Pierre Kamguia, MD (Ophthalmologist)

"Let me take this opportunity, six weeks after starting my practice of ophthalmology in New Mexico to express my satisfaction and gratitude to you and all those who have contributed to a successful transition. Everything is working very well, and the outlook for success and expansion is great.

When I started discussions with the owner 8 months ago, I had only a vague idea of how I would finance the transaction, and very little hope of finding a willing financial backer. This lack of hope was a function of my difficult employment history and financial status. I had exceptional clinical skills but lacked a "silver spoon" in my mouth from birth or friends and acquaintances. I knew it was going to be difficult given the universal nature of bankers. Didn't someone say of them that they only lend an umbrella on a sunny day to those who will never need one and promptly demand its return at the first sighting of clouds in the sky?

A friend then introduced me to this special Small Business Administration lending program. For those who have talent and potential but lack 'uncles in high places,' this program is The Silver-Spoon-In-The-Mouth that everyone probably should have had at birth. Just 6 weeks into this new professional adventure, it is apparent that this SBA program has made a tremendous difference in my professional and financial outlook as well as the welfare of my family. My mother-in-law passed away one week ago and I was able to discharge my financial obligations and offer her a dignified burial.

Our first son goes to college next year and my wife and I can now sleep at night knowing that I will be able to afford him a college education in an institution of his choice. The future of this young American has completely changed thanks to the $396,000 SBA loan offered to me. The former owner can now enjoy a well-deserved retirement from practice with the proceeds of the sale, which would have been very difficult if one relied on traditional bank financing.

Even more importantly, the patients have continuing access to high quality services and the employees continue to support their own families through their employment in my practice. These are but a few of the illustrations of the positive transformation that the little-to-no-capital-injection has done in as little as 6 weeks in the lives of hundreds of people.

A special thanks goes to you, Mark Eric Bailey, the very dear friend who believed in the cause of an underdog and convinced someone to take a risk."

August 2005