Shay Kleinschmidt is the Vice President of Lending at FranFund, a financial services company that crafts insightful funding strategies that help solidify the dreams of franchise or small business ownership for entrepreneurs. Since Kleinschmidt joined FranFund in 2012, her strategic vision has helped the company’s lending department gain a distinguished reputation for quality. She has established a wide variety of lender relationships throughout the years, which continues to expand today and as a result, FranFund can offer competitive funding products of all shapes and sizes. Kleinschmidt has a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern University. She currently resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Outlook Magazine, Shay shared her professional trajectory, the secret mantra behind her success, future plans, pearls of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Shay. Please tell us about your background and areas of interest.
I grew up in Aledo, Texas on a cattle ranch, where my upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and a commitment to positive habits and values that have guided my career journey. Joining FranFund in 2012 marked a pivotal career shift. It was here that I discovered my passion for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and the intricate world of franchising.
Over the years, I’ve ascended through various positions to my current role as VP of Lending at FranFund. My strategic foresight has been instrumental in shaping our lending department’s sterling reputation, built on forging robust lender relationships and tailoring competitive funding solutions.
At FranFund, we specialize in crafting bespoke financial strategies that empower aspiring entrepreneurs to realize their dreams of business ownership while ensuring long-term viability.
I am an active voice in driving industry advancement through leadership positions, including serving on the IFA Supplier Advocacy Board, Titus Center for Franchising Advisory Board, NAGGL Associate Member Committee, and NAGGL Region VI Committee.
What do you love the most about your current role?
One of our 5 company values is Embracing Relationships. We are a people-driven company with deep internal and external relationships. I take pride in nurturing my team’s growth and development, which not only enriches my role but also drives us towards achieving high performance together. I could not ask for a better team of excellence. I wake up inspired and motivated to work with and for such esteemed individuals.
From an external relationship standing working in the SBA and franchise industries is incredibly fulfilling because we play a pivotal role in empowering startup and existing small business owners. By facilitating access to funding, we enable entrepreneurs to fulfill their dreams. This support drives economic growth and fosters job creation on a national scale, strengthening local communities and contributing to broader socioeconomic development. This truly provides me with a deep sense of satisfaction knowing my team and I are instrumental in shaping the success stories of individuals and positively impacting the economy at large.
What role do you think technology will play in the future of funding and finance?
Right now, technology is playing a transformative role in the future of funding and finance by making capital more accessible, efficient, and data driven. AI and machine learning will streamline processes and risk assessment, enabling faster and more accurate loan approvals. Also, automation and predictive analytics will help businesses make smarter financial decisions. These advancements will lead to a financial system that is faster, fairer, and more adaptable to the needs of modern businesses.
Stay on top of technological advances by continuously educating yourself through industry publications, networking with experts, attending fintech conferences and webinars, and exploring emerging tools that can enhance efficiency and decision-making.
How do you stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing world of finance and funding?
I am committed to proactive and continuous learning, relationship-building and strategic adaptation. =I make it a priority to stay informed on national and international news, regulatory changes, economic trends, and lending landscape shifts and remain actively engaged with industry associations like the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (NAGGL). These organizations provide invaluable insights into emerging policies, best practices, and advocacy efforts that directly impact franchising and small business funding.
Additionally, I maintain strong relationships with a diverse network of lenders, ensuring FranFund remains at the forefront of innovative and competitive funding solutions. By closely monitoring market trends and collaborating with financial institutions, we can anticipate challenges and adjust our strategies to best serve entrepreneurs.
Internally, I focus on optimizing processes and strengthening risk mitigation strategies to ensure compliance and efficiency in funding programs, particularly those involving SBA lending. By fostering a culture of adaptability and staying deeply engaged in the evolving financial landscape, I ensure that both FranFund and our clients are well-positioned for long-term success.
Never get too comfortable. Complacency is the enemy of progress. Stay curious, keep learning, and embrace new challenges to stay ahead of the curve. The most successful people continuously adapt, refine their skills, and seek out opportunities for growth.
How do you balance your personal and professional life, and what self-care practices do you prioritize?
I’ve found that setting clear boundaries and being intentional with my time is key. In a fast-paced industry like finance and franchising, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of work, so I make a conscious effort to unplug and be present when I’m with family and friends.
Self-care for me starts with maintaining a strong mindset and healthy habits. I prioritize regular exercise, whether it’s a workout or just going outside for a walk, to keep both my body and mind sharp. I also believe in the power of small, consistent habits, much like the ones I grew up with on my family’s ranch, that help me stay grounded and focused.
Another essential part of my routine is making time for personal development, whether through reading, mentorship, or engaging in industry associations. Surrounding myself with driven, like-minded professionals helps me stay motivated while also reinforcing the importance of taking time to recharge.
At the end of the day, I remind myself that balance isn’t about perfection, it’s about being intentional with the moments that matter most.
