Description

Lenders are all different and serve different parts of the small business ecosystem. Some do larger loans, some do SBA loans, equipment loans or working capital loans. Some do new businesses and others don't. The Walnut Creek Chamber is bringing together some local lenders to share how they work and what they can help you with. That should allow you to focus on realistic opportunities. In addition we have a volunteer from SCORE, a local small business resource of mentors (experienced and FREE) to put it all together and help clients get ready for the right bank. Come learn and bring your questions and your lunch if you plan to eat during the meeting.

Presenters are:

SCORE - Chris Sanders 

Chris has had two careers. The first was as a commercial banker working for Bank of America and an east bay independent bank in the 80’s and 90s. After 15 years in banking and supporting  many different kinds of businesses he became the CFO for one of his clients. Over the next 25 years he was the CFO, General Manager and President of Barrier Systems which sells engineered products, (including the moveable barrier on the Golden Gate Bridge) to the Highway Safety Industry around the world

Chris has strong skills in finance, planning, manufacturing as well as marketing and sales. Chris spent many years selling the Barrier line of products to Governments and contractors in Asia, Europe Middle East and Africa as well as North and South America. During the 25 years with this company he was part of the management team that sold it to a NYSE company and purchased a company based in Milan Italy.

Chris has served on the boards of Stepping Stones Growth Center in San Leandro and The  International Road Federation and the American Road &Transportation Builders Assn.  Chris still works part time selling Roadzipper systems in Europe and volunteering for SCORE.  Chris has a BA degree in Economics  from Stanford University.

Mechanics Bank - Kazuo Gray

K. Gray is an Area Production Manager at Mechanics Bank with 19 years of experience. He is dedicated to building strong client relationships while consistently driving production results. K. fosters teamwork and ensures a high level of customer service across all interactions. 

Mechanics Bank - Grant Shoaf

A banking professional locally for 17 years, Grant is Senior Vice President, Region Production Manager at Mechanics Bank supporting Retail Branches and clients from the San Francisco Bay Area to the Oregon Border. He believes in building strong relationships through personalized service and tailored solutions, ensuring clients’ needs are met with care and professionalism. With a career starting as a teller, Grant has steadily advanced through various roles within the banking industry, gaining comprehensive experience across multiple channels. With a strong business acumen and hands-on approach, Grant is committed to delivering exceptional customer service, helping clients achieve their goals, and ensuring operations compliance. Grant holds a B.S. in Business Administration with an option in Finance from California State University, Chico. 

Main Street Launch - Adrian Gomez Zavala 

For more than 20 years, Adrian has built a career centered on fostering meaningful, long-term relationships with entrepreneurs and small business owners across the San Francisco Bay Area. As a former Banker and Licensed Financial Specialist at a community business bank, he played a key role in helping local businesses secure the financing needed to sustain operations, expand, and thrive. His work contributed directly to strengthening the region’s small business ecosystem.

Throughout his banking career, Adrian became known as a trusted connector within the entrepreneurial community. He regularly referred business owners to valuable resource partners, including OBDC Small Business Finance (now Main Street Launch), AnewAmerica Community Corporation, Youth Business America (YBA), and ALAS, the Spanish-language program of the Women’s Initiative. Through these partnerships, clients gained access to technical assistance, educational programs, and additional resources designed to help their businesses grow and succeed.

Adrian is also deeply committed to advancing financial education and economic empowerment. He volunteers his time leading financial literacy workshops and participating in access-to-capital panels in partnership with nonprofit organizations and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). Through these efforts, he has helped hundreds of individuals strengthen their understanding of personal and business finance, empowering them to make informed financial decisions for themselves, their families, and their businesses.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Mexico City. Adrian’s passion for supporting entrepreneurs is rooted in personal experience. His father operated a mechanic garage for more than 40 years, and his mother owned a successful beauty salon. Growing up in Mexico City surrounded by small business owners gave him firsthand insight into both the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.

Before joining Main Street Launch as Vice President, Relationship Manager, Adrian served on the organization’s Board of Directors, where he contributed strategic guidance and industry expertise. Today, he continues to bring the same passion and commitment to expanding access to capital, education, and resources for underserved entrepreneurs and communities.

Fremont Bank - Dominique Guting

Dominique Guting is a Branch Manager II, with over15 years at Fremont Bank focused in retail banking and business development. Specializes in small business acquisition, deposit growth, and lending solutions, supporting clients across diverse markets throughout the Bay Area. Dominique has a strong track record of success driven by his ability to think strategically, adapt to each market’s unique needs, and deliver creative, client-focused financial solutions. His commitment to relationship-building and innovation has consistently helped drive business growth and community engagement. 

Fremont Bank - Valerie Akin

Valerie’s talents within finance have brought her numerous accolades such as Top Performer 2017, 2018, 2019. She received the National President’s award in 2019-20. Her pivotal moment came in 2020 when she was awarded and became a team lead for the Payroll Protection Program. This was when Val realized she wanted to focus on working with business owners and dedicate her career to helping those grow within their respective industry and has never looked back. In addition to her vast experience in business finance, Val is also passionate about philanthropy and has served with multiple local non-profits. She currently sits on 4 different boards as a member that includes “Friends of Camp Concord,” “Diablo Ballet,” “Las Lomas Boosters Foundation,” and "Las Lomas Football Foundation.” Val also serves as an "Ambassador" to the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce; she is highly dedicated to her community and involvement.