(Pictured: Joe Kammermeier, VP – MBFC, Jesse Strege, Owner – Hot Rod Ridge, & Ben Duhn, VP – National Bank of Commerce)
Celebrating Veteran Entrepreneurship!
MBFC is honored to present our $3,000 MBFC VetLoan Advantage Rebate to Jesse Strege, Hot Rod Ridge LLC – Pillager & Brainerd, MN!
This rebate reflects Midwest Business Finance Corporation’s (MBFC) long‑standing and voluntary commitment to the NADCO VetLoan Advantage program, supporting veteran‑owned businesses since 2014. Unlike most SBA 504 lenders, MBFC is one of the very few Certified Development Companies that actively participate in this program. To date, MBFC has returned more than $270,000 of its own capital directly to veteran‑owned small businesses through VetLoan rebates — a meaningful financial commitment that goes well beyond standard SBA lending practices and serves as a tangible tribute to the service and dedication of our nation’s military members.
Jesse Strege, owner of Hot Rod Ridge LLC partnered with MBFC’s Joe Kammermeier and Ben Duhn, National Bank of Commerce to secure a SBA 504 loan for the purchase of the company’s second location in Brainerd, MN. Hot Rod Ridge LLC primarily restores classic cars.
In 2002 Jesse enlisted with the Minnesota National Guard as a Combat Medic. After completing medic training, the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division (Red Bulls) were deployed to Mississippi for six months of training, after which they were sent to Iraq. Jesse was assigned as a platoon medic to 3rd Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry. He served in Iraq from April 2006 to June 2007. While in Iraq his company escorted convoys, did patrols and provided perimeter security to an airbase north of Baghdad. For a short while he also did volunteer work in the emergency room on base. He served in the guard until his ETS date in November 2008.
Thank you for your service, Jesse and congratulations on this exciting new chapter!
For additional information about benefits for veteran business owners, contact your MBFC Business Development Officer today by visiting our website at www.mbfc.org.