You were recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Finance for 2025. Our readers would love to know the secret sauce behind your success.
I attribute my success to a combination of hard work, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. From the beginning of my career at FranFund, I’ve embraced every challenge as an opportunity to grow, never shying away from rolling up my sleeves and diving into the complexities franchise funding.
One of the biggest factors in my journey has been the power of relationships, both with mentors who have guided me and the incredible team I work with daily. Surrounding myself with driven, knowledgeable professionals has been instrumental in shaping my leadership style and fostering innovative solutions in finance.
I also believe in the importance of strategic vision and problem-solving. The financial landscape is constantly evolving, and success in this field requires the ability to anticipate shifts, pivot when necessary, and create funding strategies that empower entrepreneurs for long-term success. I approach every aspect of my work with intention and a commitment to excellence.
If there’s a ‘secret sauce’ to success, it’s that- staying adaptable, investing in relationships, and never losing sight of the bigger picture.
How do you think women can use their unique perspectives and strengths to drive innovation and change in the finance industry?
I believe mentorship plays a critical role. By supporting and lifting up other women in the industry, we create a cycle of empowerment that fosters fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking. Representation matters, and when women see others breaking barriers and excelling in finance, it inspires future generations to do the same.
Women bring a unique and invaluable perspective to the finance industry. Our ability to approach challenges with a blend of analytical thinking and emotional intelligence allows us to foster strong client relationships and create innovative, tailored solutions.
One of the greatest strengths women bring is adaptability. The finance industry is ever evolving, and having the ability to pivot, think creatively, and anticipate market shifts is key to driving meaningful change. Women often excel at collaborative leadership, which leads to a more inclusive and dynamic workplace, one where diverse ideas are encouraged, and better solutions emerge.
Ultimately, driving innovation in finance isn’t just about numbers, it’s about people. Women have a natural ability to connect, listen, and find creative ways to solve complex challenges, making us powerful catalysts for progress in the industry.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
FranFund’s co-owner and CEO, Geoff Seiber. Finance remains a category where high-level positions can often be filled based on years of experience and age rather than true capability. Traditional leadership pipelines have long favored tenure over talent, making it difficult for fresh perspectives to break through. However, FranFund takes a different approach. Our CEO does not rely on outdated markers of success but instead values performance, grit, and passion. He believes dedication, innovation, and results speak louder than years on a résumé. I have not been held back due to age or tenure in this company. Because of this, I’ve been promoted into roles that have challenged me, allowed me to grow, and ultimately given me the opportunity to thrive. By fostering a culture that celebrates individuals for their contributions and drive, we create opportunities for diverse leaders to rise, challenge the status quo, and propel the industry forward.
What do you hope to achieve in the next 5-10 years, and how do you plan to get there?
I hope to continue making a meaningful impact in the finance and franchising industries by driving innovation, expanding access to funding for entrepreneurs, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. I want to play a key role in shaping the future of franchise funding, ensuring that financial solutions remain competitive, flexible, and accessible to business owners of all backgrounds. I aim to further elevate FranFund’s reputation as the go-to resource for franchise and small business funding by strengthening our lender relationships and expanding our product offerings. Additionally, a major focus is staying ahead of advancements in AI and financial technology, ensuring that FranFund continues to leverage cutting-edge tools to streamline processes, enhance risk assessment, and improve the overall funding experience for our clients.
To get there, I will stay at the forefront of industry trends by remaining actively involved in organizations, continuously learning, and adapting to market shifts. I’ll also focus on further developing and empowering my team, ensuring that we continue to cultivate a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
Ultimately, my goal is to leave a lasting impact, both within my company and in the broader financial industry, by driving meaningful change and championing opportunities for future leaders.
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who are just starting out and seeking funding?
My biggest piece of advice for startup entrepreneurs seeking funding is do your homework. Have a comprehensive business plan, a solid financial model, and a clear understanding of your funding needs.
Make sure to have a funding strategy (short and long term) in place before making any final decisions or signing any commitments. Understanding all financing options early on ensures you choose the right structure for your business and avoid costly mistakes down the road. There are many funding paths including SBA loans, ROBS (Rollovers for Business Startups), and alternative financing solutions. It’s pertinent to understand the qualification, process and timing of the funding program being pursued, to have realistic expectations and avoid negative surprises. It can be overwhelming, which is why working with experts like FranFund can help identify the best, customized funding solution to their business plan.
Another key factor is building strong personal and business credit. Lenders assess risk carefully, and having a solid credit profile can open more doors and help you secure better terms.
Lastly, don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Funding can be a complex and sometimes lengthy process, but persistence is key. Surround yourself with knowledgeable advisors, stay flexible, and be willing to adapt your approach. The right funding strategy can set the foundation for long-term success, so take the time to get it right from the start.