unpack the realities of modern business financing — and how to grow without wrecking your credit in the process.
From California to Hawaii: Finding Purpose in Business
Jason’s journey began in California, where he rose through the ranks of the financing world — from college intern to sales manager, helping grow a team from 6 to 35 employees. But success, he says, didn’t feel fulfilling. “I hit all my financial goals,” Jason recalls, “but I wasn’t happy. I went for the wrong goal.”
That realization led him and his family to move to Hawaii, where he discovered a deeper sense of purpose, faith, and community. Out of that rebirth came Pacific Business Funding, a company built not just on numbers, but on educating and empowering small business owners.
The #1 Mistake Entrepreneurs Make with Credit
According to Jason, the most common funding mistake is simple but devastating: using personal credit to fund your business.
“Most entrepreneurs grab their personal credit cards and start swiping,” he explains. “But if you start right, you can build business credit immediately — even within seven days of forming your LLC.”
Business credit keeps your personal finances safe and separates your liabilities. Maxing out personal cards can drop your FICO score by 70 points overnight, making it nearly impossible to secure future funding. On the other hand, using business credit allows you to protect your score, build credibility, and expand access to capital.
The Merchant Cash Advance Trap
One of the most eye-opening moments in the conversation was around Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) loans — quick-access funding tools that often come with interest rates exceeding 50%–80%.
Jason shared a story of a client who owned six retail locations and was drowning in $30,000/month in MCA payments. “He had good revenue but no breathing room,” Jason says. Through a series of strategic refinancing steps — including small unsecured loans, credit coaching, and an SBA Express loan — they reduced his payments from $30,000 to $5,000 a month.
The result?
“His stress dropped overnight. He could finally think past Friday payday.”
Funding Options Beyond the Banks
Pacific Business Funding takes what Jason calls a “holistic approach” to financing. The company helps business owners assess their entire financial picture — from credit utilization to cash flow — and matches them with the right lending structure.
Available options include:
- Business credit cards (0% APR offers for 6–12 months)
- SBA and Express loans
- Equipment financing
- Collateral-based loans
- Bridge loans
- Alternative lending for high-growth businesses
Their average loan size hovers around $100,000, but deals are tailored to each client’s situation and stage of growth.
Mindset and Money: The Hidden Connection
Jason emphasizes that mindset is 90% of success — especially when it comes to money.
In Hawaii, he observes, many entrepreneurs view debt as “bad,” but he sees it differently:
“Debt isn’t evil — it’s a tool. It’s about how you use it. The key is knowing your ROI and your exit strategy before you take on any loan.”
Bethea echoes this sentiment, adding that financial discipline and creative deal-making are what separate thriving entrepreneurs from those who burn out.
Opportunities in Hawaii’s Business Ecosystem
When asked about Hawaii’s local business landscape, Jason points to service-based industries — like meal prep, hybrid restaurants, and local retail — as ripe for innovation. “There’s huge potential in companies that provide reliable service and show up consistently,” he notes.
Bethea adds that the state’s unique challenges are also its biggest opportunities. “If you can deliver value and build trust here, you’ll thrive. It’s a market where consistency still wins.”
Building Systems, Scaling Smart
Both men agree that scaling requires structure, systems, and strong teams.
“The biggest shift comes when you stop working in the business and start working on the business,” Bethea says. “That’s when you can scale — and even build multiple ventures.”
Jason agrees, noting that once day-to-day operations are systemized, entrepreneurs gain clarity to grow, innovate, and delegate.
Final Fire Round Takeaways
To close the conversation, Bethea fires off a lightning round of quick insights:
- One number every entrepreneur should track: Leads.
- Morning routine for success: Read the Bible.
- Book that shaped your money mindset: Overgrow.
- One thing never to outsource: Creative deal-making.
Finish this sentence: “To build wealth, you must be righteous.”
