Background
From 2018 through 2022, I led the financial modeling and projection efforts for several critical funding initiatives:
- • 2018: Secured a $2M loan to renovate 30,000 sq. ft (18K billable, 12K warehouse) of existing space.
- • 2020: Assisted in obtaining PPP funding and a Disaster Relief Loan to sustain operations during COVID-19 disruptions.
- • 2022: Developed comprehensive models for a $10M loan to build a 36,000 sq. ft cutting-edge autism center.
The objective was to present lenders with clear, data-driven insights into revenue potential, expense structures, and cash flow viability across varied market conditions.
Key Achievements
Comprehensive Scenario Analysis
- • Built dynamic Excel models incorporating best-case, base-case, and worst-case assumptions, enabling stakeholders to understand risks and opportunities.
Multi-Loan Experience
- • Tailored projections for differing project scales—from renovation financing to large-scale facility construction and pandemic relief funding requirements.
Sensitivity & Stress Testing
- • Integrated sensitivity tables and stress tests for key variables (occupancy rates, reimbursement changes, operating costs) to demonstrate model robustness.
Lender-Aligned Reporting
- • Crafted bank-friendly projection reports, aligning with underwriting standards and supporting documentation (monthly P&L, cash flow statements, balance sheet forecasts).
Strategic Narrative Development
- • Complemented quantitative models with qualitative narratives and executive summaries—framing the financial story to match lender priorities.
Impact
$2M Renovation Loan (2018)
Enabled critical facility upgrades, increasing billable space and operational efficiency.
PPP & Disaster Relief (2020)
Secured lifeline funding that preserved jobs and stabilized cash flow during unprecedented downturns.
$10M Center Loan (2022)
Provided capital for state-of-the-art autism care facility, supporting long-term growth and community impact.
These successes not only demonstrated financial feasibility but also established a template for future funding rounds and strategic planning.
Lessons & Takeaways
Adapt to Scale
Financial models must flex to project size—renovation vs. new build vs. emergency relief all demand different assumptions and presentation styles.
Align with Lenders
Understanding bank underwriting criteria upfront streamlines the approval process.
Combine Numbers with Narrative
A compelling executive summary can be as persuasive as the numbers themselves.
Build Reusable Frameworks
Templates and standardized models accelerate subsequent funding efforts, reducing turnaround time.
Operations-Driven Modeling
Projections become far more accurate when grounded in operational realities. By collaborating closely with department heads, I mapped key drivers—revenue per client, staffing ratios, and overhead allocation—enabling dynamic scenario planning. Early models lacked this depth and were less predictive; by 2025, with robust data systems in place, we could instantly adjust variables—like client volume, staffing levels, and reimbursement rates—and see forward-looking profitability, shifting discussions from "how will we pay?" to "where should we invest for maximum impact?"
By evolving from surface-level forecasts to operations-driven projections with real-time variable manipulation, I transformed financial modeling into a strategic dialogue—empowering leaders with clarity, confidence, and actionable insights.