Navigating the Private Credit Landscape: Mike Shum's Journey
Release Date: 05/22/2025
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info_outlineIn this episode of Traversing Entrepreneurship, Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with Mike Shum, CEO of Cascade Debt, to unpack his journey from derivatives trader to fintech founder. Mike opens up about the risks, missteps, and breakthroughs that shaped Cascade’s rise in the private credit space.
They dive into how alternative credit scoring is reshaping lending, what most people get wrong about asset-based finance, and why economic shifts are forcing innovation in fintech. If you're building in the world of money—or thinking about it—this conversation is packed with firsthand insight.
Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Cascade Debt
01:04 Mike Shum's Journey: From Banking to Entrepreneurship
03:01 The Birth of Cascade Debt and Its Mission
06:39 Understanding Private Credit and Asset-Based Lending
10:30 Innovations in Alternative Credit Scoring
12:56 Streamlining Asset-Based Lending Processes
17:24 Differences Between Private Credit and Equity
23:11 The Impact of COVID-19 on Lending Practices
26:01 Current Trends in Private Credit Returns
27:51 Accessibility in Capital Markets
30:12 Scaling Without Compromise
32:42 Navigating Uncertainty in Business
35:04 Headwinds in Private Credit
39:32 The Evolution of Private Credit
43:10 The Future of Private Credit
46:39 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Connect with Mike:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cascadedebt.com
About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast
Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.
Derek is the founder of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.
This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.
Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at [email protected] with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.
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