Patrick Bears

Manager of SBA Credit Administration, SVP

As a Senior Vice President and Manager of SBA Lending Credit Administration, I am responsible for managing and directing the credit administration function of the SBA Lending team. This involves leading a team of credit officers and analysts. We work closely with the sales team to structure new loan requests and underwrite and approve those requests. We also work closely with the closing team to ensure the loans close in accordance with SBA guidelines and any changes needed are made before closing.

I have over twenty-three years of experience in the financial industry. I started my banking career with Wells Fargo Bank in 1999 while attending school. I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. After graduation, I realized I really enjoyed banking, so I continued on with their small business lending group, with a focus on SBA lending. After ten years with Wells Fargo, I left to pursue an opportunity in South Carolina with TD Bank, establishing their SBA lending team in the Eastern United States. After five years in the beautiful South, we chose to move back West to be closer to family. I then switched gears, joining Zions Bank as the Underwriting Manager for their Professional Practice lending group. Missing the uniqueness of SBA lending, I joined Fidelity Bank in 2021. In addition to my financial background, I enjoy volunteering and have volunteered with Meals on Wheels for several years.

I currently reside in American Fork, Utah, with my wife, Lynette Allen, and our four children. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and writing. However, most of my time away from work is spent with my family. I have four very active children, so most of my weeknights and weekends are spent rushing from soccer games and dance classes, but I love it and would not have it any other way!