A Conversation with MWSBF CEO Spencer Davis: Leading Mountain West Small Business Finance into a New Era
Published on: November 3, 2025
[This interview has been edited for clarity and content to provide insightful perspectives on small business finance and leadership.]
MWSBF: Let’s delve into your journey with Mountain West Small Business Finance. With a career spanning multiple roles within the company, can you tell us if this is where you envisioned your professional path would lead?
SPENCER: Honestly, I never thought I would end up here. Mountain West has been a significant part of my life since its inception, the same year I was born. My father’s decision to start this business was a remarkable leap of faith, and it’s inspiring to see the risks small business owners take to pursue their passions.
Witnessing my father’s journey and the growth of Mountain West has been instrumental in shaping my perspective on small business finance and the importance of supportive financial institutions like ours.
The aspect of my job that I find most rewarding is seeing the risks that entrepreneurs take and the successes they achieve. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of small business owners and a reminder of the vital role that Mountain West plays in facilitating their growth.
MWSBF: You didn’t start your career with Mountain West in Salt Lake. Can you share your experience of relocating to St. George and your beginnings as a loan officer? Was it a leap of faith for you, or was there a specific draw to that role and location?
SPENCER: At the time, I wasn’t driven by a clear direction in my career. Initially, I was inclined towards a career in healthcare administration. However, the opportunity to work as a loan officer for Mountain West in St. George presented itself, and I saw it as a valuable chance to gain business experience before potentially pursuing further education.
That was back in 2005. What started as a means to gain experience turned into a highly rewarding career. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in St. George, both the professional relationships I built and the personal connections I made.
MWSBF: Looking back, was there a moment when you realized that this was not just a job, but a career path you were passionate about, and potentially a leadership role within Mountain West?
SPENCER: Early on, I didn’t have a defining moment where I thought, ‘I want to lead this company one day.’ My happiness and fulfillment came from the work itself and the camaraderie with my colleagues. Over time, as I was given more opportunities to contribute to strategic decisions, my aspirations grew, and the idea of leading Mountain West alongside my peers became increasingly appealing.
MWSBF: Let’s shift our focus for a moment. We notice you have a collection of scarves, or “Supporter Shields,” in your office. Could you tell us a bit about them and your interests outside of Mountain West?
You recently traveled to support your favorite team and even appeared in an episode of FX’s Welcome to Wrexham. What draws you to European football, and is there a particular team you support?
SPENCER: I’m a Liverpool fan. My affinity for the team isn’t because of the Beatles, but rather the team’s exciting style of play and the city of Liverpool itself. I love the history, the people, and the culture.
My interest in Liverpool began around 2010, and since then, it’s become an obsession. I find the team’s approach to the game captivating, and the community surrounding the club is incredible.
MWSBF: Apart from your passion for Liverpool, we’ve heard you’re also a fan of live music, particularly Pearl Jam. Can you tell us a bit about your experiences with their concerts?
SPENCER: Yes, I’ve seen Pearl Jam numerous times. My wife is a huge fan, and we’ve traveled to several locations to see them perform. They put on an incredible show, with Eddie Vedder being very interactive with the crowd. However, my favorite concert experience was actually seeing Rage Against the Machine back in 1998.
That concert was truly memorable, and it stands out as a highlight in my live music experiences.
MWSBF: Moving back to your work with Mountain West, is there a particular deal that stands out to you as especially meaningful or challenging?
SPENCER: One deal that comes to mind is our work with Sol Foods in Springdale, Utah. The owner had a clear vision for creating a grocery store that would serve the local community while also highlighting the natural beauty of Zion National Park.
It was a pleasure working with him, seeing his project from conception to completion, and knowing that our financing played a crucial role in bringing his vision to life.
MWSBF: For lenders who are new to the 504 program or haven’t worked with Mountain West before, what do you wish they understood about the benefits and competitive advantages of using the 504 loan program for their clients?
SPENCER: I wish more lenders recognized the 504 loan program as a competitive advantage, not just a last resort. It offers significant benefits for small business owners and lenders alike, providing a unique opportunity for growth and development.
Even for successful businesses, the 504 program can be a game-changer, offering better terms and conditions that can propel their expansion and success.
MWSBF: As we conclude, is there anything else you’d like to share about your time at Mountain West or your vision for the company’s future?
SPENCER: I’m immensely proud of the culture we’ve built at Mountain West. It’s a place where people genuinely enjoy coming to work because of the relationships they build and the sense of fulfillment they get from their work.
While SBA lending might not be the most glamorous field, our team loves what they do, and that passion translates into the service we provide. I believe that’s what sets us apart and what I’m most proud of—creating a work environment that’s not just a job, but a community.
Spencer Davis is the new Chief Executive Officer for Mountain West Small Business Finance, leading the company with a deep understanding of small business needs and a passion for innovative financial solutions.
