Our Team

Brian brings decades of expertise in commercial and SBA Lending along with practical entrepreneurial insight to all his business clients. He specializes in providing SBA financing for Franchise startups, business startups, business expansion, and business acquisitions. Not only has he been an SBA Business Development Officer, but he has built an SBA shop for a prior bank, been the Director of National Franchise Lending for another bank and has been the National SBA Director at his most recent bank.  He was not only a lender but has been a small business owner himself for the past 13 years. This combined experience allows him to understand his clients’ needs and better guide them through the SBA process. 

Brian is the Executive Partner of Franchise Lending Specialists and he oversees National Franchise Lending for the firm.  

Brian graduated high school from the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science. He has a BS in Business Administration (Finance) as well as an MBA from Auburn University. He has a Leadership Certificate in Building Communities from the Economic Development Association of Alabama in conjunction with Auburn University. He obtained his Certificate in Business and Commercial Lending from the American Bankers Association. He has his Certificate in Franchising from the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee. 

Dorina grew up in an entrepreneurial mindset family and has always admired entrepreneurs who see their dreams and passions through, and work hard on themselves, their team and company. For that reason, Dorina tailored her education and career in Business and Lending so she can better understand the entrepreneurs and help them navigate the difficult waters of traditional and SBA Lending.  

Dorina graduated top of her class with honors from the University of Tampa/John Sykes College of Business with B.S. in Business and Entrepreneurship. She chose her career in Lending so she can help qualified small business owners with capital for their new and existing enterprise. 

In December of 2023, Dorina joined forces and expertise with her friend and colleague, Brian Denney, and together they started Franchise Lending Specialists, a consulting firm, that helps bridge the gap between the Lenders and small business owners. 

As the Executive Partner of Franchise Lending Specialists, Dorina wears many hats, but her favorite one is helping her clients secure funds from the lender. There is nothing more rewarding than to see how the hard work transforms into a new open business!