TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Devin Gambino: Lendefied

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In the bustling world of business finance, few visionaries have dared to redefine the lending landscape quite like Devin Gambino. As the founder and CEO of Lendefied Inc., Devin has built more than just a company—he has created a movement designed to bridge the gap between financial access and strategic expertise. With a career rooted in both commercial real estate and commercial banking, he has long understood that while millionaires and the wealthiest 1% have entire teams of experts guiding them, small to midsize business owners are often left to navigate complex financial decisions alone. That realization planted the seed for what would eventually become Lendefied.

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Devin’s journey began on Park Avenue in New York City, working at Friedman Roth Realty, where he witnessed firsthand the challenges small business owners faced—securing financing, sourcing inventory at competitive prices, and choosing the right financial instruments to sustain and scale their businesses. He then transitioned into the banking sector, where, over a decade, he facilitated funding for more than 1,000 businesses, injecting over $100 million into the U.S. economy. However, he soon recognized a fundamental flaw in the corporate lending environment: a profit-first mentality that prioritized transactions over long-term client success. Realizing this was a hole in the market he could fill was not enough, and doing it alone was not an option. Devin partnered with co-founder, Shawn Horning, to bring that vision to life. Lendefied was born in 2024, headquartered in Melville, NY.

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Shawn's experience in marketing and business operations aligned perfectly. Over six years in the finance industry, he assisted more than 800 companies in securing the capital they needed to thrive. Shawn has dedicated his career to helping businesses grow through strategic funding and financial management. His entrepreneurial journey led him into eCommerce, where he launched a mobility scooter business. In hindsight, while the venture faced challenges and ultimately closed, the experience provided invaluable lessons in marketing, scalability, and operational efficiency. Today, Shawn plays a pivotal role in the operations and growth of Lendefied, ensuring the company creates lasting impact for their clients. He oversees the entire funding process. His implementation of systems and processes has driven both immediate and long-term improvements, helping Lendefied and their client sustain growth and navigate financial challenges with confidence.

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Shawn’s expertise coincided with Devin’s vision for a business lending platform powered by fractional CFOs. Together, they developed Lendefied—a company that combines financing, marketing, and financial management seamlessly. Shawn says, “I wish Lendefied existed when I ran my eCommerce business. I’m grateful to now offer that support to other entrepreneurs.”

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Lendefied is the first and only business lending marketplace in the country that pairs every funded loan with access to fractional C-Suite executives, including CFOs, CMOs, CTOs, and more. This groundbreaking model ensures that small business owners don’t just receive funding, but gain the expert-level guidance necessary to navigate their industries with confidence and intelligence.

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Lendefied offers a comprehensive suite of services to help businesses succeed:

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1. Business Lending Marketplace: Providing access to diverse loan options tailored to the unique needs of businesses.
    

2. Fractional C-Suite Support: Pairing every funded loan with fractional C-Suite executives, including CFOs, CMOs, CTOs, and more, to offer expert strategic guidance.
    

3. SBA Loan Guidance: Assisting businesses in navigating SBA loan programs to maximize funding opportunities.
    

4. Tax Credit Optimization: Offering expert advice to help businesses identify and claim all eligible tax credits.

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Kevin Harrington, the original shark from NBC’s hit TV show Shark Tank, affirms Lendefied’s impact, stating, “Lendefied is revolutionizing the online lending industry.” With a comprehensive suite of services, Lendefied is positioning itself as more than just a lender—it is a long-term partner in business success.

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Vince Hollerman of Credit Camp praises Devin’s vision, saying, “Devin and his team are the ultimate partners for business owners ready to take their success to the next level. With unmatched expertise, unwavering dedication, and sharp strategic insights, they empower businesses to grow, thrive, and lead with confidence.”

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Palmery Desir, a certified financial planner with over 20 years of experience, describes the firm’s transformative approach: “Lendefied is redefining real estate investing—making funding seamless, efficient, and accessible like never before. Their commitment to investor success is unmatched, paving the way for any small business owner to start or grow a smarter, stronger real estate investment portfolio.”

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Behind the Vision: A Conversation with Devin Gambino

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In this Q&A, Devin shares the inspiration behind Lendefied, the challenges he saw in traditional lending, and how his innovative model is empowering business owners to make smarter financial decisions, optimize resources, and scale with confidence.

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What inspired you to create Lendefied’s unique business model?

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The inspiration came from my firsthand experiences in the lending industry. Early in my career, I worked for a company that evolved from a small lead-generation firm into a full-scale marketplace. Initially, the focus was on customer service, but as profitability took precedence—especially during COVID—clients became secondary. I saw how business owners were forced into a cycle of borrowing just to maintain access to someone who truly understood their needs. Business owners shouldn’t have to keep borrowing just to maintain access to strategic support. That’s why I built Lendefied—not just to fund businesses, but to equip them for long-term success. Every funded loan comes with three months of fractional CFO services to ensure business owners maximize their capital and position themselves for sustainable growth. Additionally, we operate as an employee-owned company, meaning our team is personally invested in client success. It’s not just about lending—it’s about building a smarter, stronger business ecosystem.

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How does Lendefied’s holistic model help businesses thrive beyond securing a loan?

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The real impact of our model goes far beyond funding—we equip businesses with the strategic tools they need to succeed. Take, for example, a trucking company looking to expand. We didn’t just secure a loan for a third truck; we also provided a 0% net 60-day gas card, ensuring the business could stay operational while waiting for payments. That kind of strategic financing is a game-changer.

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Devin Gambino
Founder & CEO
Lendefied Inc.
Website: https://lendefied.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devingambino/