On the heels of a successful first year since acquiring one of the nation’s largest providers of Small Business Administration loans, BankUnited Small Business Finance announced it has expanded into Washington, Ohio and Wisconsin, while also deepening its footprint in Florida. The division has added five business development officers, according to Managing Director Hakim E. Kassam.

“In the past year, the BankUnited Small Business Finance team has focused significant effort on improving overall efficiencies to support growing originations as a part of the bank’s lending efforts throughout most major markets across the U.S.,” said Kassam. “Our growth was the result of BankUnited’s unwavering commitment to the superior delivery of financing solutions to the small business community.”

As part of the expansion, the following individuals have joined as members of the business development team:

• Michael Gawlik (Wis.): With more than seven years of experience in SBA lending, Gawlik joins BankUnited from Northeast Bank in Appleton, Wis., where he served as vice president and SBA business development officer. Gawlik earned his bachelor’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He will be based in Appleton.

• Wan Kim (Wash.): With more than two decades of industry experience, Kim joins BankUnited SBF from Hana Small Business Lending Inc., in Bellevue, Wash., where he served as SBA business development officer. Kim earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. He will be in Bellevue.

• Stephen Neal (Ohio): With 14 years of industry experience, Neal joins BankUnited SBF from Liberty Bank N.A. in Beachwood, Ohio, where he served as vice president and SBA specialist. Neal earned his MBA from Johnson and Wales University. He will be based in Medina.

• Stephen Speer (Fla.): With more than 20 years of industry experience, Speer joins BankUnited SBF from Platinum Bancorp in Palm Harbor, Fla., where he served as managing partner. A member of the Commercial Lending Forum, Speer volunteers his time with the YMCA. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego. He will be based in Tampa. 

• William Tinsley (Fla.): With 12 years of SBA lending experience, Tinsley joins BankUnited SBF from First Citizens Bank in Jupiter, Fla., where he served most recently as SBA loan officer. Tinsley holds a Credit Risk Certification from the Risk Management Association. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“Helping small businesses grow, expand and add jobs all while making their owners’ dreams a reality is our number one priority,” said Kassam. “BankUnited is poised to continue its strong loan growth and we look forward to working with more small business owners in the months and years ahead."

BankUnited Small Business Finance is a direct SBA Preferred Lender actively financing small businesses through most U.S. markets. Loans up to $10 million are available for business or real estate acquisitions, construction, refinance, franchise or equipment financing. BankUnited offers SBA 7(a), SBA 504, and USDA B&I small business loan programs.