Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Thon
Hi Jeff, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Sure! So, in January 2004, about six months after graduating college, I got into the industry with a larger firm called Five Point Capital, which is still around today as National Funding here in San Diego. I started off as an account executive, sitting in a cubicle, making 200 to 400 cold calls a day. That first year was definitely rough, just learning the ropes and figuring things out.
But after that first year, things really started to click. I consistently ranked in the top 10 producers out of a team of 70 to 90 account executives for the next four and a half years. I even took on a team lead role, mentoring other account executives. Everything was going great, but then I hit my first major obstacle—the 2008 crash. It hit the mortgage industry hard, and since we were tied to the economy, it affected us too.
After five years and nine months at Five Point Capital, I decided to move on in October 2009. I took a little break, then joined a smaller company in the same industry in February 2010. It was a much smaller team, around 20 employees, and I became the VP of Sales, leading a team of 15. This role taught me a lot about the backend of the business—things like funder relationships, underwriting, credit analysis, and even marketing and accounting. It was like getting a crash course in how to run a company.
After about four and a half years, I started feeling that pull toward entrepreneurship. My grandparents were business owners, and I always admired how they controlled their own destiny. So, in April 2014, I made the leap. I resigned, and by July, I had started Clear Skies Capital.
At first, I had a partner, but about a year and a half in, he wanted out, so I bought him out and kept growing from there. I went from just myself to hiring my first few employees, and now I have a team of nine. We just celebrated our 10-year anniversary this past July, and while there have been plenty of ups and downs, I couldn’t be happier with my decision to become an entrepreneur.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh, it’s definitely not been smooth. There have been plenty of ups and downs, but that’s just part of being a business owner. It’s what separates an entrepreneur from, you know, the average Joe.
When I was a W-2 employee, I didn’t really think about the challenges happening behind the scenes. I just saw the paycheck. But once I became a business owner, I realized how much more there is to it—especially the economic factors that affect everything. We’re pretty tied to the economy, so if there’s a downturn, a war, or something like COVID, we definitely feel the impact.
Then there’s dealing with personnel changes, market shifts, and all the highs and lows that come with running a business. So no, it hasn’t been a smooth road by any means, but that’s part of the journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Clear Skies Capital?
Absolutely. At Clear Skies Capital, we operate in the secondary market, offering alternative and creative financing solutions. We help small business owners who may not be satisfied with their current bank, can’t qualify for traditional financing, or need faster service than what the big banks provide. You know, places like Chase, Wells Fargo, or US Bank often have strict requirements or long processes, and that’s where we come in.
Since we’re a FinTech company, we can move quicker and with less paperwork. We offer a variety of products like working capital loans, SBA 7(a) loans, business lines of credit, equipment financing, and even invoice factoring.
What really sets us apart is our focus on customer service. We’re not just here for one-off transactions. We like to take our time and really get to know our clients. We still believe in that personal touch—actually getting on the phone, talking through their needs, understanding their challenges, and also their opportunities. It’s a consultative approach, and I believe our level of customer service is second to none.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe life is all about taking risks. If you’re not taking risks, you’re probably being a bit too comfortable. And when you’re comfortable, you stop growing. For me, risk is essential, especially as an entrepreneur. You know the saying, “No risk, no reward,” and I think that rings true.
But it’s important to take calculated risks. That’s been a big part of my success and something I’d recommend for anyone considering entrepreneurship. You’ve got to be willing to step out of your comfort zone if you want to move up.
Pricing:
- Term Loans
- Line of Credit (LOC)
- Equipment Financing
- Revenue Based Financing
- SBA 7(a)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clearskiescapital.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearskiescapital/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clearskiescapital
- Twitter: https://x.com/clearskiescap
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@clearskiescapitalinc1293
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clear-skies-capital
